Elders grant boosts VRA with life-saving equipment

Leone Oehlers, Wayne Mendes, Mark Atkin, Vernon Claassen, Edward Ryan, and Jason Jackson.

12th Aug 2025

The Guyra community has received a major safety boost thanks to Elders, with VRA Rescue NSW – Guyra being awarded a $6,000 grant through the Elders Community Giving Project.
The grant will fund the purchase of a Holmatro T1 Forcible Entry Tool, a compact, hydraulic rescue device designed for rapid access in emergencies. For a regional town like Guyra — where distances, volunteer response, and timely access to critical equipment can mean the difference between life and death — this tool is a vital addition.
The Holmatro T1 will allow Guyra’s dedicated volunteer team to respond more efficiently to incidents such as car crashes, structural entrapments, and other rescue scenarios. Its portability and single-operator design are perfectly suited for rural emergency situations where resources are limited and every second counts.
Vice President Vernon Claassen said the equipment would make a real difference to the team’s response efforts.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Elders for supporting this initiative.” Vernon said. “This contribution will help us continue protecting lives across the region.”
The funding was presented on Friday by Mark Atkin, Branch Manager of Elders Armidale & Guyra, as part of Elders’ long-standing commitment to investing in the regions they serve. The Community Giving Project is a grant program, where Elders supports initiatives that provide sustainable, tangible and long-term benefits with positive outcomes for communities at a grassroots level, further building capacity, longevity, liveability and connection in our regions.
“It’s fantastic to see this grant go towards something that will directly improve emergency response and community safety,” Mark said.
The grant is part of a national program that received over 500 applications, with Guyra standing out as a deserving recipient under the Safety First category.
The Community Giving Project selection panel received high calibre applications, demonstrating the dedication and commitment to the continued investment and capacity building across our regions. There is truly great work being done in regional, rural and remote communities and Elders are proud that they can play a part in amplifying this.

Going strong for 100 years

Phone	(02) 6779 2347
Email	Contact Us
Social

Elders grant boosts VRA with life-saving equipment

Menu

News

Contact