Four members from a Northern Territory Urban Search and Rescue contingent to Christchurch NZ, returned home to Darwin and Alice Springs today.

The team, made up of three fire officers and one emergency services volunteer, formed part of a larger Australian deployment of 72 personnel.

They were joined by USAR teams from around the world including Japan and Singapore and were accommodated in a 'tent city' set up and managed by the New Zealand Army.

During the ten day operation the team's responsibilities included searching buildings for the bodies of victims and conducting the shoring and stabilisation of structures weakened or damaged by the earthquake.

Their work in the city continued unabated as the city was cordoned off, although they regularly experienced aftershocks.

Team morale was lifted by the residents of Christchurch who were extremely thankful for their efforts.

Rickie Scoot

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0458 307 870