Exercise APOLLO
Exercise APOLLO was a livestock disease-based scenario which built on the extensive training program currently underway with DAFWA staff to equip them with the necessary skills to respond effectively in an emergency.
The exercise provided an opportunity to practise, evaluate and validate a number of current programs, in addition to assisting with the prioritisation of wider ‘whole of department’ emergency response initiatives going forward.
The exercise saw the establishment of an operational State Co-ordination Centre (SCC) and Local Co-ordination Centre (LCC) co-located in separate facilities in Bunbury.
DAFWA staff, together with industry and relevant WA and Australian government agency personnel, were required to fulfil roles and responsibilities within the centres, as required by arrangements detailed in AUSVETPLAN, the State Emergency Management arrangements including Westplan and DAFWA’s Incident Management Manual.
The Exercise APOLLO scenario was based on an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and focused on testing MAX - a new incident management platform - and disposal arrangements.
Exercise APOLLO was also preceded by a number of workshops and training activities designed to focus participants on specific functions within the co-ordiantion centres.
The exercise was recoginsed nationally as a success. It has provided DAFWA with a platform to further build and enhance is emergency response capability, capacity and preparedness.