IT TOOK a tragedy establish it, but more than 40 years on, the Leeton Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) is still going strong and providing a vital service to the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Known to many simply as "the rescue squad", the Leeton VRA was founded in 1973 after an accident two years earlier and next month it will celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The need for a VRA branch in Leeton was highlighted in 1971 when four people were killed when a truck and ute collided at Boyer's Crossing, with the lack of appropriate cutting tools and trained operators contributing to the toll.
The squad held its first meeting in the boardroom of the Leeton Ambulance Station and it has continued to grow since then.
A weekend of events is planned on November 1 and 2 to mark the occasion, with VRA and community dignitaries, and founding, former and current members all expected to attend.
VRA Captain Glen Hehir said times had changed in the past four decades.
"Technology and tools are the big ones for sure," he said.
"Even the accidents and such
that we attend ... cars are safer, there's more RBTs (random breath tests) by police and it's the law to wear seatbelts these days."
The weekend will kick-off with an informal get-together on November 1 before celebrations officially get underway the following day.
An open day at the VRA headquarters in Market Street will give residents the opportunity to take a look through the facility and equipment, as well as watch rescue and tool demonstrations.
The Leeton VRA's "new" truck will be unveiled, which has been purchased from the Wagga VRA thanks to grants and donations from the community and businesses in town.
A special visitor will be attending the open day, with Leeton VRA president Paul Smith hopeful the community will turn out to help celebrate the milestone.
"We're looking forward to it, so we'd like to see lots of people down here," he said.
The Lions train will be running during the open day, as well as a jumping castle and a barbecue lunch being cooked up by the Yanco Lions Club.
The open day will commence from 10am to 3pm, with a formal dinner at the Historic Hydro Motor Inn that evening to round out the celebrations.