Every year Bush Search and Rescue NSW (BSAR) organises and runs the Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield or NavShield.

The 2023 event will be held 15-16 July 2023

This premier navigation event attracts entries from local, interstate and overseas organisations, including:

• VRA, both regional and specialist squads
• SES
• Police including Police Rescue
• Ambulance and Special Operations Team
• Rural Fire Service
• Other emergency services including rescue helicopters and medical teams
• Armed Forces
• Bushwalking Clubs
• and others

Age restrictions: All participants must be >18yrs old with the exception of NSW SES / RFS operational members (not cadets) who must be >16yrs old.

Participants may be required to sign an acknowledgement of risk and risk waiver.

The event is acknowledged to be an important training event for the NSW emergency services. Entry is open to all groups that participate in search and rescue activities. Bushwalking Clubs, outdoor groups and Members of Rogaining Associations are also welcome.

Participants test their bush and compass navigation abilities in an overnight event through 100 square km of wilderness terrain a few hours drive from Sydney, Australia. The location of the event is different each year.

Bush Search & Rescue NSW (BSAR) is a specialist unit of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).