Bush Search and Rescue Victoria

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

Welcome

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is a dedicated volunteer search and rescue service in the state of Victoria, Australia. We participate in land-based search and rescue for persons lost in bush and alpine areas under the direction of the Victoria Police.

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.

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.

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News

May 15, 2023May 15, 2023

Search for missing person in North East Victoria

4 May. In an extensive multi-day search which was predominantly conducted by road and air, two North East members of BSAR responded to a PolSAR request to conduct a one day on-foot task in the Mitta Mitta area. The missing person and her car were subsequently found from the air.

April 30, 2023May 8, 2023

Emergency Services Expo – Jamieson

BSAR joined over twenty emergency services at the 2023 Emergency Services Expo in Jamieson on Sunday 23rd April. Our participating members found this a rewarding experience, both as an opportunity to explain BSAR’s role to the public and as an opportunity to meet and learn from members of other emergency service agencies. BSAR wishes to …

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March 29, 2023March 29, 2023

Emergency Services Expo 2023

The Emergency Services Expo is on again, this time in Jamieson on 23rd April 2023. BSAR is participating alongside 22 other emergency service organisations. See here for event details. All are welcome.

Searches

BSAR was involved in the searches 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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Joining

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.

As a prospective member you need to:

be an experienced overnight bushwalker or ski tourer
have successfully completed an extended walk of at least four days or more
have had snow walking or snow camping experience
be a competent off-track navigator
be fully equipped for overnight walking
be sufficiently fit for prolonged heavy scrub bashing in difficult terrain
be at least 18 years of age

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Training

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.