Brunswick Valley Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA)
VRA
The Brunswick Valley and District Volunteer Rescue Organisation Inc was formed in
1977 as a community owned and operated road rescue organisation following a
serious motor vehicle accident on the highway bridge over the Brunswick River.
We are the accredited Primary Rescue Unit for the Byron Shire with the major roles
of releasing persons trapped in motor vehicles or trucks, and providing vertical rescue
of persons or animals fallen over cliffs and embankments.
Additionally we provide police with lighting for crime scenes, ambulance crews with
manpower for carrying patients, and assist in search and rescue. Our motto is “A
helping hand, anywhere, anytime”.
The squad is entirely made up of volunteers from a cross section of Byron Shire
residents with differing skills and backgrounds who provide a professional rescue
service. We train fortnightly to maintain the high standards of skills required by the
NSW State Rescue Board.
Once paged by Police via SMS the crew rapidly responds to the emergency 7 days a
week, 24 hours a day rain or shine! Rescues may take minutes or many hours to
complete.
To maintain a rapid response throughout the Shire the squad has four rescue vehicles.
The primary rescue truck, together with a 4WD people carrier is located at the
Brunswick Heads headquarters. Two smaller rescue trucks are kept in Byron Bay and
Bangalow.Every vehicle carries at a minimum the ‘jaws of life’ spreaders and cutters for
releasing trapped persons, vehicle stabilisation equipment, lighting, and a
comprehensive first aid kit. The primary rescue truck carries the bulk of the ropes,
harnesses, and tools for vertical rescue as well as supplies for extended operations.
The Squad is almost entirely self funded with squad members, their families, and
friends spending countless hours on fund raising activities.
We are grateful to the Byron Shire and local businesses for their ongoing support, but
need to raise many thousands of additional dollars through fund raising each year to
maintain and upgrade vehicles and equipment.
We are always keen to find new sponsors and volunteers. If you think you could help,
please give us a ring (0419988576) or email brunswick@rescue.org.au
