Marine Rescue needs volunteers

Nearly 200 boat-related incidents have been attended to by Central Coast Marine Rescue in the past six months.

Unit Commander Ian Morrow said the incidents had included sinking vessels, engine difficulties and flat batteries, boats that have run aground and “bad fuel”, caused from fuel sitting dormant in the petrol tank for too long.

“We don’t get a lot of recognition but we’re here to help 24/7,” Morrow said. He was recently named Volunteer Manager 2023 at the Central Coast National Volunteer Week Awards.

The youngest member of Marine Rescue Central Coast, Will Shaddock, says that Marine Rescue’s motto is “saving lives on the water”, and, apart from great camaraderie, “it’s wonderful to know we’re helping local boaties.”

The 18 year old was recently highly commended as the Young Volunteer of the Year at the same award ceremony.

Meanwhile, more than 150 years of combined volunteer service was recognised by Marine Rescue Central Coast at a recent awards evening.

Both Marine Rescue Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Darren

Schott made the drive up the M1 to congratulate members who were recognised, especially long-time volunteer with numerous organisations, Sherwin Hensby.

Hensby, 81, was officially presented with his Life Achievement Award, recognising 35 years of volunteer service.

Hensby’s years of volunteering began with the Rural Fire Service, where he spent many years serving food to firefighters on scene through the RFS canteen, along with other duties.

Following a recent bout of cancer, he now helps out where he can.

Other recipients were recognised for service ranging from five years to 35 years.

Rescue NSW award members receive a badge at five years, a medal at 10 years and a clasp every 10 years after that and a National Medal after 15 years’ service, followed each 10 years with a clasp.

Marine Rescue Central Coast is currently looking for additional volunteers.

If you’ve ever thought about joining the team at Brisbane

Food network looking for new members

If you’re interested in buying organic food at affordable prices, becoming a member of the Peninsula Environment Group (PEG) Food Network could be for you.

The non-profit organisation, based in Woy Woy and now in its 15th year, buys organic or chemical-free produce at wholesale prices.

“The result is we get organic food at similar prices to nonorganic food in the supermarket,” co-ordinator Cherel Waters said.

“That’s better for the environment and for your health.”

Unlike many organic buying groups, the PEG Food Network isn’t a box system.

Instead, members order exactly what they want.

The group orders every fortnight, on a Monday.

It is now offering two types of membership.

You can help for two hours with the “food divvy”, at Woy Woy Environment Centre on Blackwall Rd, or you can be a “non-divvying member” for an extra $15 per fortnight and have your food sorted ready for you to collect.

“Helping with the food divvy keeps our costs down, and is a chance to meet other group members,” Waters said.

“But for people who work or can’t make it on Monday mornings, being a ‘nondivvying’ member is a great option.”

As well as the fortnightly fresh food order, the group does quarterly bulk orders of dry food from organic wholesalers, such as rice, flour, beans, nuts, dried fruits, natural cleaning products and more, as well as miscellaneous orders such as organic wine, recycled toilet paper and organic garlic.

“Having the numbers to do large orders allows us to get wholesale prices on all sorts of items,” Waters said.

The Peninsula Environment