History
VRA Rescue NSW has almost a century of experience supporting communities across New South Wales. While the organisation was formally established as the Volunteer Rescue Association of NSW in 1969, its roots stretch back much further.
The story began in 1936, with the formation of Bushwalkers Search and Rescue, one of the earliest specialist rescue groups connected to the organisation’s future history.
In 1950, the first general land rescue squad was established at Wagga Wagga, initially assisting police with river recoveries, flood rescues, evacuations, and a range of emergency situations. As the need for skilled community-based rescue grew, further volunteer rescue squads were formed, including those at Bourke and Dubbo during the early 1960s.
In 1969, several volunteer rescue squads, including Albury, Dubbo, Narrandera, and Wagga Wagga, joined together with the support of NSW Police to officially form the Volunteer Rescue Association of NSW.
For more than 50 years, the VRA has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of communities and emergency services across the state. Today, as VRA Rescue NSW, the organisation continues its proud tradition of providing specialist volunteer rescue services, built on dedication, training, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others.
While the organisation was officially founded in 1969, the spirit of volunteer rescue that created VRA Rescue NSW reaches back to 1936, representing almost a century of service, courage, and community commitment.