TREMENDOUS efforts of unsung heroes, the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), are being commended after they rescued a cat which was stuck up a tree last week.
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The cat had been stuck up a tall tree on Mitchell Highway, near Orana Mall for four days and residents, including the son of Narrabri local Lee-Anne Booby, were getting concerned with the meowing.
Mrs Booby's son asked her to call someone, where she was directed to the VRA.
Rescue operator and acting deputy captain of the VRA Luis Perez-Mora has been with the VRA for four years and Kerry Kiley has been a rescue operator with the VRA for about eight years.
They were both involved in the rescue of the cat and say the response from the owner was fantastic.
"The owner was really happy, to the point where he is now interested in joining the squad," he said.
The VRA is a self-funded organisation that rescue animals and humans at incidences such as entrapments, car accidents, industrial accidents, vertical incidences and even help with missing person searches through land and water vehicles.
They have been giving back to the community whenever they can for 51 years and fundraise often to cover the cost of running the service, such as equipment.
Mr Perez-Mora said as the service was operated completely voluntarily it was often hard to attract and maintain members.
"We're always looking for volunteers. If you're looking to give back to the community in some way this is the best way," he said.
"I encourage people to join the association, it's a lot of fun."
The VRA is having an intake on August 14 and is encouraging anyone to come along.
No experience is necessary and all on-the-job training is provided.
