Volunteers from Bush Search and Rescue Victoria (BSAR) took part in the extensive search in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales this week (6-9 January) for missing bushwalker Hadi Nazari. Having stopped to take photographs on the descent of Hannels Spur, Mr Nazari lost his way and failed to reunite with his friends at Geehi campground.

Victoria Police requested a small BSAR team to join the search effort and 14 members travelled to the search area early Monday morning, many taking time off work or interrupting their vacations to join the search.

BSAR regularly assists Victoria Police with searches for lost people in bushland areas and the snow fields of Victoria, by providing small, self-sufficient search groups capable of sustained searching in steep, rough and scrubby terrain in any weather conditions.

Amongst the over 250 BSAR members who are all experienced and skilled bushwalkers, there are those who are also skiing, rogaining, climbing and mountaineering enthusiasts. BSAR members are also provided with specific search and rescue training

As a volunteer search and rescue group, BSAR has served the Victorian community since 1949. This search has only been the second assisting emergency services colleagues across the border.

Thanks to the approximately 300 people from various emergency service agencies and volunteers involved in this 13-day search. A good outcome for all and a great relief for Hadi Nazari’s family and friends.

For what to do to avoid getting lost and what to do if it happens, visit the Bushwalking Manual’s “Lost?” page. The steps described will make it easier to get help from emergency services if needed.

MORE ABOUT BSAR

To report a lost person – call 000 and ask for Police.

BSAR acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples today.

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is a dedicated volunteer search and rescue service.  We assist the Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad with search and rescue for persons lost or distressed in bush and alpine areas in our state.

Our searchers include experienced bushwalkers, backcountry and cross-country skiers and mountaineers who have had specialist search and rescue training . We are capable of operating independently in the field for several days.

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BSAR was involved in the searches and rescues listed below as part of the emergency service response under Police direction.

BSAR acknowledges and thanks all the volunteer and professional services with whom our members work closely, including the Police Search and Rescue Squad, Police Transport Branch, Police Field Catering, local Police, other specialist Police units, SES, CFA, Parks Victoria, DEECA, Ski Patrol and local communities.

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Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is open to members of Bushwalking Victoria clubs and Bushwalking Victoria Individual Members who meet the experience and age entry requirements listed below. The entry requirements basically ensure that members are competent and experienced bushwalkers, ready to receive specific training in search and rescue techniques.

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Bush Search and Rescue holds regular training events.  The usual formats are:

General search and rescue training – held each year over a weekend. The format rotates following a three year cycle: bush, snow, bush incorporating a rogaine.  This is open to all members and prospective members.

Alpine search and rescue training – held each year, for members with alpine skills and experience.  This specialist training is not required for all BSAR members.

See Calendar for dates of upcoming training.

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