There are so many first responder agencies that serve and protect us, but I landed on one that I truthfully didn’t know a lot about.
While many people recognise the work of police, ambulance and fire services, one of the lesser‑known first response units quietly serving the community is the Deniliquin Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue.
The group kindly let me intrude on their Tuesday night training session, and I was able to meet the team, and find out a little about how this volunteer first response unit operates.
On call around the clock, the squad’s 10 local members respond to motor vehicle accidents, land searches, lighting aid, ambulance assists, and generally provide an extra pair of hands during emergencies, often working through the night.
“We go when we get called to go,” said long time member and squad president Wes Follett.
“We’re on call 24/7, 365,” attested Captain David Donald.
The team’s equipment includes four boats, two cars and a government funded truck, all owned and maintained by the squad, and decked out with some high tech equipment.
The Deniliquin unit is equipped with specialised tools, including a 29kg set of jaws of life - one of their lightest powered tools.
After feeling the weight for myself, I did feel bad for having them pose for a photo for so long.
The group will often be seen supporting community events such as the Truck Show, Ute Muster, and I have previously seen them in action at the Deniliquin High School’s Driver Education Program mock accident.
Being volunteers, I was curious to find out what makes this group step forward when many people would step back.
For Pam Selwood, the reward is in the quiet moments after a job well done.
“There’s a lot of unspoken thanks, you know that you’ve done something,” she said.
Her teammate, Vice Captain Mark Jeffrey agreed saying there is pride in “helping someone out on their worst day”.
And Callum Donald summed it up perfectly when he said “Somebody’s gotta do it; if you can’t, I can”.
Capt Donald said the squad’s approach is straightforward.
“We don’t make a fuss.
“We do as we’re asked and provide a service to the community.”
He also thanked partners and families “who put up with as much as we do”.
“We can go six, seven, eight months without a callout, and then have three in one day,” Ms Selwood said.
Support from local sponsors has also been vital for the squad.
They specifically paid tribute to Purtill Group, which has backed the squad for 50 years, contributing fuel, food and support.
The group also gets vital funding from the Deni Ute Muster, and was recently awarded $70,000 from Edward River Council for new roller doors, signage, bathrooms and a kitchen upgrade for their Charlotte St station.
The squad also thanked VisAttak for their signage, proudly blazoning their logo along Charlotte St.
The squad is always recruiting, and encourages anyone “caring and willing” to get involved.
“Think you have the skills or want to gain some more skills?” VC Jeffrey said.
“We’re always keen to train new members.”
To learn more, email deniliquin.secretary@vrarescue.org, or pop into 395 Charlotte St, at 7pm on any Tuesday, when the group usually meets.
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