Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW

31/08/2026

A night of heavy rescue training, looking at the components, mechanics and other operations of trucks that may assist us in the instance of a rescue situation involving such a vehicle.
Bruce and Cheryl from Mulbring Valley Haulage not only provided information regarding the shut down procedure and other critical points of interest, but also gave up their time and premises to allow us to train on their property.
Our new rescue platforms played a significant role in the training session, allowing easier access to the cabin.
This was such an informative training night, thank you to those who organised it, as well as those who participated.

24/08/2026

Our squad recently received a donation from the Cessnock Garden Club. Our team educated them the importance of personal safety and the information required by the operator when dialling 000. They also reminded of what to do in situations such as snake bites and suspected heart attacks.
They were then given a tour of the VRA vehicle and shown the various tools used in emergency situations. The garden club donated $200 to VRA as a thank you.
We would like to thank the ladies for their hospitality and support.

23/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19KcxS36nw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

20/08/2026

At 1211 today our squad was activated to assist NSW Ambulance on a property at Congewai.
A male had suffered a medical episode and urgent medical assistance was required.
Working alongside medical personnel, we assist with relocating the man onto a medical stretcher, where he was then further assessed and transported to hospital.

15/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JYryP1nzQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Our squad is assisting with the search of this missing person, we hope they are found safe and well.
To all the persons assisting , stay safe.

12/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ldi2e95Ut/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It’s full steam ahead for the team in Tonga.
Reports from our local VRA Rescue NSW Cessnock / Kurri Kurri Captain following his touchdown in Tonga is that the sharing the knowledge of his and his counterparts who have been deployed has been greatly received.
We are so proud of Paul and his commitment and passion to share his knowledge to train and assist others.

Nuku'alofa, Tonga: A special team of eight emergency service experts from major New South Wales emergency services are volunteering in Tonga to help strengthen disaster preparedness and response in one of the world's most disaster-prone nations.

10/08/2026

💚 Support VRA Rescue NSW Cessnock–Kurri Kurri Every Time You Shop 💚

Did you know you can help support our volunteer rescue squad every time you shop at Ritchies IGA, Ritchies Liquor, or other participating Ritchies stores?

Simply download the Ritchies Card App, register, and nominate VRA Rescue NSW Cessnock–Kurri Kurri (Cessnock District Rescue Squad Inc.) as your chosen community organisation. It doesn't cost you anything extra, but every eligible purchase helps generate a monthly donation to our squad.

It’s easy to get started:
1️⃣ Download the Ritchies Card App
2️⃣ Register your Ritchies Card
3️⃣ Nominate VRA Rescue NSW Cessnock–Kurri Kurri (Cessnock District Rescue Squad Inc.) as your community organisation
4️⃣ Keep shopping as normal!

Your everyday shopping can make a real difference — helping provide the resources and support our volunteers need to respond when the call comes. Nominate us today and support your local volunteer rescue squad every time you shop!

Proudly Serving the Community, Proudly Serving You

09/08/2026

We were lucky enough to be successful with our application for the Westfund Community Grant.
We used the funding to purchase various types of manual winching equipment. Used in multiple different rescue situations, it is vital to have this equipment available and ready to go.
A huge thank you to Westfund for their community grants programme, we are humbled by your generosity.
VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Jihad Dib MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East

07/08/2026

Here is yet another example of community spirit and support.
It was time to upgrade some of our cribbing that we mainly use for stabilisation.
The generous team from Eatons Mitre 10 Cessnock donated the timber we needed to make the cribbing.
Following this , the talented gents from Kurri Kurri Men’s Shed transformed the full lengths of timber into cribbing blocks , including fixing strap handles onto each individual piece.
One of the most used pieces of equipment on our trucks, these items are a crucial part of a rescue operation.
Thank you to both of these organisations for their support and generosity.
VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Jihad Dib MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East