Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C6j3iQiy6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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!

12/10/2026

At 1954 our team responded to a road crash rescue at Weston.

Arriving on scene, occupants of the two vehicles involved in two car collision were being treated by medical personnel.

Our operators assisted with traffic control to make the scene safe for those in the vicinity. This didn’t stop one motorist who decided to proceed travelling through the closed road, they were stopped and spoken to.

We were released from the scene shortly after and returned to station.

11/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C4TqSm4f5/?mibextid=wwXIfr