08/08/2026
LAND SEARCH TRAINING | ROXBY DOWNS
Two of our Port Pirie SES members, Mel and Justin, recently travelled to Roxby Downs to complete a Land Search course, training alongside members from Roxby Downs SES.
Land Search is an important SES capability, and despite the name, it certainly doesn't mean we're always searching through the bush! Searches can take place almost anywhere — from remote scrubland and difficult terrain to towns, residential streets, parks and built-up areas.
There are also many different reasons our members may be called upon to assist with a search, including:
🔸 Missing person searches – assisting in locating people who are lost, missing or may require urgent assistance.
🔸 Searches for vulnerable people – where time can be critical and a coordinated and thorough search is essential.
🔸 Evidence searches – assisting other emergency services and agencies with systematic searches for items or evidence that may be important to an investigation.
🔸 Urban and built-up area searches – searching towns, residential areas, parks, reserves, streets and other public spaces.
🔸 Remote, bush and scrubland searches – covering large areas where thick vegetation, uneven terrain and limited access can make searching physically demanding.
🔸 Restricted and difficult-access areas – operating in locations where access may be controlled or additional hazards are present, requiring careful planning and risk management.
🌧️ And sometimes, the weather adds another challenge!
Land searches don't always happen in perfect conditions. Members need to be prepared to search in rain, heat, cold, wind and changing weather conditions. Today, Mel and Justin experienced searching in the rain, which made following tracks and identifying signs on the ground much more difficult as the rain can quickly wash away or obscure important clues.
Land Search training teaches our members how to conduct searches safely, systematically and thoroughly, developing skills in navigation, search techniques, communication, teamwork, hazard awareness and maintaining organised search patterns.
It also teaches members to pay attention to the smallest details. Something that may seem insignificant could provide valuable information — whether that's a footprint, an item of clothing, a personal belonging or potential evidence.
A big thank you to Roxby Downs SES for welcoming Mel and Justin and to everyone involved in delivering the course and sharing their knowledge and experience.
Whether it's in the middle of town, kilometres into the scrub, or searching through the rain, having trained search teams who know how to work safely, methodically and together can make all the difference.
Another two Port Pirie SES members continuing to build their skills and capabilities, ready to assist wherever they're needed.
**Interested in joining us?**
If Land Search and learning new skills like this sounds like something you'd enjoy, come along and meet the Port Pirie SES team! No experience is needed — training is provided.
**Tuesday nights | 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start**
Come down, say hello and see what SES is all about!
