This article originally appeared in the Geelong Advertiser.
Author Archives: cchua
Suspected gunman Dezi Freeman could survive ‘weeks’ in bush
Suspected police killer Dezi Freeman could remain in rugged Alpine bushland for weeks, a survival expert has warned.
Authorities from across Australia are scouring dense forest around Porepunkah, north-east of Melbourne, in search of the 56-year-old.
Mr Freeman has not been seen since he allegedly shot dead two police officers and injured a third during a confrontation at his Porepunkah property on Tuesday morning.
Victoria Police has deployed multiple tactical teams in the search, including the canine unit, a tactical armoured vehicle and helicopters using thermal imaging.
Gordon Dedman is a survival instructor for NORFORCE, an army reserve Regional Force Surveillance Unit that conducts long range patrols and border protection operations in the wilderness areas of remote northern Australia.
He knows the Alpine bushland well, and said Mr Freeman could potentially remain in the wild for weeks, depending on his level of training.
“If he’s got equipment and the right clothing, with some knowledge and skills, you could survive a long time out there quite easily especially if you’re on foot,” Mr Dedman said.
Geelong Grammar students go bush
GEELONG Grammar students have taken the opportunity to get hands-on in nature and complete the Bushcraft Survival Australia (BSA) course.
BSA is designed to transform the way students connect with nature, offering a tailored survival course for all skill levels.
The training provides challenging and educational experiences, helping students develop their problem solving, teamwork, self-discipline and leadership skills.
Geelong Grammar acting head of adventure education Mel Ridley also got to experience the course with students, saying the benefits were wide-ranging.
“I think when I step away from the weekend experience with the kids, I’ve been able to witness that sense of awe and that sense of wonder that you’re having with this age group,” she said.
“In today’s society where we see these kids in pretty controlled environments, they’re in a structured classroom; a lot of the time in our context, these kids are boarders, they’re in the same environment for a lot of their day-to-day.
“When we take them out there, I see this childhood wonder that comes back where they so naturally are curious and wanting to get grubby and dirty and do simple things.”
Calls for better bushcraft education
German backpacker Carolina Wilga spent 11 nights lost in the WA bush before a local farmer found her on Friday afternoon. Bushcraft expert Gordon Dedman says bush skills should be taught much more broadly to give people the best chance they can at survival if they find themselves in a situation like Carolina did.
Backpacker found after 11 nights lost in outback
The survival expert Gordon Dedman, founder of Bush Survival Australia and a survival consultant for Alone Australia, said staying with your vehicle is the “golden rule” in the outback. Not only does it help searchers, it provides shelter and the mirrors can be used to attract attention, he said.
Creating a giant X on the ground is another way to attract attention. Those travelling in remote areas should carry beacons and objects such as tinsel lines, which will sparkle in the sun, he said.
Gordon on the TODAY show
Gordon joins Karl and Sarah on Channel 9’s TODAY show to discuss bush survival 101.
Watch the segment here: https://www.9now.com.au/today/season-2025/clip-cmciajijt001b0ho4dtc0ies4
Gordon on “The Morning Show”
Gordon appeared on Channel 7’s The Morning Show to discuss surviving in the wild and the skills required when venturing into the bush.
Watch the video on 7plus at the link below. Gordon’s segment appears around the 1hr 54min mark.
https://7plus.com.au/the-morning-show?episode-id=TMSW25-114&autoplay=true
‘This is not a wellness retreat’
With help from Gordon Dedman, a consultant on Alone Australia, Rafqa Touma learns how to survive in the wild.
On our very first night in the bush, Gordon Dedman issued a warning: “Fussy people die.”
Dedman, a man with an apt name for a military survival instructor, is all muscle and green khaki. Sat by the fire, he addresses his students.
“This is not a wellness retreat. It is about getting out of your comfort zone.”
Army survival instructor Gordon Dedman reveals the items he won’t travel without
The bushcraft expert and Alone Australia survival consultant Gordon Dedman also leads a secret life playing trumpet on cruise ships. This is how he travels:
I travel …
Mostly for business. For the hit TV series Alone, I travel for reconnaissance, boot camps and contestant selection.
So far, I’ve worked on seasons filmed in Tasmania and New Zealand. As a senior instructor with Bushcraft Survival Australia, I travel across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia to run remote courses in bushcraft and survival. I’m also an army survival instructor in Norforce in Darwin and a Survive Evade Resist Escape instructor at the Combat Survival Training School in Townsville and I visit both locations several times a year.
And in my other life, I’m a professional trumpet player and musical director, touring internationally with Cunard cruise ships like the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2. Every now and then I do carve out time for a leisure holiday – I usually end up somewhere off-grid, surrounded by nature.
I mostly plan the trip…
Myself. My work-related trips are mostly booked for me, especially military or television assignments. But when it comes to Bushcraft Survival Australia courses, I handle everything myself.
Inside my carry-on you’ll always find…
My 10-piece survival kit (minus sharps for airline travel). It always includes essentials like a metal container for collecting water, cordage, compass, duct tape and key clothing and personal items. It’s second nature for me to carry this kit – you never know when it might come in handy.
As soon as I check in I…
Head straight to the Qantas lounge to catch up on admin. It’s a great time to get emails done and reset before the next mission.
My favourite type of travel companion is…
Honestly, I usually travel alone. It allows me to stay focused, efficient and flexible, especially when I’m working in demanding environments.
I like to get to the airport…
With minutes to spare. I’m not one for sitting around unless there’s a lounge involved.
The way I accumulate points is…
Linking Qantas Frequent Flyer points to my credit card. Over time, it’s helped me save significantly on flights.
I pack my suitcase…
Meticulously. I organise, pack and weigh my bag to ensure I have exactly what I need and nothing more. Efficiency is key, especially when heading into the bush. When flying, I pack strategically, ensuring I have everything I need for a night in my day bag in case my main luggage is delayed.
My one tip for cruising is…
Choose a cruise line that prioritises live music and entertainment, like Cunard or Princess Cruises. The presence of live musicians creates an unmatched atmosphere and a truly high-quality experience.
My favourite sort of travel is…
I thrive on outback adventures. Travelling to remote bush locations around Australia for my work with Bushcraft Survival Australia is my passion. The rugged landscapes, raw beauty and self-sufficiency required make every trip an unforgettable experience.
When I travel I dress…
For comfort and practicality. I always dress for the conditions I’ll be facing, whether it’s the harsh Australian outback or a long-haul flight.
My tip for keeping valuables safe is…
I always keep my valuables on my person and stay hyper-aware of my gear at all times. Situational awareness is key.
I save money when travelling by…
Only buying what I need, though I do allow myself the occasional splurge. Prioritising experiences over material things helps keep costs down.
The type of accommodation I prefer is…
Most of the time, I’m sleeping on the ground or in a hammock out in the bush for work. But when I do get the chance to stay in a hotel, I relish the chance to enjoy a hot shower and some downtime.
My preferred camping meal is…
Barramundi or mullet, cooked whole and unscaled on an open fire, Arnhem Land-style. Nothing beats fresh, fire-cooked fish in the great outdoors.
The hack saves me hundreds is…
Loyalty pays off! Get a frequent flyer number with a particular airline and stick with them. I’ve booked plenty of flights on points, and having access to lounges makes travel far more comfortable.
The real star of Alone Australia? The location
No matter how charismatic, inventive or resilient the contestants on Alone might be, there’s always a standout star: the location. Or rather 10 locations, in which the contestants find themselves trying to survive. But how exactly are they chosen?
Alone Australia’s executive producer, Riima Daher and bushcraft survival consultant, Gordon Dedman talk through the process.
