The generosity of the Glen Innes community shone through as the Glen Innes Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) had its new rescue vehicle commissioned on Saturday morning in front of more than 150 people.
The new Isuzu NPR 300 cost around $90,000 including modifications, but there was never any doubt the Rescue Squad would obtain this amount with an inundation of donations from community groups and individuals alike.
The squad received $40,000 from the NSW VRA to purchase the truck but the remaining $50,000 needed to fit it out with the right equipment was raised by the community.
The Glen Innes Lions Club had led the establishment of the Glen Innes VRA in 1974 and was the greatest single donor for the new vehicle. After making a commitment of $5,000 from its own funds, the club successfully applied to the Australian Lions Foundation for a $15,000 grant on the understanding other community groups would also pitch in. Which they did, led by a $4000 donation from the Opportunity Shop.
Lions Club immediate past president Ken Brien said the service was one the club was particularly conscious of supporting.
“The main reason for the club giving so much support was that we had helped them start off and wanted to continue with that.
“Working in the kinds of conditions they do, they need the right equipment and provide a valuable service. We’d help them anytime,” he said.
The fit-out of the truck was completed locally by Jay Weir at Tablelands Engineering and involved the building of the aluminium body on the back that was custom built to the VRA’s requirements and included all slide out trays and storage.
Representatives of the many community groups who donated to the cause were present at Saturday’s commissioning, including Australian Lions Foundation chairman Col Arthur, VRA state treasurer Pauline Stewart and VRA regional coordinator Col Stewart.
Rescue squad captain Mike Brewer said the VRA had been overwhelmed by the assistance received and was glad to see so many present on Saturday.
“It was really good to see such a big crowd and there were a lot of locals which is what we really wanted,” he said.
“There are 20 members in the squad and each of them presented those who had helped along the way with a gift. We really owe a big thanks to the local community.”
Federal Member for New England Tony Windsor and State Member for the Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay were also present for the occasion. Mr Windsor said the new truck was a tribute to the community.
“It was extraordinary to see the number of people that were there and the list of people who gave to it,” he said.
“Volunteers are critical to our economy and we couldn’t do without them. I think that voluntary spirit is what communities are all about.”
The new truck will join two other trucks while the old 1979 Ford F250 has been donated to the Land of the Beardies History House Museum as an example of an early primary response vehicle.
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