The first VRA General Land Rescue Squad was formed in 1950 to assist police with recovery of persons from the Murrumbidgee River, to provide flood rescue, evacuations and ferrying of food and medicines between isolated communities around Wagga Wagga in southern NSW.

Examples of these include squads with bushwalking, cave rescue, radio (communications), Australian Civil Air Patrol (aircraft), and dog expertise.

VRA Rescue has responded to the following major incidents: As with many volunteer organisations, an increasing number of VRA squads face difficulties recruiting sufficient personnel in order to respond effectively to incidents.

[3] With responsibility moving to other organisations such as Fire and Rescue NSW and the State Emergency Service.

VRA has received government funding for new vehicles, equipment and training, $18.8 million over four years.