Chair’s report

Chair

James Glissan AM ESM QC

From the Chair

Plan sets our course to deliver vision for a better future.

The official opening of our first offshore rescue unit on Lord Howe Island, coupled with the commissioning of the largest vessel in our fleet, was a true celebration of a community’s commitment to harnessing its strength and abilities to care for its own and deliver its vision for a better, safer future.

We were fortunate to be able to welcome NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller and members of the Lord Howe Island Board to the new unit’s base, set in one of the finest locations it is possible to imagine, and aboard the 16m Lord Howe 40.

The most important guests by the picturesque lagoon that day, however, were not those in suits and braid but Unit Commander Jim McFadyen and his colleagues in blue. Jim’s family has a long history on Lord Howe. After 24 years in the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, he left the mainland for island life and has met the challenge to make a difference. He has assembled a talented and experienced volunteer workforce who share his vision to make boating safer for the island’s many local and visiting people of the sea.

Marine Rescue NSW shares their vision and is pleased to work together with the island’s volunteers, investing $1.4 million in the resources, infrastructure and facilities they require for their mission to save lives on their spectacular waters. We could only achieve this with the support of the State Government and Commissioner Fuller, who was keen to see for himself the refurbishment of the former Police vessel Fearless,

now operating in our livery as LH 40.

All this support would have amounted to nought without the dedication to serving others of the 35 members of our newest unit. I thank each of them for their work to make their vision a reality.

Our newest unit is, in a way, a microcosm of our organisation. The Board and staff provide the essential infrastructure and support our volunteer units require to operate but our organisation would not exist without the skill and commitment of more than 3,000 individuals with a belief in making a difference. Working in partnership, we continue to deliver immense benefits for the boating public and the wider community.

This is without argument the leading volunteer marine rescue service in this nation but we cannot rest on our laurels. We must remain determined, continue to strive for excellence and be ambitious in our goals to achieve even greater

service and capability. We must chart a clear and defined course to our destination and each contribute, no matter our role, responsibilities or duties.

This course is taking the shape of a new strategic plan, currently being developed to steer our progress and deliver on our vision over the coming three years. While the process is, by necessity, being driven from Headquarters, members must - and will - be able to have their say.

For this reason, a survey seeking our members’ views and feedback is being circulated. I ask each of you to respond frankly and constructively. While it is not possible to incorporate 3,000-plus different viewpoints in a plan to drive an organisation, our volunteers’ experience and input will be in the DNA of this document.

I look forward to the challenges and achievements ahead as we all, like the members of MR Lord Howe Island, work together to deliver on our vision for a better, safer, stronger future.

Safe sailing

Jim Glissan

We must remain determined, continue to strive for excellence and be ambitious in our goals.

Pride of the fleet ... MR Lord Howe Island Unit Commander Jim McFadyen, Chair Jim Glissan and NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller at the helm of our first ocean-going vessel, Lord Howe 40.