Bush Search and Rescue Victoria
Volunteer search and rescue in Victorian bush and alpine regions
Three BSAR members particpated in the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games held in Melbourne over 19-24 April 2014.
John McGauran competed in the stair climb and wond a gold medal in the 60-64 age group class. Â John’s time would have won the bronze medal in the in the 40-44 age group. Â Congratulations John!
Continue reading “BSAR members success in the 2014 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games”
David Reid, Past President and Board Member of Bushwalking Victoria, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2014 Australia Day honours for services to bushwalking.
This award is recognition of many years of dedicated advocacy and service on behalf of all bushwalkers.
The Donna Buang search of 1953 was one of the pivotal searches in the history of Bush Search and Rescue Victoria. Bill Bewsher performed the role of Field Organiser at a time when the Victoria Police did not yet have a search and rescue squad. Â BSAR personnel conducted the structured searching and recovered the two missing people, stretchering them both to the road. (Source The Scroggin Eaters).
One of the survivors, Jennifer Laycock, lost her legs to frostbite and the media labelled her the “Snow Girl” as they followed her recovery.
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.
Stuart Brookes is a keen bushwalker who has contributed much to recreational bushwalking, including long service with Bush Search and Rescue, in Victoria.
Stuart has produced maps of Victoria’s Alpine Area and other popular bushwalking destinations from the late 1940s to the current day.  These maps are regularly updated and provide reliable and detailed information tailored to the needs of bushwalkers.
Stuart was director of Initial Training with the Bushwalking and Mountaincraft Leadership course from 1973 – 77 and chairman of the Bushwalking and Mountaincraft Training Advisory Board 1982 – 85.
Rik Head, a long serving Bush Search and Rescue member and Field Organiser, was awarded the Emergency Service Medal for a lifetime commitment to search, rescue and safety in the bush and mountains on Australia Day, 26 January 2011.
As a Field Organiser in Bush Search and Rescue Victoria, Rik has been instrumental in implementing and improving many search, management and training methods and systems including the innovative use of technology.
Continue reading “Rik Head awarded Emergency Services Medal”