And, this month, that dedication will be celebrated as the organisation marks its 40th anniversary.

The Merriwa Rescue Squad – an affiliate of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Inc – was formed following a community meeting in the aftermath of a disastrous motor vehicle accident four decades ago.

On that occasion, Reg Hinchey, Bob Barker, Trevor Smith, Gerard McRae, Albert Coorey, John Stevenson, Reg Hopkins, John Ireland, Bob Ellis, John Hayward, Barry Nutt, Alan Cashen, Ashley Bond, Geoff Hussey, Phillip Smith, John Wightman Jnr, Lee Amidy, Bill Nibbs, Mac Gosper, Peter Stewart, Hylton Cronin, James Constable, Glen Hunt, Barry Fittler, Tom Mulcahy, Mick Nutt, Graham Meyer, Richard Ordish, Cyril D’Oliviera, Peter George, Tom King, Ian Channing, Robert Goodear and Michael Nutt attended the Merriwa Bowls and Golf Club on August 10, 1978.

Since then, it has remained a vital component of the Merriwa community, being actively involved in any flood, fire, rescue, motor vehicle accident or land search to have occurred in the past 40 years.

Squad president Andrew Luke highlighted their advancement as he reflected on the days where life-saving equipment was carted to and from scenes in a trailer towed by private vehicles, before the introduction of two ex-Police Rescue Ford 350 trucks, through to the current purpose built Hino Rescue Truck and Toyota Hilux 4x4 rescue vehicles the group has today.

While community support has kept the squad alive overtime, it is the reassurance factor which has volunteers returning to its ranks time and time again.

Helping the public in times of need is the driving force behind each volunteer’s commitment, the squad being actively involved in any emergency to hit the area.

It responds in a frontline capacity to a wide range of emergencies, as well as supporting other emergency services in times of need. 

From bushfire support to crime scene lighting and body recovery, to medical support with ambulance to forcible entry, from snake handling to storm response and recovery, there’s not much that the squad doesn’t do.

“We can’t fix what’s happened but we can certainly try help get people back on their feet,” Mr Luke said.

“It’s always nice to know that someone else’s life is a little bit better because the squad was able to offer some meaningful assistance, whether it’s traffic control on Anzac Day, or at an accident site in the bush or on the side of the road.

“The community realise their day has gotten a bit better once the VRA has arrived on scene.

“It’s the look of reassurance; that ‘thank goodness you guys are here’.”

For some volunteers the desire to help in times of need is too strong to part with, such as founding members Dennis Moroney and James Constable, who remain valuable assets to the squad.

“They’ve seen the squad grow from its early days right through to where it is now,” Mr Luke said.

“The amount of wisdom and expertise they bring [to the squad], particularly when it comes to larger scale incidents or emergencies is irreplaceable. 

“Experience in leadership is something we really value.”

Mr Luke said fellow emergency services personnel share the same sentiment, a testament to the founding members and volunteers who keep the squad alive today.

The squad endeavours to uphold its reputation of providing a helping hand anywhere, anytime within the Merriwa community, with the sights set on bigger and better opportunities.

“We’re working in conjunction with Upper Hunter Shire Council and other emergency services in construction of a purpose-built emergency facility to house our squad, which will double as an emergency operations centre for all agencies to use in the case of a large scale emergency,” Mr Luke said.

“We’ve battled through many challenges over the past 40 years and we’re always looking forward and diversifying our skill sets. 

“One example is our updating of training and accreditation in vertical rescue. 

“As the risk changes, we’re adapting to meet the growing needs of the community.”

The 40th Anniversary Dinner will take place at the Merriwa Sports Club on Saturday, November 17, from 6.30pm.

Cost is $20 per person for a three-course meal.

RSVP to Peta Luke at merriwarescue@gmail.com as soon as possible for catering purposes.