The Mudgee Volunteer Rescue Squad will recognise 45 years of public service with a special commemorative dinner next Friday.
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In 1974 the service clubs of Mudgee recognised the need for a specialist rescue group in the local community - especially in relation to motor vehicle accidents - and following a number of meetings, the foundations of the Rescue Squad were laid.
During that year a group was established to form a rescue unit and as a result of their dedication, the nucleus of the squad was operating by December and was formally established in January 1975.
After a lot of extra ground work, the young unit was affiliated with the NSW Volunteer Rescue Organisation 45 years ago on March 20.
Initially the squad had 14 members who trained hard to meet the strict requirements of qualified rescue operators and, alongside the local service clubs and the Mudgee Soldiers Club, worked on raising the finances needed to buy the specialist equipment and pay running costs.
That early equipment was basic though and was carried in their first vehicle - a small trailer. This was followed by a truck purchased from the Central Coast Rescue Squad before Mudgee Council donated one of their surplus garbage trucks - which was converted to a first class rescue vehicle that served the community for the coming decades.
With the support of the community, 'Rescue One' was built and put into service, increasing their operational efficiency and transporting the equipment needed for the variety of tasks they are called upon to carry out to assist those in need. Their fleet now also includes two quick response vehicles to allow members to assist Rescue One and carry extra crews.
From their humble beginnings - and with the continued generosity of the local community and their sponsors - the squad now has the most up-to-date equipment. This is a never ending task, as new and more efficient tools are always being developed, but the local gear is second-to-none.
Of the 14 original members that were the nucleus of the squad, three are still serving in various fields - still helping the community as well as mentoring the new members.
The unit has an average of 20 members and that figure has been maintained for a number of years. However, they're always on the lookout for new recruits, those people who are prepared to give their time to train and assist the community in its time of need.
No pay, just the appreciation of the people that you help.
The 45th anniversary dinner at Club Mudgee next Friday evening will be a tribute to all of those who've made that commitment and to honour their dedication.
