Cessnock District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW

01/06/2026

A huge shout out to CR Smyth & Son Funeral Services, they have been a long term sponsor through the squad’s 50 year history including a $5K donation towards the vehicle in the picture.
We would like to thank the team for their continued support.

01/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18pBX5S8nb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

22/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon our squad was activated to Louth Park for an incident involving both a man being injured trying to assist a cow that head its head stuck in a tree, then having the task of freeing the cow.
Arriving on scene, our operators gave the medical team a lift to the human casualty in our 4wd due to the muddy terrain.
Whilst he was being treated, our team set about freeing the cow.
A relief cut was made in the tree, then hydraulic spreaders were used to create a gap large enough for the cow to be freed.
With the farmer being injured from being kicked by the cow, our operators need to be vigilant being in the line of fire.
The man was taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment, the cow was freed successfully and returned to the rest of the herd.
VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock
Jihad Dib MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
NSW Ambulance
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East

22/05/2026

A huge thank you to the inmates of Hunter Correctional Centre for their generous donation of $1,523.53 to VRA Rescue NSW Cessnock / Kurri Kurri.
A spokes person for the centre sent the following words

“ The funds were raised through inmate-led fundraising efforts in recognition of the dedication, courage, and ongoing commitment shown by our volunteers in supporting and protecting the local community.

We are incredibly grateful for the support and appreciation shown towards the squad , who volunteer their time to assist others during emergencies and times of need.”

Thank you to everyone involved for supporting local emergency services and helping strengthen community connections.

21/05/2026

At 1710 this evening our squad was asked to assist a woman with removing her rings from her fingers as her hands had become swollen.
Following several failed attempts at home, the call was made to ask for assistance.
The string method had been tried prior to contacting us and the fingers had become pretty swollen.
There was one ring on each hand, each made of different composition of materials.
One ring was soft enough to be cut with our manual ring cutter, whilst the second ring required the use of a dremel.
One of our recently qualified operators was up for the task, took it in his stride and performed the task flawlessly.
The patient was very happy and relieved with the outcome.
💍🪚😊

19/05/2026

At 0418 Monday morning our squad was activated for a medical emergency gain access incident in Hunter Avenue Cessnock.
Our operators used a hydraulic rabbit tool to force open the door to enable medical personnel to attain access to the patient.
Once access was gained, our operators remained on scene for a short while in preparation to assist further if required.
We were notified that not further assistance was needed and our team returned back to base.
VRA Rescue NSW
Dan Repacholi MP
Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock
Jihad Dib MP
Daniel Watton - Mayor of Cessnock
VRA Rescue NSW - Region East

19/05/2026

This week is national volunteer week, where volunteers are recognised for their contributions they give voluntarily to whatever causes they feel.
Here in Cessnock , we want to thank our volunteers, their families and employers who support them in giving back to their community.
Our professionally trained, accredited volunteers tirelessly give their time to assist our community when they need it most.
Thank you to not only our volunteers, but all, who are willing to give their time to support so many people, communities and organisations in different ways.

19/05/2026

Last night our squad held its bi-monthly meeting.
During which the statistics for March and April were tabled.

In March we were activated to 39 incidents which included road crash rescue, animal rescues, assist ambulance , industrial / domestic, stranded motorists and land search and rescue.

In April we were activated to 33 incidents which included, road crash rescue, animal rescues, assist ambulance , assist police , industrial / domestic, and land search and rescue.

Also during the evening, Craig, one of our trainees was given his epaulette’s as he is now a qualified rescue operator. Congratulations Craig, we look forward to working with you.

16/05/2026

**********UPDATE********
We can confirm that the young by missing at Ourimbah State Forest has been located.
One of the helicopters located the child, he was uninjured and was walked out of the forest with assistance of rescue crews.
This is the best outcome we could have hoped for.

16/05/2026

Our squad currently have 4 members on route to assist with this incident.
We will always assist out of area incidents when possible, whilst maintaining our presence locally for our core role.

WYONG CREEK - OURIMBAH STATE FOREST

FINAL UPDATE: We can confirm the boy is uninjured and was walked out by crews. Fantastic work by all crews involved.

UPDATE: We have received an update that the boy has been located. Further information to follow.

INITIAL REPORT:
A search operation is currently in progress in the Ourimbah State Forest after a young teenage male was separated from friends while riding on a mountain bike trail.

Volunteer Rescue Squad, NSW Police and Fire and Rescue on scene. Polair is also inbound.

Crews are staging near Red Hill Road off Yarramalong Road at Wyong Creek.