The Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) is celebrating the official launch of common uniforms for the first time in the organisation’s history, an investment of $1.2 million.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott was joined at the Central Coast VRA to launch the uniform by Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch and VRA Commissioner Mark Gibson, and officially handed over a $230,000 Light Rigid Rescue Vehicle that will assist the squad in responding to emergencies.
Mr Elliott welcomed the announcement, as part of an $18.8 million investment in the VRA over the next four years.
“These new uniforms will be supplied for the first time to both operational and non-operational members and will be a significant boost for volunteers,” Mr Elliott said.
“This investment will mean volunteers, who put their time and effort into protecting the safety of their community, will no longer have to rely on donations or have out of pocket costs to be able to proudly wear their uniform.”
Mr Crouch said the new vehicle would be a significant asset for the local team of volunteers.
“The Light Rigid Rescue Vehicle boasts cutting edge technology and has been purpose-built with safety as the number one priority,” Mr Crouch said.
“The Central Coast Rescue Squad has responded to over 300 emergencies and the volunteers are well-equipped to deal with a range of events, including vertical rescues, car accidents and flood evacuations.”
VRA Commissioner Mark Gibson welcomed the NSW Government investment.
“These new uniforms and investment in the Volunteer Rescue Association represents a new chapter in the organisations history, and shows the Government’s continued support of our volunteers and the commitment to community safety,” Commissioner Gibson said.
“Our members are ecstatic at the purchase of these new fire-retardant uniforms, that will both unite the organisation and help to keep every member protected when attending an emergency.”
The Volunteer Rescue Association is made up of more than 1,600 members, providing a mixture of primary rescue and support services to the communities of NSW.