Bush Search and Rescue Victoria

A number of batteries commonly found on supermarket shelves and hardware stores in Australia were recently put to the test in the Garmin Vista HCx GPS units commonly used by BSAR. Fresh batteries were purchased in packs of 4 and the standard price noted per battery. Batteries were placed in a GPS unit. The unit was turned on and operated such that it displayed the Main Menu screen. The GPS unit was placed on a shelf at room temperature.

A 42 year old female has been reported missing at Point Nepean National Park.   BSAR is assisting with this search. A limited  numbers callout was conducted via SMS and email. BSAR searchers departed Northcote 06.00 Thurs 29 Oct 09.

Update: This search was successfully concluded the same day. The person was found in the nearby town. The photo below shows the BSAR team that attended on the day.

Andy Reynolds, an active BSAR member, is now stocking Cactus Climbing Equipment clothing and gear. He is also an authorised seller of SPOT satellite messenger. Andy is offering BSAR and BSAR members this gear at discounted prices. The range of cactus rucksacks and gear is particularly suitable to searching needs.

You can contact him as follows:

Email: andy@soulfree.com.au
Mobile: 0488 477 271
Web: www.soulfreeadventures.com.au

 The October 2009 edition of our newsletter Behind the Log is out now. This edition contains details on the Feathertop search, the winter steep snow and ice practice earlier this year and our upcoming October training event.

On Sunday 27th September, a 60 year old amateur photographer from Warburton was reported missing after going for a walk near Cambarville, in the hills behind Warburton.

During the night, VicPol SAR requested the assistance of Bush Search and Rescue.  A team of 17 searchers departed Northcote  early Monday morning but was turned around when the missing man reported to search organisers at Cambarville.  According to media sources, he became lost while taking a shortcut through forest and found his own way out shortly after first light.

GPSs and Avalanche Transceivers can be borrowed by BSAR members for up to two weeks at a time. This allows members to become familiar with the equipment in their own time.

To borrow a GPS unit, please contact Jim Grelis on 0400 999 445.

The New Zealand Alpine Club, with the help of the Melbourne Melbourne University Mountaineering Club and Bogong Equipment, will host one of the world's most distinguished mountaineers when it welcomes British climber and author Stephen Venables to Australia in September.

Venue: Elizabeth Murdoch Lecture Theatre, University of Melbourne, Swanston St, Melbourne

Minister found. A search for Victorian Water Minister, Tim Holding MLA in the vicinity of Mount Feathertop concluded successfully when a news helicopter located Minister Holding on Tuesday morning (1/9). 

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria getting ready to depart Melbourne for Mount Feathertop search

The Draft BSAR Recognition and Funding Policy is now available on the Policies page of the web site at Bushwalking Victoria. You are welcome to review the policy and offer suggestions to update it. Comments welcome till the 30th September.

BSAR's annual training weekend is coming up in October this year. This event is open to current BSAR members as well as those interested and eligible to join BSAR. There will be some interesting workshops held on the weekend as well as a search scenario. More details on the Training page.