A stage collapse scenario was the basis for Exercise Indiana.
More than 200 emergency personnel from multiple agencies came together in Seymour on Thursday, July 30, to take part in a large-scale emergency management training exercise.
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The simulation, named Exercise Indiana, involved personnel from CFA, VICSES, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Mitchell Shire Council, Department of Defence and La Trobe University.
The exercise replicated a festival stage collapse caused by structural failure, creating a mass-casualty scenario requiring a co-ordinated emergency services response.
Hundreds of emergency personnel gathered in Seymour last Thursday to take part in Exercise Indiana.
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Event organiser and Trawool Fire Brigade captain Sean Kerris said the exercise provided a valuable opportunity to practise skills in a structured environment.
“The scenario was developed using lessons learnt from real-world incidents, including the Indiana State Fair stage collapse in the United States, helping to create a realistic and challenging environment for participating agencies,” Mr Kerris said.
Training scenarios like Exercise Indiana play a critical role in ensuring emergency services remain prepared for complex incidents.
“Throughout the exercise, participants worked through a range of emergency management functions including incident control, rescue operations, casualty management, communications, resource coordination and inter-agency decision-making.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said exercises like this played a critical role in keeping emergency services prepared for complex incidents.
Personnel from CFA, VICSES, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Mitchell Shire Council, Department of Defence, and La Trobe University take part in Exercise Indiana.
“While major stage collapse incidents are rare, they remain a recognised risk wherever large crowds gather,” he said.
“Training together in realistic scenarios strengthens our ability to respond effectively and co-ordinate resources when communities need us most.”
The exercise was a great opportunity for local emergency services to practise their training in a structured environment.
VICSES north-east operations manager Scott Ritcher said the exercise highlighted the value of collaboration between services.
“Our volunteers go above and beyond to ensure they are prepared and ready to support their community in times of emergency,” he said.
Exercise Indiana replicated a real-world incident.
“By taking part in realistic, large-scale training initiatives such as these, our volunteers can bolster their emergency response and build important cohesiveness with their fellow first responders.”
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