Gulgong Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW

16/03/2026

Monday night training was a visit to our NSW RFS - Gulgong Brigade colleagues, with a visit from the NSW RFS - Cudgegong District communications truck. A great turn out of RFS and VRA members.
We discussed many aspects of communication, primarily radio protocols, its equipment and radio techniques.
With thanks for the inclusion to this informative evening.
We then showed off the rescue vehicle VRA581 layout and party trick of the lighting tower.
We discussed with Cudgegong the possibility of further radio training with Gulgong, and David suggested rounding up Mudgee Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW and Rylstone Kandos Vra Rescue Squad too if they are interested.

Happy days.


VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom

09/03/2026

Likely to be a detour situation for weeks, if not months if the road comprise is significant. Therefore plan for delays or increased traffic impact.
Install or follow Live Traffic NSW for ongoing updates and information.

⚠️ VICTORIA PASS: The Great Western Highway is closed in both directions between Little Hartley and Mount Victoria due to ongoing geotechnical investigation and road assessment at Mitchell’s Causeway, also known as the Convict Bridge.

🚗 Traffic on the Great Western Highway is being diverted at Lithgow to travel along Main Street, Chifley Road and the Darling Causeway before rejoining the highway at Mount Victoria.

🚚 Heavy vehicle operators are advised that the detour along Main Street, Chifley Road and the Darling Causeway is suitable for general access vehicles and Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 1 heavy vehicles up to 20 metres long, but restricted access heavy vehicle operators who are unable to travel on an approved Notice Network are advised to delay their journeys.

📒 This is an evolving and complex situation, and we have no timeline for when we will be safely able to reopen the highway.

📱 For the latest info on this incident see Live Traffic NSW https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/267022

09/03/2026

Our new MULE stokes wheel. We unpacked and set up this back saving device and placed it on the Rescue 3 troop carrier.

We thank ACEN for their generosity to enable us to purchase this.

It is designed to take the weight of the stokes and the patient when we are tasked in a walk out, at the Drip for example, to save the squad members backs and reduce the need to carry the weight.

Not to be rude, but it is rated to carry 227kg of a total load. You can imaging the effort to carry that sort of weight without it!

The MULE is also a godsend for tight or narrow access where the space doesn't allow members at the side of the stokes. Therefore allowing the wheel to take the strain while the members steady the ship at either end.

Yvonne, our 35 year plus member, demonstrates the stability and ease of use.
Shh! There was another member at the other end for extra support, but is was a piece of cake to manoeuvre and climb a few steps in our setup and quick try out.

Looking forward to getting to grips with this awesome piece of kit at the next training night on the 16th March.


VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom

08/03/2026

We celebrate all our members, but especially the women on a day such as today. They get stuck in and do so much everyday to perform for the Gulgong community. We salute you all.

21/02/2026

Gulgong show.
Thanks for having us and thanks to the members for turning up to engage with those interested in what we do.

All part of the fun, horses, rides and food. Apparently fireworks 8.30 and rodeo 5.30.
Still plenty to see and do.

Gulgong Show Society Inc


VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom

16/02/2026

Training tonight was stabilisation, controlled roll over, break and cut glass and set off airbags for impact demonstrations.

Varied training night also covered safe vehicle maneuvering, lights, PPE set up and usage, task decisions (self managed) and tool selection.


VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom

13/02/2026

Thank you Prince Of Wales Hotel Gulgong for hosting our money box on the bar.
Every little bit helps to keep the squad funded.

While we, VRA Rescue NSW, do get support and money from the government, much of the individual squads still rely on the community, grants and donations.

ACEN
Yancoal
Gulgong Touch Football


And you the Gulgong community.

VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner - Alix Thom

11/02/2026

Touch Footy world championship of Gulgong.
Come down and cheer.
Lollies, BBQ, live music and people running about getting sweaty.
So much fun.

Gulgong Touch Football thanks for the hospitality, nachos and the very unexpected, but welcome, donation.


VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton

07/02/2026

MVA call out tonight. Vehicle and trailer had rolled and blocked Guntawang Rd (Magpie lane). Vehicle and trailer moved to side of road so use caution when passing scene.
All passengers and driver had minor injuries and transported via ambulance for monitoring and precautions.

Roads are slippery as rain after dry period are always precarious conditions.


Fire and Rescue NSW Station 312 Gulgong
NSW RFS - Gulgong Brigade

07/02/2026

The Gulgong show 21 February 2026.
Be there or be square.
Free bus service available.

Something for everyone.

02/02/2026

💚 VRA Rescue N.S.W 💚 Join Team Green today. Use the QR code below 🚨💚

There are a million reasons not to join...and very few reasons to join.

Please consider:

1. Helping those in your community who find themselves in dire straights.
2. Your community isn't a community without contributing to it.
3. The things you learn and the skills you hone.
4. The quiet self-worth boost is immense.
5. Meet people who are willing to teach you or learn from you.
6. Belong to a community who give to the community.
7. The VRA is considered a specialist service.

Even if you were just to find out more would be a step in the right direction. We are happy to discuss what is involved. It isn't even that big a time commitment as you might imagine.

For more information about the Gulgong Squad specifically, you're welcome to call the Captain on 0414 555 441 or use the QR code for general information about the VRA.

Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you.


VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton