VRA Rescue NSW

VRA Rescue NSW Delivering world-class emergency rescue services in NSW across land, water, air 24/7/365. WeAreRescue

The VRA are primary responders for Road Crash Rescue, Marine Rescue, Vertical Rescue and just about any type of specialist rescue encountered by Emergency Service personnel. The VRA also includes Aerial Patrols, Communications, Caving, Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue, Ski Patrols and Community First Aid teams. Members, and their Rescue Squads, are accredited by the Minister for Emergency Services th

rough the State Rescue Board as rescue operatives in their designated field. From the hostile marine environment, the unforgiving highways and roads that make up the vital circulatory system of New South Wales through to the rugged forests and alpine areas of this great state our small army of unpaid professionals are ready to respond at a moments notice, ready to lend a “helping hand, anywhere, anytime.”

🚨 Training Together, Stronger Together 🚨Eight rescue operators from Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW rece...
31/05/2026

🚨 Training Together, Stronger Together 🚨

Eight rescue operators from Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW recently attended the Hunter Valley Fire Control Centre to complete specialist training in the use of breathing apparatus (BA).

Delivered by instructors from Hunter Valley Fire Control, the course covered the operation and safe use of BA systems, rescue techniques, maintenance requirements, decontamination procedures, and the correct stowage of CABA sets on rescue vehicles.

Throughout the training, members demonstrated their ability to correctly don and operate breathing apparatus, conduct routine maintenance, and safely perform rescues in hazardous atmospheres. Scenarios included unconscious person rescues, firefighter down/man down incidents, removal of CABA equipment, and the commencement of resuscitation.

Rescue operators also integrated their rescue and road crash rescue (RCR) skills while operating in breathing apparatus, providing valuable experience in realistic operational environments.

This course marked the first-ever combined RFS and VRA Rescue NSW breathing apparatus training program—a fantastic example of agencies working together to enhance capability and deliver better outcomes for our communities.

A huge thank you to the Hunter Valley Fire Control Centre and all involved in making this inaugural course a success. 💚🚒🚑



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
NSW Nationals
NSW Rural Fire Service

Search Concludes with Positive Outcome in Royal National ParkAfter several days of coordinated search operations, a woma...
30/05/2026

Search Concludes with Positive Outcome in Royal National Park

After several days of coordinated search operations, a woman reported missing in the Royal National Park near Waterfall has been located alive.

Throughout the search, volunteers from VRA Rescue NSW worked alongside the NSW SES, NSW RFS, NSW Police Force, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and NSW Ambulance, with resources deployed daily across challenging terrain as efforts intensified.

The woman was located around midday today and was transferred into the care of NSW Ambulance paramedics for assessment and treatment.

VRA Rescue NSW extends its thanks to all agencies and volunteers involved for their commitment, professionalism, and teamwork throughout this operation. Search incidents of this nature require a significant multi-agency effort, and we are grateful for the dedication shown by everyone involved.

Most importantly, we are pleased to see a positive outcome for the woman, her family, friends, and all those who worked tirelessly to bring this search to a successful conclusion.

💚 Team Green 💚



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
VRA Rescue NSW Search Dogs
VRA Rescue NSW - SORU
Wollongong VRA - VRA Rescue NSW
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
NSW Nationals
Roy Butler MP
Peter Rothwell - For regional NSW

23/05/2026

Throughout regional, rural and remote NSW, VRA Rescue NSW volunteers are all too familiar with the reality of road trauma.

From the east coast to the west, north to south, our volunteers respond to serious motor vehicle accidents that leave lasting impacts on families, communities and emergency responders alike.

Many of these incidents occur on regional roads, where factors such as fatigue, speed, long travel distances and road conditions can quickly turn deadly.

This National Road Safety Week, we join with our partner agencies in asking every road user to take responsibility every time they get behind the wheel.

Drive safely. Look after each other. Help us reduce trauma on our roads.



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - Official Site

It’s been another busy few weeks for our specialist capabilities across NSW, with members from VRA Rescue NSW Specialist...
20/05/2026

It’s been another busy few weeks for our specialist capabilities across NSW, with members from VRA Rescue NSW Specialist Operations Rescue Unit (SORU), Cave Rescue and SAR Dogs assisting our General Land Rescue units and partner agencies across the state.

Recently, multiple SORU, Cave Rescue and SAR Dog members completed a multi-day search operation in the Central Coast region alongside our Central Coast Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW and Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW. The operation was conducted in dense bushland terrain, with some areas requiring specialist vertical rescue capabilities to support search efforts.

At the same time, members from Taree VRA Rescue NSW while returning from deployments supporting flood operations in the Northern Rivers have now been tasked to assist NSW Police and partner agencies with an active land search in the Nambucca Valley area.

Our volunteers continue to show incredible dedication, professionalism and commitment to supporting communities across NSW, wherever and whenever they are needed. 💚



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
VRA Rescue NSW - SORU
VRA Rescue NSW Search Dogs
VRA Rescue NSW - Cave Rescue Squad
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
NSW Nationals

🚨 Flood Rescue Operations Continue Across Northern NSW 🚨For the past 24 hours, volunteers from Tweed Heads, Brunswick He...
19/05/2026

🚨 Flood Rescue Operations Continue Across Northern NSW 🚨

For the past 24 hours, volunteers from Tweed Heads, Brunswick Heads, Casino and Taree — deployed to support local operations — have been responding to multiple flood rescue callouts across impacted communities.

Crews have safely assisted numerous people trapped in floodwaters after vehicles became stranded attempting to cross flooded roads. Several incidents involved at-risk individuals requiring specialist rescue assistance from our highly trained volunteers.

Our members continue to work alongside partner emergency service agencies in difficult and rapidly changing conditions to keep communities safe.

This is a timely reminder:
⚠️ Never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
⚠️ Conditions can change rapidly and floodwaters can be deeper and faster moving than they appear.

If it’s flooded, forget it.

💚 Thank you to all emergency service personnel and volunteers continuing to support communities across the region.



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
VRA Rescue NSW - Region North
Tweed District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW
Brunswick Valley Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW
Casino Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW
Taree Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government

18/05/2026

🚨 Flood Rescue Operations – Numinbah Valley 🚨

Crews from VRA Rescue NSW alongside our sister emergency service agencies are currently responding to multiple flood rescue incidents across the Numinbah Valley region near the NSW/QLD border.

Throughout the operation, multiple people and pets have been safely rescued after becoming trapped in floodwaters or stranded in vehicles attempting to cross flooded roads.

These incidents are a timely reminder that floodwaters are extremely dangerous and conditions can change rapidly.

⚠️ Never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
If it’s flooded, forget it.

We thank all responding emergency service personnel and volunteers working together to keep our communities safe during these challenging conditions.



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
Tweed District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
NSW Nationals
9 News
9 News Sydney
7NEWS Sydney
NBN Television
10 News

💚 National Volunteer Week 2026 💚“Your Year to Volunteer” — See Yourself in Green.This week, we proudly recognise and tha...
17/05/2026

💚 National Volunteer Week 2026 💚

“Your Year to Volunteer” — See Yourself in Green.

This week, we proudly recognise and thank the incredible volunteers of VRA Rescue NSW across New South Wales.

Every day, our members give up time with family, friends, work, holidays, birthdays and sleep to answer the call when their communities need them most. From road crash rescue, land search, flood response and storm operations to community events, training and supporting other emergency services — our volunteers continue to step forward with dedication and professionalism.

Behind every volunteer is also a support network that makes it possible. To the families, partners, children, employers and loved ones of our members — thank you. Thank you for your understanding, patience and unwavering support through the late nights, interrupted plans and time away from home.

Volunteering is more than wearing a uniform — it’s about commitment, teamwork, compassion and service to community. Every member who wears the green shirt represents the very best of rescue volunteering in NSW, and we are proud to stand beside you.

If you’ve ever thought about making a difference in your community, maybe this is your year to volunteer… maybe it’s time to see yourself in green. 💚

From all of us at VRA Rescue NSW, thank you to every volunteer for your dedication, sacrifice and service.

A helping hand anytime, anywhere. 💚



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
NSW Nationals
Gurmesh Singh MP
Roy Butler MP
Peter Rothwell - For regional NSW

VRA Rescue NSW is proud to recognise Tweed District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW Captain Jamie Stoddart, who has been a...
16/05/2026

VRA Rescue NSW is proud to recognise Tweed District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW Captain Jamie Stoddart, who has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, at an Investiture Ceremony held at Government House Sydney, this week. 🏅

Jamie commenced his volunteer service in 2003 and has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting his community through VRA Rescue NSW. Over this time, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including Deputy Captain and now Squad Captain, while responding to hundreds of emergency incidents across road crash rescue, vertical rescue, land search, and storm and flood operations.

As Captain of the Tweed District Rescue Squad, Jamie continues to lead from the front, guiding his team through high-risk operations, including the Black Summer bushfires and recent severe weather events impacting the Northern Rivers. His leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to mentoring have helped build a highly skilled and resilient team.

Jamie’s dedication has had a lasting impact on both the organisation and the community he serves, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of countless people. 💚

Congratulations, Jamie, on this well-deserved recognition - we are so thrilled and proud of you! 👏🏼



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom
Governor of New South Wales
Australian Honours and Awards
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
Roy Butler MP
Gurmesh Singh MP

Today, VRA Rescue NSW members attended the Premier’s Volunteer Reception in recognition of National Volunteer Week 2026 ...
15/05/2026

Today, VRA Rescue NSW members attended the Premier’s Volunteer Reception in recognition of National Volunteer Week 2026 held at the iconic Art Gallery of NSW.

Members from Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW, Wollongong VRA - VRA Rescue NSW, and VRA Rescue NSW SRG Metro squads represented the Team Green cohort of VRA Rescue NSW’s dedicated volunteers who provide rescue services across the state 24/7/365.

The annual event, hosted by The Honourable Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, is an annual event held during National Volunteer Week to recognise the significance contributions of volunteers across the state celebrating their dedication, profound impact on community strength, and role in service to the public.

Volunteers are the backbone of our communities and we are equally proud and grateful for their selfless service and contribution they give each and everyday.



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom
Chris Minns
Jihad Dib MP
NSW Government
Roy Butler MP
Gurmesh Singh MP
Art Gallery of New South Wales

VRA Rescue NSW members attended a Multiagency Protocol and Awards workshop at the Sydney Police Centre to discuss, share...
15/05/2026

VRA Rescue NSW members attended a Multiagency Protocol and Awards workshop at the Sydney Police Centre to discuss, share, and learn more about each organisation’s Protocol and Awards functions, and ways of working.

Bringing together Protocol and Awards leads from agencies and organisations across the state ensures that together we continue to uphold standards and etiquette, manage official ceremonies and external relations, and drive a culture of recognition through internal, state and the national honours systems.

We valued the insights shared and discussions by leads from Australian Honours and Awards, Royal Humane Society, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, St John Ambulance, as well as our hosts from NSW Police Force.

We value these opportunities to connect and collaborate with our colleagues for this important role that demonstrates respect, professionalism and unity for our organisations, people and the community.



VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
NSW Government
Roy Butler MP
Gurmesh Singh MP
NSW Police Force
NSW Rural Fire Service
Fire and Rescue NSW
NSW SES
Marine Rescue NSW
NSW Ambulance
St John Ambulance
Australian Honours and Awards
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia
theroyalhumanesociety

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PO Box 4127
Dubbo, NSW
2830

Telephone

+611300872777

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