Middle Harbour volunteer rescues woman from burning building
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers train abroad with International Maritime Rescue Federation colleagues
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Ten rescue assets came together for the Illawarra Search and Rescue Exercise
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KL 20 crew on the job
From the Commissioner
Demand for our services remained strong in 2023-24 with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completing a record 4,598 search and rescue missions, safely returning more than 10,300 boaters to shore. Volunteer radio operators monitored the airwaves 24/7 and handled more than 240,000 marine radio calls.
While the cooler months saw the demand slow slightly, the warmer weather experienced in October, combined with the busy school holiday period resulted in the busiest October in our history. Highly skilled volunteers responded to close to 400 requests for assistance, 94 of which were in response to life-endangering emergencies. This upwards trend looks to be continuing and I am expecting our members have a busy summer ahead.
This ongoing high demand requires a flotilla of skilled volunteers. Three major Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREXs) have been held over recent months in Shellharbour, Sydney and Coffs Harbour to keep our members rescue-ready. SAREXs involve our partner agencies, such as NSW Police Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, Australian Maritime Safety Authority and rescue helicopter services and are designed to hone our members’ skills and enhance cross agency collaboration.
The State Operations Group (SOG) formed following the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, has continued to grow with additional training days held at units in Sussex Inlet, Tuross Moruya and Broken Bay. Marine Rescue NSW now has more than 100 SOG endorsed operators who are able to be deployed to support NSW SES flood response operations.
Marine Rescue NSW’s partnership with the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), where I serve on the Board, enabled two highly credentialed members to experience incredible training and learning opportunities aboard in Finland and the Netherlands. Both members returned enriched with new knowledge and pride, with our own training and capability holding its own on the world stage.
It is our people that keep our organisation thriving, without them, we would not be able to deliver our essential search and rescue service to the NSW boating community. I am extremely proud to see many of our members recognised in this edition of Soundings, not only for their role as Marine Rescue NSW members, but also for their unwavering commitment to their communities.
If you are planning to go boating this summer, please don’t become a statistic. It only takes a few simple steps for a safer day on the water. Boaters should ensure their vessel is in good working order before heading out, that there is sufficient fuel in the tank for their planned adventure, plus extra in reserve and everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.
Most importantly, I encourage all boaters to take advantage of our free vessel monitoring service by Logging On and Logging Off with Marine Rescue NSW via the free app or VHF Channel 16. By
ALEX BARRELL Commissioner Chief Executive Officer
Logging On, you provide crucial information about your trip – such as your destination and expected return time – which can save precious time in an emergency when every second counts.
The vital role of the Marine Rescue NSW app in saving lives on the water and offering peace of mind to boaters and their families has gained international recognition with the app recently named runner-up in the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s 2024 Award for Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue.
The festive season is fast approaching and many of our volunteers will forgo precious time with their families and friends to help boaters in need. Please keep them in your thoughts and if you see a Marine Rescue NSW crew out on the water, I’m sure a festive acknowledgment would be well received.
Stay safe on our beautiful waterways.
Alex Barrell
From the Chair
This past year has been a significant one for Marine Rescue NSW, marking 15 years of dedicated service to the boating community of NSW. Having been involved from the inception, I am immensely proud of how far we have come. Today, Marine Rescue NSW stands a mature and highly capable organisation with a world-class fleet and state-of-the-art facilities, 3,400 dedicated volunteers and high quality training programs.
Under the inspired leadership of Commissioner Alex Barrell, Marine Rescue NSW has continued to thrive. His role on the International Maritime Rescue Federation Board has unlocked invaluable opportunities for our members to experience training and knowledge exchange abroad.
In the previous edition of Soundings, I shared the news that His Majesty King Charles III would continue his patronage of Marine Rescue NSW. Recently, I had the distinct privilege of joining a group of our volunteers at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ, to welcome Their Majesties. It was a memorable occasion, and the exemplary way our members represented Marine Rescue NSW in their interactions with Her Majesty The Queen and other notable guests was a highlight of the day.
At the recent 2024 Annual General Meeting, we bid farewell to three experienced Regional Directors who did not seek an extension of term; Greater Sydney Regional Director Ken Edwards, Illawarra Regional Director Keven Marshall ESM and Monaro Regional Director Glenn Felkin ESM. Collectively, the three Directors have served for 22 years on the Marine Rescue NSW Board, during which time they have helped shape and strengthen the organisation. Each has demonstrated the valuable ability to advance the needs of Marine Rescue NSW with the perspectives of their unit members.
The AGM also saw the announcement of our newly elected Regional Directors: Peter Steigrad for Greater Sydney, John
Board General Director
Samulski CSC for Illawarra and Caron Parfitt ESM for Monaro. With their extensive leadership experience across maritime and corporate sectors, the newly elected Regional Directors are a highly qualified trio who bring a diverse range of skills and insights to the Board.
While our Board has undergone change, the commitment of our members remains unwavering. During 2023-24 we recorded the highest number of rescues in Marine Rescue NSW’s history and as many as 30 percent were in response to life-threatening emergencies.
As the holiday season draws near, many of our members will selflessly give up valuable time with their loved ones to help those needing assistance on the State’s waterways. On behalf of the Marine Rescue NSW Board, I want to sincerely thank all our members for their continuing commitment to saving lives on the water and wish every member happiness over Christmas and New Year.
Up spirits and splice the mainbrace.
James Glissan AM ESM KC
JAMES GLISSAN AM ESM KC Chair, Marine Rescue NSW
Margaret Chu greets Her Majesty The Queen at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ. Credit: Official Photography Service Offering - Royal Visit 2024.
Their Majesties address volunteers and community members at the Premier’s BBQ. Credit: NSW Government.
In this issue
PORT STEPHENS CREW COMPLETES MARATHON RESCUE
Two fishermen drifting on a disabled vessel, 65 kilometres offshore on the eastern side of the Continental Shelf, were returned safely to shore by volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens following a marathon 9-hour and 20-minute rescue mission in July
SUNRISE WAKES UP WITH MARINE RESCUE NSW
Marine Rescue NSW was showcased on Australia’s number one breakfast television programme in August, with Seven’s Sunrise broadcasting the weather live from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s new base.
PORT MACQUARIE VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE AUSTRALIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE COMMENDATION
Eight volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie have been recognised by the National Search and Rescue Council with a Commendation at the Australian Search and Rescue Awards, for their role during a late-night rescue mission in harrowing offshore conditions last October.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER
Marine Rescue Hawkesbury chaplain Father Carmelo Sciberras, OAM, has celebrated his Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of ministry as a Catholic priest.
1,383 746
Boaters returned safely to shore Search and rescue missions WINTER 2024
15,854 Boats Logged On 45,569 Radio calls
Boater saved after vessel flips on Brunswick Bar
Arapid response by Marine Rescue Brunswick volunteers saved a man’s life after his 4.9-metre boat rolled on Brunswick Bar in mid-April.
Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said radio operators at Marine Rescue Cape Byron took a call from a member of the public at 7:30 am reporting that a vessel had capsized on the bar with a person in the water.
"Volunteer operators were immediately deployed on board Marine Rescue Brunswick rescue watercraft (jet skis) Brunswick 11 and Brunswick 12.
"The Marine Rescue NSW operator on board Brunswick 12 retrieved the man from the water and took him to South Beach, where he was assessed by the operator.
"The man was uninjured but shaken and incredibly grateful for our assistance," Unit Commander Wilcock said.
Because the man’s capsized vessel was a navigational hazard on the bar, the rescue watercraft operators manoeuvred the overturned boat to the beach.
Unit Commander Wilcock said conditions at Brunswick Heads were not favourable for boating that morning.
"There was a strong swell on the bar.
“The waves were breaking around 100 metres off the bar on a run-out tide, making it quite dangerous.“
"We ask all boaters to check the conditions before heading out and not to risk their lives.
"There is absolutely no shame in getting to the boat ramp and deciding not to go out because of unfavourable conditions; it is not worth endangering your life or others for a day on the water," he said.
Rescue watercraft operators from Marine Rescue Brunswick responded to the incident
The vessel was wrecked by the incident
The man's overturned vessel was at the mercy of the Brunswick Bar
Kiwi kids dramatic holiday rescue off Vincentia
Three children from New Zealand returned home to the land of the long white cloud with an almighty holiday story after being saved by a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay in May.
The brothers found themselves in trouble on waters off Barfleur Beach at Vincentia after they were swept offshore on their watercraft.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said radio operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay received a call for assistance just after 11 am.
“Two boys on a kayak and another on a stand-up paddleboard were stranded around 900 metres from shore after they lost their paddles in strong winds.
“In consultation with NSW Police Marine Area Command, a volunteer crew was immediately deployed on board rescue vessel Jervis Bay 20.
“A Navy chopper also provided aerial support.
“The crew on board Jervis Bay 20 pulled the three boys out of the water and assessed them before returning them to their family at Barfleur Beach.“
“The area the boys were initially paddling in was well protected from the wind, but unfortunately, they ventured a little too far and got caught by the wind, which carried them further away from shore.
“They were all uninjured and grateful for the assistance provided by the volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay,” Inspector Massey said.
The children, aged between 10 and 13, were visiting the Shoalhaven with family from New Zealand.
“We got sucked out to sea and then lost our oars and we were stranded,” said 13-year-old Rocco.
Rocco said they waited for someone to come and stayed warm by cuddling together.
Mum Maraea was relieved when her sons were returned to shore safe and well by Jervis Bay 20.
“I’m just so grateful that they’re back on land and that they all stayed together.
“I’m really grateful that your crew rescued them and brought them back to us safely,” she said.
Inspector Massey said the boys did the right thing.
“They were all wearing lifejackets, they stayed with their craft and close together, which is exactly what people should do if they find themselves needing assistance offshore.”
JB 20 returns the children safely to shore
The rescued children are reuinted with their mother
Fishermen rescued after being stranded on the eastern side of the Continental shelf
Twofishermen drifting on a disabled vessel, 65 kilometres offshore on the eastern side of the Continental Shelf, have been returned safely to shore by volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens following a marathon 9-hour and 20-minute rescue mission in July.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander and Watch Officer Ben Van Der Wijngaart received a call from the anglers at 3 pm on 9 July that their logged on 7.9-metre cabin cruiser had suffered engine failure more than 30 nautical miles off Port Stephens Heads.
At this distance, communications are challenged, but we managed to narrow the location of the disabled vessel," Unit Commander Van Der Wijngaart said.“
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew was assembled at the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command and rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 deployed.
"Our crew reached the stranded fishermen in just under one and a half hours. The disabled vessel had been drifting southsoutheast, putting them 35 nautical miles off Port Stephens Heads.
“Visibility was hampered because of sea spray.
“The PS 31 crew checked the welfare of the two men on board the disabled vessel before taking their boat under tow for the journey back to Port Stephens, which took almost eight hours.
“The rescue vessel travelled back at under six knots because of sea conditions and occasional larger swell sets.
It was a long, slow, and uncomfortable haul back," Inspector Raymond said.
The two anglers and their disabled vessel were returned to Port Stephens at 2 am the following morning.
The Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander said the rescue mission was complicated by the distance and intermittent contact with the disabled vessel.
"The crew did an incredible job with the communications limitations we experienced. Locating the disabled vessel as quickly as they did was outstanding.
“Our crew and radio operators have enjoyed a well-earned sleep after a tiring rescue mission," Unit Commander Van Der Wijngaart said.
Inspector Raymond said the skipper of the disabled vessel had logged on with Marine Rescue NSW, ensuring the service’s radio operators kept watch over their journey.
"It is important that all boaters log on with Marine Rescue NSW, either by the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16.
“Logging on saves vital time in the event of an emergency," Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven completed an extensive seven-hour response on the last night of winter, assisting 35 canoeists stranded on the Shoalhaven River after their support vessel experienced engine difficulties.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Port Kemblabased volunteers received a call for assistance from the group just after 6:30 pm on Saturday 31 August.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Shoalhaven 20 was dispatched to assist with the rescue.
“
After a two-hour journey, the Marine Rescue NSW crew reached the group, who were located approximately 20 kilometres west of Nowra Bridge.“
“Due to strong headwinds, the group was struggling to complete the return journey,” he said.
With the large number of canoeists in the group, Inspector Massey contacted the local NSW Rural Fire Service unit for assistance.
“Rescue vessel Shoalhaven 20 transported members of the group to a nearby museum jetty, completing several trips to successfully transfer all 35 people to shore.
“Local RFS crews then transported the canoeists by bus back to Nowra.
“The Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on Shoalhaven 20 then made the return journey to the unit’s base, arriving back at around 1:40 am.
“Not only was this mission a success, it was also a great example of collaboration between local emergency service organisations,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers on board Shoalhaven 20 navigated their way 20kms upstream for the rescue mission
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Water Police deliver Youth Boat Licence Programme
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie and NSW Police Marine Area Command have teamed up to give back to the local community by delivering a successful pilot youth boat licence programme, driven by Newcastle Water Police Sergeant Jon Clarke.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Unit Commander Jim Wright said the concept was Sergeant Clarke’s idea.
“He led the initiative, and when he approached me about it, I jumped at the opportunity for the unit to strengthen the partnership with Jon’s team at Newcastle Water Police.
“He and his team are brilliant; they’re also very appreciative of our work.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie have worked on missions with Jon for the past decade, and this programme was a great way to help educate budding young boaters,” he said.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie boat-licensing coordinator Zoe
Wright said seven youngsters took part in the pilot, which aimed to assist the youths in obtaining their boat licence, gaining a sense of achievement, and enjoying a positive interaction with the Water Police.
“The course ran for three days, and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie provided the theory component of the boat licence course and the exam.
“The group began with a swim in the lake while wearing lifejackets, before heading up to the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Search and Rescue Coordination Centre to start the theory component.
“Their attitude was brilliant; they were engaged, attentive, and participated with enthusiasm,” she said.
Mrs Wright said the students spent the second day on the water with the Water Police, putting the boat licence theory into practice and, importantly, learning about boating safety.
Course theory was held at the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Search and Rescue Coordination Centre at Swansea Heads
The youths also toured Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s radio operations and were educated on the importance of Logging On and Logging Off with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16.
“On the final day, they sat the exam, and they all passed,” Mrs Wright said.
Although Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s boat licence courses are typically a fundraising initiative for the unit, there was no cost incurred for the youths involved in the pilot programme.
“It was a great opportunity to give back to the community that supports us,” Mrs Wright said.
Unit Commander Wright said Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was proud to have been part of the youths' journey.
“We wish them well in the future, and if Jon and his team ask us to do it again, we’d be happy to be involved; it’s a great initiative,” he said.
Youth participants with NSW Water Police and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie members
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie's Zoe Wright in the classroom
Lucky escape for solo fisherman on state’s Mid North Coast
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Trial Bay assisted a fisherman after his vessel was struck by a whale off Grassy Head during the southern migration.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the call for assistance came in just after 7:30 am on Sunday, 22 September.
"Marine Rescue Trial Bay volunteer radio operators received a call from a fisherman located off Grassy Head.
"The man’s fishing vessel had been hit by a whale, causing damage to the bow of the boat and disabling the fuel supply.
"A volunteer crew was deployed on board Trial Bay 30 to assist, safely towing the vessel back to a boat ramp at South West Rocks,” he said.
Inspector Page said the fisherman was lucky he wasn’t injured and that his vessel didn’t sink following the impact.
“The hole in the bow made the tow challenging but thankfully the bulk of the damage was above the water line.”
Marine Rescue NSW reminds boaters to take extra caution during whale migration season.
When whales are present, boaters are advised to maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from a whale, and 300 metres from a whale and calf.
"If a whale surfaces near your vessel, it is important to cut your motors and slow down to a safe speed," said Inspector Page.
The impact of the whale did significant damage to the boat
A breaching whale can cause significant damage to a vessel
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s new home
On1 May, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib officially opened the new Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base at The Spit in Mosman, one of the busiest boating areas in the state.
The new $3.8 million building, funded by the NSW Government, provides easy access to the unit’s two vessels to support the search and rescue missions of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
The pristine waters of Sydney and its surrounds are enjoyed by Sydneysiders year-round, making Middle Harbour a fixture in the top ten busiest Marine Rescue NSW bases in the state. Situated next to the Spit Bridge, the new base mirrors its surroundings with a design inspired by the contours of a ship and a colour scheme replicating the water, sky, and nearby bushland.
The Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base was built by Sydneybased Farindon Constructions and designed by Mona Vale’s Centric Architects, who envisioned the front of the building to
represent the bow of a boat as it cuts through the water. Spanning 350 square metres, the single-storey structure includes crew readiness facilities, radio, training and meeting rooms, offices, and a kitchen/dining area.
Minister Dib said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are the unsung heroes of the state’s waterways.
“They play a vital role in keeping people who enjoy our waterways safe. Our beautiful waterways are busy year-round, so it is important Marine Rescue NSW has the facilities and equipment it needs to carry out its important role.
“This investment is recognition of the volunteers’ dedication and an assurance that they will have the resources and support needed to save lives,” Minister Dib said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell thanked the NSW Government for its support in realising the new base.
The opening was well attended by Marine Rescue NSW members and guests
“
This state-of-the-art building significantly enhances our rescue capability around Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour and ensures the 89 volunteers at the unit have facilities designed and equipped for modern emergency management.“
“Middle Harbour and surrounding waterways are some of the busiest boating areas in NSW, and this new facility will help ensure our volunteers are rescue-ready when emergencies arise. Volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour completed 193 search and rescue missions in 2023, safely returning 555 people
to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Peter Steigrad said the new base provides a major boost to Sydney’s boating community.
“This new facility has expanded our search and rescue capabilities and has already played a vital role in numerous emergency responses. It serves not only as a hub for emergency responses but also as a training base for volunteer crews to ensure they are rescue-ready,” he said.
The building was designed by Mona Vale’s Centric Architects and built by Sydney-based Farindon Constructions. Credit - BWRM Sydney North
(L to R) Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Peter Steigrad, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell took Minister Dib on a tour of the facility
Marine Rescue NSW increases statewide flood support capability
Marine Rescue NSW has delivered three new multi-purpose vessels to units in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and South Coast.
The vessels form part of Marine Rescue NSW’s response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, with the
Service receiving $3.7 million in NSW Government funding to build capability and capacity to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant emergencies.
Marine Rescue NSW has developed a fleet of multi-purpose vessels (MPVs), which, at the request of NSW SES, can be
Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessel MR 27 will be housed at the Port Kembla unit on Lake Illawarra
deployed quickly across NSW in the event of a weather emergency. When they are not required for flood rescue and support, they will be housed at units across NSW and used to assist boaters on local waterways. Marine Rescue NSW now has seven MPVs in operation, with a further one under construction.
The Marine Rescue Port Kembla, Shoalhaven, and Tuross Moruya units have each taken delivery of new six-metre, bowloading, Suzuki-powered multi-purpose vessels after volunteers were inducted on the boats at Lake Illawarra.
Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing said the Service now has 100 volunteers who are endorsed to be deployed with assets at the request of NSW SES.
“When the SES has a requirement for search capacity or any other operational response requirement in relation to floods, they'll contact Marine Rescue NSW, and we will assemble the required number of crews, vessels, and supporting assets and send them out wherever they may be required.
“They can be deployed locally, or they can go right up north to Lismore, right down south to Eden, or further afield west out to Deniliquin, even as far as Broken Hill – anywhere in New South Wales.”
“There are already MPVs strategically located at Marine Rescue Point Danger, Nambucca and Port Macquarie and these vessels will strengthen our statewide capability,”Bowing said.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the vessels delivered to the Southern Zone are all six metres long, feature Raymarine nine-inch multi-function displays, radio communications, and are powered by twin Suzuki 90 horsepower outboard engines capable of reaching up to 40 knots.
“These vessels are really comfortable cruising around the 20knot mark, which is all we need for getting into those remote and isolated areas.
“The draft on these boats is only 0.3 metres, so it's very shallow and will allow us to get into areas that we've never been able to access before,” he said.
Parkin said the bow-loading door is also a vital feature, especially when providing flood support.
“The utility capability of these vessels allows us to carry multiple things, whether it's restocking remote communities, evacuating large groups of people, or transporting livestock and feed for those animals. We've got plenty of space on the deck that we can load up and transport quite easily,” he said.
The Shoalhaven (MR 24) and Tuross Moruya (MR 25) units each received Sentinel-built vessels, which Parkin said are different from boats traditionally built for the Service.
“MR 24 and MR 25 have a high-density polyethylene hull, so they’re made of very thick plastic. They are pretty much unbreakable and are recyclable.
“The development of these vessels is going to change how we look at building boats in the future for different circumstances,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla will house MR 27, which was built by Moda Marine in Newcastle.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the addition of the MPVs to the Service’s fleet would see units use them for general operations when not tasked by the NSW SES.
“These boats will be out on Lake Illawarra, in the Shoalhaven
MR 24 is unbreakable and will service boaters in the Shoalhaven when not tasked by the NSW SES
River, and out at Tuross doing business-as-usual patrols and assisting boaters on our waterways.
“The shallow draft on these vessels means that they can get into areas that our other vessels normally couldn't, so these vessels are 365-day-a-year assets for Marine Rescue NSW.
“The assets will be used every day, and any time we're requested to go out and assist someone, these vessels will be tasked if they’re the appropriate vessel for the job,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the vessel induction for volunteers from the Port Kembla, Shoalhaven, and Tuross Moruya units was
extremely thorough.
“The training that we give our volunteers is comprehensive; it needs to be, to ensure we’re operating in a safe environment for them and also for the members of the public that we’re going out to assist.
“We do everything we can to ensure the induction is thorough and that they fully understand how the vessels operate and also how they manoeuvre, because quite often it is the close-quarters manoeuvring that is the most difficult thing to master,” he said.
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven volunteers are inducted on the new MPV
MRNSW MR 24 was built by Sentinel boats
Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba vessel’s operational life extended
MarineRescue Iluka Yamba’s large offshore vessel, Iluka Yamba 30, has undergone a full refurbishment, extending its operational life for at least another decade.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager, Kelvin Parkin, said the 2011-built, 11.5-metre Steber cabin cruiser spent six weeks undergoing a comprehensive overhaul at Barrenjoey Marine Electrics and Mac Marine on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to ensure boaters in need of assistance have a safe and highly capable rescue vessel.
“A full refurbishment of the interior and exterior of this vessel has been completed.
“The electronics have been replaced with new Raymarine navigation and communications equipment, as well as new wiring and switching systems. The vessel also now has a new mast, radar, and FLIR (forward-looking infrared camera) to aid crews during search and rescue missions.
“The topside of the vessel has been fully sealed and recoated, the bow rails have been resealed and fixed to the vessel, and Planet Wrap has applied new livery.
“The hull has also undergone extensive work, including gel coat repairs and antifoul renewal,” he said.
Parkin emphasised that volunteer safety and comfort have been improved to help manage crew fatigue.
“We have changed the seating arrangements on the vessel to shock-absorbing Salti Bliss seats, so it is much more comfortable for the unit to use.”
Before being handed back to the unit, the refurbished IY 30 was put through its paces during an extensive sea trial to test the vessel’s operational readiness, which it passed with flying colours.
Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba volunteers then crewed her back to home base during a two-day voyage up the coast from Newport. To manage fatigue, they stopped overnight at Port Macquarie before completing the final leg to Yamba.
Parkin added that new engines will soon be installed on the vessel by Thwaites Marine.
“Then she will be as good as new for the crew to get further good life out of this vessel.
“The volunteers at Iluka Yamba love this vessel and were extremely supportive of the refurbishment.
“IY 30 is a solid Steber vessel, she has proven well over the years, and we’re looking forward to seeing another good 10 years of service from her,” he said.
The ongoing financial support of the NSW Government contributed to the cost of the refurbishment, helping to sustain the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Middle Harbour 30, Narooma 30, Forster 30 and Camden Haven 30 have also undergone refurbishment works along with Shoalhaven 30 which returned to service at the beginning of October.
IY 30 now sports a new livery
All electronics were replaced with new Raymarine navigation and communications equipment
A new mast, radar and FLIR were installed during the works
Shock-absorbing Salti Bliss seats were installed to assist fatigue management
New facility enables community members with mobility challenges to volunteer with Marine Rescue Port Kembla
Marine Rescue Port Kembla now has a fully accessible facility at its vessel base on Foreshore Road after receiving $70,784 in NSW Government funding. The new facility provides new opportunities for community members with mobility challenges to volunteer with the organisation.
The investment, made possible through Round Five of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund, significantly improves accessibility within the unit, allowing up to 30 additional volunteers to be trained as radio operators. The expansion supports the existing radio base at Hill 60, enhancing the unit’s capability to serve the Illawarra’s boating community.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, said volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Kembla provide a vital service to the region.
“In 2023, volunteers at the unit completed 169 search and rescue missions, including 112 emergencies, safely returning 339 people to shore.
“The work these urgently needed volunteers do is incredibly important for the safety of our community and visitors 24/7.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla's all-accessible radio room will support operations at the Hill 60 radio tower
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Deputy Unit Commander Tom Watson and Radio Operator Pauline Stang
“I’m really pleased these improvements extend the opportunity to everyone in the community to undertake this vital role,”
Minister Park said.
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said the funding represents a significant step forward in addressing accessibility barriers within the unit.
Until now, many potential volunteers who expressed an interest in being radio operators were not able to participate due to the lack of access to the radio room at
Hill
60.“
“As someone who has long advocated for improved access for people with mobility challenges, I am pleased that this funding is supporting such a vital community service as well as the volunteers at the heart of it,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley said the new facility enables current or future volunteers with limited mobility or disabilities to participate in the Service’s lifesaving operations.
“The new all-accessible radio room at the Port Kembla vessel base provides the opportunity for members to volunteer in radio operations and support our mission of saving lives on the water.
“This new facility will allow us to recruit more volunteers to help us keep our waters safe 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The radio base at Hill 60 is a two-storey building with an internal spiral staircase, which has made it challenging for many volunteers with limited mobility or a disability.
“In the event the Hill 60 radio base goes offline, the new facility at the Port Kembla vessel base will allow us to continue our vital radio operations in the region,” said Unit Commander Bradley.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said she was proud to support the selfless volunteers at the unit via the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
“The essential role Marine Rescue Port Kembla plays in providing monitoring, rescue, and education services is crucial in ensuring the safety of local boaters and tourists.
“They keep our waterways safe and provide vital communications for boaters,” the Minister said.
The Australian Radio Network
Reaching more than 500,000 people across southern NSW arn.com.au
The new all-accessible radio room will break down barriers for those in the community with mobility challenges
Marine Rescue NSW response enhanced with new Brunswick vessel
Rescue response and capability have been significantly improved on the state’s Northern Rivers with a new vessel now in operation at Marine Rescue Brunswick.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib officially commissioned Brunswick 30 in early July and joined Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell in welcoming the $751,877 replacement vessel to the service’s fleet.
Minister Dib said the new vessel will help the 74 dedicated volunteers based at Brunswick Heads respond quickly to people who need assistance on local waters.
“This new vessel features the latest in marine search and rescue technology and is an investment in the highly skilled volunteers who assist and support boaters at any time, day or night.
Brunswick 30 is one of several new replacement vessels being rolled out to ensure volunteers have the support and tools they need to continue their selfless work helping people, often in life-threatening situations.“
“I encourage all boaters to make logging on with Marine Rescue NSW part of their pre-launch routine, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.
Brunswick 30 is capable of a top speed of 42 knots
“I thank our volunteers and wish them well in their mission of saving lives on the water with this new rescue vessel,” Minister Dib said.
Built by Yamba Welding and Engineering, Brunswick 30 is a 10-metre Naiad powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower engines, capable of a top speed of 42 knots.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the vessel features an impressive suite of navigation and communications equipment.
“With its speed, manoeuvrability and onboard technology, this vessel enhances search and rescue capability at Brunswick Heads and the surrounding areas.
“Brunswick 30 features a FLIR thermal infrared camera, 3D side scan sonar, Doppler radar and the YachtSense system, which allows search patterns to be uploaded remotely.
“This will significantly reduce the time to activate coordinates and search patterns provided by NSW Police Marine Area Command, improving response times during emergencies.
“Marine Rescue Brunswick is an important part of the Marine
Rescue NSW network, often supporting neighbouring units, Point Danger and Ballina, in search and rescue missions.
“This unit had its busiest year ever in 2023, with volunteer crews completing 31 missions and safely returning 63 people to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said the new replacement vessel has already proven to be a vital lifesaving asset for the area.
“In June, our crew deployed on the new Brunswick 30 for its first rescue mission and saved six kayakers struggling in strong winds and currents approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Cape Byron.
“It is an outstanding vessel capable of heavy bar crossings with its evolutionary axe head bow and can rapidly deploy up to 30 nautical miles offshore.
“We thank the NSW Government for its financial assistance,” Unit Commander Wilcock said.
He also thanked the NSW RFS Byron and Clunes brigades for the water salute of Brunswick 30.
Brunswick 30 was given a water salute by crews from the NSW RFS Byron and Clunes brigades
(L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib
GEN III
The Ultimate 115HP & 140HP Outboard Motor Range now fitted with the Suzuki Micro-Plastic Collecting Device.
Suzuki’s third generation 115hp & 140hp outboard motors boast more torque, quicker acceleration, and improved top speed thanks to revising the cylinder head and piston design and increasing the compression ratio to 10.6:1. The new cowling and semi-direct air intake greatly reduce intake noise resulting in quieter operation. Suzuki’s Micro-Plastic Collecting Device (MPC) is part of Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project initiative, which collects micro-plastic without any effect on performance when boating. The third generation 115hp & 140hp are available in both Suzuki Precision Control (Drive-by-wire) and mechanical-drive variants and backed by Suzuki’s 3+3-year recreational warranty.
Training
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers hone skills during simulated search and rescue exercises
Scenarios involving people in the water following a helicopter crash and capsized vessels were presented to almost 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers during the winter Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREXs) held off Shellharbour, Coffs Harbour, and in Sydney Harbour.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said SAREXs are a crucial part of volunteers’ development.
These exercises give us the opportunity to work with our partner agencies, so when real-life emergencies occur, everyone knows exactly what their role is to achieve the best possible outcome,” he said. “
Marine Rescue NSW and NSW Police Marine Area Command have an excellent working relationship
RWC operators from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet worked alongside the Port Kembla 31 crew during the exercise off Shellharbour
While participating crews and vessels at the Illawarra and Coffs Harbour exercises were deployed from central locations, Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said the Greater Sydney SAREX was a real-time scenario.
“The exercise involved a capsized vessel off Dobroyd Head, drifting towards Balmoral, with multiple people in the water requiring urgent assistance.
“This real-time simulated response is exactly how Marine Rescue NSW vessels and crews would be dispatched in a live emergency. The exercise was run to ensure we test our deployment, communication, and multi-agency response,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said search and rescue exercises are a vital part of the training undertaken by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“Volunteer crews were deployed from their respective units (Middle Harbour and Port Jackson) just after 8:30 a.m. and tasked with undertaking an inshore search in Middle Harbour.
“Our people constantly train to hone their skills, so in the event someone needs help on the water, it's important that our volunteers are highly trained to perform professionally.
“
These
exercises are invaluable for our volunteers to create muscle memory for major search and rescue operations. They gain experience in a simulated and controlled environment, ensuring they are ready for real situations,” he said.
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NSW Police Marine Area Command Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Ryan Spong said SAREXs are a key feature
Mid North Coast units departed Coffs Harbour International Marina for the Coffs Harbour SAREX
Multiple targets (manikins) were deployed in waters at the three SAREXs
“
Without our highly skilled and dedicated radio operators and watch officers, our vessel crews would not be as effective as they are.“
“Radio is where the ocean meets the land, and having good communication with our vessels and the public on the water is vital,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
The NSW Government provided financial support for the Illawarra and Greater Sydney SAREXs.
on the calendar.
“These exercises are a great opportunity for all the agencies to come together and practise these scenarios without the realtime consequences that may occur in a live search and rescue situation.
“We can iron out any deficiencies, improve our communication, and it’s a chance to develop strong networks with our partner agencies,” Sergeant Spong said.
Desktop search and rescue exercises were also conducted during the three SAREXs, allowing Radio Operators and Watch Officers to practise their skills.
Zone Commander Duemmer highlighted the critical role of radio operators in successful search and rescue missions.
Six Marine Rescue NSW boats and four Rescue Water Craft took part in the Illawarra SAREX
Volunteers from the Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington and Forster Tuncurry units honed their skills during a simulated desktop search and rescue exercise at the NSW RFS Fire Control Centre
NSW Police Marine Area Command Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Ryan Spong led the Illawarra and Greater Sydney SAREXs
Illawarra SAREX
Ten Marine Rescue NSW vessels, crewed by dozens of skilled volunteers from the Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla, and Kioloa units, took part in a simulated multi-agency search and rescue exercise off Shellharbour in late May.
NSW Water Police, PolAir, members from Surf Life Saving NSW, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter also participated in the Illawarra SAREX, which was coordinated from a Command Post at Shellharbour Marina.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Ryan Spong said the exercise involved a capsized yacht east of Shellharbour.
The scenario involved a Triple Zero call reporting that the vessel had overturned in heavy seas, with all four persons on board wearing lifejackets and clinging to the hull before the call cut out.
“Triangulation of the Triple Zero call indicated the vessel was approximately 10 nautical miles east of Shellharbour.
“The mission was to plan and execute an immediate search of the highest probability area to locate and rescue survivors and recover all missing persons,” Sergeant Spong said.
The search area spanned approximately 110 square nautical miles from Port Kembla to Minnamurra Head.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey praised the performance of all participating crews.
“They executed their tasks excellently, and all targets were recovered. The crews did a fantastic job,” he said.
RWC operators assist Jervis Bay 41 with a manikin retrieval off Shellharbour
Shellharbour 30 transfers a target to Water Police 23 during the Illawarra SAREX
Greater Sydney SAREX
More than 25 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers aboard vessels from the Port Jackson and Middle Harbour units departed their respective bases at 8:30am on Saturday, 22 June, to respond to a real-time scenario involving a capsized vessel off Dobroyd Head, with multiple people in the water.
The on-water response was supported by volunteer radio operators at the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre in Belrose and officers from NSW Police Marine Area Command in Balmain.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Ryan Spong said there were two search areas: inshore in Middle Harbour and offshore near Bondi Beach, with Marine Rescue NSW crews tasked with the inshore search.
“The inshore search area was defined using a variety of drift calculations, bounded by Grotto Point to Middle Head and extending up to Clontarf.
“The objective was to locate five manikins in the water along with floating debris. Unfavourable conditions complicated the search, reducing visibility,” he said.“
PolAir, NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service, and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter provided aerial support.
“All targets were located during a thorough three-hour search.
“Inshore search crews recovered two manikins, one at Balmoral and another at Clontarf Beach.
“PolAir located two more manikins offshore near Bondi, which were retrieved by Surf Life Saving NSW members.
“The final manikin was found by the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter two nautical miles off Maroubra.
“Casualties were transferred to Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Bondi Surf Club, where NSW Ambulance paramedics were waiting,” Sergeant Spong said.
Search coordinates are entered into the navigation equipment on board Middle Harbour 30
The Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre managed radio for the Greater Sydney exercise
Coffs Harbour SAREX
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on the Mid North Coast sharpened their response skills in late July with a simulated offshore aviation crash multi-agency search and rescue exercise at Coffs Harbour.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said volunteer crews and seven vessels from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Nambucca, Trial Bay, and Port Macquarie participated in the on-water exercise, led by NSW Police Marine Area Command and supported by NSW Water Police, PolAir, and NSW Air Ambulance.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill said crews were tasked with locating people in the water (manikins) and debris related to the helicopter crash scenario.
“The scenario involved a helicopter with four persons on board departing Coffs Harbour Airport at 4pm, en route to Ballina.
“It was later determined that the aircraft had not arrived, and police began investigations.
“Flight tracking indicated the aircraft had rapidly descended near Split Solitary Islands off Coffs Harbour,” Chief Inspector Brazzill said.
The search area, defined by drift calculations, covered 40 square nautical miles from north of Coffs Harbour to south of Sawtell.
C0 30 departs for the Coffs Harbour SAREX
Middle Harbour 20 retrieves a target
Zone Commander Hulm said all five manikins and debris were located within 2.5 hours.
“All our volunteers, including vessel crews, radio operators, and watch officers, did an outstanding job locating the targets. This is what they train for, and our capability was thoroughly tested,” he said.
Chief Inspector Brazzill praised the search response and the participants.
“The majority are volunteers, and they do an exceptional job. Without Marine Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving volunteers, we couldn't accomplish our tasks.
“That’s why training is so crucial. We assigned various search areas, including the southern Split Solitary Islands, initially coordinated by our police vessel. We then strategically reassigned that vessel, placing responsibility back onto Marine Rescue NSW,” he said.
Trial Bay 30, Nambucca 20 and Port Macquarie 11 & 12 on waters off Coffs Harbour
Radio Operators managed communications from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour
Crew on board Trial Bay 30 retrieve a target off Coffs Harbour
MRNSW Mid North Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager Rodney Page (left) and Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm played a crucial role in delivering the Coffs Harbour SAREX
Aswe look back over the past few years, we are grateful for the generosity of so many in the community who have supported our volunteers and units during some of the most challenging times we have ever faced.
Our volunteer units rely heavily on donations to continue their work saving lives on water. Demand for our marine search, rescue and communication service has grown and at the same time, the cost of providing our services is increasing. Volunteer time is valuable, and fundraising takes a great amount of commitment and energy, on top of the normal 24/7 rescue work our units undertake.
Everyone has seen the price of fuel, insurance and essential services rising. With local units responsible for raising funds to cover their day to day running costs, these increased costs are putting additional pressure on our volunteers.
Did you know that a simple three hour rescue to tow a boat back to shore can cost close to $400 in fuel alone. While a routine engine service to keep our vessels rescue ready sets a unit back $2,000.
Unlike the majority of the state’s emergency services, Marine Rescue NSW is not a Government agency but an independent organisation established by and for its volunteer membership.
Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit registered charity, which means gifts of two dollars or more are tax deductible for the donor. You may wish to include Marine Rescue NSW as part of your End of Financial Year Giving. Please go to marinerescuensw.com.au and hit the donate button today!
Major search and rescue over a
Flood rescue and support capability put to the test during Northern Rivers exercise
MarineRescue NSW held its first-ever multi-agency flood rescue and operational readiness exercise in late June as the Service enhances its flood rescue capability to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant weather emergencies across the state.
After receiving $3.7 million in state government funding following the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, Marine Rescue NSW
developed a State Operations Group (SOG), with volunteers undergoing specific flood rescue and support training on the Service’s newly acquired multi-purpose vessels and associated vehicles and equipment.
Following specific flood rescue and support training, dozens of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Service’s Northern Zone are now endorsed to be deployed with assets at the request of NSW SES to support their flood response operations across the state.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said a real-time exercise was held at Copmanhurst to test Marine Rescue NSW’s flood rescue and support capability.
“With involvement from NSW SES, a Marine Rescue NSWcoordinated flood-specific exercise was conducted to see how our training supports a real-life scenario.
“The learnings our volunteers had from working alongside NSW SES members were priceless and will better prepare us for a real deployment.
“This exercise has quantified that our flood response training and capability is in line with NSW State Rescue Policy and the expectations of NSW SES, who is the lead agency on flood response.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers worked side by side with NSW SES volunteers during the Copmanhurst exercise
MR 22 & MR 20 are just two of Marine Rescue NSW's new multi-purpose vessel fleet
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We will continue to develop and enhance our State Operations Group to ensure that when NSW SES requests our assistance, we are best prepared to assist with any on-water flood rescue and support operation.
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“Communities across NSW can feel assured that Marine Rescue NSW’s SOG volunteers and assets (boats, vehicles, and equipment) can be deployed statewide when requested by the NSW SES. For example, it is possible that a Marine Rescue NSW volunteer from Point Danger could be deployed to a weather event at Condobolin on short notice,” Zone Commander Hulm said.
Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing said volunteers involved in the Copmanhurst exercise were activated to simulate a real-time out-of-area deployment.
“To make the exercise as real-life as possible, volunteers were tasked to assist NSW SES with a Tropical Low set to drop excessive rain on the Upper Clarence and Orara catchments.
“The mission was for our crews to work with NSW SES teams to safely conduct evacuations, resupplies, and rescues as requested in the Copmanhurst area.
“Fourteen Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from five units (Point Danger, Brunswick, Ballina, Evans Head, and Port Macquarie), supported by Zone Duty Operations Managers John Murray (Northern Rivers) and Rodney Page (Mid North Coast), three
Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessels, and one inflatable rescue boat took part in the simulated exercise.
“NSW SES also had 14 on and in-water operators and multiple assets to support the exercise.
“Together, members launched and retrieved vessels, located and retrieved manikins and simulated live victims, navigated hazards, and conducted resupply operations,” he said.
Mr Bowing said Marine Rescue NSW’s newly acquired multipurpose vessels performed well during the exercise.
“These six-metre vessels have a low draught and can travel in very shallow water, allowing them to navigate through challenging areas.
“They can also be launched and deployed in difficult locations, which is most likely during a real-life flood response.
“The bow loading door on each vessel also allows our crews to safely move people and supplies on and off.
“This exercise was the first of its type Marine Rescue NSW has ever conducted, and it has informed refinements to our activation and deployment model,” Mr Bowing said.
Marine Rescue NSW and NSW SES volunteers practise their skills on the Clarence River
Crews listen intently during the location briefing
International Maritime Rescue Federation partnership leads to opportunity of a lifetime
Highly credentialed Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Bermagui Coxswain Caron Parfitt ESM, and former Broken Bay Unit Commander, and current Northern Beaches Council Citizen of the Year, Jimmy Arteaga, recently returned from incredible training and learning opportunities facilitated by Marine Rescue NSW’s partnership with the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF).
Parfitt attended the IMRF’s Women in SAR (Search and Rescue) training course in Finland, while Arteaga took part in an exchange with the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), a voluntary organisation in the Netherlands tasked with saving lives at sea.
It’s a cliché, but both Parfitt and Arteaga echoed the same response about their international training experience: “It was the opportunity of a lifetime,” they said. Having recently stood down as Bermagui Unit Commander
The 16 female participants were supported by 23 crew members, instructors and other personnel from FLBI. Credit IMRF Markku Tamminen
Parfitt said there was a strong focus on leadership
following six productive years in the role, including receiving the Emergency Services Medal, Parfitt approached the programme, hosted by the Finnish Lifeboat Institution (FLBI) at the Bågaskär Training Centre in Inkoo, enthusiastic about learning and sharing ideas with women from other countries involved in search and rescue.
She returned with enriched knowledge of search and rescue and pride in Marine Rescue NSW’s training and capability.
“Our work is similar to that of our international colleagues, and I was impressed that Marine Rescue NSW could stand proudly alongside older, more established sea rescue organisations.
“We are fairly young compared to the rich history of some participants’ organisations, which have been in existence for 200 years.
“The FLBI’s purpose-built training centre is a first-class facility, enabling consistency in training, which ultimately enhances their operational readiness,” she said.
Sixteen women attended the course, representing ten SAR organisations from ten countries, and Parfitt said they were all brilliant at what they do.
“The participants were all highly competent, and there was a strong focus at the Coxswain level on leadership, not just technical ability.”
Parfitt was also impressed by the effectiveness of headsets worn by crew on board Finnish Lifeboat Institution vessels, which improved communications during search and rescue exercises.
“When we spotted something, we could remain focused on the target and simply talk into the mouthpiece – it made a huge difference.
“At Bermagui, we don’t have headsets. I know some of our other units do; implementing them as standard would be a positive step forward for our on-water response,” she said.
The course participants spoke positively about their respective organisations’ support for women in search and rescue and the progress made towards gender equality.
“Finland led the way, with 22% of vessel crew being female,” Parfitt said. However, it was the theme of the course and the story behind it that is certain to continue motivating women around the globe.
“The ‘Be the Storm’ theme came from the previous programme two years ago,” she explained.
“When one of the female attendees signed up to serve in her region, she was told by the male interviewer, ‘You’ll never survive the storms we go through.’
“Her response was priceless. She told him, ‘I am the storm,’ hence the theme for this year’s exercise,” Parfitt said.
The opportunity to display Marine Rescue NSW alongside 200-year-old organisations was also on Arteaga’s radar during his week-long exchange, alongside a dozen other international representatives at the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution.
“We (Marine Rescue NSW) hold our own. It was eye-opening, many of them go in the water; we don’t.
Marine Rescue Broken Bay's Jimmy Arteaga (second from right) and exchange participants were impressed by the KNRM_s 90-foot concept vessel
Be the Storm was theme for the 2024 Women in SAR training
exchange program included in-water rescue training
“The European organisations also perform surf lifesaving operations, in-water rescues, and operate in dry suits for buoyancy control and warmth,” he said.
Arteaga noted another key difference between the KNRM and Marine Rescue NSW when assisting boaters in distress.
“They put two crew members on the disabled or distressed vessel and transfer all people from it onto the rescue boat, and their reasoning makes total sense.
“If you look at the sea state, the crew on the distressed vessel is already stressed, so by putting rescue crew on board, it helps complete a successful operation because they are agile, fresh, and know exactly what is required.
“In pitching seas, they will come alongside and get as close as they can to the distressed vessel, so they can get the crew on board. If they can’t, the crew will jump in the water and swim to it.
“They train for it and are physically capable of climbing on board from the water,” he said.
English was the default language for the training, but with exchange participants from Australia, Estonia, France, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, Arteaga said there were some linguistic challenges.
“In the classroom, there was a lot of translating. On the water during SAR and training exercises, we reverted to hand signals. The less we talked, the better we performed, and we were able to operate fairly efficiently,” he said.
While the KNRM does similar routine work to Marine Rescue
NSW, predominantly responding to recreational boaters suffering mechanical failure, flat batteries, or running out of fuel, Arteaga said the big difference in the northern hemisphere is the rapid change in conditions.
“The demanding and highly hazardous conditions have dictated the type of vessels they need to complete successful missions.
“KNRM crew operate in rough, hard conditions, so their vessels are designed for that.
“Essentially, all their vessels are jet boats, which helps in heavy seas. They start at two tonnes and can go out in seven-metre seas. All their engines are installed at the front of the vessels, so there is a lot of weight up forward.
“The drawback to the jet boats is they don’t have the power to tow. If it’s a big ship, they struggle. For Marine Rescue NSW, our boats are more nimble and suited to our work.
“The jet boats are very manoeuvrable, and it did not take long to master driving them,” he said.
Arteaga drove a variety of vessels during the exchange, including the KNRM’s 8-metre jet boat, their 12 and 20-metre operational vessels, and he even got behind the helm of their 90foot concept vessel.
“She was a very impressive boat. With seas increasing over there, they are looking to build a new fleet of vessels to increase their capability.
“They sometimes get tasked to go across the Channel towards England and are seeking the capability to complete return assists. They are also looking to possibly export the 90-foot vessel to other rescue organisations around the world,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner and International Maritime Rescue Federation Trustee Alex Barrell said the partnership and opportunities provided by the IMRF are invaluable.
“The mission of the IMRF is about enhancing maritime search and rescue across the globe, and how that works within each of those jurisdictions is really important for the safety of boaters globally.
“It is wonderful that two of our volunteers have had the opportunity to learn and share ideas with members from other countries who are involved in search and rescue.
“Further exchanges and international programme involvement will be explored as Marine Rescue NSW maintains its commitment to excellence in training and professional development,”
Commissioner Barrell said.
Arteaga enjoyed driving the various KNRM vessels
The
The KNRM fleet is predominantly jet boats
Our People
Port Macquarie volunteers receive commendation at Australian Search and Rescue Awards
Eight Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers have been recognised by the National Search and Rescue Council with a Commendation Award in the Professional Volunteer category at the Australian Search and Rescue Awards, for their role during a late-night rescue mission in harrowing offshore conditions in October 2023.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio operators received a MAYDAY call from the skipper of a 12-metre yacht with two people on board just after 8 pm on Monday 16 October 2023, after his vessel became disabled with a broken boom, followed by engine and communications failure. The disabled vessel also began taking on water, adding urgency to the emergency response.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies said a volunteer crew was deployed on PM 30 to assist the sailors, who were located five nautical miles (9 kms) off Port Macquarie.
Conditions deteriorated during the rescue mission, with our crew enduring 107 km/h wind gusts and four to five-metre seas.“ “
“They successfully reached the disabled vessel, secured a towline, and returned the sailors and their yacht to safety on
the Hastings River following a tense five-and-a-half-hour rescue mission.
“The crew on board PM 30 was supported by our radio operator and watch officer, who managed vital communications during the mission,” he said.
In October, Port Macquarie 30 skipper Leonard Smart and leading crew member Rob Britten represented the volunteers involved in the mission at the Australian Search and Rescue Awards in Manly, where they were presented with a Commendation Award in the Professional Volunteer category.
“The recognition given to this group of volunteers is also a great reflection of the Port Macquarie unit’s standard of training, which
(L to R) Back - Unit Commander Greg Davies, Commissioner Alex Barrell, Ian Pascoe, Brooke Mason, Bruce Lee and Leonard Smart (F) Warren Gowing and Rob Britten
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie members, MRNSW staff and guests turned out in large numbers at the Westport Club
disabled yacht and its crew were returned safely to
they carry out week in, week out. The training paid off, and we ended up with a great result,” Unit Commander Davies said.
Just months before receiving the National Commendation, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presented the Port Macquarie 30 crew—Smart, Britten, David Withers, Warren Gowing, Bruce Lee, and Michael Ranson-Smith—along with radio operator Brooke Mason and duty watch officer Ian Pascoe, with Commissioner’s Citations.
“The courage and selfless dedication of the volunteers involved in this challenging and successful rescue mission is greatly appreciated and deserving of a Commissioner’s Citation.
“The crew on board Port Macquarie 30 braved extreme conditions in darkness to rescue the two sailors and their vessel, while the professionalism and calmness shown by Brooke and Ian, who coordinated the response from the radio base, aided the positive outcome.
“The skill and commitment of our volunteers to respond at any time of day or night, often in extremely challenging conditions, is a testament to their dedication to the communities they serve.
“We also thank the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s National Search and Rescue Council for recognising the work of our professional
Long-serving volunteers Keith Reichenbach and Trish Hallett were also acknowledged with Commissioner’s Citations, with the pair receiving recognition for service.
“Keith and Trish have a combined 28 years of service with the Port Macquarie unit and continually go above and beyond, always putting others first.
“They are incredible people, and it is wonderful to award them Commissioner’s Citations for Service,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Unit Life Member Mr Reichenbach recently stepped down as Treasurer after 14 years in the role. He is now Assistant Treasurer and remains an active radio operator with the unit.
“volunteers, Commissioner Barrell said.
PM 30 skipper Leonard Smart said the sea conditions during the response were the worst he had ever faced during a rescue.
“The weather deteriorated rapidly. When we went out, we were looking at two-and-a-half-metre seas, which was fine, but it got up to four to five metres.
“The Steber did a fantastic job; we all felt very safe,” Mr Smart said.
Mrs Hallett has spent the past four years as the unit’s Welfare Officer and regularly speaks with all volunteers.
Unit Commander Davies said Mrs Hallett is a compassionate and caring woman.
“Trish is an angel. She is always available to help our members who may be ill or in need of assistance. She drops off groceries, provides transport for appointments and, importantly, checks in on how they are doing. She is an incredible human,” Mr Davies said.
(L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell with Commissioner's Citation recipients Trish Hallett and Keith Reichenbach
The
the Hastings River by
Saving lives on and off the water: Middle Harbour volunteer rescues woman from burning building
By Joseph Allbeury – Marine Rescue Middle Harbour PR Officer
MRescue Middle Harbour crew member Michael ‘Mick’ Watts exhibited incredible bravery while returning from the Middle Harbour base on 10 September. Mick was riding through Balmain on his motorbike when he noticed a fire in an apartment building and reacted immediately.
“I saw black smoke coming out of the window of a third-floor apartment, and I stopped,” Mick recalled.
“In a second, I realised that the apartment was on fire. I told people across the road from the building to call Triple Zero (000) and then headed into the complex. I went up the stairs to the top floor and located the apartment that was on fire.”
“I checked the door for heat and saw smoke coming from underneath. I held the handle down, put my shoulder into it, and
Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the blaze
Smoke was billowing from the third-floor apartment
arine
Saving lives on and off the water, Marine Rescue Middle Harbour volunteer Michael 'Mick' Watts
the door popped open. Thick, black smoke poured out.
“I got down on my chest to see under the smoke and started yelling out. Then I heard someone inside calling back.
“The apartment was filled with thick, black, acrid smoke, and it was difficult to breathe. I literally crawled a few metres on my belly into the living room, trying to find anyone inside. Then I found a woman’s wrist. I grabbed hold and started dragging her to the door.“
Mick pulled the semi-conscious woman out of the apartment and into the stairwell of the building. While evaluating her physical condition based on his advanced first aid training, he managed to ascertain that she had been home alone.
“I banged on some doors to get more residents to come out
and help the lady downstairs and outside. Then a few of us went door-to-door and evacuated the whole building.”
Mick then located the electrical box for the building and turned the mains power off.
“We got everyone out and assembled at the evacuation point. By that time, Fire and Rescue NSW, Ambulance, and Police had all arrived. The firies had the fire out within minutes, and the paramedics treated the lady I’d rescued for smoke inhalation.”
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Ben Crowther commended Mick on his bravery and quick response to a lifethreatening situation.
“Mick is well-known in the unit for his fearless yet practical approach to tackling some precarious situations on the water, and he is a tremendous asset to our team. Mick is a very accomplished, commercially rated mariner, and his extensive training and experience have clearly been applied here to saving lives not just on the water but off it, too.
“In his typical self-effacing style, we only heard about this incident through the grapevine, and we were all in awe of Mick’s bravery when he finally got around to telling us about this amazing act. Well done, Mick—you have done us all proud!” Unit Commander Crowther said.
Multiple Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded
Ulladulla unit celebrates 50 years
Almost80 past and present volunteers marked Marine Rescue Ulladulla’s 50th anniversary of saving lives on the water during a ceremony at the Ulladulla Civic Centre on Saturday, 4 May 2024.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it was an important occasion to acknowledge the selfless efforts of all members who have volunteered at the unit since it began servicing the local boating community in 1974.
“It’s wonderful to be here to celebrate 50 years of Marine Rescue Ulladulla. This is an organisation run by dedicated volunteers. We are so fortunate to have these volunteers who give up their time every day of the week to serve the local community and, more importantly, serve the boating
A celebration of 50 years of saving lives
Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski and Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell
community on the South Coast. We could not do what we do without these volunteers,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski said the unit has a proud history.
“
It started with humble beginnings, with the local community, the vessel Kyli, and radio operations from one of the member’s houses, through to state-of-the-art equipment and vessels today,” he said.“
Marine Rescue Ulladulla is now supported by more than 80 volunteers who cover over three-and-a-half thousand square kilometres of ocean as well as local waterways with three dedicated search and rescue vessels and a specialised radio communications room.
Unit Commander Samulski acknowledged the dedication of members and supporters who helped the unit rise from the ashes following a major setback in 2013.
“Our headquarters building burnt to the ground, but through the endurance and hard work of our members, the local community, and the state government, we were able to rebuild a state-of-theart facility which we enjoy today,” Unit Commander Samulski said.
Long-serving volunteer Raymond Dixon has dedicated almost 37 years to the unit after becoming a volunteer in 1987 and said his reason for joining was simple.
“I had to learn a radio licence and first aid for the safety of myself, anyone in the boat, and the people I knew who had boats,” he said.
Mr Dixon has been involved in numerous search and rescue missions during his time with the unit and said he will never forget the 1993 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
“We had to bring 12 yachts into the harbour, and at that time, we had to put moorings down from the breakwater to the slipway so the boats could be tied up because there weren’t sufficient places at the wharf for the boats to be moored.”
Mr Dixon said huge progress has been made in boating communications over the past four decades.
“The lack of correspondence from boats going out to sea was a major challenge in the early days. Our biggest trouble was not knowing where the vessels were when they became overdue, and if they ever broke down, we always had trouble finding them,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said the strength of Marine Rescue NSW’s search and rescue capability would continue to advance over the next half-century.
“There is no doubt that as an organisation and as a local unit, we have come so far in 50 years and will continue to grow.
“We are so fortunate nowadays to have wonderful boats, excellent radio equipment, and fantastic facilities, and we can continue to grow as an organisation to enhance our capability and support the local boating community,” he said.
Volunteers at Ulladulla have a proud history saving lives on the water
Guests included almost 80 of the unit’s past and present members
The base was a charred mess following a fire in 2013
Kia Sorento
Proud partner of Marine Rescue NSW.
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven celebrates half a century of service
By Laurie Patton, PR Officer Marine Rescue Shoalhaven
Halfa century of history was celebrated when current and former volunteers, their families, and friends gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of Marine Rescue Shoalhaven on 6 July 2024.
Over the years, our members have braved treacherous seas and often imminent danger to ensure the safety of South Coast boaters.
Many who came along to the event had their own stories to tell, and numerous tales of the exploits of others—no doubt handed down from crew to crew with only a little exaggeration!
From countless rescues to moments of camaraderie, every story shared and every volunteer’s journey reflected the unwavering commitment and courage of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state.
Back in 1974, the Shoalhaven Anglers Club was formed because, at that time, only fishing clubs could hold a 27MHz radio licence. For a time, the radio was monitored from the home of inaugural members Alan and Margaret McGilvray.
The Anglers Club later became the Shoalhaven Marine Rescue Association—and eventually Marine Rescue Shoalhaven (VMR 277).
These days, vessels registered with the unit still bear the initials SA, which were derived from Shoalhaven Anglers.
In 1991, the radio base was officially accredited as a Search and Rescue Coordination Centre. Our headquarters—a former pilot house at Crookhaven Heads—was acquired in the mid-1990s.
Celebrating the event, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presented Unit Commander Marty Kaye with a special award certificate, and members were each given a commemorative pin, which will be worn with pride.
Responding to the Commissioner’s comments, Marty Kaye noted that Marine Rescue Shoalhaven is carrying on the good work done by the many pioneers of marine rescue from the Shoalhaven.
“We’ve come a long way since those early days. But the basic principle of service to our local boating community is still the focus and our primary motivation,” he said.
Like many of our volunteers, Laurie Patton joined Marine Rescue NSW after a lifetime on the water—mainly racing yachts on Sydney Harbour. Currently working a regular Friday radio shift at Marine Rescue Shoalhaven, Laurie is also completing the Coxswain Grade 1 course at Nowra TAFE.
SA 8 went into service mid-1994
Today's primary vessel SA 30
(L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Unit Commander Marty Kaye and Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips
Lance Miller receives Commissioner’s Commendation for Service
By Marine Rescue Middle Harbour PR Officer Joseph Allbeury
LanceMiller was a skinny, 21-year-old kid from the western suburbs of Sydney when he first walked into the Volunteer Coastal Patrol, adjacent to the Spit Bridge in harbourside Mosman. Knowing nothing at all about boating, he figured this was the place to learn.
Fifty years on, he has become a recipient of the Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner’s Commendation for Service in recognition of his outstanding dedication to saving lives on the water.
Commissioner Alex Barrell presented Lance with the award in recognition of his significant and meritorious contribution to vessel operations and training at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour during a ceremony in June.
Lance is both a Marine Rescue Master, boasting five decades of driving boats, training crews, and assisting the public, and a reservoir of lived experience in the history of maritime rescue in New South Wales — a veritable window back to a different age.
“Times have certainly changed,” he recalls. “When I started, you weren’t allowed on a boat at all. And when you eventually did get
on a boat, you’d just stand in the corner and watch. You couldn’t get in the men’s way!
“But the good thing was that a lot of the old blokes were exNavy or from some sort of maritime service, and their knowledge — what they were able to pass across — was brilliant and great for training.”
Lance has devoted a lifetime to saving lives on the water, but he arrived at the Coastal Patrol with pure self-interest in mind.
“I joined up because I liked to fish. Seriously. I liked rock fishing, and I thought, ‘I’m going to die rock fishing, so I need to learn to drive a boat.’ So that was how I found this place. I thought I’d come down here and learn to drive a boat.
“And once I’d been here a few months, I thought, ‘I’ll fish less, but I’ll drive the boat down here a lot more. This is so much fun.’”
Living in the western suburbs of Sydney was no barrier to Lance, but the locals initially doubted his resolve.
“When I started at the Coastal Patrol, I was living in Cabramatta. Then we moved even further away to Penrith, where we are now.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour members were on hand to witness Commissioner Alex Barrell make the presentation
They were talking about not letting me in because I lived too far away and I wouldn’t last. They didn’t think they’d see me after the first or second day. But for the next 50 years, I’ve kept coming back.
“Of course, it was a different organisation in those days. It certainly wasn’t as polished as it is today, but we were incredibly competent. It was also a different time. After a watch, we’d all come back of an afternoon and have a beer. These days, you wouldn’t dare do that.
“We also had to buy our own uniforms and supply our own boats. That was good for me, ’cause I didn’t have a boat, so I went out as crew — and good crew were hard to get. So after 12 months of grumpy old men barking at me and showing me the right way to do everything, I was getting proficient.
“In the first three months, we’d do navigation. The next three months, we’d do seamanship. And it went on like that. So it was a 12-month run, and they were good instructors. They’d show you how to do it and then see you do it. There was a lot of yelling and screaming, but you learnt a lot along the way.
“Nowadays, we don’t have to supply our own boat. We don’t have to pay for our own fuel, and we don’t have to pay for uniforms. So from that point of view, it’s better.
“And the facilities we have now, the technology and the radio network are amazing. It doesn’t matter where you are, you can get help. Whereas before, in the early days, we were local; we were Sydney, Botany, and Broken Bay. And then there were little spots
up and down the coast that were covered, but they were different to us. Slowly, we all amalgamated into one big organisation. It’s a lot better that way.”
Outside of volunteering on the water, Lance is married to Kerrie, and they have a son, Ray, and a daughter, Julie, along with three grandchildren. Now retired, he worked as a tradie, running his own business installing two-way radio aerials and TV antennas.
“The work I did was interesting, but I worked on my own, and you’ve always got to be on your best behaviour when you’re at a client’s house,” he says with a grin. “Whereas down here, none of that mattered. We work as a team to get a job done, and we have fun along the way. That camaraderie is very important for me. And when you’ve got a good team working well together, we can get anything done.”
Lance has endless stories from 50 years in maritime rescue, from the sublime to the ridiculous.
“I remember one assist we went to, where the vessel was taking on water fast, a mile north of Blue Fish,” Lance recalls. “It was going down, and the first thing this fella onboard passes us over wasn’t his kid, it wasn’t his teenager, it wasn’t his wife, it was a slab of beer. Priorities! We laughed about that for years.
“Another day, we were heading down to Botany Bay for an exercise, and we passed a ski boat. It was an old red clunker with a big inboard, and it had no place being two miles out off Ben Buckler. It really stood out. So we veered over, and there were four blokes on board fishing. We asked if all was OK, and they said, ‘Well, no, we’ve run out of fuel.’ This was before mobile phones. So I said, ‘Have you radioed for help?’ and they said, ‘Oh, we haven’t got a radio.’ So we gave them 20 litres of petrol, which we carried in those days, and said, ‘All right, if you want to head in, we’ll follow you.’ ‘Oh, no. Now we’ve got some petrol, we’ll stay and fish some more.’ It was quite hilarious. You just can’t help some people!”
Lance remembers pulling three boats off the rocks in quick succession at Bradley’s Head during the 75th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy; rescuing paddlers washed out to sea in storms; and being thrown in the water from the rescue boat he was crewing while following the Bathtub Derby from Port Jackson to Botany Bay. And then there was the night a boat was allegedly stolen by drug dealers, who used it for an offshore pickup and then dumped it on a nearby beach. The stories are many and varied.
“Another time, we were at the base drinking coffee, and a call came through, saying, ‘We’re off Sydney, we’re having trouble,’ and that’s all we got. The radio operator came out and said, ‘I think you’d better go and have a look. It sounds serious.’
“So we shot out of Sydney Harbour with three boats, and we all went in different directions. One went north, one went east, and the other went south. And we just went from boat to boat checking them all.
“We came to one boat, a cruiser, 28-foot long, waved and called out, and there was no response. So we pulled in close, and my deckie jumped onboard. He went up onto the flybridge, and there was a bloke there passed out. By this time, I’d tied up alongside and hopped on to help. We found another guy below. He was in a pretty bad way too. So the ambulance met us at Watsons Bay and took them off to hospital. The pair had the boat closed up, and
Lance Miller has been part of the fabric at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour for half a century
there was an exhaust leak.
“A year later, the same thing happened up in Broken Bay. But those guys didn’t get a call out, and their boat slammed into the rocks, went down, and they were gone.
“So these two guys were very lucky that they called out and the right guy was on the other end of the radio. They came down and saw us about a month later, thanked us, and were very grateful.”
From humble beginnings, Lance rose through the ranks of what became the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol.
“I was a Master Skipper in the end. And in those days, we only had a couple at that rank. We had skippers, and then there were master skippers. And we only had three in the unit. So we had to wait until one departed before they’d promote another one. But once we became amalgamated under Marine Rescue NSW, I lost all that. I had to go back and be fully reassessed. And that was fun.
“Under Marine Rescue NSW, I was a Coxswain until I retired from full-time work and had some spare time on my hands. Then I did my Master 5. It’s a six-week course, so I was running from Penrith to Mona Vale and back weekdays, and then I’d go up on Saturdays for practical days on the water. But the Master 5 course was great. I’d love to have done that earlier because it was so much fun.”
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour now sports the State’s newest purpose-built base with state-of-the-art facilities... but alas, no dormitory. Coming from Penrith, Lance spent many a Saturday night sleeping at the old base in its heyday, with an accompanying lamb roast for dinner and a hearty bacon-and-egg breakfast on a Sunday. And inevitably, a callout to an assist coming at the most inopportune time.
“I used to stay here overnight on the weekends. Sometimes I missed my own kids’ birthdays. That was the commitment. Now that I’ve got three marvellous granddaughters, it’s different. I’m spending more time looking after the grandkids than I ever did with my own kids. Kerrie has always been very supportive of me and my work in Marine Rescue over the decades, and she wasn’t hard on me with our kids, but with the grandkids, it’s a different story. I’ve got to be there when it counts!”
Lance continues to be an active member of Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Charlie Watch, as well as the Boat Master for MH 30, the unit’s Steber 38.
Miller (right) receiving his 30-year long service pin
The Middle Harbour base in the mid-1980s
Miller was part of Coastal Patrol Middle Harbour's involvement in the 2001 Blessing of the Fleet at Darling Harbour
Eden volunteer named Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year
Marine
Rescue Eden Deputy Unit Commander and Radio
Operator, Nancy Weatherman, was crowned Marine Rescue NSW’s Officer of the Year at the prestigious Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) held at Bankstown Sports Club in August.
Ms Weatherman received the honour, supported by fellow Marine Rescue NSW finalists: Merimbula Deputy Unit Commander and Coxswain, Sonia Teston; Port Jackson Training Systems Officer, Kelli Jovanovski; Port Macquarie Coxswain and Maintenance Manager, David Bigeni; and Youth Scholarship finalist, Port Jackson’s Sophie Baker.
Ms Weatherman said she was shocked to receive the award and paid tribute to her fellow volunteers at Marine Rescue Eden.
“ I am very pleased and very honoured, but it has taken a team to get me where I am tonight. It wasn’t just me; it was everyone at the Eden unit that helped me get here,” she said.“
The Eden Deputy Unit Commander has spent the past decade volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW as a radio operator and said she enjoys serving her community and helping South Coast boaters.
“They (the boaters) know that someone has got their back. If something happens, I’m the link between them having a bad day and getting home safely.
“Marine Rescue NSW radio operators are the people who take
the call when things don’t go the way a boater had hoped.
“We (radio operators) help coordinate and manage the communications for the rescue response,” Ms Weatherman said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell commended the dedication and skill of the Service’s finalists.
“It is wonderful to be with our RESCA finalists and celebrate their contribution to Marine Rescue NSW, not only with their peers from Marine Rescue NSW, but with their peers from right across the emergency services network in New South Wales.”
The Commissioner said Ms Weatherman was a very worthy winner.
“Nancy has been an outstanding leader at Marine Rescue Eden. She is a radio operator and works tirelessly behind the scenes in fundraising and administration to ensure that our life-saving capability is there to support the local community.
“While we are here to celebrate Nancy's achievement, she is one of over 3,400 volunteers right across the state who give up their time tirelessly in support of the community of New South Wales,” Commissioner Barrell said.
(L to R) Kelli Jovanovski - Port Jackson, Sonia Teston - Merimbula, David Bigeni - Port Macquarie, Nancy Weatherman - Eden and Commissioner Alex Barrell
Nancy Weatherman joined Marine Rescue Eden in 2013.
Hawkesbury 30 is always ready to respond
Magnificent seven celebrated at Hawkesbury
Seven volunteers from Marine Rescue Hawkesbury with a combined total of 69 years service, have been honoured for their commitment to serving the boating community.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott and Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer attended the ceremony at Mooney Mooney to acknowledge the group of dedicated volunteers.
Outer Western Sydney Senior NSW Volunteer of the Year Derek Whorlow and former Marine Rescue Hawkesbury Unit Commander Peter Moore were presented Unit Life Membership.
Since joining the unit in 2012, Whorlow has served in a variety of roles including Unit Commander and Training Systems Officer while Moore has dedicated more than two decades to Marine Rescue Hawkesbury and has twice served as Unit Commander.
Recently appointed Unit Commander Guy Burge, Treasurer and Fundraising Officer Bruce Wooldridge, and Watch Officer Sara Wakeling were presented with National Medals for dedication to service while Allan Lane and Grant Thomas both received five-year service pins.
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said the dedication of the honoured members is exceptional.
“The group at Hawkesbury typifies the commitment shown by our members across the state.
“We are privileged to have members like this group in our ranks and I thank them for their ongoing service to support the boating community.
“Marine Rescue Hawkesbury might be the smallest as far as volunteer numbers go at our seven Greater Sydney units but they do a tremendous amount of work covering one of the busier waterways in the state,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
Marine Rescue Hawkesbury Unit Life Member Derek Whorlow with Commissioner Barrell and National Medal recipient, Unit Commander Guy Burge
Former Marine Rescue Hawkesbury Unit Commander Peter Moore is presented Unit Life Membership by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell
The Anchorage
The Formation
TheSearch and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) season began with an incredible sight off Shellharbour in May, when all seven participating Illawarra units arrived in formation on the eve of the exercise. Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said it was a rare opportunity to showcase the region’s fleet, with six vessels and four rescue watercraft (RWC) taking part.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the Illawarra zone cover a 250 km stretch of coastline from the Royal National Park to south of Kioloa, and with all vessels and crews arriving the day before the SAREX, it was a wonderful opportunity to display the Service’s on-water capability.
“This is the first time a SAREX has been run from the new Shellharbour Marina, and with the first-rate facilities and harbour, we wanted to mark the occasion in style,” Inspector Massey said.“
Marine Rescue Port Kembla (PK 31), Shellharbour (SH 30) , Shoalhaven (SA 30), Jervis Bay (JB 41), Ulladulla (UL 30), and Kioloa (KL 20) all had boats involved, while Sussex Inlet and Jervis Bay contributed rescue watercraft (SI 10, SI 11, JB 10 and X 10).
Volunteers and vessels from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay topped and tailed the formation, with Adam Breau leading the fleet.
“I tried everything I could to not lead the fleet, but I got the nod because of the colour of my RWC. I even begged Jervis Bay’s RWC Coordinator Matt Dillon to swap skis so he could lead, but I failed,” he said.
Breau said it was a unique experience being on the lead vessel.
“When you’re involved in a live search and rescue mission, you have reference points with the other vessels beside you, but during the formation, I had to keep glancing over my shoulder to maintain the speed and keep the fleet straight.
“Communications were crucial for the execution of the formation, and Kioloa 20 did a wonderful job monitoring the speed in the middle of the fleet and providing reference for the crews.
“It was a really cool experience to be involved in and one I will never forget,” Breau said.
Jervis Bay RWC operator Adam Breau lead the fleet while Tony Dagger skippered JB 41 at the rear
Former Jervis Bay Unit Commander and Master Tony Dagger skippered JB 41 at the rear of the fleet.
“It was easier being at the back because I had all the vessels in front of me, I did enjoy the impressive view.
“As we approached the entrance to the marina, we were travelling at six knots, and everyone kept their position perfectly,”he said.
It was the second large formation Dagger has been involved in during his time volunteering on the water.
“Back in 1988, I was a member of the Coast Guard at Cottage Point, and during the bicentennial celebrations, we escorted the tall ships into Pittwater in preparation for their appearance on Sydney Harbour.
“We had three Coast Guard vessels escort the ships, which were under their own sail, and the planning for that operation paid off just like it did for the formation on the eve of the Illawarra SAREX,” Dagger said.
A birds eye view of the Illawarra fleet formation
All 10 vessels posed for the cameras on the southern breakwall
Sunrise wakes up with Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW was showcased on Australia’s number one breakfast television programme in August, with Seven’s Sunrise broadcasting the weather live from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s new base which was officially opened in May.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the opportunity was an excellent way to highlight the service’s capabilities.
“We were also able to reinforce our safe boating messages and celebrate and acknowledge our 3,400 volunteers, who do incredible work across the state.
“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour is consistently one of our busier units, and it was wonderful to see so many members from the unit embrace the opportunity, along with crews and vessels from Marine Rescue Port Jackson,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The Sunrise crew and weather host James Tobin are a well-oiled machine, with Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise delivering outside broadcasts every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Sunrise weather producer Sean Flynn said the programme has specific criteria when selecting weather locations.
“Sunrise viewers are spoilt for choice with three hours of content every day, so our main priorities are engaging content (visuals in particular), powerful stories, passion, and enthusiasm,” Flynn said.
With seven live weather segments across the morning, Marine Rescue Middle Harbour fit the criteria with a variety of content, including an interview with Commissioner Barrell, while Marine Rescue Broken Bay Deputy Unit Commander Steph Minshall delivered a flare demonstration at sunrise alongside Tobin and Middle Harbour members.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Ben Crowther said Middle Harbour 30 and Middle Harbour 20 then took the Sunrise crew out on the water.
“To showcase Marine Rescue NSW’s vessel capability, Port Jackson 31 and Port Jackson 20 rendezvoused with our vessels off
The Sunrise crew used Middle Harbour 30 as their on-water location platform
Clontarf Beach.
“The Sunrise crew filmed from MH 30, with the other vessels slotting in behind the live shots.
“Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer took part in a lifejacket demonstration with James, and as their PFDs inflated, they deliberately bumped and bounced off each other, which was quite entertaining.
“James had a go at throwing a life ring at a manikin before our crew demonstrated retrieving a person from the water and administering CPR,” Unit Commander Crowther said.
Producer Flynn said the broadcast reached a national television audience of over 1.2 million viewers on the Seven Network.
“We loved working with the passionate and hardworking team behind Marine Rescue Middle Harbour.
“Not only were they supportive of our objectives, they were accommodating with all of our ideas and flexible to the inevitable changes of a live news programme. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with Marine Rescue NSW again,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell is interviewed live by James Tobin on Sunrise
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer and Sunrise weather host James Tobin had some fun during the lifejacket demonstration
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Ben Crowther (third from left) was thrilled his unit had the opportunity to host the Sunrise crew
Marine Rescue Broken Bay Deputy Unit Commander Steph Minshall explains the importance of boaters having flares on board their vessel
Sunrise weather host James Tobin (third from left) was amazed by the light generated as he took part in the flare demonstration
Volunteers from the Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Broken Bay units took part in the Sunrise broadcast
Marine Rescue NSW shines at the Sydney International Boat Show
MarineRescue NSW had all points of the compass covered at the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show, held at Darling Harbour, with displays in Transport for NSW’s Boating Safety Zone, at the entrance to the ICC Halls, on the forecourt and stage, and out on Cockle Bay Marina.
The Marine Rescue NSW presence was led by volunteers and staff, who took the opportunity to engage with some of the more than 40,000 attendees over the four-day event in early August.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the Boat Show provided an excellent opportunity for the Service to connect directly with the boating community in a relaxed environment.
Port Jackson crew member Gerard Kaudeer and Unit Commander Paul Ballard enjoy being part of the Marine Rescue NSW presence at the show
The Marine Rescue NSW stand in the Boating Safety Zone was well visited across the four days
The Boat Show is a wonderful event to raise awareness of the free Marine Rescue NSW app, boating safety, and the Service’s strength and capability across the state. Lots of attendees tell us how Marine Rescue NSW crews have rescued them in the past and how grateful they are. “ “ “ “
“Visitors were able to tour Botany Hacking 30 out on the marina and take a close look at Tuggerah Lakes 21 on the forecourt, while inside, our dedicated volunteers and staff provided important boating safety advice to attendees.
“Some visitors to the Boat Show were planning to purchase their first vessel, and the opportunity for our representatives to engage with them about boating safety was invaluable,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Port Jackson Unit Commander Paul Ballard has been volunteering at the Boat Show for more than a decade.
“It’s great to speak with the boating public and provide a face for the Service. The engagement is always very positive, and people are pleased to meet our volunteers.
“It’s also an excellent opportunity to speak with other exhibitors and work alongside agencies such as the safety team from NSW Maritime to encourage safe boating.
“Almost a dozen volunteers from the Port Jackson unit volunteered at the show. We’re massive fans of the event and look forward to being involved again next year,” Unit Commander Ballard said.
Tuggerah Lakes 21 generated plenty of interest on the forecourt
Attendees toured Botany Hacking 30 on the marina
Evans Head volunteers assist Royal Australian Air Force with offshore exercise
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Evans Head have played a vital first ever support role assisting the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with Evans Head 31 and crew tasked to provide on-water safety support for a two-day exercise.
The CSAR Exercise Diamond Spear was a simulated search and rescue scenario involving a downed fighter jet with a pilot and weapons specialist bobbing around in liferafts on waters eight nautical miles off the Evans Head bombing range.
“ “
The objective of the exercise was for the pilot and weapons specialist to be located, secured and retrieved by RAAF assets.
The Marine Rescue Evans Head crew underwent a full preexercise briefing with Defence personnel detailing expected outcomes and highlighting the other assets involved in the simulation including an F/A-18F Super Hornet and helicopter. The uncontrollable element was the weather with conditions
rugged on both days. The Marine Rescue NSW crew with RAAF pilot and weapons specialist on board EH 31 were met by squalling rain and a two-metre swell making the exercise realistic and challenging.
On day one, it was decided that only the pilot would go in the water on a liferaft with the weapons specialist staying on board EH 31 to coordinate from the cabin.
The Super Hornet roars above
(Far left) Marine Rescue Evans Head volunteer Kira Hartland on board EH 31 with RAAF personnel
Within minutes, a Super Hornet roared overhead with the Marine Rescue NSW crew in awe of its power and ferocity.
The aircraft completed another flyby to determine the exact location of the simulated downed fighter pilot before a P8 Poseidon, flying low overhead, simulated the drop of essential Air Sea Rescue aids.
On the second day both the pilot and weapons specialist were deployed in life rafts from Evans Head 31.
RAAF Coffs Harbour were notified of persons in water and a RAAF helicopter was launched from Coffs Harbour to execute the safe retrieval of both persons from the water.
The aerial asset found the aircrew and winched them to safety before the Marine Rescue NSW vessel collected the liferafts and returned to base following a successful exercise.
Marine Rescue Evans Head crew member Hanabeth Luke said it was a pleasure to work with the RAAF team.
“It was valuable for us all to understand a little more of what each of our prospective teams do, and are capable of.
“The two young pilots managed to stay remarkably chirpy during their time adrift,” she said.
Marine Rescue Evans Head Deputy Unit Commander Jim Roberts said the unit has developed an important partnership with the Australian Defence Force.
“We will continue to provide on-water support when requested by the Australian Defence Force and look forward to taking part in further exercises like Diamond Spear,” he said.
The EH 31 crew kept watch over the liferafts
Marine Rescue Evans Head crew member Hanabeth Luke enjoyed the exercise
Roosters recognise Emergency Services
Onthe first day of Spring, Marine Rescue NSW joined seven other agencies for the inaugural Emergency Services NRL Match at Allianz Stadium. Hosted by the Sydney Roosters, this event was a powerful tribute to the dedication and bravery of emergency service personnel, first responders, and volunteers throughout NSW.
The stadium precinct buzzed with excitement as each agency showcased interactive displays for fans. Marine Rescue NSW drew a crowd with one of its impressive new multi-purpose vessels, captivating attendees and highlighting the essential role of the Service. The event gave Marine Rescue NSW a fantastic platform
to connect with tens of thousands of NRL fans as the Roosters took on the Raiders, while raising awareness of the Service's mission.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were on hand to engage with the community and join the celebration of their remarkable work. In recognition of their efforts, the Sydney Roosters donated $10,000 to Marine Rescue NSW—an invaluable contribution that will enable Marine Rescue Cottage Point to build a much-needed storage facility for essential response equipment.
“We are extremely grateful to the Sydney Roosters for their generous donation and support for emergency services across the state,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Marine Rescue Port Jackson members and HQ staff prepare to enter the field for the half time acknowledgement
Port Jackson’s Grant Morehouse (second from lelft) represented Marine Rescue NSW at the media launch.
(L to R) Anthony Brooks Sydney Roosters, Leanne Chandler Marine Rescue Cottage Point, Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Stuart Manley Marine Rescue Cottage Point and Paul Grzanka Sydney Roosters
Marine Rescue NSW medal rush at NSW Police and Emergency Services Games
MarineRescue Lake Macquarie’s dynamic fishing duo, Ian and Leanda Guy, cleaned up in the Angling tournament at September’s NSW Police and Emergency Services Games in the Shoalhaven.
The husband and wife returned home to Coal Point on the shores of Lake Macquarie with a swag of medals.
The pair each won six medals, with Leanda claiming overall women’s gold, while the men’s was a tight contest, with Ian taking bronze following a countback.
“It was such a wonderful event, and we enjoyed our time in the Shoalhaven immensely,” Leanda said.
It was the first time the sporty pair had contested the Games, having previously competed at the World, National, and Asia Pacific Masters Games in a variety of sports, including squash, softball, and athletics, with Leanda winning silver at the 2002 World Masters Games Squash Tournament.
Leanda and Ian had extra luggage for the trip home after winning a dozen medals
Ian claimed gold in the bream category
“We have competed in many local fishing competitions but never the NSW Police and Emergency Services Games. We’ve always wanted to take our caravan down to the South Coast and thought this would be a nice opportunity to do a reconnaissance mission,” Ian said.
The three-day Angling tournament provided the pair with the opportunity to contest species divisions both inside (enclosed) and outside (offshore), while chasing overall glory.
Ian’s third placing overall saw him take gold in the bream, morwong, and outside flathead categories, along with silvers for inside flathead and men’s outside. Meanwhile, Leanda complemented her overall gold with three silvers and two bronzes in various species categories.
The pair made the most of their first-ever visit to the Shoalhaven, arriving a couple of days before the competition and were even the recipients of a “pay it forward” gesture.
“Lea was getting some groceries, so I went to fill up the boat and got talking to a gentleman at the bowsers.
“I told him that my wife and I were from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie and were competing in the fishing tournament at the NSW Police and Emergency Services Games. He was a lovely bloke.
“He finished his refuelling and headed inside, and then as I was walking in to pay, he stopped me and told me that he had taken care of the bill.
“He said that ‘he loved that we volunteer for Marine Rescue NSW’.
“He told me that he was a paramedic nurse and ‘we have to
look after each other’. I was totally blown away by the gesture,” Ian said.
That wasn’t the only friendly encounter the Lake Macquarie pair had. They received fishing maps, along with latitude and longitude coordinates, from two different people and even won a couple of raffles at the Greenwell Point Bowling Club.
On the eve of the Angling tournament, Leanda said they popped into the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven radio base at Crookhaven Heads.
“Their radio base is in such a beautiful location, and the operators on duty, Michael and Robert, were so friendly and welcoming. They took us through the base, and it showed me the friendly spirit of MRNSW, she said. “
Ian said he Logged On and Off with Marine Rescue Shoalhaven on all three days of the competition, which was the first major outing for the new 90-horsepower Suzuki engine on their fivemetre Fi-Glass Dominator cuddy cabin boat.
Suzuki Australia provided the pair with sponsorship for the Games, and Ian said the new outboard performed brilliantly.
“We fished in a number of different locations, in 25 metres of water in Berrys Bay and out at Nowra Hill, which is about 2.1 nautical miles off the coast.
The pair enjoyed their tour of the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven radio base
“On the first day, the weather was terrible; it would have blown a dog off its chain.
“We headed up the Shoalhaven River to try and find a bank to get out of the wind, and I thought at one stage I’d caught a big jewie. We even had to lift the anchor to chase it, only to find it was one of the biggest stingrays I’ve ever seen in my life,” Ian said.
Leanda and Ian’s debut at the NSW Police and Emergency Services Games resulted in 12 medals, a memorable experience, and some improved fishing spot knowledge for when they finally head south for a holiday.
“We had a wonderful week and look forward to fishing the Shoalhaven again,” Ian said.
Marine Rescue NSW was well represented across a variety of other sports at the Games. Cottage Point’s Bronte Wilkinson won double gold in the women’s 500-metre open water swimming (race and age category).
Marine Rescue NSW IT Support Coordinator Matt Sims teamed up with Penrith-based police officer Chris Peake and prison officers Zach Maitland and Sean Titheridge to win gold in the team darts.
Marine Rescue Sydney radio operator Gary Offner was on target at Nowra Rifle Range, claiming bronze in the 50-metre Prone and 50-metre Bench Rest. Botany Port Hacking Master and Marine Rescue NSW General Manager of Training and Capability, Brad Whittaker, took bronze in the Open Surfing, while Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews excelled in athletics.
Deputy Commissioner Andrews collected silver in the 100 and 200-metre sprints and bronze in the 400 metres and long jump.
Marine Rescue Sydney's Gary Offner was on target in the shooting competition The open water swimming was held at Wollongong's Belmore Basin
Cottage Point's Bronte Wilkinson was among the medallists in the open water swimming
Marine Rescue Hawkesbury Chaplain celebrates 60 years of Ministry
By Marine Rescue Hawkesbury Deputy Unit Commander Cassie O’Callaghan
FatherCarmelo Sciberras OAM, the much-loved chaplain of Marine Rescue Hawkesbury, recently celebrated a significant milestone—his Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of ministry as a Catholic priest. Since 1996, he has been a devoted member of Marine Rescue Hawkesbury, serving not only as a crewman but also as the unit's chaplain, offering spiritual support to its members and the wider community.
Born in Malta in 1938, during the onset of World War II, Fr Carmelo has vivid memories of living in underground shelters while Malta was heavily bombed by Axis forces.
“The war was a challenging time,” he recalled.
“We spent many nights in underground shelters, not knowing what the next day would bring.”
He and his family emigrated to Australia in 1956, where they settled in Sydney. Fr Carmelo completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Catholic seminaries in Springwood and Manly, leading to his ordination as a priest. Over the span of his career, he has served in 21 different parishes across Sydney, including as parish priest at St Joseph’s in Narrabeen and Holy Name in Wahroonga.
Fr Carmelo’s service extended beyond his parish duties. He was a full-time chaplain at Concord Repatriation Hospital and served for 17 years as a padre in the Army Reserve, retiring as Senior
Chaplain with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military service included two years of full-time service at Kapooka, home of the 1st Recruit Training Battalion.
“Serving as a chaplain in the Army Reserve was incredibly fulfilling. The military taught me discipline and the value of camaraderie,” he said.
He also ministered as a chaplain for the NSW Police Service and various veterans' organisations.
After retiring from full-time parish duties in 2007, Fr Carmelo relocated to Summerland Point on the Central Coast but continued to support the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay in a lighter capacity. However, retirement did not slow him down—he remained an active member of Marine Rescue Hawkesbury. He initially joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (which preceded Marine Rescue NSW) in 1996 after being invited by Terry Fox, a member of the unit, to become their chaplain. Over the years, he attended meetings, provided spiritual care, and, after retirement, became more involved in operational duties, even completing training as a crewman.
“I wanted to be more than just the padre—I wanted to be part of the action. So, I did the training, learned the ropes, and became a crewman,” he said.
Fr Carmelo vividly recalls a particularly challenging moment
Father Carmelo Sciberras blesses Hawkesbury 30 during last year's commissioning ceremony
during his service when he spent an entire night counselling a fellow member who was struggling after a difficult search and recovery mission.
“
That night was tough, but being there for my fellow member was what mattered most. Sometimes, just being present can make all the difference,” he said.“
In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr Carmelo has been involved in many other aspects of Marine Rescue, including blessing new rescue vessels for both his own unit and others in the region, such as Cottage Point and Broken Bay. He also conducted the funeral of a former Unit Commander, Merv Collins, who had been instrumental in Fr Carmelo’s training as a crew member.
At 86, Fr Carmelo continues to be an active part of Marine Rescue Hawkesbury. He serves on the first watch team each month and is currently training to become an accredited radio operator, proving that age is no barrier to learning new skills and continuing to serve the community.
“I’m always learning—whether it’s operating the radio or tying a knot, I still feel there’s more to give,” he said with a smile.
Fr Carmelo’s remarkable life and dedication to both his faith and Marine Rescue Hawkesbury have earned him numerous
accolades, including the National Medal and the Medal of the Order of Australia. His lifelong commitment to service—whether through the church, the military, or Marine Rescue—has left a lasting legacy in the lives of those he has helped and continues to inspire.
As Marine Rescue Hawkesbury and the broader community celebrate his 60 years of ministry, Fr Carmelo looks forward to continuing his role as chaplain and offering his services for many years to come.
“I’m not done yet; I will continue to serve as long as I can. It’s been a blessing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.
Father Carmelo was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2016 for his service to the Catholic Church in Australia and to the Maltese community of New South Wales
Father Carmelo has spent countless hours on Greater Sydney's waterways
Thank you For helping us save lives
Marine Rescue NSW thanks the following grant providers for their generosity and support of our volunteers, and for helping provide equipment and facilities that help them achieve our mission of saving lives on the water.
• Premier’s Department
• Community Building Partnership Program
• Port Kembla Community Investment Fund
• Crown Reserves Improvement Fund
• Premiers Discretionary Fund
• Office of Responsible Gambling
• NSW Premier’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program
• NSW Ports Authority
J AME S FRIZELLE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
• Aurizon
• Australian First Responders Foundation
• Central Coast Council
• Club Grants NSW
• Ballina Council
• Byron Shire Council
• Byron Bay Service Club
• City of Canada Bay
• Club Jervis Bay
• Endeavour Energy
• Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal
• Department of Social Services
• Stronger Communities Program
• Volunteers Grants State Wide
• Erina Rugby Club
• Pittwater RSL
• Randwick City Council
• Snowy Monaro Regional Council
• GrainCorp
• NSW Port Community Contribution
• Snowy Hydro Community Grants
• St. Georges Basin Country Club
• Veolia Mulwaree Trust Community Enterprise Foundation™
