Every year Bush Search and Rescue NSW (BSAR) organises and runs the Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield or NavShield.
The 2019 event will be held 22-23 June 2019
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 SCAT
- Rural Fire Service
- Other emergency services including rescue helicopters and medical teams
- Armed Forces
- Bushwalking Clubs
- and others
All NavShield participants must be over 18 years of age.
All participants will 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 kms of wilderness terrain a few hours drive from Sydney, Australia. The location of the event is different each year.
This year BSAR will be hosting the 31th NavShield!
When? NavShield 2019 will be held 22-23 June 2019.
BSAR Safety Teams or “Bushrangers”
“Bushrangers” will rove throughout the course to marshal the event and to provide quick assistance should the need arise. They are in radio contact with base to summon additional assistance if required.
At the Base Site:
- Toilets – Portable toilets are provided.
- Water – Each team should bring their own drinking water for use at base.
- Food – Catering is provided. However, meals should be pre-ordered when you register online. Self-catering is allowed.
- Accommodation – self-sufficient camping. Be prepared for winter conditions.
- Firewood – Some firewood will be provided at base. However, teams are encouraged to bring their own firewood. Campfires are permitted at base. Fuel stoves are recommended as an alternative. Chainsaws are prohibited at NavShield.
- Children – Families with children are welcome at NavShield. However, children must remain at base during the event, and must remain under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian at all times.
- Pets – Leave them at home. If you need to bring a disability assistance animal please contact the event organisers prior to coming to NavShield.
- Getting there – The exact location of NavShield will be provided to registered teams one week before the event. The information pack will include driving directions.
- Merchandise – each year commemorative t-shirts, fleece tops, caps, and beanies can be ordered.
- Event Timetable:
Friday
18:00 – Team registration opens at base
22:00 – Team registration closes
Saturday
06:30 – Team registration re-opens
08:20 – Final briefing for all participants
08:45 – Event commences
19:30 – One day event concludes
20:00 – Presentation of one day event awards
Sunday
14:00 – Two day event concludes
15:00 – Presentation of two day event awards
Contact
Glenn Horrocks, NavShield Event Coordinator
Email: navshield@bsar.org.au
Phone: 0425 241 236
Bush Search & Rescue NSW (BSAR) is a specialist unit of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).