Lithgow & District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW

Lithgow & District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW A Helping Hand Anywhere Anytime

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.”

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 😊

06:47 this morning, Lithgow VRA was activated to a Medical Emergency at a residence in Portland.
24/05/2026

06:47 this morning, Lithgow VRA was activated to a Medical Emergency at a residence in Portland.

Big TuesdayBefore training last night, the team was activated to a Trapped Person, MVA on Chifley Rd. Our team was quick...
05/05/2026

Big Tuesday

Before training last night, the team was activated to a Trapped Person, MVA on Chifley Rd. Our team was quick to respond but the person was able to safely self-extricate prior to our arrival 👍

Fast forward to training ➡️
With the team energised from the weekend challenge 💪, It was great to be back at Brads Garage working on cars. Trainees went over stabilisation, windscreen removal, patient protection and how to fold a roof. While our GLR operators practiced more complex techniques, like gaining access from above.

Huge thank you to Kirby's Towing Service for Donating this vehicle. Without their donation we wouldn't be able to run these incredible scenario's.

And it's not everyday that a birthday lands on a training night. Happy Birthday Angus 🎂 glad the team could celebrate with you 🥳

(WARNING, FAKE BUT GRAPHIC CONTENT) NSW State Road Crash Rescue Challenge 2026 - Days 2 & 3Over the past two days, Team ...
04/05/2026

(WARNING, FAKE BUT GRAPHIC CONTENT)

NSW State Road Crash Rescue Challenge 2026 - Days 2 & 3

Over the past two days, Team West has taken on a series of hands-on scenarios that really put their skills, teamwork, and decision-making to the test.

Rescue Skills pit
A timed obstacle-style course involving lifting an I-beam, moving a casualty through a narrow course, and working through knots, forced entry, and tool use as a team.

Entrapped Rescue pit
An MVA scenario focused on accessing and extricating a trapped casualty, working together under pressure. 30 mins to complete

Controlled Rescue pit
An MVA scenario requiring a slower, more structured approach, with strong scene control and deliberate extrication techniques. 30 mins to complete

Industrial Domestic Rescue scenario
A complex rescue set in an industrial/domestic environment, requiring hazard awareness, problem solving, and safe casualty access. 15 mins to complete

Trauma Challenge
Focused on assessing and managing injuries, demonstrating strong patient care and communication.

CPR Challenge
A high-pressure resuscitation scenario testing teamwork, coordination, and communication. 2 minutes of compressions for each team member (team of 6)

Workshops
Two sessions with industry experts, offering the chance to learn, share experiences, and take away practical insights.

It’s been a big weekend. There’s been a lot learnt, not just in the pits, but in watching how other teams approach the same problems and challenges. Just as important has been the chance to connect with crews from across the state, building relationships and strengthening the broader rescue network.

Results will be announced 6pm Tuesday.

Let's go Lithgow and Team West!

State Road Rescue Challenge - Day 1Three operators from Lithgow are competing in this year’s challenge as part of the We...
01/05/2026

State Road Rescue Challenge - Day 1

Three operators from Lithgow are competing in this year’s challenge as part of the Western Region Team.

This marks the first time our operators have taken part in the competition, and we’re proud to see them stepping up to represent our region. We’re right behind them and wish the team all the best over the coming days.

The team shared that today’s focus was on learning and becoming comfortable with a variety of different tools and techniques. Tomorrow, the challenges begin, where they will be given a range of rescue scenarios and assessed closely on their performance.

To close off the day, all VRA teams returned to accommodation where Deputy Commissioner Alix and Commissioner Brenton put on an amazing BBQ 🔥 and shared some inspiring words of encouragement.

All the best, Team West 👊

On the weekend, three of our members headed to Katoomba to work on some basic multi-pitch rigging in a real world enviro...
28/04/2026

On the weekend, three of our members headed to Katoomba to work on some basic multi-pitch rigging in a real world environment.

This type of training gives our operators the chance to step beyond controlled scenarios and apply their skills in more complex terrain, building confidence, communication, and problem solving.
They were able to practice-
- Set up and pack up of traverse lines
- Establishing a retrievable abseil line
- Belaying
- Managing drag on a lead line
- Establishing clear comms

A solid session and a great example of the ongoing training that keeps our team ready. Well done.

Address

148 Mort Street
Lithgow, NSW
2790

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