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Rescue Chiefs' Talk Readiness and Mentality Under Pressure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rescue crews in the Orana and Central West regions of New South Wales have been facing a remarkably challenging year, with many volunteers putting in immense effort to stay prepared. Team leaders like Ryan Jones, a builder and small business owner, and Glenn Hinton, leading a team spanning from Lithgow to Narromine to Burren Junction, have spoken about the importance of training and community support in their work. Despite facing high-pressure situations, including devastating floods and complex rescues, these rescue chiefs remain committed to their work, emphasizing the value of diverse skills and cross-organisation training.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rescue crews in the Orana and Central West regions have been facing a remarkably challenging year, with many volunteers putting in immense effort to stay prepared.
  • Team leaders like Ryan Jones and Glenn Hinton have undergone countless hours of training to prepare for a range of rescue and supply situations.
  • Mr. Jones' team has competed in international training meets and has taken part in the 2025 Road Crash Rescue Challenge in Dubbo.
  • Western VRA team, led by Glenn Hinton, has competed in five competitions and took first place in two.
  • Mr. Jones emphasized the importance of community support and added that members of the community would be welcome to join the VRA and SES.
  • Diverse skills, including city planning, vehicle mechanics, and ability support workers, are valuable in rescue operations.

Statistics:

  • The Orana and Central West regions have been facing a remarkably challenging year for first responders.
  • Ryan Jones' team has competed in international training meets.
  • Western VRA team, led by Glenn Hinton, has competed in five competitions and took first place in two.
  • The devastating November 2022 Forbes floods required extensive preparations and rescue efforts.

Sources:

  • Ryan Jones, team leader of NSW State Emergency Service Forbes, holds 20 years of experience in SES operations in Orana and Hawkesbury.
  • Glenn Hinton, leading a team spanning from Lithgow to Narromine to Burren Junction, is part of Western VRA Rescue NSW.
  • VRA is a volunteer organisation.
  • SES and VRA are involved in preparations and rescue efforts in the Orana and Central West regions.
  • The Road Crash Rescue Challenge took place in Dubbo in 2025.

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