The Volunteer Rescue Association received bright new uniforms last week, marking an upgrade years in the making.

President of the Wagga VRA Ray Willett said they had been trying to bring their uniforms in line with other rescue organisations "for a number of years".

"It was finally agreed upon in October 2019, and now we can show them off," he said.

"This is the first time in the group's history that members haven't had to buy their own protective gear.

"They're now kitted out from head to toe, boots to helmets, and it's all fire retardant and up to standards."

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The new look was not the only upgrade for the unit, though, who became the first VRA group in NSW to receive brand new equipment on Monday night.

Fire Rescue Safety Australia's NSW/ACT regional manager Brett Robinson said the Wagga VRA now had "top of the line Holmatro rescue tools" at their disposal.

"They're all newly designed by a Dutch company, and all battery operated," he said.

"They're very powerful, very strong tools."

Mr Robinson said among the new tools was a cutter, which may be used in instances of car accidents where a door needs to be removed, as well as a spreader, which can be used to prop a door open if someone is trapped.

Wagga VRA president Mr Willett said every member was "chuffed" with their new gear.

"We're all pretty happy with it, especially given we are the oldest unit in the state, so getting a big refresh like this is very welcome," he said.

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