Narrabri VRA remains ready to roar into action

Narrabri has been reassured its local rescue resource, the VRA, is in good shape and is ready to roar into action whenever needed.

Narrabri Volunteer Rescue Association captain and veteran member Harvey Black ESM presented a detailed report to members at the Narrabri Rescue Station.

Mr Black addressed the service’s annual general meeting and reflected on the previous year.

“The year could be described as ‘quiet’ perhaps, although accidents and other operations attended have been often very serious in nature,” Mr Black said.

“In all cases the squad has responded in a timely manner and have effectively completed the rescues.

“On the road, we have a good working relationship with all other emergency services.”

Mr Black told the gathering numerous members had been involved in a successful search for a missing man in the Pilliga Scrub for two days just prior to the August meeting.

Mr Black’s dedication to the service was applauded after he passed the captain’s baton on to Sam Berry.

One of the Narrabri VRA’s ‘originals’, Mr Black has played an integral role with the service since its inception in the 1970s.

In almost 50 years, only three people have held the role of VRA captain – a testament to the service’s stability and reliability as an emergency service in Narrabri.

That fundamental role of stability continues with regular training conducted weekly on a Thursday night.

“Although the written programme gets changed about from time to time, we try to cover as many aspects of our extensive training requirements as we can,” Mr Black told the gathering.

“Narrabri VRA is extremely well respected within the community, and after 48 successful years, is seen as a normal part of the available services.

“The squad involves itself with the schools, the RSL, Show Society, Bushman’s Carnival Association, police and shire council with the local EMC.”

Reflecting on membership, Mr Black said numbers had fluctuated.

New officers, John Hardgrave (president), Harvey Black (secretary), Sam Berry (vice president), Maxine Beale (treasurer), Peter Andrew (vice president) and Pastor Terry Sadler (patron).

The service has gained new members, however, said farewell to deputy captain Megan Davies. Mr Black thanked her for her years of service.

The VRA welcomes new members and encourages people to contact the service if they would like to offer assistance.

One of the biggest additions to the service’s capability has been the purchase of a six-seater Cam-Am off-road buggy.

“We had a serious need for such a device during a recent search involving long sections of river and surrounding country, and we made the decision to acquire one,” Mr Black said.

A report will be published in a future edition of The Courier showcasing the buggy’s addition to the VRA.

“Additional specialist vertical rescue equipment has been added to the comprehensive cache in the dedicated trailer, as well as in operators’ personal kits, and large animal rescue gear is now in its own box trailer as well. Many thanks to Megan Davies for that,” Mr Black said.

“During the flooding we were supplied with an Ark Angel inflatable raft by the state organisation, and it is kept in readiness on the top of the Dolphin punt.

“In the next 12 months we should make improvements to the De Haviland river truck, now long overdue. Extra radio gear has been fitted to the trucks, and our repeater on Mount Castletop continues to give good service.

“We have added additional items to the gear carried on the new Isuzu, to improve our capability, following lessons learnt at a recent callout.

“These are small bits of gear that will make life better for patients, but the truck really is very good.

“Thanks to VRA Rescue NSW for this great rescue resource, and to the efforts of Stu Green, who initiated the vehicle replacement programme.”

Narrabri VRA president John Hardgrave echoed similar sentiments in his report to the meeting.

Following the reports, new officers were elected for the next 12 months.

Mr Hardgrave was re-elected as president.

Pastor Terry Sadler remains as the service’s patron.

Vice presidents elected at the meeting were Sam Berry and Peter Andrew.

Mr Black and Maxine Beale continue as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Sam Berry was also elected to the roles of publicity officer and IT support. Mr Black will also serve as training officer and Will Charles will serve as equipment officer.

Mr Berry was elected as captain. Mr Black will continue as a valuable source of knowledge and experience, serving as senior deputy captain.

Junior deputy captains will be Will Charles and Jock Smith.