Tributes to valued members

Sydney leader built strong foundations

A role model with high expectations.

Original MR Sydney Unit Commander Ron Woosey.

Members of Marine Rescue Sydney are mourning the loss of one of our “founding fathers”, former Unit Commander Ron Woosey.

All our members are special to us but Ron stands out as extra special.

He was a leader in defining what Marine Rescue Sydney is and does today.

Ron’s intellect and determination led us to become the primary radio base for the Sydney region and most importantly, a 24/7 operation.

We have continued from the determined foundations Ron established and the seeds he planted have now blossomed into the new State Communications Centre.

Ron joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol’s Terrey Hills Division in 2005, undertaking executive roles including Operations Officer before becoming the Divisional Commander in 2007.

At this time there was debate about the roles of the RVCP radio bases at Terrey Hills and The Spit, as well as competition with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard base at South Head.

Ron knew that if we were to survive and thrive, we had to provide a professional around-the-clock service and committed himself and his team to achieving that.

He made large personal sacrifices by doing multiple overnight shifts every week for several years and working hard to build the membership from 30 to 70 to cover the “graveyard” shifts.

It was Ron who established our enduring call sign identity as Marine Rescue Sydney.

Upon the establishment of MRNSW, Ron became the first Unit Commander of MR Terrey Hills. He was my first Commander when I joined 11 years ago and the same applies for a number of our members. I have very clear memories of his leadership by example and expectations of professionalism. He was a role model.

In 2012, after five years as leader and carrying a heavy burden of many overnight shifts, Ron stepped back to take it a little easier. He continued as a radio operator, standing watches, even through his wife Joyce’s illness, until his own illness took him a few months ago.

He was chuffed to receive his National Medal recognising 15 years of volunteer service late last year.

Our members have described similar qualities that Ron brought to us, including dogged determination, strong opinions, a focus on doing the things we needed to do to grow in a changing landscape and challenging us to be a professional volunteer service, not just a club of like-minded marine radio volunteers.

All of these qualities give us, and me in particular, an example to reflect on and a desire to continue to the legacy he helped create.

We will miss you Ron. We won’t forget your contribution and will continue the journey you set us on.

Matthew King

Botany Bay rescuers caring, professional

Dad and son thank ‘amazing’ team.

The crew of Botany 30 organised NSW Ambulance care for a sick boater when he and his son broke down on Botany Bay.

On Saturday, July 3 just gone I was out on my boat with my son on Botany Bay.

It was time to call it a day only to find that my engine would not start.

After a few checks and trying to pull start the engine a few times with no luck, I called the Marine Rescue line.

From the start, I believe it was Ted who took the call and was calm and professional and advised that your vessel was on its way.

During this time though I had started to hyperventilate and was not in the best condition when your crew arrived. Your crew, Bob, Phill and Chris, pulled up alongside and were fantastic.

They organised for me to be checked out by the Ambo’s before towing my boat and taking my son and I back to the boat ramp at Tom Uglys Bridge. The whole time they were patient, caring and professional.

My son and I cannot thank you enough for helping us in our time of need. At this point it was well after dark and they still had to go and do another rescue, eating more into their personal time and risking their safety to help others.

Again, thanks to your amazing team.

Michael Fay

CALLAGHANS

MARINE SERVICES

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