Lithgow & District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW

Lithgow & District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW Thinking about applying? Join us for a training night. We meet every Tue & Fri from 7pm at Lithgow HQ

The Lithgow & District Volunteer Rescue Organisation have been serving the Lithgow District and surrounding areas as Primary Responders for Road Crash Rescue, Vertical Rescue, Domestic Call outs and any type of specialist rescue encountered by Emergency Service personnel since 1981. We are made up of volunteers from the local community and are ready to respond at a moments notice, ready to lend a “helping hand, anywhere, anytime.”

Last weekend, three Lithgow VRA operators travelled to Narrandera to attend the Train the Trainer Workshop.The weekend p...
25/06/2026

Last weekend, three Lithgow VRA operators travelled to Narrandera to attend the Train the Trainer Workshop.

The weekend provided a great opportunity to refresh existing skills, learn new training techniques, and connect with volunteers from other squads.

Our operators have returned enthusiastic and ready to share what they've learned, helping to strengthen the skills and capability of the entire Lithgow VRA team.

A big thank you to everyone involved in delivering the workshop and supporting the ongoing development of our volunteers.

VRA Rescue NSW

Coin Slot CanyonLast week, Lithgow VRA completed a reconnaissance and training trip through Coin Slot Canyon.The canyon ...
22/06/2026

Coin Slot Canyon

Last week, Lithgow VRA completed a reconnaissance and training trip through Coin Slot Canyon.

The canyon gets its name from its incredibly narrow sandstone passages, with sections so tight they resemble a coin slot cut into the rock.

These unique constrictions, combined with multiple abseils and challenging terrain, make it one of the more distinctive canyons in the region.

The trip provided an excellent opportunity to practise rope skills, assess access routes and continue building our capability in remote and vertical environments.
A great day of training in a spectacular location.



Jihad Dib MP
Cass Coleman
VRA Rescue NSW

Congratulations to Jason and Kazza on successfully completing their PIARO assessments last weekend. 👏 Since joining earl...
19/06/2026

Congratulations to Jason and Kazza on successfully completing their PIARO assessments last weekend. 👏

Since joining earlier this year, both operators have shown a strong commitment to their training, dedicating two nights each week to learning the foundations of rescue and developing the skills needed to support their community when it matters most.

Both operators have been a fantastic addition to the team, bringing with them valuable skills and experience gained through their workplaces and studies. Their willingness to learn, contribute and get involved has already made a positive impact within the squad.

Completing PIARO is a significant milestone and reflects the hard work, determination and effort they have put in over recent months.

With this achievement now behind them, their training journey continues as they begin working towards their next qualification in Road Crash Rescue.

Well done Jason and Kazza - a fantastic achievement, and we look forward to seeing your continued progression within the team 💚

Lithgow VRA responded to two jobs across the long weekend.The first was near Long Swamp on Sunday, followed by a second ...
08/06/2026

Lithgow VRA responded to two jobs across the long weekend.

The first was near Long Swamp on Sunday, followed by a second activation at 2:28am this morning for a motor vehicle accident on the Great Western Highway near Marrangaroo, before the team was stood down shortly after.

Today, while one crew stayed in town ready to respond if needed, another team headed out along Sunnyside Ridge Road to recon Zorro Canyon.

It was a decent walk in and out, but well worth the effort. Tucked into the rugged country between Carne Creek and Adrenalin Creek, Zorro is a great example of the narrow sandstone slots and remote terrain that make the Newnes Plateau such a unique part of our response area.

The team enjoyed some great abseils, tight canyon sections and plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. It is the kind of place that reminds us why staying familiar with local access tracks, remote areas and rope work is so important.

Whether we are responding in the early hours, standing by in town, or walking into remote country to better understand our patch, it all forms part of being ready for the next call.

A solid weekend from a committed team.

06/06/2026

Did you know the Lithgow LGA is home to over 160 known canyons, making it one of the largest canyon networks in Australia?
That means between Rylstone/Kandos VRA and Lithgow VRA, our rescue agencies need to constantly keep skills sharp, build local knowledge, check access roads, and make sure our teams are fit and capable enough to trek into remote areas when someone needs help.

Are you in the Lithgow LGA? Keen to learn how to explore places like this while also learning how to help people on their worst days?
We train Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7 pm.
Pop in, say hi, and grab a form.

Exciting things happening out of Cessnock.
31/05/2026

Exciting things happening out of Cessnock.

It’s been a busy few weeks for the volunteers at Lithgow VRA. Here's a quick recap.Members attended the Bathurst Volunte...
31/05/2026

It’s been a busy few weeks for the volunteers at Lithgow VRA. Here's a quick recap.

Members attended the Bathurst Volunteer Expo, which was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and speak with people interested in volunteering and learning more about rescue operations.

Back at the squad, Tuesday night training has been focused on the Rescue Foundations Course, with members building their core rescue skills and continuing their journey towards becoming qualified rescue operators.

Friday night training has also kicked off, focusing on developing Lithgow’s next Canyon Rescue Team. Members have been training in canyon-specific skills, equipment familiarisation, and rescue techniques suited to the terrain we regularly operate in across the region.

We also had a team activated to assist NSW Ambulance along Waratah Ridge, providing support to a party exiting Hole In the Wall Canyon.

A big thank you to all of our volunteers who continue to dedicate their time to training, responding to incidents, and supporting the community.

This week’s training focused on lifting airbags and their use in rescue situations involving people trapped beneath heav...
27/05/2026

This week’s training focused on lifting airbags and their use in rescue situations involving people trapped beneath heavy objects.

Our trainees, who are preparing to undertake their first rescue course, were challenged with a practical scenario combining a range of skills they have been developing throughout training. Crews were “activated” while driving around town, giving them the opportunity to practise communication, navigation and responding to a scene together as a team.

Once on scene, crews completed 360-degree assessments, identified hazards, and worked together to isolate risks before commencing rescue operations. The scenario involved a single injured person trapped beneath a vehicle, requiring the team to perform a controlled lift using airbags and stabilisation techniques to safely free the mannequin.

Our qualified rescue operators also had the opportunity to step into team leader roles throughout the exercise, with everyone doing an excellent job working together to complete the scenario within the allocated timeframe.

Well done team.


This Friday, we will be continuing with our Canyon Rescue Course.

26/05/2026

Lithgow VRA featured in this short film.

Check out the trailer 😊

Address

148 Mort Street
Lithgow, NSW
2790

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