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.

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 kms of wilderness terrain a few hours drive from Sydney, Australia. The location of the event is different each year.

There are a few changes for the 2019 event as we adapt to NSW SES event policies.

See the registration page for details.

 

This year BSAR will be hosting the 31st 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. See the registration page for details.
  • Accommodation – self-sufficient camping. Be prepared for winter conditions.
  • Firewood – Due to the sensitive environment in the event area we may be required to restrict or ban campfires. NPWS will be sending us details of requirements including campfires shortly and when we know we will update these pages. 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, as we are going to a sensitive area of a National Park so most pets are banned from entering. If you need to bring a disability assistance animal please contact the event organisers prior to coming to NavShield.
  • Getting there – This year we are going to Kanangra Boyd National Park, about 3 hours west of Sydney. The exact location will be revealed 1 week before the event.
  • Merchandise – This year all participants will get a commemorative cap as part of their entry. The other merchandise we used to sell (t-shirts, fleece tops, beanies etc) will not be available.
  • 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

Brian Stirk

Email: navshield@bsar.org.au

 

 

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