Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Emergency services unite at Bairnsdale Aerodrome for realistic full-scale aircraft crash training exercise held on 27 May 2025Emergency services conducted a full-scale aircraft crash drill at Bairnsdale Aerodrome, testing coordination, communication and emergency response under realistic conditions to improve preparedness for future incidents. By news@gippsland - 2nd June 2025 - Back to News An aircraft incident may be rare - but when seconds count, training matters. That's why emergency services gathered at Bairnsdale Aerodrome on Tuesday 27 May for a full-scale drill designed to put their coordination and readiness to the test. 
Some of the more than 80 exercise participants debrief learnings from the day Aviation safety rehearsedThe exercise - the first of its kind at one of East Gippsland Shire's aerodromes - involved the State Emergency Service (SES), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Ambulance Victoria, Red Cross, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Victoria Police, and East Gippsland Shire Council staff. Observers from multiple agencies attended, with facilitation by Specialist Airport Solutions' Ray Oakley. The exercise scenario "In the Middle" involved a simulated Beechcraft 1900 chartered aircraft crash off the side of the runway strip with multiple casualties, requiring coordinated triage, rescue, communication and registration across agencies. Two minibuses represented the fuselage of the crashed aircraft carrying more than 20 passengers, some seriously injured, others trapped and some with only minor injuries. Strength in unityCouncil's Aerodromes Coordinator and exercise lead, Jason Connelly, said the event demonstrated the value of strong local partnerships in a high-pressure environment. "While we hope these situations never occur, we must be ready. This exercise showed the strength of our emergency services working together - and the value of practising that response before a real incident." "No emergency unfolds exactly as planned - that's why we need exercises like this. They allow us to uncover potential gaps and work together to build a stronger, more coordinated response. I thank all agencies for their professionalism, their willingness to be involved in the training, and their commitment to protecting our community," Jason said. 
Paramedics triaging aircraft crash passengers during the emergency training exercise Training saves livesFacilitator Ray Oakley said the scenario provided a realistic test of decision-making, communication and leadership. "This was an important milestone for East Gippsland. The emergency management team was formed early, resources were deployed effectively, and communication between agencies was strong - all crucial to saving lives in a real incident. Exercises like this give teams the opportunity to test their systems and refine their approach in a safe, controlled setting," Ray said. SES representative Bob Carter said the day reinforced the importance of joint training. "Each agency knows its own role, but it's working together under pressure that really puts those systems to the test. That's where we learn the most - and where we strengthen our ability to respond as one team," Mr Carter said. CFA Commander Glenn Harrop said the exercise was a chance to deepen understanding of each agency's role, especially in complex incidents. "Today helped clarify how roles change depending on the nature of the emergency - whether it's an accident, a fire, or a potential crime scene. That shared understanding is critical during a real-world response," Glenn said. 
Local Red Cross volunteers registering crash survivors using the Register Find Reunite system, that allows emergency services agencies to advise friends and family you are safe in the event of an emergency Safety exercise successCouncil's Emergency Management Coordinator Carole McMillan, who observed the session, said the exercise reinforced the complexity of emergency coordination. "It gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionalism of our agencies - and how much goes on behind the scenes in managing these situations. Everyone worked together with focus and purpose," Carole said. The exercise forms part of Council's commitment to aviation safety and compliance at its certified aerodromes. An after-action review will now guide future training and planning. Council places a high value on preparedness and resilience, working closely with emergency services to ensure East Gippsland is equipped to and can respond to a wide range of incidents - and protect what matters most: our people. Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages. - Tim Bull slams government’s restrictive, confusing emergency levy exemptions failing CFA volunteers across Gippsland
Tim Bull says the government’s flawed levy exemptions are too complex and restrictive, leaving CFA volunteers frustrated, excluded, and unsupported, and is urging the Minister to simplify the process. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance. - East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup. - Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley. - Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains. - Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
|
|
