Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW

28/10/2026

How proud and privileged we are to have this man in our squad.
Trevor was at the helm of our squad for over 4 decades before he mentored his replacement.
Trevor still plays a major role in the squad, sharing his opinions, expertise and experience after his many years of service.
Congratulations Trevor , this is a well deserved accolade and you deserve the recognition for your contribution to your community.

Dan RepacholiDaniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
Quintin KING
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East
ABC Newcastle
NBN Television
Newcastle Herald
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24/10/2026

A couple of days sharing and showcasing our skills and knowledge in interagency training with our good friends from NSW RFS.

🚒 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RESCUE OPERATOR! 💚

Cessnock VRA Rescue Squad welcomed RFS Cadets from St Philip’s Christian College today, giving them the opportunity to experience life as a rescue operator.

The cadets learned about rescue equipment and had the chance to use some of the tools our volunteers rely on to help their communities.

A fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, build connections and inspire the next generation of emergency service volunteers! 👏💚

🚨 STRONGER TEAMS. SHARPER SKILLS. BETTER OUTCOMES. 💪

VRA Rescue NSW Capability instructors and Cessnock Rescue Squad joined forces with Howes Valley RCR, CFR and Bulga FCC for a day of joint rescue training.

From rapid vehicle stabilisation and cyclist extrication to complex extrication planning, the training strengthened skills, teamwork and operational capability.

A big thank you to Cessnock Squad for their support and use of their Heavy Rescue vehicle.

With a commitment to quarterly joint training, VRA and RFS are building stronger partnerships and greater rescue capability for our communities.

💚 VRA + RFS — working together to make a difference!

💚

VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
Quintin KING
Jihad Dib MP
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East
VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
NSW Rural Fire Service

22/10/2026

At 1502 this afternoon our squad was activated to a road crash rescue on John Renshaw Drive at Buchanan.
Arriving on scene our operators offered what assistance they could following the aftermath of an overturned truck on the roundabout.
Once it was confirmed that no further assistance was required our operators stood down and returned to station.
VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
Jihad Dib MP
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East
NBN Television
Quintin KING
ABC Newcastle
NSW Ambulance
Newcastle Herald
NSW Police Force

21/10/2026

A couple of medical gain access activations in the past 24 hours.
At 2239 last night we were activated to a medical gain access in Kurri Kurri where our rabbit tool was utilised to gain entry to a residential property.
An elderly person had fallen inside their home and needed assistance.
Once access was gained, the casualty was treated my medical personnel.
We offered further assistance for a short time following before returning back to station.
At 1601 this afternoon we were activated to a medical assist in Paxton where a man with a disability needed assistance with safely exiting his home.
Assisting medical personnel and working alongside the team from Paxton Fire + Rescue , the person was safely removed and transferred into the awaiting ambulance vehicle.
They were taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment.
VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
Jihad Dib MP
Quintin KING
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East
NSW Ambulance

19/10/2026

A weekend of community engagement and public relations.
Our operators spent the weekend showcasing our equipment and vehicles at the Kurri Kurri Community Festival and the Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix in Cessnock.
It was great to see the community taking interest in what we do, the tools we use, the area we cover and asking questions regarding the process of joining our squad.
We even received some personalised artwork made by one of the children at the community festival, as they say, it will be going straight to the poolroom.
Thank you to those operators who gave up parts of their weekend to assist.

19/10/2026

At 1909 last night our squad was activated to a search and rescue for a missing person in the Olney State Forest near Martinsville.

A multi-agency search commenced involving NSW Police, PolAir, RFS, SES, VRA Rescue crews and RPAS operators, with NSW Ambulance also in attendance.

Crews searched known tracks and surrounding areas by vehicle and on foot, while planning was underway for a more extensive, multi-day search if required.

At approximately 2:30 am, the missing man was located walking along a track. His identity was confirmed by Police and family members.

Rescue crews travelled by vehicle to his location and assisted with transporting him back to the command post, where he was reunited with his family and assessed by paramedics on scene.

A positive outcome following a coordinated effort by all agencies involved.

VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
NBN Television
ABC Newcastle
Jihad Dib MP
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East Quintin KING
Newcastle Herald
NSW Ambulance
NSW Police Force
Westpac Rescue Helicopter

12/10/2026

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Another long time supporter of ours has again come on board with another fundraising initiative.
Besides allowing us to run our weekly raffle at their club, they have also created this event to support us even further.
Thank you Kurri Kurri Bowling Clubfor your continued support.

12/10/2026

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What great support we receive from our local businesses. Get behind this great event run by Weston Workers Club. We are looking forward to seeing a great turn out.

💚 GREEN IS THE COLOUR. VRA IS THE CAUSE. LET’S MAKE A DAY OF IT! 💚

SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER | VRA DAY

We’re packing the day with music, food, prizes, kids’ fun and a whole lot of green as we raise funds for the Cessnock VRA!

🎨 12PM–3PM | KIDS FACE PAINTING
Get the kids involved and let them get creative.

🍔 BURGERS FOR A CAUSE
Feeling hungry? $5 from every burger sold goes straight to the Cessnock VRA.

🎟️ LUNCHTIME RAFFLE
Tickets from 12:30pm | Drawn 1:30pm
Come early, grab your tickets and see if your number comes up!

🎶 2PM–5:30PM | ROX
Lounge tunes, lunch and a few drinks. Sounds like a pretty good afternoon to us.

🎫 100s CLUB
Get involved and help us raise even more for the VRA.

💚 THEN WE TURN IT UP...

✨ SOLID GOLD PARTY ✨
Doors 7:30pm | $5 entry

And yes, we want to see you DRESSED IN GREEN. 💚

Bring the kids. Bring your mates. Bring your best green outfit.

Come for the fundraising. Stay for the party. Let’s get behind our Cessnock VRA!