Meet Dave!
Being first on scene at the site of a major rail disaster is just one of several emergency situations where Dave Travers has worked to serve the community throughout his 24 years with NT Emergency Service.
On December 27, 2011, a fully laden freight train travelling from Adelaide to Darwin was derailed at the Edith River crossing, north of Katherine due to flooding caused by Cyclone Grant.
As Katherine Area Manager, Dave was one of the first on the scene, assisting to rescue the train driver and codriver when they became trapped following the derailment. He was awarded the Australian Governor-General Commendation Bravery Medal for his actions that day and for the work undertaken following the incident.
“We were not only first on scene, but we also actually saw it happen,” Dave said. “Two NTES volunteers and I had originally been dispatched to rescue a young couple who had been heading to Darwin and were swept off the bridge at 4am. “It was barely dawn, and the rain and wind were torrential when the derailment occurred. We called 000 and tried to get to the engine drivers, but we were unable to, due to the river conditions. We requested a helicopter with winch capability.
“The first larger helicopter was unable to land, due to the conditions, but eventually they were able to land a small helicopter a short distance from the train for a medic to render assistance. We then assisted the medic to get the driver across the river to a waiting ambulance.
“Needless to say, they were very thankful we were there.”
The same year he assisted with logistical support to the US President Obama NT in 2011 preparing resources and providing support to the event on the day of the visit.
While Dave says there are many highlights associated with his more than two decades with NTES, it is the ability to assist the community that stands out for him locally and during several deployments to assist following floods interstate in NSW and Qld.
“It’s seeing the look of relief on people’s faces when we have been able to help them in some way,” he said.
Another highlight for Dave, lies in delivering training to volunteers in remote communities in the NT. He has travelled across the Territory to more than 20 communities from Avon Downs to Warruwi.
“NTES volunteers are critically important to remote communities,” he said. “They become the first responders in their community. They become the people community calls in their hour of need or in an emergency, providing valuable assistance during sever weather events such as storms, cyclones and flooding.”
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