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Note: COVID-19 procedures are mandatory for BSAR members attending searches

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Welcome

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is a dedicated volunteer search and rescue service in the state of Victoria, Australia.  We participate in land-based search and rescue for persons lost in bush and alpine areas under the direction of the Victoria Police.

Our searchers include experienced bushwalkers, backcountry and cross-country skiers and mountaineers who have had specialist search and rescue training . We are capable of operating independently in the field for several days.

Our BSAR Manual provides information about  search and rescue.

For updates on searches and other topics see News

 

News

Posted on

The ‘Button Man’ could be key to mounting mountain mystery

John Sylvester has written an interesting article  in The Age about several people missing in the Victorian Alps. BSAR was involved in some searches for some of these missing people including Tomahawk Creek (2011),  Merrijig (2019) and Mount Dom Dom  (2008) Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Posted on

Search for missing person near Warbuton

7:00 pm Thu 14 May. BSAR members were called-out to search for a missing person nears Warbuton. 7:00 am Fri  15 May. 26 BSAR members travelled to Warburton and commenced searching. 12:00 noon Fri  15 May.  Missing person found alive, all searchers were called in and returned to base.

Joining

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is open to members of Bushwalking Victoria clubs and Bushwalking Victoria Individual Members who meet the experience and age entry requirements listed below. The entry requirements basically ensure that members are competent and experienced bushwalkers, ready to receive specific training in search and rescue techniques.

As a prospective member you need to:

  • be an experienced overnight bushwalker or ski tourer
  • have successfully completed an extended walk of at least four days or more
  • have had snow walking or snow camping experience
  • be a competent off-track navigator
  • be fully equipped for overnight walking
  • be sufficiently fit for prolonged heavy scrub bashing in difficult terrain
  • be at least 18 years of age

Continue reading “Joining”

Training

Bush Search and Rescue holds regular training events.  The usual formats are:

General search and rescue training – held each year over a weekend. The format rotates following a three year cycle: bush, snow, bush incorporating a Rogaine.  This is open to all members and Prospective Members.

Alpine search and rescue training – held each year, for members with alpine skills and experience.  This specialist training is not required for all BSAR members.

Steep snow and ice training

Continue reading “Training”