With a primary response area of over 1800 square kilometres, Cessnock District Rescue Squad is one of the busiest Volunteer Rescue Association branches in NSW.

From animal rescues to snake removals, motor vehicle accidents, searches, storms and more, the VRA is here for the community, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

VRA squads are not fully government-funded and therefore rely on community support for operational costs including vehicles, rescue equipment, repair and replacement, utilities and other administrative costs.

The Cessnock rescue squad was a beneficiary of the 2022 Cessnock LGA ClubGrants Fund, receiving a $17,000 grant (co-funded by Cessnock Leagues Club, East Cessnock Bowling Club and Kurri Kurri Bowling Club).

The grant was used to purchase a Holmatro hydraulic ram, which can be used to cut open vehicles in persons-trapped accidents.

Club representatives attended the rescue squad base on March 3 for the official presentation of the equipment and to learn about how it is used.

“We would like to thank the clubs for their ongoing support, they are a great supporter of ours and we cannot thank them enough,” Cessnock District Rescue Squad spokesperson James Harris said.

The rescue squad was one of 11 organisations Cessnock Leagues Club supported through the ClubGrants program in 2022, which saw a total of $68,407 in donations distributed by the club.

Last year’s beneficiaries also included:

  • Central Hunter Community Broadcasters
  • SoupzOn Through Grace
  • Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service
  • Lifeline Direct
  • Little Wings
  • The Rotary Club of Cessnock
  • OzHarvest
  • Life Education NSW
  • Hunter Food Relief Centre
  • Prostate Survival Alliance

Cessnock Leagues Club chief executive officer Paul Cousins said the club is proud to fund local projects that deliver positive social outcomes for our communities through the ClubGrants program.

In 2023 Cessnock City Council will no longer be the convenor of the Cessnock LGA ClubGrants Local Committee, with each individual club to facilitate its own program.

Cessnock Leagues Club’s funding round will open on April 1, closing June 15. Charities and organisations that deliver community welfare and social services in the Cessnock LGA are welcome to apply.

For more information and to submit an application, visit https://bit.ly/CLC-ClubGRANTS.

 

IMAGE: Cessnock District Rescue Squad volunteers Diana Edwards, Gavin Townley and Trevor Milgate, East Cessnock Bowling Club secretary-manager Russell Banks and Cessnock Leagues Club CEO Paul Cousins.