John Retchford joined Bush Search and Rescue Victoria and attended his first search in 1961. During the subsequent forty-five years he made substantial and significant contributions in many aspects of Bush Search and Rescue’s field and administrative operations.  

John attended many searches and became a Group Leader. 

John was a Field Organiser for twenty-eight years from March 1973 until March 2001, during which time he lead Bush Search and Rescue members on 17 searches.

John Bush Search and Rescue Convener from 1976 to 1979.

He was chair of the sub-committee that prepared the first edition of the Search and Rescue Manual in 1993.

John served as a Police Liaison Officer then Membership Secretary until his retirement in November 2006.  

John also holds the record for length of service as a member of the Bushwalking and Mountaincraft Training Advisory Board, including chairing the steering committee and being Director of Final Assessment from 1978 to 1980.

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is very grateful to John for his long and dedicated association with and contributions to the organisation.

Photo: John Retchford with then Minister for Sport, Recreation & Racing, Hon. Tom Reynolds, at the launch of the 1st edition of  the manual, 8th May 1993