Bushwalkers’ donation supports the Narrabri VRA

The rescue of an injured bushwalker from the top of The Governor in Mt Kaputar National Park 18 months ago again highlighted the multi-role capabilities of the Narrabri VRA.

The safe retrieval of the badly injured man from the highest point The Governor drew on VRA members’ expertise and on their equipment.

The VRA’s inventory of rescue gear, which necessarily covers the spectrum of emergency situations, is largely funded by money raised from VRA fundraising and local donors.

And on Thursday night, a $500 donation to the VRA from the Narrabri Bushwalking Club was a further welcome contribution.

The cheque was presented by the bushwalking club president Peter Bussell and long-standing member Brian Hearn.

“We aim to donate to community groups most years,” said Mr Bussell.

“This year members decided to contribute to the VRA.

“We appreciate having the professional services of the VRA available to the community, and our members if needed.”

VRA president John Hardgrave thanked the bushwalkers for their generous donation, noting that the services of the VRA in rescuing local and visiting hikers and bushwalkers had been called on many times over the years.

Mt Kaputar National Park is a favoured destination for visitors from across Australia and the VRA has undertaken some challenging retrievals in recent times, including clifftop rescues, bush searches, and recovery of accident victims from difficult parts of the national park.

“We are a well-equipped unit, but always seeking to further enhance our capabilities with specialised equipment,” he said.

“The Bushwalking Club’s generous donation will go towards our equipment inventory.

“All funds raised and donated to Narrabri VRA are used locally,” he added.

Mr Hardgrave recalled that the rescue of the southern NSW bushwalker from the very top of The Governor had involved the challenging task of carrying the injured man down the steep terrain to waiting vehicles.

“He had slipped and fallen, suffering a fractured femur and pelvis” he said.

“There was no helicopter available and the team brought him down the rocky slope by stretcher.”

That retrieval, like many others, relied not only on the expertise of the volunteers, but also on having the right equipment.

Recounting the rescue, as just one illustration, Mr Hardgrave added that the accident victim spent considerable time recovering from his injuries.

“He later dropped into the VRA HQ on a special visit to Narrabri to say ‘thanks’ for the work of the team,” Mr Hardgrave said.