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

Welcome

BSAR Safety clothing
BSAR searchers on Eskdale Spur (Bordermail)

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

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2023 Main Training

4-6 August. This year’s main training weekend was planned as a snow based programme on the Buffalo Plateau but was relocated to JB Plain to ensure snow cover. Despite the absence of continuous snow even at JB, the programme was comfortably rejigged for the conditions and participants enjoyed a stimulating programme. Training had a strong …

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Steep Snow and Ice Training Weekend

22-23 July. This year’s Steep Snow and Ice training weekend was held at JB Plain. Training included; safe snow travel, self-arrest, avalanche rescue, including use of transceivers and probes, patient management and stretcher hauling. The training culminated in a search scenario utilizing the skills practised during the weekend. It was a successful and enjoyable weekend.

Searches

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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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.

See Calendar for dates of upcoming training.

2014 BSAR Steep Snow Ice training at Razorback
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