What is the Barrington SAREX?
The annual Barrington SAREX is planned and run by BSAR NSW in the Barrington Tops Wilderness Area approximately 100km north of Newcastle.
This Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) is focused on strongly developing Remote Land Search and Rescue (SAR) capability whist attempting to locate an aircraft missing since 1981 with five persons on board.
Note: This is an actual photo of the missing aircraft VH-MDX but the colours have faded. VH-MDX was actually white with green stripes.
The missing Cessna aircraft registered VH-MDX disappeared within or in vicinity of the Barrington Tops Wilderness Area on 9 August 1981. No trace of the aircraft or its occupants has been found.
BSAR NSW was involved in the first search for VH-MDX in 1981 and has been searching for the aircraft ever since: a demonstration of great resolve. Presently, BSAR NSW is leading both the research and search efforts to attempt to offer closure to the families and friends involved.
Go to the BSAR NSW dedicated VH-MDX website for more information: www.vhmdx.com.au
What will I get out of attending the SAREX?
You will obtain solid experience and training. The Barrington topography offers an excellent training environment for Remote Land SAR. Training is often introduced to refresh and firm up existing skills. New members are given instruction in and mentored in the basics of BSAR NSW Land SAR operations. Multi-agency attendance allows cross-pollination of skills and breaks down barriers between agencies.
You will experience the camaraderie of the ‘Barrington Crew’ that establishes strong relationships that spills into other BSAR NSW activities. And last but not least, you will get to experience the beauty of the Barrington Wilderness Area in many cases walking where others have never walked.
What are the attendance requirements?
Two days minimum from Saturday or three days from Friday. There are positions available for many roles including communications, base and search teams. Search team members need to be ‘bush fit’ and able to work happily in steep country. All attendees should have a relaxed attitude and be able to work in a low-authority gradient environment.
How long is the drive to the SAREX?
A free bus will leave northern Sydney on Thursday and Friday nights. But if you really want to self-drive it takes about three and a half hours from Sydney. We recommend you car pool for fatigue mitigation.
What have we achieved so far?
Since 1981, BSAR NSW have been walking in many sections of the Barrington Wilderness Area looking for VH-MDX and it’s five occupants. From 2014, detailed research by BSAR NSW lead us to shift focus to the eastern areas in vicinity of the Gloucester Tops. BSAR NSW along with the RFS, SES and other VRA units has covered much ground in the new search area. But there is still so much more to complete! The map below gives a rough indication of our search activities in the eastern search area.
What is happening in 2018?
- Multiple small team, small scale searches from May to September
- Major multi-agency SAREX 14th-16th September 2018
- Increased implementation of remote sensing techniques
- Increased freedom for teams to self form and pick a selection of tasks to complete in their own time
You will learn, you will experience great wilderness, you will have fun.
How do I attend?
Simply e-mail Glenn Strkalj with the following details at: vhmdxteamleader@bsar.org.au :
- Full name
- Mobile number
- Preferred contact e-mail address
- Experience level at BSAR NSW
- Experiences/ training you are seeking at the SAREX
- If a new member, provide details of your regular outdoor activities
- Any known significant allergies, illnesses, medications.
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