Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced on Friday $10,000 in funding from the state government to help the volunteer organisation secure the much needed 4WD.

The VRA’s previous 4WD was written off when it collided with a motorbike returning from a job in September last year.

Lithgow VRA captain Ian Bennett said his team is currently operating with a single vehicle that does not have the off-road capabilities of a 4WD.

“We do a lot of bush work which requires 4WD capability and at the moment we can’t. We’re the primary response rescue for this area and we can’t do bush work at the moment,” Mr Bennett said.

“We do abseiling for this area as well so all cliff rescues are ours and if we can’t there we’ve got to call in groups from either an hour away or 40 minutes away.”

Paul Toole said he was thrilled to be able to lobby for funding to support the VRA’s request for assistance towards a new vehicle.

“The Lithgow and District VRA give some much and ask for very little in return,” Mr Toole said.

“This critical service is run by a team of dedicated and skilled volunteers. To ensure this life saving continues, we need to support their needs by ensuring they have the best equipment available to help with their life saving service.”

The VRA are now $7-8000 away from their total fundraising goal of $30’000 to purchase a second-hand 4WD and equip it for rescues.

They have previously raised funds through barbecues, raffles and other community support.

“Basically without the state government, without Paul Toole, we’d still be struggling… we thank the state government and Paul Toole for helping us out and the community. The community gets on board with us and gives us what they can.”

If you would like to help the VRA secure a new rescue 4WD, call 6351 4621 or email lithgow@rescue.org.au.