![Join in: Dubbo VRA president Robert Chenhall and vice-captain Luis Perez-Mora encourage volunteers to join the squad. Photo: PAIGE WILLIAMS Join in: Dubbo VRA president Robert Chenhall and vice-captain Luis Perez-Mora encourage volunteers to join the squad. Photo: PAIGE WILLIAMS](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/izci64YbYS6jQvS4hkCwXR/d15dfa8d-7889-4954-bd7b-ad3f2227b667.JPG/r0_183_2944_1635_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Dubbo branch of the Volunteer Rescue Association is encouraging people to make volunteering their new year’s resolution.
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The squad is hoping a membership drive that will run into 2017 can double their membership from 15 people to 30.
Dubbo Rescue squad captain David Chenhall said the current squad size was good enough to function but said it was important to think ahead in case current members moved or no longer had the time to volunteer.
“We currently have 15 members and that’s not a bad number but if we have a few people who left, it would leave us short,” Mr Chenhall said.
“It takes about 12 months to train so we are looking to add some new members and get them experience before that happens.
Mr Chenhall said people should join if they are looking to give something back to the community and work with an enthusiastic, friendly team.
There was a role for everyone, he said, regardless of the amount of time they had to offer or their skillset.
“Some people might be put off because they don’t think they can handle the intensity of being at the scene of an accident but we have non-operational positions that don’t involve that,” he said.
“We do fundraising activities like the fireworks on new year’s eve, we did Red Hot Summer Tour and we do Derby Day so there are always ways to lend a hand.
“Without those volunteers, we would have very little income and couldn’t get new tools and equipment.”
Operational activities including responding to car accidents and other emergencies where a rescue could be required and police searches.
Mr Chenhall said it was a rewarding experience.
Anyone who joined the squad would be put through a Certificate 2 in Public Safety and the only prerequisites were no criminal history, a senior first aid certificate and a working with children’s check, he said.
If you are interested in joining, contact the VRA on 0437 331 735 or visit the Dubbo Rescue Squad Facebook page.