Our club has been involved in search and rescue since 1985.
The club at present has 2 volunteers and 3 contacts, and will welcome new members.
We have been on most major searches during that period.
The source of this information was taken from the search and rescue section publication.
Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is a group of over 200 volunteer bushwalkers who assist the Victoria Police with searching for people lost in bush areas of Victoria.
The section was formed in 1949 at the request of police.
The section provides trained bushwalkers, cross country skiers and mountaineers for searches in remote areas, ski resorts and popular areas such as Lake Mountain and Wilsons Promontory.
In 1989 the Victoria Police awarded the section a Chief Commissioner's Certificate to recognise 40 years service to the public of Victoria.
Members of clubs within the Bushwalking Victoria Walking Clubs who meet our entry standards can join.
Members may be called at any time to assist with a search.
Transport to a search area is provided by the police.
At search headquarters, members are organised into search groups. Bush Search and Rescue Victoria has its own group leaders, under the direction of a Field Organiser.
Members may be required to carry out day searches, or a longer search task extending overnight.
Members provide their own bushwalking equipment and food. Specialist equipment is provided by Bush Search and Rescue Victoria and police.
Bush Search and Rescue Victoria conducts training weekends for members, and holds day or evening workshops on specialist topics. These are advertised through the bushwalking clubs.
Training covers search procedures, radio skills, rescue techniques, first aid, leadership and navigation.
Prospective members are welcome to attend.
You need to:
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Be an experienced overnight walker.
3. Have done an extended walk of at least four days.
4. Have snow camping experience.
5. Be a competent bush navigator.
6. Be fully equipped for overnight walking.
7. Be sufficiently fit for prolonged travel through heavy scrub in difficult
terrain.
You must be a member of a club affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria
and have your club's endorsement to join Bush Search and Rescue Victoria.
You need to have your employer's support in order to take leave without notice.
Members are required to arrive for a search with 3 days food and equipment and employer consent for two days.
A member can decline a call-out request for any reason.
A police certificate of attendance is issued to each member attending a search.
Work Cover, property and public liability insurance are provided for members on searches and in training through provisions in the Victorian Emergency Management Act (1986).