COAST ABLAZE Crews on High Alert in Bushfire Emergency SUMMER BOATING Make Safety Your Priority GOOD SPORTS Sign up for 2020 Games

Volunteers saving lives on the water

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW | Issue 41, Summer 2019 COAST ABLAZE Crews on high alert in bushfire emergency SUMMER BOATING Make safety your priority GOOD SPORTS Sign up for 2020 Games

PLUS: Close result in Board election | A member for life | New fleet builder

CONTENTS Issue 41 | Summer 2019

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW

Cover Image THE HELM Smoke on the water. Marine Rescue NSW units have been on high alert 2 • Commissioner’s report during the State’s recent bushfire emergency. With fires raging in the north, 4 • Chair’s report Brunswick 30 is shrouded in smoke during a training exercise. ON THE RADAR Photo: MR Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathon Wilcock. 3 • New Northern Rivers Director joins Board Publisher • Life Member looks forward to giving more Marine Rescue NSW 5 • Enjoy summer but do your bit to stay safe 202 Nicholson Parade • $200,000 in grants for training, recruitment Cronulla NSW 2230 6-7 • Marine Rescue on alert to support response to Contact unprecedented bushfire emergency Kate Woods 9 • New boat builder supports fleet expansion Phone: 02 8071 4848 • Taking the lead requires skill and support Email: [email protected] 10 • Delegation learns about rescue management 11 • Emergency services honour fallen volunteers Design and Layout • First Protocol Officer set the standard high Nicole Brown 13 • Safety campaign targets online audience Advertising • Faces of volunteering promote its benefits Graham Joss 14 • Marine Rescue competitors good sports Email: [email protected] 15 • Members urged to sign up for 2020 Games Phone: 0419 492 836 16 • Free lifejacket clinics, flare disposal near you

Printing MAKING WAVES Ligare Book Printers 19-23 Northern Rivers News Head office: 138-152 Bonds Road, Riverwood NSW 2210 • Iluka Yamba • Cape Byron • Brunswick Marine Rescue NSW is pleased to acknowledge the invaluable support of our • Ballina • Evans Head • Wooli Soundings advertisers. • Point Danger 24-28 Mid North Coast News © Copyright Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales. Reproduction in • Camden Haven • Woolgoolga • Forster-Tuncurry whole or in part prohibited without permission of the publisher. • Nambucca • Port Macquarie • Coffs Harbour Marine Rescue NSW encourages the use of Soundings articles on boating • Crowdy Harrington safety. Permission to use and supply of relevant images can be obtained 30-34 Hunter/Central Coast News from the publisher. • Norah Head • SAREX • Port Stephens • Tuggerah Lakes • Lake Macquarie • Central Coast • Newcastle 35-37 Greater Sydney News • Hawkesbury • Cottage Point • Broken Bay • Terrey Hills • Middle Harbour • Port Jackson 39-42 Illawarra News • Sussex Inlet • Shoalhaven • Kioloa MARINE RESCUE NSW • Ulladulla • Jervis Bay • Shellharbour • Port Kembla Volunteers saving lives on the water 43-46 Monaro News Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales • SAREX • Bermagui • Eden ABN 98 138 078 092 • Batemans Bay • Merimbula • Narooma PO Box 579 PICTURE GALLERY Cronulla NSW 2230 17, 29, 47 • What we’ve been up to Phone: 02 8071 4848 Fax: 02 9969 5214 Email: [email protected] IN MEMORIAM, IT’S ALL IN THE CLUES 48 • Tributes to valued members, MRNSW crossword

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 1 THE HELM ON THE RADAR Official business Volunteers vote

From the Commissioner New Northern Rivers Director joins Board We’re well prepared for summer and looking forward to a promising new year. Record participation by region’s members in 10th annual elections.

s this year’s peak boating the water, I remind all our members our long-standing support for the ecord voter turnout resulted in a He welcomed Mr Henriksen Aseason started in October, to ensure they have adequate rest, NSW boat building industry and the Rclose contest for the position of to the Board and congratulated considerable areas of our state stay well hydrated and safeguard valuable employment and income it Northern Rivers Regional Director on the returning regional directors, were already in the grip of raging their health. creates in our regional centres. the MRNSW Board. paying tribute to the marine rescue, bushfires. We are well prepared for the At this time of the year, it would MR Point Danger member Darcy professional and life skills each Well before summer, fires were summer, with members of three be remiss of me not to thank the Henriksen was announced as the director brought to the table. swallowing large tracts of bushland regions recently testing their people who have supported and successful candidate at the Annual Capping a day of big news for and encroaching on towns and capability and equipment in Search contributed to our organisation General Meeting, held at the State MR Point Danger, Unit Commander small settlements along the northern and Rescue Exercises and units in throughout the year. We owe the Headquarters on November 23, Glenda Ashby was made a Life coastline. all regions concentrating on training Premier and former and current narrowly edging out MR Evans Member of MRNSW (see below). One of the major strengths of the throughout the cooler months. Police and Emergency Services Head’s Karin Brown. Commissioner Stacey Tannos NSW emergency services is that Our communications Ministers, Troy Grant and David A record 37 per cent of the 307 outlined the organisation’s Commissioner while each has its specific combat infrastructure has been upgraded Elliott, a debt of gratitude for their eligible members voted in the poll. achievements over 2018-2019. Stacey Tannos ESM role, all work together to protect and with major new installations on the valuable recognition of our service Mr Henriksen, who has been He said MRNSW had performed assist our community and to support South Coast to eliminate blackspots and volunteers. a member since 2007, thanked about 2,700 rescues, of which Commissioner Stacey Tannos and the 2020 Marine each other in times of disaster and the volunteers for their vote of around 820 were in response to and improve reception. New online The Board of Directors are Rescue NSW Board after the Annual General Meeting. emergency. technology is being progressively the strongest advocates for our confidence and said he was life-threatening emergencies. Inset: Pat Fayers. I am proud that our members installed in units to build our online members and I thank them for honoured and privileged to be taking He thanked the 3,000 volunteers have so ably stepped up to support marine radio network. their support for our work this year. on the position of responsibility. for their hard work, commitment and contribution, saying more were have the unit operational, with a the response to this unprecedented We are continuing to enhance Congratulations to newly-elected General Director and Board Chair willingness to accept change and being hired to support the delivery base built, volunteers trained and a bushfire emergency, whether on the Jim Glissan was elected unopposed, adopt increasing technology. of new communications, vessels boat in place,” he said. water, ready to evacuate residents or Thank you to our volunteers, who are the heart as were returning Mid North Coast “We all have one goal – to grow and facilities funded from the $37.6 Grant Thornton Audit Partner transport firefighers, or through their and soul of this organisation. Regional Director John Lynch and the organisation and provide a million in extra funding announced James Winter said he had no communications expertise, providing Hunter/Central Coast Regional safety net for the boating community by the State Government, including concerns about MRNSW, with essential information to the public our fleet, with new and refurbished Northern Rivers Regional Director Director Jim Wright. Mr Glissan was and we do that extremely well.” the new Lord Howe Island unit. continued improvement in its through the Bushfire Information vessels in service for summer, Darcy Henriksen and the re-elected subsequently reelected as Chair. He commended the staff for their “This time next year we hope to professionalism and quality of work. Line or working directly with their providing even more of our volunteer Mid North Coast and Hunter/Central NSW Rural Fire Service colleagues. crews with safe, modern and reliable Coast Directors John Lynch and Jim Many of our people double-up as assets for their life-saving work. Wright and Chair Jim Glissan. RFS volunteers and I particularly If you had asked me last year It was a pleasure to be able to Life Member looks forward to giving more commend them for their service. what I wanted for Christmas, I would speak with our unit leaders over the Unit Commander surprised to be joined by family for presentation. This busy start to the boating have said additional government weekend at this year’s Leadership season has been demanding funding to support our organisation. Conference. Our Unit Commanders arine Rescue Point Danger Unit first in Volunteer Marine Rescue operationally and no doubt the Santa Claus might not have left and Deputies carry an extra burden MCommander Glenda Ashby has Queensland and latterly in MRNSW. sustained threat of fire and constant me a cheque under the Christmas of responsibility and deserve thanks been awarded Life Membership of “You’re a shining light and the smoke in the air have been wearing tree but NSW Premier Gladys for the endless hours and many Marine Rescue NSW. kind of example we want to set to for those in affected communities. Berejiklian certainly ensured it would demands placed on them. UC Ashby, who has been a other members,” he said As we enter our busiest period on be a happy new year when she Each of our staff members works member since 1999, was named “We’re very grateful for the work announced $37.6 million in extra like a Trojan, far beyond what I could as the 2019 Life Member at the Glenda has done. She promotes our funding in January. ask of them. They should know their MRNSW Annual General Meeting. volunteers well beyond the unit and I’m looking foward to another contributions are highly valued. She was shocked to see her has contributed to the organisation new year of achievement as we And last but never least, our sister, MR Point Danger Treasurer as a whole.” continue to develop our capability, volunteers, without whom the Dianne Henriksen and brother-in- Mr Glissan said UC Ashby improve our volunteers’ working first 10 years of Marine Rescue law Darcy arrive to join her and her had established strong working Life Member Glenda Ashby with her husband Gary (right), sister environment, expand offshore to NSW would never have happened. husband Gary for the presentation. relationships with organisations both Dianne Henriksen and brother-in-law Darcy Henriksen at the AGM. Lord Howe Island and implement They are the heart and soul of this “They turned up this morning within NSW and across the border exciting new training initiatives. organisation and their hard work and unexpectedly. It’s so nice for me,” and had occupied roles at the unit members has established the Point “Twenty years of volunteer work, Importantly, we are adding a dedication is the key to our success she said. including running its fundraising Danger operation as financially solid I’ve spent it with the love of my life, new model vessel to the fleet, in our mission to save lives on the Chair Jim Glissan said Life souvenir shop, Assistant Treasurer, and professional,” Mr Glissan said. my husband Gary. We’ve done it with a new boat builder appointed water. I thank you all and wish you Membership was the highest Administration Officer, Deputy Unit UC Ashby thanked the member/s together. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed to our network of suppliers. This the compliments of the season. accolade the organisation could Commander and Unit Commander. who nominated her and the my time. We’re a very professional bestow and congratulated UC “Glenda’s long-term commitment Commissioner Stacey Tannos addresses a media conference to mark partnership with Harwood Marine Stacey Tannos ESM Board for presenting her with Life organisation and I’m looking forward the start of the boating season on October 4. on the Northern Rivers continues Commissioner Ashby on her 20 years’ service, and devotion to the wellbeing of the Membership. to being involved in the future.”

2 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 3 THE HELM ON THE RADAR Volunteers vote

From the Commissioner New Northern Rivers Director joins Board Record participation by region’s members in 10th annual elections.

ecord voter turnout resulted in a He welcomed Mr Henriksen Rclose contest for the position of to the Board and congratulated Northern Rivers Regional Director on the returning regional directors, the MRNSW Board. paying tribute to the marine rescue, MR Point Danger member Darcy professional and life skills each Henriksen was announced as the director brought to the table. successful candidate at the Annual Capping a day of big news for General Meeting, held at the State MR Point Danger, Unit Commander Headquarters on November 23, Glenda Ashby was made a Life narrowly edging out MR Evans Member of MRNSW (see below). Head’s Karin Brown. Commissioner Stacey Tannos A record 37 per cent of the 307 outlined the organisation’s eligible members voted in the poll. achievements over 2018-2019. Mr Henriksen, who has been He said MRNSW had performed a member since 2007, thanked about 2,700 rescues, of which Commissioner Stacey Tannos and the 2020 Marine the volunteers for their vote of around 820 were in response to Rescue NSW Board after the Annual General Meeting. confidence and said he was life-threatening emergencies. Inset: Pat Fayers. honoured and privileged to be taking He thanked the 3,000 volunteers on the position of responsibility. for their hard work, commitment and contribution, saying more were have the unit operational, with a General Director and Board Chair willingness to accept change and being hired to support the delivery base built, volunteers trained and a Jim Glissan was elected unopposed, adopt increasing technology. of new communications, vessels boat in place,” he said. Thank you to our volunteers, who are the heart as were returning Mid North Coast “We all have one goal – to grow and facilities funded from the $37.6 Grant Thornton Audit Partner and soul of this organisation. Regional Director John Lynch and the organisation and provide a million in extra funding announced James Winter said he had no Hunter/Central Coast Regional safety net for the boating community by the State Government, including concerns about MRNSW, with Director Jim Wright. Mr Glissan was and we do that extremely well.” the new Lord Howe Island unit. continued improvement in its subsequently reelected as Chair. He commended the staff for their “This time next year we hope to professionalism and quality of work.

Life Member looks forward to giving more Unit Commander surprised to be joined by family for presentation.

arine Rescue Point Danger Unit first in Volunteer Marine Rescue MCommander Glenda Ashby has Queensland and latterly in MRNSW. been awarded Life Membership of “You’re a shining light and the Marine Rescue NSW. kind of example we want to set to UC Ashby, who has been a other members,” he said member since 1999, was named “We’re very grateful for the work as the 2019 Life Member at the Glenda has done. She promotes our MRNSW Annual General Meeting. volunteers well beyond the unit and She was shocked to see her has contributed to the organisation sister, MR Point Danger Treasurer as a whole.” Dianne Henriksen and brother-in- Mr Glissan said UC Ashby law Darcy arrive to join her and her had established strong working Life Member Glenda Ashby with her husband Gary (right), sister husband Gary for the presentation. relationships with organisations both Dianne Henriksen and brother-in-law Darcy Henriksen at the AGM. “They turned up this morning within NSW and across the border unexpectedly. It’s so nice for me,” and had occupied roles at the unit members has established the Point “Twenty years of volunteer work, she said. including running its fundraising Danger operation as financially solid I’ve spent it with the love of my life, Chair Jim Glissan said Life souvenir shop, Assistant Treasurer, and professional,” Mr Glissan said. my husband Gary. We’ve done it Membership was the highest Administration Officer, Deputy Unit UC Ashby thanked the member/s together. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed accolade the organisation could Commander and Unit Commander. who nominated her and the my time. We’re a very professional bestow and congratulated UC “Glenda’s long-term commitment Board for presenting her with Life organisation and I’m looking forward Ashby on her 20 years’ service, and devotion to the wellbeing of the Membership. to being involved in the future.”

2 | SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 3 THE HELM ON THE RADAR Official business Boating season

From the Chair Enjoy summer but do your bit to stay safe We end the year stronger and with a greater sense of engagement. Volunteers ready as boaters warned against complacency on the water.

s we enter another summer lives of three injured men at sea. On Board members have a collective oaters have been warned not to Aof peak service demand, behalf of the entire organisation, I responsibility to work diligently, Bbe complacent on the water this Marine Rescue NSW ends 2019 offer our congratulations and thanks earnestly and constructively in the summer. stronger and prouder after a to these members and above all, our interests of our organisation and Marine safety agencies marked year of rewarding progress and pride in their abilities and dedication. its members. The volunteers who the start of the new boating season achievement. At the Annual General Meeting, put their faith in us to provide the on the October long weekend by This was truly the year in which we heard that more than 90 of our strategic leadership of their service thanking boaters for doing their bit a great deal of hard work and volunteers were supporting the can have faith in our commitment to to reduce incidents and urging them planning resulted in exciting projects state’s current bushfire response, this charter. to place a priority on safety. coming to fruition, both operationally filling shifts on the Bushfire In executing our duties, the Board MRNSW Commissioner Stacey and corporately. Information Line at the NSW Rural is able to rely on the information and Tannos said the service’s volunteers The impact of the State Fire Service Headquarters. Our units advice provided by the management would be on duty at all 44 units over Government’s commitment of an also have been on alert and standby led by Commissioner Stacey the peak season, with planning in additional $37.6 million in funding to respond if needed to assist their Tannos and Deputy Commissioner place for extended patrols and radio Chair James Glissan AM ESM QC for our organisation will be felt emergency services colleagues Dean Storey. The professional base operations and pre-deployment for many years to come, enabling and communities. The kind of commitment from our staff goes of rescue assets. us to embark upon a program of commitment we get from all our well beyond their pay grades and “Our dedicated volunteers have capital investment directly targeted volunteers is rewarding to see. the hours they could be expected used the cooler months to train hard at improving volunteer safety and We also end the year with a to work. They are all dedicated and and prepare for what’s expected to be another busy boating season,” Trained and ready ... Port Jackson 20 and Middle Harbour 30 crews mark the launch of the 2019 boating conditions and in turn strengthening greater sense of engagement. Our we are extremely privileged to have season. Photo: Brendan Trembath. our ability to meet our mission to 10th anniversary on July 1 was a them. he said. “I urge boaters to do save lives on the water. valuable opportunity to reflect on our In the coming weeks, our their bit before they head out by checking conditions, always wearing risks. “With the cooperation of later afternoon boating peak hours. would again be based in the NSW Our boaters, whether a fisherman achievements over the past decade volunteers will spend many long a lifejacket and Logging On and everyone who heads out on the “The Bermagui base is extending Police Force Marine Area Command heading out at dawn or a family and to reaffirm our commitment to hours on duty, whether that is on Logging Off with their local unit. water, the average number of its opening hours for the first time, to assist with the coordination of cruising on a hot summer’s day, will “Logging On is quick and easy. boating fatalities in the last five taking advantage of our upgraded rescue operations. be safer on the water thanks to this Our volunteers’ skill and courage are exemplary. You can use the free MarineRescue years is 43 per cent lower than radio infrastructure on the South “A Regional Operations Manager funding injection. The rest of the world now knows this to be true. app or your marine radio. We five years ago and we want that Coast and its increased capacity as and volunteer will be based in I have long said that you will find encourage boaters to make every downward trend to go even further.” a result of its concentrated training the MAC for 32 days between none finer than our professional continuing to serve our community a rescue vessel, in a radio base, journey safer by switching to VHF Centre for Maritime Safety Acting program,” he said. November 30 and March 1,” he volunteers, whose skill and courage to the best of our ability in future. fundraising or performing the range radio, which provides greater range Director Peter Harvey encouraged Units will pre-position boats and said. “This includes all weekends are exemplary, second to none. Pleasingly, our members have of management, administrative and and better reception.” boaters to check their equipment, Rescue Water Craft in high-traffic and public holidays and on the very The rest of the world now also shown strong engagement in our support roles essential to their unit’s NSW Maritime Acting Executive including safety gear and lifejackets. and potentially risky locations such busiest days of the season. “ knows this to be true. Our Port internal democratic processes, with day-to-day operations. Director Mark Hutchings said MRNSW Director of Operations as coastal bars. Sydney Harbour will Mr Cribb said the MAC placement Macquarie unit has been applauded the volunteers from the Northern Our members truly shine in the boating was a favourite pastime Andrew Cribb said many bases be covered seven days a week over was a valuable training and on the global and national stages Rivers Region recording the highest summer spotlight. It is not only in NSW, enjoyed by more than two would be open longer to ensure the holiday peak. emergency management opportunity this year for its volunteers’ rate of participation in the annual the boaters on the water who are million people but was not without radio operators were on duty for the Mr Cribb said MRNSW personnel for volunteers. remarkable mission to save the Board elections that we have seen ressured by our presence but also to date. In a closely-run contest, members of the general community, MR Point Danger member Darcy who rely on all their emergency Henriksen was elected as the new services to assist and protect them Regional Director. Congratulations in times of need. Our members can $200,000 in grants for training, recruitment to Darcy and also to our Mid North be proud to share in this public trust. Coast and Hunter/Central Coast I thank each of our volunteers for arine Rescue NSW has been recruitment resources and materials. compiling their units’ applications. room and supplying equipment and Regional Directors, John Lynch and their hard work, community service Mawarded almost $200,000 State Headquarters received Successful units include MR Lake materials including navigation kits Jim Wright, who were re-elected and achievements throughout 2019. in Emergency Volunteer Support almost $100,000 to supply VHF Macquarie, which received more and a training defibrillator. unopposed. We are nothing without you and Scheme grant funding. radio training kits to 34 units that do than $14,000 for electronic training Other units to receive funding I thank my fellow Board members everything because of you. Stay safe Emergency Services Minister not yet have this aid for their trainee devices and fit-out. MR Merimbula under the joint Commonwealth-State for their trust and confidence in over the summer. David Elliott announced MRNSW had radio operators. was allocated almost $12,000 to program are Ballina, Bermagui, returning me as Chair and look On behalf of the Board, I wish received $197,499 from the total Grants and Sponsorship Manager publish its unit history and provide a Broken Bay, Brunswick, Forster- forward to our work next year. you a merry Christmas and a happy 2018-19 funding pool of $632,922. Mat Smith said the organisation’s range of marketing, recruitment and Tuncurry, Kioloa, Middle Harbour, Each of the Directors brings New Year. Eighteen units received a total success was a tribute to the Grants membership resources. Moama, Newcastle, Port Kembla, of $97,573 for training facility fit- Officers and other volunteers who The Hawkesbury unit will invest Shoalhaven, Sussex Inlet, Terry Hills, Chair Jim Glissan presents MR Point Danger Unit Commander Glenda valuable marine rescue, professional Good sailing Ashby with her Life Membership certificate and pin at the AGM. and life experience to the table. The Jim Glissan outs and equipment and volunteer had put serious time and effort into $11,200 in fitting out a training Tuggerah Lakes and Wooli.

4 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 5 THE HELM ON THE RADAR Official business Boating season

From the Chair Enjoy summer but do your bit to stay safe We end the year stronger and with a greater sense of engagement. Volunteers ready as boaters warned against complacency on the water. s we enter another summer lives of three injured men at sea. On Board members have a collective oaters have been warned not to Aof peak service demand, behalf of the entire organisation, I responsibility to work diligently, Bbe complacent on the water this Marine Rescue NSW ends 2019 offer our congratulations and thanks earnestly and constructively in the summer. stronger and prouder after a to these members and above all, our interests of our organisation and Marine safety agencies marked year of rewarding progress and pride in their abilities and dedication. its members. The volunteers who the start of the new boating season achievement. At the Annual General Meeting, put their faith in us to provide the on the October long weekend by This was truly the year in which we heard that more than 90 of our strategic leadership of their service thanking boaters for doing their bit a great deal of hard work and volunteers were supporting the can have faith in our commitment to to reduce incidents and urging them planning resulted in exciting projects state’s current bushfire response, this charter. to place a priority on safety. coming to fruition, both operationally filling shifts on the Bushfire In executing our duties, the Board MRNSW Commissioner Stacey and corporately. Information Line at the NSW Rural is able to rely on the information and Tannos said the service’s volunteers The impact of the State Fire Service Headquarters. Our units advice provided by the management would be on duty at all 44 units over Government’s commitment of an also have been on alert and standby led by Commissioner Stacey the peak season, with planning in additional $37.6 million in funding to respond if needed to assist their Tannos and Deputy Commissioner place for extended patrols and radio Chair James Glissan AM ESM QC for our organisation will be felt emergency services colleagues Dean Storey. The professional base operations and pre-deployment for many years to come, enabling and communities. The kind of commitment from our staff goes of rescue assets. us to embark upon a program of commitment we get from all our well beyond their pay grades and “Our dedicated volunteers have capital investment directly targeted volunteers is rewarding to see. the hours they could be expected used the cooler months to train hard at improving volunteer safety and We also end the year with a to work. They are all dedicated and and prepare for what’s expected to be another busy boating season,” Trained and ready ... Port Jackson 20 and Middle Harbour 30 crews mark the launch of the 2019 boating conditions and in turn strengthening greater sense of engagement. Our we are extremely privileged to have season. Photo: Brendan Trembath. our ability to meet our mission to 10th anniversary on July 1 was a them. he said. “I urge boaters to do save lives on the water. valuable opportunity to reflect on our In the coming weeks, our their bit before they head out by checking conditions, always wearing risks. “With the cooperation of later afternoon boating peak hours. would again be based in the NSW Our boaters, whether a fisherman achievements over the past decade volunteers will spend many long a lifejacket and Logging On and everyone who heads out on the “The Bermagui base is extending Police Force Marine Area Command heading out at dawn or a family and to reaffirm our commitment to hours on duty, whether that is on Logging Off with their local unit. water, the average number of its opening hours for the first time, to assist with the coordination of cruising on a hot summer’s day, will “Logging On is quick and easy. boating fatalities in the last five taking advantage of our upgraded rescue operations. be safer on the water thanks to this Our volunteers’ skill and courage are exemplary. You can use the free MarineRescue years is 43 per cent lower than radio infrastructure on the South “A Regional Operations Manager funding injection. The rest of the world now knows this to be true. app or your marine radio. We five years ago and we want that Coast and its increased capacity as and volunteer will be based in I have long said that you will find encourage boaters to make every downward trend to go even further.” a result of its concentrated training the MAC for 32 days between none finer than our professional continuing to serve our community a rescue vessel, in a radio base, journey safer by switching to VHF Centre for Maritime Safety Acting program,” he said. November 30 and March 1,” he volunteers, whose skill and courage to the best of our ability in future. fundraising or performing the range radio, which provides greater range Director Peter Harvey encouraged Units will pre-position boats and said. “This includes all weekends are exemplary, second to none. Pleasingly, our members have of management, administrative and and better reception.” boaters to check their equipment, Rescue Water Craft in high-traffic and public holidays and on the very The rest of the world now also shown strong engagement in our support roles essential to their unit’s NSW Maritime Acting Executive including safety gear and lifejackets. and potentially risky locations such busiest days of the season. “ knows this to be true. Our Port internal democratic processes, with day-to-day operations. Director Mark Hutchings said MRNSW Director of Operations as coastal bars. Sydney Harbour will Mr Cribb said the MAC placement Macquarie unit has been applauded the volunteers from the Northern Our members truly shine in the boating was a favourite pastime Andrew Cribb said many bases be covered seven days a week over was a valuable training and on the global and national stages Rivers Region recording the highest summer spotlight. It is not only in NSW, enjoyed by more than two would be open longer to ensure the holiday peak. emergency management opportunity this year for its volunteers’ rate of participation in the annual the boaters on the water who are million people but was not without radio operators were on duty for the Mr Cribb said MRNSW personnel for volunteers. remarkable mission to save the Board elections that we have seen ressured by our presence but also to date. In a closely-run contest, members of the general community, MR Point Danger member Darcy who rely on all their emergency Henriksen was elected as the new services to assist and protect them Regional Director. Congratulations in times of need. Our members can $200,000 in grants for training, recruitment to Darcy and also to our Mid North be proud to share in this public trust. Coast and Hunter/Central Coast I thank each of our volunteers for arine Rescue NSW has been recruitment resources and materials. compiling their units’ applications. room and supplying equipment and Regional Directors, John Lynch and their hard work, community service Mawarded almost $200,000 State Headquarters received Successful units include MR Lake materials including navigation kits Jim Wright, who were re-elected and achievements throughout 2019. in Emergency Volunteer Support almost $100,000 to supply VHF Macquarie, which received more and a training defibrillator. unopposed. We are nothing without you and Scheme grant funding. radio training kits to 34 units that do than $14,000 for electronic training Other units to receive funding I thank my fellow Board members everything because of you. Stay safe Emergency Services Minister not yet have this aid for their trainee devices and fit-out. MR Merimbula under the joint Commonwealth-State for their trust and confidence in over the summer. David Elliott announced MRNSW had radio operators. was allocated almost $12,000 to program are Ballina, Bermagui, returning me as Chair and look On behalf of the Board, I wish received $197,499 from the total Grants and Sponsorship Manager publish its unit history and provide a Broken Bay, Brunswick, Forster- forward to our work next year. you a merry Christmas and a happy 2018-19 funding pool of $632,922. Mat Smith said the organisation’s range of marketing, recruitment and Tuncurry, Kioloa, Middle Harbour, Each of the Directors brings New Year. Eighteen units received a total success was a tribute to the Grants membership resources. Moama, Newcastle, Port Kembla, of $97,573 for training facility fit- Officers and other volunteers who The Hawkesbury unit will invest Shoalhaven, Sussex Inlet, Terry Hills, Chair Jim Glissan presents MR Point Danger Unit Commander Glenda valuable marine rescue, professional Good sailing Ashby with her Life Membership certificate and pin at the AGM. and life experience to the table. The Jim Glissan outs and equipment and volunteer had put serious time and effort into $11,200 in fitting out a training Tuggerah Lakes and Wooli.

4 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 5 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Coast ablaze Coast ablaze

Marine Rescue on alert to support response to unprecedented bushfire emergency Volunteers answer the call to provide information and reassurance to public. Hills and MR Botany Port Hacking. Fortunately, the infrastructure s an unprecedented bushfire remained safe.” Aemergency has gripped NSW in Response planning throughout recent months, Marine Rescue NSW the emergency included placing volunteers have redoubled their units on standby and pre-positioning efforts to support the community vessels to transport firefighters or and the firefighting effort. evacuate residents in the path of Coordinated organisational fires if needed. response planning has seen crews Deputy Commissioner Storey said on standby, communications plans the safety of MRNSW personnel activated and assets deployed had remained the service’s key for optimal response to support focus throughout, along with the firefighters where needed. preservation of its core services and Commissioner Stacey Tannos has bushfire support. thanked all personnel involved in the MR Crowdy Harrington opened response, particularly commending its training facility as a makeshift those who also serve as NSW Rural evacuation centre for residents Members of MR Camden Haven and Port Macquarie were on standby throughout the night to evacuate Fire Service volunteers. evacuated from a local caravan park residents from Dunbogan across Camden Haven Inlet from the unit’s base. Photo: David Targett. In recent weeks, MRNSW late at night on October 28. bases and facilities have provided With huge blazes bearing down Arm and Tilly Willy Creek. emergency shelter, units have on Harrington and cutting off access Units in Sydney and the been on rescue alert with vessels to town and Crowdy Harbour on surrounding regions were on high pre-positioned for swift evacuation Rescue vessel Nambucca 20 was deployed to Macksville to provide an evacuation capacity in case November 8, the unit’s two rescue alert for the catastrophic conditions of residents if necessary and residents were isolated between the bushfire and the water on November 12. vessels were crewed and ready for with high temperatures, low humidity volunteers have helped ensure activation. With fires still raging, and increasing winds on November members of the community have pushed south towards the Clarence/ the unit was again placed on fire 12. MR Hawkesbury assisted the been well informed about the fires North Arm River, impacting local rescue alert on November 12, National Parks and Wildlife Service and their impacts. access. Radio operators diverted moving Crowdy 20 from its boat by placing signage advising of park With catastrophic fire danger communications to MR Terrey Hills shed to Harrington Marina for rapid closures at Gentlemans Halt and forecast for Sydney, the Hunter, to ensure 24-hour coverage was deployment and crew members Twin Beaches near Bar Island on the Illawarra and Shoalhaven on maintained. carrying out upstream familiarisation the Hawkesbury River and checking November 12, the State Government In response to the heightened inspections on the Manning River to for any campers at these sites. declared a State of Emergency, the situation in the north, MRNSW Wingham in case of night activation. Rescue vessel Cottage Point 30 Hawkesbury 21 crew member John Milne places a sign on the beach first since 2013. developed plans to reinforce the Crew members from MR Port was moved out of the Ku-ring-gai advising that Marramarra National Park is closed ahead of Sydney’s RFS Commissioner Shane marine radio network in the event Macquarie travelled south on National Park to Broken Bay for two forecast catastrophic fire conditions. Photo: Sarah Adair. Fitzsimmons thanked MRNSW that any essential infrastucture was November 8 to join their colleagues days for improved crew access and volunteers for their support. impacted by fire. from MR Camden Haven for response. Park, answering public calls to the Point, said callers had generally Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanks MR Botany Port Hacking’s Bushfire Information Line and senior been calm and grateful to receive “Marine Rescue volunteers have Deputy Commissioner Dean Renato Cocchietto and MR Cottage Point member Mark Warren, on immediate activation for emergency Volunteers’ communications been on duty at RFS Headquarters Storey said the organisation had shift in the Bushfire Information Line call centre. evacuations. With grave concerns expertise also has been employed MRNSW Liaison Officers also were the information they had been for more than two weeks, providing invested more than $750,000 in for the Dunbogan community, to support the community. All MR on site to coordinate any requests seeking. essential information to the new and upgraded infrastructure on crews were on standby throughout Port Stephens Watch Officers are for deployment and support the Commissioner Tannos visited community and your units were the North and Mid North coasts in the afternoon and night, ready to trained in RFS radio communication volunteer effort in the call centre. the Information Line centre locally engaged and on standby,” he recent years. evacuate residents by water, before methodology as the unit manages From November 10 to 23, 76 on November 12 to thank the said. “Thank you to all the MRNSW “We had plans in place to being stood down just before 2am. after-hours communications for the volunteers joined their colleagues volunteers for their additional service volunteers who assisted in this address the risk that any link in the Members who had needed to leave Lower Hunter and Hunter Valley RFS from emergency services including to support the fire effort. extended operation.” communications chain in the north their homes at Laurieton also spent districts. Five members assisted the State Emergency Service and “This is yet another The most prolonged fires have was damaged or destroyed by fires,” the night at the unit base. with answering calls from the public Volunteer Rescue Association to demonstration of our volunteers’ been on the Northern Tablelands, he said. “The benefit of our online As the fires escalated, MR and radio communications during provide callers with details on topics remarkable commitment to serving Mid North Coast and Northern NSW radio network is that we can cover Nambucca was deployed on operations at the Lower Hunter Fire such as fire activity, transport and our community,” he said.“Our with large areas cloaked in smoke areas that are offline for any reason the morning of November 12 to Control Centre at East Maitland on road access, evacuations and school members’ marine radio training and and fire crews on the ground for from a central location. In this case, Macksville to provide an evacuation November 12 and 13. closures. MRNSW members met all experience is particularly beneficial weeks. The MR Iluka Yamba radio volunteer rosters could be quickly capacity in the event that people Volunteers from Sydney units requests to fill 134 positions over in helping them provide clear MRNSW members join volunteers from other emergency services base was closed on November 25 escalated to provide additional answering public calls to the Bushfire Information Line at the NSW became isolated between the fire have been based at the RFS this time. information and calm reassurance to when the Myall Creek Road fire network monitoring from MR Terrey Rural Fire Service Headquarters. and the Nambucca River, Taylors Headquarters at Sydney Olympic Mark Warren, from MR Cottage callers to the information line.”

6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 7 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Coast ablaze Coast ablaze

6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 7 ON THE RADAR Growth & development

New boat builder supports fleet expansion THE WORLD’S HARDEST Northern Rivers contract maintains commitment to NSW industry and jobs. arine Rescue NSW has have been delivered to units under Mestablished a partnership with the organisation’s landmark Fleet WORKING RIBS a new boat builder to support the Modernisation Program to date. continuing expansion of its life- Two new vessels, Port Kembla 20 saving rescue fleet. and Sussex Inlet 20, the refurbished Harwood Marine is an Australian- Batemans Bay 30 and three new owned shipbuilding company Rescue Water Craft - one for MR established in 1984 at Harwood on Nambucca and two for MR Narooma the Northern Rivers. - will be in service this summer. The large shipbuilding, aluminium The $37.6 million in additional and steel fabrication facility is funding provided by the State located on the Clarence River with Government includes almost $15 prime deep water frontage. million for 38 new rescue vessels The design of the rescue vessel to be built by new MRNSW boat The first MRNSW boat over four years from July 1, 2019. builder Harwood Marine to replace the ageing Jervis Bay 40. commissioned from the new builder Deputy Commissioner Dean is a replacement for the largest Storey said this level of growth vessel in the fleet,Jervis Bay 40. and development necessitated the vessel design and construction in “We want to keep pace with This 13.5m boat, which the unit addition of another boat builder to Australia. new industry developments and obtained from the Australian Federal the service’s preferred suppliers. “We are committed to supporting continue to be a leader in the Police in 1999, is reaching the end “We are expanding capacity them and the skilled jobs they marine search and rescue space,” of its operational life. to meet our fleet modernisation provide in our regional centres.” he said.“The size and scope of our The new boat, due for delivery targets,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Storey build program is so extensive that in June 2020, will be a 12 metre “Importantly, we are also said Harwood also would support we need the flexibility of having a aluminium monohull rescue vessel. continuing to support the NSW the organisation’s continued focus number of builders working for us Ninety-seven new and upgraded boat building industry. Our State’s on innovation in the design of larger simultaneously to ensure we meet vessels worth almost $22 million builders are the leaders in rescue offshore vessels in the fleet. our delivery and budgetary targets.”

Taking the lead requires skill and support Psychological first aid introduced to unit executive training course.

ighty-five senior volunteers from EMRNSW units have completed this year’s Leadership Development and Support course. Regional workshops were held at Toronto, State Headquarters, Nowra, Narooma, Ballina and Port Macquarie. Recognised and operated by rescue organisations, police RESCUE PILOT BOATS Tailor-made for MRNSW, the forces and commercial users around the world. Whatever PATROL MILITARY course was added to the training the conditions, you can rely on Naiad’s supreme ride and TOURISM SUPERYACHT TENDERS curriculum last year to support strength to get you home safely. DIVING RECREATIONAL Unit Commanders and Deputy Unit Commanders in managing their Facilitator Archie Aspinall keeps Northern Rivers unit executives in line during their leadership course at TO FIND OUT MORE PHONE +64 3 573 7246 | WWW.NAIAD.CO.NZ teams, operations and resources. Ballina in November. Photo: Brad Whittaker. MRNSW Training and Education Director Chris Butler said the course speaker addressed participants informal learning and networking. issues with input from members covered training culture, leading in an introductory session on MR Ulladulla Deputy Gabrielle representing other units. YAMBA WELDING & ENGINEERINGYAMBA WELDING P/L & ENGINEERING P/L high performing teams, difficult psychological first aid. Boermans said this year’s format “As usual, the workshop was well 4 Angourie Rd, Yamba, NSW 2464, AUS 4 Angourie Rd, Yamba, NSW 2464, AUS conversations, succession planning MR Newcastle Deputy Lynette Van had enabled leaders to discuss presented and entertaining. I have T: +61 2 6646 2421 T: +61 2 6646 2421 WWW.YWE.COM.AU and volunteer retention. Homrigh said the course had been scenarios presented to them much to take home and mull over,” WWW.YWE.COM.AU An Australian Red Cross guest a great opportunity for formal and and work through the relevant MR Tuross Deputy Paul Carter said.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 9

203197 Naiad Full Page Advert.indd 1 28/11/18 11:30 AM ON THE RADAR Growth & development

Taking the lead requires skill and support Psychological first aid introduced to unit executive training course.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 9

203197 Naiad Full Page Advert.indd 1 28/11/18 11:30 AM ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Overseas visitors Respect

delegation of 15 maritime arine Rescue NSW personnel were “selfless, brave and above all, A safety, transport and Massembled with their generous”. communications officials from China colleagues from across the “While we do everything we visited MRNSW Headquarters in emergency services in October to can to ensure the safety of all November. remember the volunteers who have emergency service members, Commissioner Stacey paid the ultimate price while serving tragically sometimes these men and Tannos welcomed the group to our community. women don’t get to come home Headquarters and Sydney. Board Directors, Deputy again while in the quest to keep us The Commissioner, IT Director Commissioner Dean Storey, Chaplain safe,” she said. “So every year we Florian Glajcar and Training and Richard Wrightson, volunteers gather in this place to reflect on the Education Director Chris Butler then and staff members attended the sacrifice and honour the memory of addressed the delegates. 19th annual Emergency Services the men and women whose names The group was keen to learn Volunteer Memorial Service. are engraved on the Volunteers about our organisation’s volunteers, Middle Harbour 30 and Port Memorial. While this memorial management, training, rescue Jackson 30 stood by near service is a time for solemn resources and technology, including the Garden Island Naval Base reflection, it is also a time to take Marine Rescue NSW remembers .... Greg Urand, Paul Ballard, Glenn the Seahawk vessel tracking system throughout the service, held near great pride in the fact that across Evans, Bob Herbert, Dean Storey, John Finn and Chris Guy at the 2019 Commissioner Stacey Tannos welcomes a 15-member delegation from China to MRNSW Headquarters in Emergency Services Volunteers Memorial Service. and MarineRescue app. November. Photo: Brad Whittaker. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Sydney NSW people still selflessly commit Before heading off after a Royal Botanic Gardens. themselves and their families to the morning on site, the group inspected the Hungry Point Reserve. Rescue Centre, Ministry of Transport, Guangdong, Fujian, Yangtze River, Parliamentary Secretary for service of our community.” three marine rescue volunteers from from the Lake Macquarie Coastal rescue vessel Port Hacking 30 and The fifteen delegates represented China Transport Telecommunications Jiangsu and Three Gorges Maritime Emergency Services Melanie The stone Volunteers Memorial two of the services that merged to Patrol in 2002 and Ted Bristow from toured the Headquarters grounds on the China Maritime Search and and Information Centre and the Safety Administrations. Gibbons said NSW was incredibly bears the names of 94 emergency form Marine Rescue NSW in 2009: the Port Stephens Coast Guard fortunate to have more than 85,000 services volunteers who lost their David Waddell from the Ballina Coast (now Marine Rescue Lemon Tree emergency services volunteers, who lives while on duty. They include Guard in 1983, Dennis Matthews Passage) in 2004.

• Marine EVERYTHING FOR • Electronics First protocol officer set the standard high BOATING, CARAVANNING, • Power New appointee brings experience from Australian Federal Police. • Lighting RV & 4WD ENTHUSIASTS! arine Rescue Batemans Bay “For those who have medals, • Towing Mmember Greg Lee has been show the respect to wear those • Leisure appointed the MRNSW Protocol properly, too,” he said. 2020 • Plumbing Officer following the retirement of Commissioner Stacey Tannos ROAD TECH MARINE • Maintenance Bob Herbert, who has held the role thanked Mr Herbert for his service. for the past three years. “As the first appointee to this CATALOGUE • Tools & Hardware OUT NOW Mr Lee, who has been a member honorary role, Bob set the standard of the unit for a decade, brings his high for those who will follow him,” former professional experience as he said. FREE CATALOGUE! a protocol officer in the Australian Mr Lee’s role in the Federal Order now at Federal Police to his new role. Police included planning and www.roadtechmarine.com.au/ While Mr Herbert will remain running ceremonial events such soundings-catalogue-request 5800+ a member of MR Batemans Bay, as investitures, funerals and the PRODUCTS his last official protocol function repatriation of deceased officers was the 2019 Emergency Services from overseas missions. 420+ Volunteers Memorial Service. He was also involved in the NEW ITEMS He said attending this service repatriation of the victims of MH17, 484 PAGES each year had been moving. the Malaysian Airlines plane shot “Memorial services are sad down over the Ukraine. 1300 964 264 events but they’re important,” he His experience includes training www.roadtechmarine.com.au said. new protocol officers for the AFP, He encouraged his fellow state police forces and even police Inaugural MRNSW Protocol Officer Bob Herbert at the Emergency members to respect their uniform. in the Solomon Islands. Services Volunteers Memorial Service in Sydney in October.

10 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 11 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Overseas visitors Respect

Delegation learns about rescue management Emergency services honour fallen volunteers Chinese officials inspect Port Hacking vessel and tour Headquarters site. Three marine rescue members among 94 whose names are carved in stone. delegation of 15 maritime arine Rescue NSW personnel were “selfless, brave and above all, A safety, transport and Massembled with their generous”. communications officials from China colleagues from across the “While we do everything we visited MRNSW Headquarters in emergency services in October to can to ensure the safety of all November. remember the volunteers who have emergency service members, Commissioner Stacey paid the ultimate price while serving tragically sometimes these men and Tannos welcomed the group to our community. women don’t get to come home Headquarters and Sydney. Board Directors, Deputy again while in the quest to keep us The Commissioner, IT Director Commissioner Dean Storey, Chaplain safe,” she said. “So every year we Florian Glajcar and Training and Richard Wrightson, volunteers gather in this place to reflect on the Education Director Chris Butler then and staff members attended the sacrifice and honour the memory of addressed the delegates. 19th annual Emergency Services the men and women whose names The group was keen to learn Volunteer Memorial Service. are engraved on the Volunteers about our organisation’s volunteers, Middle Harbour 30 and Port Memorial. While this memorial management, training, rescue Jackson 30 stood by near service is a time for solemn resources and technology, including the Garden Island Naval Base reflection, it is also a time to take Marine Rescue NSW remembers .... Greg Urand, Paul Ballard, Glenn the Seahawk vessel tracking system throughout the service, held near great pride in the fact that across Evans, Bob Herbert, Dean Storey, John Finn and Chris Guy at the 2019 Commissioner Stacey Tannos welcomes a 15-member delegation from China to MRNSW Headquarters in Emergency Services Volunteers Memorial Service. and MarineRescue app. November. Photo: Brad Whittaker. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Sydney NSW people still selflessly commit Before heading off after a Royal Botanic Gardens. themselves and their families to the morning on site, the group inspected the Hungry Point Reserve. Rescue Centre, Ministry of Transport, Guangdong, Fujian, Yangtze River, Parliamentary Secretary for service of our community.” three marine rescue volunteers from from the Lake Macquarie Coastal rescue vessel Port Hacking 30 and The fifteen delegates represented China Transport Telecommunications Jiangsu and Three Gorges Maritime Emergency Services Melanie The stone Volunteers Memorial two of the services that merged to Patrol in 2002 and Ted Bristow from toured the Headquarters grounds on the China Maritime Search and and Information Centre and the Safety Administrations. Gibbons said NSW was incredibly bears the names of 94 emergency form Marine Rescue NSW in 2009: the Port Stephens Coast Guard fortunate to have more than 85,000 services volunteers who lost their David Waddell from the Ballina Coast (now Marine Rescue Lemon Tree emergency services volunteers, who lives while on duty. They include Guard in 1983, Dennis Matthews Passage) in 2004.

10 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 11 ON THE RADAR Raising awareness

Safety campaign targets online audience New videos provide boaters with friendly tips on staying safe on the water.

arine Rescue NSW has targeted at an audience used to Mlaunched a new online boating gaining knowledge and information safety campaign in time for the peak online. summer season. “This is yet another means of  The campaign features 10 videos capturing the boating community’s giving boaters simple but effective attention to deliver our key safety  tips on staying safe on the water. messages,” he said.  The campaign will feature on “People are increasingly looking  MRNSW social media, including to social media to find out how   Facebook and Twitter, over summer. things work or how they perform a Produced and hosted by fishing new function. identity Michael Guest, who has “These videos are a way to give decades of experience on the water, people who might be heading out on A series of short videos featuring boating identity Michael Guest giving boaters safety tips will be rolled out over the summer boating season the videos provide a range of tips in a new boat or on unfamiliar waters a friendly and informative manner. some quick pieces of information Mr Guest is the host of Reel that can help them stay safer while boat maintenance, trailers, the recruitment videos released earlier Action TV with Guesty on Network they are enjoying our waterways.” importance of wearing a lifejacket, this year. Ten and the organiser of the annual Each of the 10 videos focuses on Logging On, using a marine radio MRNSW units are encouraged Pirtek Fishing Challenge that raises a different topic: Logging On using and safety gear. to share the videos as they are funds for medical research. the MarineRescue app, crossing a A 2017 Emergency Volunteer released. Commissioner Stacey Tannos coastal bar, launching and retrieving Support Scheme grant helped fund They also will be posted on the said the campaign was specifically your vessel at the boat ramp, the videos, along with two new MRNSW website, mrnsw.com.au

Faces of volunteering promote its benefits Members share their experience to help encourage more participation.

arine Rescue NSW features little nervous and unsure, in the end Min a new State Government everyone had a blast!” Ms May said. initiative to promote volunteering “We really appreciate all those and its benefits. who helped to make the video and The Department of Communities photo shoot a success. Thanks and Justice will launch an online Pamela and Elon, you are both awareness campaign over coming superstars and great volunteers.”     months featuring members of a Ms Sayers said the department 2 / 49 Gavenlock Road TUGGERAH NSW 2259 range of organisations talking about staff had made participants feel very their volunteer experience, why they welcome. give their time and the benefits they “Firstly, we were photographed gain. and videoed in ‘civilian’ clothes Two MRNSW members - Pamela holding ‘story boards’ with key Sayers from MR Terrey Hills and messages and saying why we Elon Goldbery from MR Cottage volunteered with Marine Rescue. Two faces of volunteering ... MR Terrey Hills member Pamela Sayers Point - stepped out of the radio Then, in our uniforms, the focus was and MR Cottage Point’s Elon Goldbery in the State Government base and off the water to join the on what Marine Rescue NSW does. campaign. department’s photo and video shoot “The camera crew and director at Sun Studios in Alexandria. made us laugh so we relaxed. It and a feeling of helping the water safety in one of the most Department Manager of turned out to be such a fun day community in a unique way,” he beautiful places in Sydney. It’s not w w b ! Volunteering and Youth, Kellie May, and we met other volunteers from said. “I’ve been lucky enough hard to see why I love to do what I www. . O . @ . said the pair had had been joined diverse organisations.” to meet new people who have do as a volunteer.” by volunteers from several other Mr Goldbery said volunteering become close friends to me and am For information on the NSW volunteer-involving organisations. had been a real life changer for him. constantly surrounded by a wealth Government’s Volunteering Strategy “While everyone started out a “It provides a sense of belonging of experience. We provide boat and visit volunteering.nsw.gov.au

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 ON THE RADAR Raising awareness

Safety campaign targets online audience New videos provide boaters with friendly tips on staying safe on the water.

Faces of volunteering promote its benefits Members share their experience to help encourage more participation.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Healthy competition Healthy competition

arine Rescue NSW personnel ver 5,000 competitors are Mproved their prowess in the Oexpected to take part in an sporting arena in October, winning event featuring more sports than the medals and accolades in the Police Olympics in 2020 - and MRNSW and Emergency Services Games. members and staff are encouraged Thirty-five events were staged to join in the carnival. over six days of rigorous competition The 18th Australasian Police and in Wollongong from October 19 to Emergency Services Games will be 24. staged in the Illawarra, attracting up Fittingly, three of Marine Rescue’s to 10,000 spectators to enjoy more five competitors took to the water for than 50 sports. their events. A dawn flag ceremony was held MRNSW Assistant Director to mark the launch of the games at of Training and Education Brad WIN Stadium on October 17. Whittaker led the charge, taking The biennial event, from October gold in the longboard division of the 17 to 24, will be open to all serving, surfing competition. retired and registered staff and The sprightly youngster also MRNSW IT Support Officer Matt Sims (second from left) and MR Lemon Tree Passage member David Davies volunteers of law enforcement, scored a silver medal in the Over (right) were part of a bronze medal team in the darts competition. defence and emergency service 45s shortboard final. agencies and for the first time, Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin also nurses and midwives. Regional Training Manager Stuart Massey (second from left) represented MRNSW at the flag ceremony to progressed to the longboard semi As well as traditional Olympic launch the 18th Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games. final. sports, events will include activities The surfing events were held at such as darts, golf, squash, surfing, Games chair, NSW Police Deputy Woonona Beach in Wollongong, with stand-up paddle boarding and Commissioner Dave Hudson, said competitors making the most of the crossfit. the services’ personnel usually small but clean waves. Commissioner Stacey Tannos crossed paths in times of trauma. Headquarters Development attended the launch and encouraged “The Games provide our Officer Sophie Galvin cut up the pool MRNSW personnel to sign up. emergency services with a social on her way to becoming a dual silver He said the tremendous range of avenue to unite in a spirit of friendly medalist. sports and activities was designed to rivalry,” Mr Hudson said. Sophie took out the silver in both maximise opportunities for inclusion. NSW Ambulance Commissioner the 50m and 100m freestyle events. “There’s something for almost Dominic Morgan said the Games Competitors vied for medals MR Lemon Tree Passage member such as Matt Sims’ bronze in the everyone and I’d love to see as would promote positive mental David Davies and Headquarters IT team darts competition. many of our people as possible health in the emergency services, Support Officer Matt Sims hit the doing us proud by taking part,” he with the support of Games charities said. Beyond Blue and RU OK? target next, taking out bronze in the of the Figtree action. MRNSW Development Officer Sophie Galvin won silver medals in the team darts competition. Deputy Commissioner Dean 50m and 100m freestyle. “I particularly encourage “Last year’s Beyond Blue survey, David and Matt were part of a Storey congratulated the five our female members to join in, Answering the Call, found that one combined Marine Rescue NSW- competitors for their success and whether in teams or as individual in 2.5 emergency service employees NSW Police team taking on other team spirit. competitors. We realise there is and one in three volunteers have emergency services teams in the “The greatest strength of expense involved in travelling from been diagnosed with a mental health competition at the Figtree Bowling Marine Rescue NSW is the out of area so we will be looking at condition in their life, compared to Club. The bullseye-scoring pair’s camaraderie, determination and ways of providing some support to one in five of all adults in Australia,” performance was reported to have spirit of our people, whether they our members wishing to compete.” Mr Morgan said. been powered by nothing more are our amazing volunteers or performance-enhancing than tea. staff members,” he said. “It’s great Fresh from his bronze medal to see the team putting as much performance, Matt backed up in the enthusiasm into representing singles contest. The competitors our organisation in a sporting faced extra pressure when world- competition as they do when they’re famous UK darts caller Russ “The working together to fulfil our mission Assistant Director Training and Education Brad Whittaker on his way to Voice” Bray arrived to watch day two to save lives on the water.” a silver medal in the over 45s shortboard competition.

14 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 15 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Healthy competition Healthy competition

Marine Rescue competitors good sports Members urged to sign up for 2020 Games Our team picks up five medals in surfing, swimming and darts. More than 50 sports in Australasian police and emergency services contest. arine Rescue NSW personnel ver 5,000 competitors are Mproved their prowess in the Oexpected to take part in an sporting arena in October, winning event featuring more sports than the medals and accolades in the Police Olympics in 2020 - and MRNSW and Emergency Services Games. members and staff are encouraged Thirty-five events were staged to join in the carnival. over six days of rigorous competition The 18th Australasian Police and in Wollongong from October 19 to Emergency Services Games will be 24. staged in the Illawarra, attracting up Fittingly, three of Marine Rescue’s to 10,000 spectators to enjoy more five competitors took to the water for than 50 sports. their events. A dawn flag ceremony was held MRNSW Assistant Director to mark the launch of the games at of Training and Education Brad WIN Stadium on October 17. Whittaker led the charge, taking The biennial event, from October gold in the longboard division of the 17 to 24, will be open to all serving, surfing competition. retired and registered staff and The sprightly youngster also MRNSW IT Support Officer Matt Sims (second from left) and MR Lemon Tree Passage member David Davies volunteers of law enforcement, scored a silver medal in the Over (right) were part of a bronze medal team in the darts competition. defence and emergency service 45s shortboard final. agencies and for the first time, Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin also nurses and midwives. Regional Training Manager Stuart Massey (second from left) represented MRNSW at the flag ceremony to progressed to the longboard semi As well as traditional Olympic launch the 18th Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games. final. sports, events will include activities The surfing events were held at such as darts, golf, squash, surfing, Games chair, NSW Police Deputy Woonona Beach in Wollongong, with stand-up paddle boarding and Commissioner Dave Hudson, said competitors making the most of the crossfit. the services’ personnel usually small but clean waves. Commissioner Stacey Tannos crossed paths in times of trauma. Headquarters Development attended the launch and encouraged “The Games provide our Officer Sophie Galvin cut up the pool MRNSW personnel to sign up. emergency services with a social on her way to becoming a dual silver He said the tremendous range of avenue to unite in a spirit of friendly medalist. sports and activities was designed to rivalry,” Mr Hudson said. Sophie took out the silver in both maximise opportunities for inclusion. NSW Ambulance Commissioner the 50m and 100m freestyle events. “There’s something for almost Dominic Morgan said the Games Competitors vied for medals MR Lemon Tree Passage member such as Matt Sims’ bronze in the everyone and I’d love to see as would promote positive mental David Davies and Headquarters IT team darts competition. many of our people as possible health in the emergency services, Support Officer Matt Sims hit the doing us proud by taking part,” he with the support of Games charities said. Beyond Blue and RU OK? target next, taking out bronze in the of the Figtree action. MRNSW Development Officer Sophie Galvin won silver medals in the team darts competition. Deputy Commissioner Dean 50m and 100m freestyle. “I particularly encourage “Last year’s Beyond Blue survey, David and Matt were part of a Storey congratulated the five our female members to join in, Answering the Call, found that one combined Marine Rescue NSW- competitors for their success and whether in teams or as individual in 2.5 emergency service employees NSW Police team taking on other team spirit. competitors. We realise there is and one in three volunteers have emergency services teams in the “The greatest strength of expense involved in travelling from been diagnosed with a mental health competition at the Figtree Bowling Marine Rescue NSW is the out of area so we will be looking at condition in their life, compared to Club. The bullseye-scoring pair’s camaraderie, determination and ways of providing some support to one in five of all adults in Australia,” performance was reported to have spirit of our people, whether they our members wishing to compete.” Mr Morgan said. been powered by nothing more are our amazing volunteers or performance-enhancing than tea. staff members,” he said. “It’s great Fresh from his bronze medal to see the team putting as much performance, Matt backed up in the enthusiasm into representing singles contest. The competitors our organisation in a sporting faced extra pressure when world- competition as they do when they’re famous UK darts caller Russ “The working together to fulfil our mission Assistant Director Training and Education Brad Whittaker on his way to Voice” Bray arrived to watch day two to save lives on the water.” a silver medal in the over 45s shortboard competition.

14 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 15 ON THE RADAR PICTURE GALLERY Maritime news Marine Rescue NSW at work

Free lifejacket clinics, flare disposal near you What we’ve been up to Boaters encouraged to take advantage of government safety services.

wo popular, free programs Inflatable lifejackets are easy to Tconducted by Roads and wear, comfortable and increasingly Maritime Services to help boaters be affordable but they require extra safe on the the water are now under care and attention to ensure they way at boating locations around the will inflate in an emergency. State. Participants in the clinics are A new series of inflatable eligible to receive free replacement lifejacket clinics will run until the parts for their inflatable lifejacket end of the boating season, while or a $15 voucher that can be the established expired marine flare used towards the purchase of an mobile collections program will run inflatable lifejacket or self-service until late January. parts at a participating store. The free inflatable lifejacket Maritime’s expired marine flares clinics conducted by Maritime’s collection program for the 2019-20 Maritime Boating Education Officers show Murray River boating Boating Education Officers are the boating season will visit some of enthusiasts the maintenance and servicing requirements for their next stage of the NSW Government’s the same locations as the lifejacket inflatable lifejackets. Wear a Lifejacket campaign. The clinics, with a particular focus on clinics aim to promote overall boat ramps up and down the NSW which makes safe and legal disposal For more information about the Grommet watch … Evans Head 30 stands guard over a young competitor in the annual Evans Head Malibu Classic in early October. The awareness of inflatable lifejacket coast. Most flares have a use-by difficult. This collection program lifejacket clinics or flare disposal event, organised by the local Malibu Over 8s Club, draws contestants from all over NSW and south-east Queensland. MR Evans Head works servicing requirements and provide date of three years and they must provides the boating community with program and their locations, visit with Casino-Evans Head Surf Life Saving to provide a safety watch and assist competitors. Photo: Ricky Forsyth. step-by-step instruction on the self- be replaced before the expiry date. an opportunity to safely dispose of rms.nsw.gov.au/lifejacketclinics or servicing process. Flares contain explosive matter their out-of-date flares. rms.nsw.gov.au/flares

WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU,

TAKE GME. Recognition ... MR Newcastle Unit Commander Ron Calman, with his Silver service... Minister David Elliott, Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis, wife Maria and Regional Operations Manager Steve Raymond, after Commissioner Stacey Tannos and MR Iluka Yamba DUC Frank Bond being presented with a Newcastle Volunteer Service Award. with Elaine Pike, awarded the 25 year clasp to the National Medal.

WATER-ACTIVATED GPS EPIRB

gme.net.au Collaboration in the north ... volunteers from MR Point Danger Water horse ... MR Lake Macquarie volunteer Lock Butler greets and Brunswick prepare for a joint training exercise on board Point mounted police officer Senior Constable Graham Lovett and Troop Danger 30 on the Tweed River. Horse Jubilee at the unit’s open day (see story page 33).

16 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 17 ON THE RADAR PICTURE GALLERY Maritime news Marine Rescue NSW at work

Free lifejacket clinics, flare disposal near you What we’ve been up to Boaters encouraged to take advantage of government safety services. wo popular, free programs Inflatable lifejackets are easy to Tconducted by Roads and wear, comfortable and increasingly Maritime Services to help boaters be affordable but they require extra safe on the the water are now under care and attention to ensure they way at boating locations around the will inflate in an emergency. State. Participants in the clinics are A new series of inflatable eligible to receive free replacement lifejacket clinics will run until the parts for their inflatable lifejacket end of the boating season, while or a $15 voucher that can be the established expired marine flare used towards the purchase of an mobile collections program will run inflatable lifejacket or self-service until late January. parts at a participating store. The free inflatable lifejacket Maritime’s expired marine flares clinics conducted by Maritime’s collection program for the 2019-20 Maritime Boating Education Officers show Murray River boating Boating Education Officers are the boating season will visit some of enthusiasts the maintenance and servicing requirements for their next stage of the NSW Government’s the same locations as the lifejacket inflatable lifejackets. Wear a Lifejacket campaign. The clinics, with a particular focus on clinics aim to promote overall boat ramps up and down the NSW which makes safe and legal disposal For more information about the Grommet watch … Evans Head 30 stands guard over a young competitor in the annual Evans Head Malibu Classic in early October. The awareness of inflatable lifejacket coast. Most flares have a use-by difficult. This collection program lifejacket clinics or flare disposal event, organised by the local Malibu Over 8s Club, draws contestants from all over NSW and south-east Queensland. MR Evans Head works servicing requirements and provide date of three years and they must provides the boating community with program and their locations, visit with Casino-Evans Head Surf Life Saving to provide a safety watch and assist competitors. Photo: Ricky Forsyth. step-by-step instruction on the self- be replaced before the expiry date. an opportunity to safely dispose of rms.nsw.gov.au/lifejacketclinics or servicing process. Flares contain explosive matter their out-of-date flares. rms.nsw.gov.au/flares

WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU,

WATER-ACTIVATED GPS EPIRB

The MT603 Series of water-activated, GPS-equipped EPIRBs from GME are the most advanced 406 MHz digital EPIRBs on the market today. Designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia, the MT603 Series of EPIRBs have obtained international Cospas-Sarsat approval. Boasting the latest advances in emergency beacon technology, the MT603 Series ensures the safety of your vessel and crew in emergency situations, regardless of your location. gme.net.au Collaboration in the north ... volunteers from MR Point Danger Water horse ... MR Lake Macquarie volunteer Lock Butler greets and Brunswick prepare for a joint training exercise on board Point mounted police officer Senior Constable Graham Lovett and Troop Danger 30 on the Tweed River. Horse Jubilee at the unit’s open day (see story page 33).

16 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 17 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Vessel bolsters North Coast rescue resources Iluka Yamba volunteers welcome $176,000 boat for their ‘essential mission’.

earch and rescue resources on Sthe Northern Rivers have been enhanced ahead of the summer season with a new $176,000 MRNSW vessel commissioned at Yamba on October 31. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis and Clarence Valley Council Mayor Jim Simmons joined volunteers from MR Iluka Yamba to welcome the new Ocean Cylinder to the fleet. MRNSW Directors John Lynch, Keven Marshall and Jim Wright and Commissioner Stacey Tannos also Doing the honours ... Marg Deguara, who serves as a volunteer with MR Iluka Yamba and works at Yamba attended the event. Welding & Engineering, christens Iluka Yamba 20. Photo: Brendan Trembath. Mr Elliott said Iluka Yamba 20 would provide volunteer rescue Fleet Modernisation Program, which Ocean Cylinder vessel had been including upgrading the fleet.” crews with a modern vessel to use has to date delivered more than 90 built locally by Yamba Welding & MR Iluka Yamba Deputy Unit in times of emergency. new and refurbished vessels at a Engineering. Commander Frank Bond welcomed “These skilled men and women cost of more than $21 million.” “I’m thrilled to see Marine Rescue the new vessel. of Marine Rescue are dedicated The Federal Government NSW support our boat building “It’s swift, sturdy and agile – and UP TO 45% FUEL SAVINGS. to helping boaters stay safe on contributed $10,000 from the industry in regional NSW,” he said. complements our larger search and our waterways,” he said. “It is Department of Infrastructure and “It’s a win-win for local jobs and rescue boat nicely,” he said. an essential mission in a coastal Regional Development’s Building the boating community.” The boat is powered by twin community renowned for boating Our Future program towards the Commissioner Tannos thanked 60HP Suzuki outboards and has IT’S NO SECRET. JUST ASK. and water activities and I thank cost of the new vessel. the State Government and a suite of Raymarine navigation them for their community service. The unit also contributed recreational boaters for their and search and rescue equipment “The NSW Government is proud $40,000. enduring financial support. and a first aid fit-out including a to support the Marine Rescue NSW Mr Gulaptis said the 5.45 metre “It’s vital to our operations, defibrillator and oxygen kit.

Smoke on the water limits Byron visibility moke from the bushfires in into the smoky conditions offshore. Sthe State’s north have recently The two units are currently limited visibility from Cape Byron to working on the installation of a new just 1nm out to sea. camera on the Brunswick Bar. The This hasn’t stopped visitors infrared camera will be able to be streaming up to the lighthouse controlled from both radio bases for the views nor prevented the and the footage accessible on local fishing club from braving the BR 30, providing a valuable asset for conditions for a planned event. boating and rescue crew safety. MR Cape Byron and MR The unit is preparing for the MR Cape Byron UC Terry Sandon searches for Brunswick 30 through Brunswick held a joint training annual influx of holiday visitors and the smoke haze, watched by young Leo Wilcock. exercise in early November, the subsequent workload watching duplicating communications and over increased numbers of boaters summer and in northerly winds. With this workload, it’s pleasing chart work in both bases. and surfers, particularly on the Seventy-plus kayakers also head that the unit’s membership is MR Brunswick Unit Commander challenging Tallow Beach. out on the bay each morning and slowly increasing. We now have 31 Jonathan Wilcock was based at MR Cape Byron works closely afternoon. With the potential for a members, including 17 active radio Cape Byron to direct the exercise as with Surf Life Saving in managing third daily session, 210 paddlers a operators and five in training. SUZUKIMARINE.COM.AU *Fuel saving percentages are comparative to previous Suzuki DF engines of same hp. the crew of Brunswick 30 headed rescues at Tallow during the day could be on the water. Terry Sandon

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 19

SUZ LB 210x297mm Ad Soundings 11-19.indd 1 27/11/19 9:39 am MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Vessel bolsters North Coast rescue resources Iluka Yamba volunteers welcome $176,000 boat for their ‘essential mission’.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 19

SUZ LB 210x297mm Ad Soundings 11-19.indd 1 27/11/19 9:39 am MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News Northern Rivers News

etired shoe shop owner and part in training exercises in vastly ix boaters from Evans Head have crews hadn’t responded in the way RMR Brunswick volunteer Barry different conditions. On October 21, Sbeen commended in Federal they did,” she said. Hutton has left many a Mullumbimby BR 30 headed offshore in crystal- Parliament and praised as heroes Boaters Lachlan Metcalf, Utah local well heeled in his time but it clear conditions for a joint training for saving the lives of an elderly man Chilcott and George Daley were on was his former unit members who exercise with the Westpac Life Saver and his son whose small fishing the water when they came alongside were left feeling fortunate as a result Rescue Helicopter. The half-day boat overturned on Father’s Day. the overturned boat and radioed the of his recent act of generosity. training off Main Beach at Byron The men’s 5.25m runabout Evans Head base to say they were Members received a lovely Bay included search target location tipped in challenging conditions pulling a man from the water. surprise when Barry attended a and retrieval from the sea by both about 3nm south of Evans Head, Utah leapt into the water to push unit meeting to present Deputy Unit boat and helicopter. This annual sparking a major response operation the barely conscious man up while Commander Barry McIntosh with a event provides each rescue crew involving the nearby boaters and Lachlan and George, who had a handmade diorama featuring a scale with valuable experience and helps numerous emergency services. broken arm, pulled him aboard and model of rescue vessel Brunswick build greater understanding of how This was the second emergency administered first aid. 30 set against the beautiful the other works and what to expect at sea in a year for the 83-year-old Sean Sauer and his sons Hayden backdrop of Cape Byron and the when operating together. father and his son, 60. In August and Luke heard the radio call and lighthouse (see photo, page 29). Three weeks later, when the crew 2018, the pair and a companion raced to the scene, finding the Barry spent more than a decade of BR 30 headed to Cape Bryon on activated their EPIRB after their man’s son wrapped more than 20 as a radio operator and fundraiser an exercise to enhance their skills 6m runabout overturned offshore. times in anchor rope that was still with MR Brunswick and like many tracking an EPIRB transmissions and The Westpac Life Saver Rescue tied to the overturned boat and Evans Head 30 pulls the submerged centre-console runabout to the former members, has kept in touch practice search pattern navigation, Helicopter, Evans Head 30 and being repeatedly dragged under the surface after it overturned about 3nm south of Evans Head. with the unit well after calling time smoke from bushfires had severely Ballina 30 responded to rescue the water as braided fishing line cut with us. He still attends meetings limited visibility. The unit’s radio men from the water in the dark. deeply into his ankles. into the water or hold the man while aid instructions from a Triple Zero and often turns up at fundraising base reported that local landmarks, MR Evans Head Watch Officer Completely incapacitated, he was he was being dragged under,” Ms operator. events to provide moral support or Mt Chincogan and Julian Rocks, had Kira Hartland, who took the radio call unable to help himself. Utah again Hartland said. DUC Bates was able to administer lend a hand. disappeared from view. A search mannequin is retrieved during a joint training exercise by from the first boaters on scene to dived in the water, swimming among “These acts of incredible bravery oxygen until the arrival of a local Unit crews have recently taken David Parkinson MR Brunswick and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter. report the Father’s Day emergency, debris to keep the man afloat and in this situation of a boat sinking and lifeguard, followed by an off-duty has nominated the six men for cut debris off his legs while the a man tied to that boat with lines all paramedic and Rural Fire Service bravery awards. Sauers lay on their boat’s duckboard around the area is truly heroic.” volunteer, who arrived in a fire truck “These men are absolute heroes. to cut him free and hold him in a Page MP Kevin Hogan with the rest of the brigade to assist. Lunch and a message for fishing crowds I have no doubt in my mind that both headlock out of the water. acknowledged the life-saving efforts The older man was transferred men from the overturned boat would “I can only imagine the courage it Ballina members promote boating safety at community event. of Lachlan Metcalf, Utah Chilcott, by ambulance to a waiting Westpac have died if the skippers and their would have taken to attend, to dive George Daley and Sean, Hayden and Rescue Helicopter as police arrived embers of MR Ballina ensured jacket expiry and servicing. Luke Sauer in Federal Parliament. to interview his son. With every local Mthe crowd at the Gone Fishing DPI staff thanked the members “They saved the life of two people emergency service gathered on the Day didn’t need to catch their own for their efforts to contribute to the in a boating accident on Father’s riverside, EH 30 put to sea, where lunch on Saturday, October 20. success of the community event. Day. Thank you for your efforts. You Mr Doyle was able to point to the Unit members were the first to Thank you to Gill and Phil are local heroes,” Mr Page said. bow of the centre console runabout arrive at Pop Dennison Park for Causley for their dedication and While the father and son sinking vertically with only about the the NSW Department of Primary perseverance in preparing for the were quickly returned across the last 50cm of its bow protruding from Industries event, with the barbecue day, from organising and buying the bar to the Fisherman’s Co-op the water in choppy conditions. ready to go well before 9am. food through to ensuring every piece medical pontoon, another boater, On the first approach, crew The team worked smoothly to run of equipment needed was ferried Shannon Doyle and his crew Caine member Brad Burgess snagged the the barbecue efficiently and ensure down to the park. Thank you also to Hutchinson and Zac Thile, retrieved tow point with a tow line just as it orders were served in quick time. all of the volunteers, whose smiling debris and stood by the almost disappeared below the surface and The day also was an opportunity faces and welcoming approach Members of MR Ballina kept the crowd well fed at the local Gone completely submerged boat to lend the vessel sank. The crew paid out to promote MRNSW to the local meant more locals learned about Fishing Day in October. assistance when the unit’s rescue the line and slowly pulled the boat community and build awareness of MR Ballina and boating safety. vessel arrived. back to the surface where it drained the volunteers’ roles, with the unit’s The unit also supported the the warmer weather and longer Congratulations to members MR Evans Head Deputy Unit water through the scuppers. Every rescue mannequin and information Ballina State Emergency Service days, MR Ballina has shifted to Margaret Unsworth and Leon Commander Bill Bates met the time the rescue vessel slowed, the brochures on hand. by providing a barbecue breakfast its summer operating hours and Coventry, who received their five- returning boats at the pontoon with runabout sank. The crew returned it Members of the public were keen for World Tsunami Day activities on stepped up its campaign to build year Long Service Medals at the oxygen and a defibrillator, finding the to the ramp, where NSW Maritime Crew members Ian Murray and Scott Mohr on board Evans Head 30 to talk to members, asking questions November 5. safety awareness in the local unit’s October meeting. returning the runabout to shore after it capsized, throwing two men elderly man in a serious condition helped return the boat to its trailer. on topics ranging from jet skis to life With more boaters out enjoying boating community. Kath Begley overboard. Photo: Brad Burgess. and the Co-op manager relaying first Bill Bates

20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News Northern Rivers News

Retired volunteer’s artistic feat a fitting gift Heroes lauded for saving dad and son’s lives Brunswick crew hones rescue skills in training exercise with Westpac chopper. Father’s Day fishing trip ends in pair’s second offshore emergency in a year. etired shoe shop owner and part in training exercises in vastly ix boaters from Evans Head have crews hadn’t responded in the way RMR Brunswick volunteer Barry different conditions. On October 21, Sbeen commended in Federal they did,” she said. Hutton has left many a Mullumbimby BR 30 headed offshore in crystal- Parliament and praised as heroes Boaters Lachlan Metcalf, Utah local well heeled in his time but it clear conditions for a joint training for saving the lives of an elderly man Chilcott and George Daley were on was his former unit members who exercise with the Westpac Life Saver and his son whose small fishing the water when they came alongside were left feeling fortunate as a result Rescue Helicopter. The half-day boat overturned on Father’s Day. the overturned boat and radioed the of his recent act of generosity. training off Main Beach at Byron The men’s 5.25m runabout Evans Head base to say they were Members received a lovely Bay included search target location tipped in challenging conditions pulling a man from the water. surprise when Barry attended a and retrieval from the sea by both about 3nm south of Evans Head, Utah leapt into the water to push unit meeting to present Deputy Unit boat and helicopter. This annual sparking a major response operation the barely conscious man up while Commander Barry McIntosh with a event provides each rescue crew involving the nearby boaters and Lachlan and George, who had a handmade diorama featuring a scale with valuable experience and helps numerous emergency services. broken arm, pulled him aboard and model of rescue vessel Brunswick build greater understanding of how This was the second emergency administered first aid. 30 set against the beautiful the other works and what to expect at sea in a year for the 83-year-old Sean Sauer and his sons Hayden backdrop of Cape Byron and the when operating together. father and his son, 60. In August and Luke heard the radio call and lighthouse (see photo, page 29). Three weeks later, when the crew 2018, the pair and a companion raced to the scene, finding the Barry spent more than a decade of BR 30 headed to Cape Bryon on activated their EPIRB after their man’s son wrapped more than 20 as a radio operator and fundraiser an exercise to enhance their skills 6m runabout overturned offshore. times in anchor rope that was still with MR Brunswick and like many tracking an EPIRB transmissions and The Westpac Life Saver Rescue tied to the overturned boat and Evans Head 30 pulls the submerged centre-console runabout to the former members, has kept in touch practice search pattern navigation, Helicopter, Evans Head 30 and being repeatedly dragged under the surface after it overturned about 3nm south of Evans Head. with the unit well after calling time smoke from bushfires had severely Ballina 30 responded to rescue the water as braided fishing line cut with us. He still attends meetings limited visibility. The unit’s radio men from the water in the dark. deeply into his ankles. into the water or hold the man while aid instructions from a Triple Zero and often turns up at fundraising base reported that local landmarks, MR Evans Head Watch Officer Completely incapacitated, he was he was being dragged under,” Ms operator. events to provide moral support or Mt Chincogan and Julian Rocks, had Kira Hartland, who took the radio call unable to help himself. Utah again Hartland said. DUC Bates was able to administer lend a hand. disappeared from view. A search mannequin is retrieved during a joint training exercise by from the first boaters on scene to dived in the water, swimming among “These acts of incredible bravery oxygen until the arrival of a local Unit crews have recently taken David Parkinson MR Brunswick and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter. report the Father’s Day emergency, debris to keep the man afloat and in this situation of a boat sinking and lifeguard, followed by an off-duty has nominated the six men for cut debris off his legs while the a man tied to that boat with lines all paramedic and Rural Fire Service bravery awards. Sauers lay on their boat’s duckboard around the area is truly heroic.” volunteer, who arrived in a fire truck “These men are absolute heroes. to cut him free and hold him in a Page MP Kevin Hogan with the rest of the brigade to assist. Lunch and a message for fishing crowds I have no doubt in my mind that both headlock out of the water. acknowledged the life-saving efforts The older man was transferred men from the overturned boat would “I can only imagine the courage it Ballina members promote boating safety at community event. of Lachlan Metcalf, Utah Chilcott, by ambulance to a waiting Westpac have died if the skippers and their would have taken to attend, to dive George Daley and Sean, Hayden and Rescue Helicopter as police arrived embers of MR Ballina ensured jacket expiry and servicing. Luke Sauer in Federal Parliament. to interview his son. With every local Mthe crowd at the Gone Fishing DPI staff thanked the members “They saved the life of two people emergency service gathered on the Day didn’t need to catch their own for their efforts to contribute to the in a boating accident on Father’s riverside, EH 30 put to sea, where lunch on Saturday, October 20. success of the community event. Day. Thank you for your efforts. You Mr Doyle was able to point to the Unit members were the first to Thank you to Gill and Phil are local heroes,” Mr Page said. bow of the centre console runabout arrive at Pop Dennison Park for Causley for their dedication and While the father and son sinking vertically with only about the the NSW Department of Primary perseverance in preparing for the were quickly returned across the last 50cm of its bow protruding from Industries event, with the barbecue day, from organising and buying the bar to the Fisherman’s Co-op the water in choppy conditions. ready to go well before 9am. food through to ensuring every piece medical pontoon, another boater, On the first approach, crew The team worked smoothly to run of equipment needed was ferried Shannon Doyle and his crew Caine member Brad Burgess snagged the the barbecue efficiently and ensure down to the park. Thank you also to Hutchinson and Zac Thile, retrieved tow point with a tow line just as it orders were served in quick time. all of the volunteers, whose smiling debris and stood by the almost disappeared below the surface and The day also was an opportunity faces and welcoming approach Members of MR Ballina kept the crowd well fed at the local Gone completely submerged boat to lend the vessel sank. The crew paid out to promote MRNSW to the local meant more locals learned about Fishing Day in October. assistance when the unit’s rescue the line and slowly pulled the boat community and build awareness of MR Ballina and boating safety. vessel arrived. back to the surface where it drained the volunteers’ roles, with the unit’s The unit also supported the the warmer weather and longer Congratulations to members MR Evans Head Deputy Unit water through the scuppers. Every rescue mannequin and information Ballina State Emergency Service days, MR Ballina has shifted to Margaret Unsworth and Leon Commander Bill Bates met the time the rescue vessel slowed, the brochures on hand. by providing a barbecue breakfast its summer operating hours and Coventry, who received their five- returning boats at the pontoon with runabout sank. The crew returned it Members of the public were keen for World Tsunami Day activities on stepped up its campaign to build year Long Service Medals at the oxygen and a defibrillator, finding the to the ramp, where NSW Maritime Crew members Ian Murray and Scott Mohr on board Evans Head 30 to talk to members, asking questions November 5. safety awareness in the local unit’s October meeting. returning the runabout to shore after it capsized, throwing two men elderly man in a serious condition helped return the boat to its trailer. on topics ranging from jet skis to life With more boaters out enjoying boating community. Kath Begley overboard. Photo: Brad Burgess. and the Co-op manager relaying first Bill Bates

20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

THE PROVEN CHOICE Wooli vessel better than ever after refit Unit channels $6,000 in funding to training and equipment upgrade.

major refurbishment of rescue supplier BME, Ben’s Marine and Avessel Wooli 30 has ensured Planet Wrap for their work and volunteers from MR Wooli are well MRNSW Fleet Manager Kelvin prepared for the summer boating Parkin for project management. season. Thanks also to the neighbouring The vessel returned to its base Woolgoolga unit for providing rescue on the Wooli Wooli River in early vessel coverage while WI 30 was October following the refit. out of service. WI 30 was one of the first With no vessel on the water, the Naiads built by Yamba Welding & unit’s training and other activities Engineering and the first for the shifted perspective. MRNSW fleet, in 2012. After eight Members joined the local State Stewart Collingburn from YW&E hands over the refurbished Wooli years’ service and a series of Emergency Service and Rural Fire 30 to MR Wooli Commander Richard Taffs and crew members Ron incremental improvements to each Service to present an emergency Plowman and Nic Firth for its delivery run home. Photo: Jackie Taffs. new vessel built by YW&E, it was services information session for the time for an update and facelift. Wooli community, arranged by staff The unit also combined with Lower Clarence Deep Sea Angling The vessel returned from the at the Solitary Islands Resort. The the SES and RFS to collect gate Club and the Wooli Hotel Motel YW&E factory better than ever well attended event was informative donations at the annual Wooli Social Club, which will be used to with new sponsons and seats, a and generated new members for the Goanna Pulling Championships, with upgrade the unit’s fuel trailer. complete upgrade of the navigation unit. The new recruits concentrated the public donating almost $3,000. The support is appreciated and search and rescue electronics, their training on their induction, MR Wooli has received a $3,200 as recognition of the volunteers’ The proven choice for Government and a Zipwakes trim control system, new radio, first aid, boat licence and grant from the Clarence Valley Clubs service and their contribution to the Professional applications around the world livery and a host of minor upgrades. workbook activities ahead of the to support its training and generous community. AirBerth Boat Lifts Thanks to YW&E, electronics return of WI 30. donations of $1,000 each from the Richard Taffs

Rescue-ready for peak season on the border Point Danger welcomes new recruits and attention-grabbing vehicle.

ith summer upon us, MR Point monitor their voyage and take action WDanger has stepped up a to locate them if they are not safely gear, with preparations in place for back as expected. another peak boating season on the Skippers also should ensure that border’s waterways. everyone on board is wearing an Optimise vessel performance today The unit’s crew members are appropriate lifejacket. continuing with their training drills MR Point Danger has had by storing your boat out of the water The AirBerth features: to ensure they are rescue-ready an influx of new members, with and the two rescue vessels have nine trainee radio operators and • Increase speed and fuel efficiency by • Quick, safe and easy to launch for quick deployment been serviced and are ready for 10 trainee crew members now • 9 different models suit vessels up to 15 metric tonnes eliminating anti-foul paints on the hull rapid emergency deployment on the undergoing training. • UV stable Heavy Duty HDPE construction ensures • Launch and retrieve your vessel in minutes Tweed River or offshore. People interested in joining the MR Point Danger’s new vehicle ... the first to bear the eye-catching AirBerth is environmentally friendly and maintenance free • Maximise days on water; Radio operator training also is unit are encouraged to visit the radio new Marine Rescue NSW livery. • Vessel retrieval equally as fast so less time on ongoing, with the radio base team base at the foot of the Captain Cook minimise maintenance time dock post-rescue on summer watch for boaters in Lighthouse to learn more about Lapardin, donated a 2011 model vehicle, in May this year the unit distress. the unit’s activities and community • No submerged metal parts Ford Ranger to MR Point Danger. executive again visited Victory Ford, We are all prepared to keep involvement. This vehicle has been a great which gave us a fantastic trade-in • Isolates air and water for added safety boaters safe on the water. The unit has taken delivery of an asset, transporting volunteers to and looked after the unit with the Boaters are encouraged to Log upgraded 4WD, which is the first in training courses and towing our price. On and Off with MRNSW via VHF the vehicle to bear eye-catching new fundraising and promotional trailers The vehicle is well recognised Proud member of: AirBerth Boat Lifts radio on Channel 16 or the free MRNSW livery. to events, as well as the fuel trailer within the community and certainly WINNER MarineRescue app to ensure that In 2014 the Dealer Principal of used to refuel the rescue vessels. promotes MRNSW. 2015 Maritime +61 7 5587 7888 Australia Limited our professional rescue team can Victory Ford Tweed Heads, Victor With the mileage climbing on the Dale Leo Civil Industry National [email protected] Innovation Award www.airberth.com SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 23

1729 AirBerth Soundings FP ad.indd 1 8/05/2017 3:10 pm MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

THE PROVEN CHOICE Wooli vessel better than ever after refit Unit channels $6,000 in funding to training and equipment upgrade.

major refurbishment of rescue supplier BME, Ben’s Marine and A vessel Wooli 30 has ensured Planet Wrap for their work and volunteers from MR Wooli are well MRNSW Fleet Manager Kelvin prepared for the summer boating Parkin for project management. season. Thanks also to the neighbouring The vessel returned to its base Woolgoolga unit for providing rescue on the Wooli Wooli River in early vessel coverage while WI 30 was October following the refit. out of service. WI 30 was one of the first With no vessel on the water, the Naiads built by Yamba Welding & unit’s training and other activities Engineering and the first for the shifted perspective. MRNSW fleet, in 2012. After eight Members joined the local State Stewart Collingburn from YW&E hands over the refurbished Wooli years’ service and a series of Emergency Service and Rural Fire 30 to MR Wooli Commander Richard Taffs and crew members Ron incremental improvements to each Service to present an emergency Plowman and Nic Firth for its delivery run home. Photo: Jackie Taffs. new vessel built by YW&E, it was services information session for the time for an update and facelift. Wooli community, arranged by staff The unit also combined with Lower Clarence Deep Sea Angling The vessel returned from the at the Solitary Islands Resort. The the SES and RFS to collect gate Club and the Wooli Hotel Motel YW&E factory better than ever well attended event was informative donations at the annual Wooli Social Club, which will be used to with new sponsons and seats, a and generated new members for the Goanna Pulling Championships, with upgrade the unit’s fuel trailer. complete upgrade of the navigation unit. The new recruits concentrated the public donating almost $3,000. The support is appreciated and search and rescue electronics, their training on their induction, MR Wooli has received a $3,200 as recognition of the volunteers’ The proven choice for Government and a Zipwakes trim control system, new radio, first aid, boat licence and grant from the Clarence Valley Clubs service and their contribution to the Professional applications around the world livery and a host of minor upgrades. workbook activities ahead of the to support its training and generous community. AirBerth Boat Lifts Thanks to YW&E, electronics return of WI 30. donations of $1,000 each from the Richard Taffs

Rescue-ready for peak season on the border Point Danger welcomes new recruits and attention-grabbing vehicle.

1729 AirBerth Soundings FP ad.indd 1 8/05/2017 3:10 pm MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Mid North Coast News

arine Rescue Camden Haven fanned the bushfires also kept many he official opening of the Research Station overlooking Mwas activated to provide an boaters ashore over the past couple Tnew MR Woolgoolga base at Arrawarra Beach and Bay. extended around-the-clock watch in of months, creating the opportunity Arrawarra Headland on October 31 Mr Singh said the State response to severe bushfire danger for unit members to concentrate on underlined a $1.3 million investment Government was committed in our district in early November. training activities. in boating safety on the Mid North to ensuring volunteers had the Our crew members were on This has resulted in three Coast. equipment and facilities they needed standby and members of MR Port additional members attaining their Emergency Services Minister for their work to protect and assist Macquarie travelled south so they crew qualifications. David Elliott, Coffs Harbour MP the community. could be pre-positioned at our base Three members also are close to Gurmesh Singh and Coffs Harbour “This is an impressive new home to help evacuate residents by water their watch officer assessments and City Councillor George Cecato for a vital emergency service here from fire-affected areas if necessary. we have a number of new members joined MRNSW Directors John on the Mid North Coast,” he said. Some unit members who had undertaking their initial training. Lynch, Keven Marshall and Jim Cr Cecato said the new to leave their homes in Laurieton The unit’s small RHIB, Camden Wright, Commissioner Stacey facility was a great result for the were accommodated in the base Haven 10, was called to one muddy Tannos, unit volunteers, emergency community. overnight on Friday, November 9, rescue operation that proved the services personnel and community “Council put a huge effort into with the unit maintaining a 24-hour value of the 4.2m Zodiac for work in Cleaned up after a muddy operation to rescue seven people and representatives for the celebration. working with multiple partners to watch as bushfires threatened the the area’s shallow lakes and river. three dogs ... CH 10 crew Neville Adams and Ken Clancy. Mr Elliott said the unit’s skilled ensure we were able to deliver this Dunbogan area across Camden At 5.30pm on Monday, October 7, and dedicated volunteers provided new facility,” he said. Haven Inlet before turning toward at the end of the long weekend, unit out of fuel in the mouth of Watson On the falling tide and in shallow a professional marine search and “The project involved major the small Johns River community. radio operator Ron South received Taylor Lake. water and failing light, the crew of rescue service and marine radio relocations at two different sites The prevailing strong winds that a call from a vessel that had run The area is notorious for its both CH 10 and the stranded vessel safety watch for the large local and for Marine Rescue Woolgoolga, the shallow waters out of the main were forced to get into the water to visiting boating community. University of New England and the channel, with no lights on the drag the boat to deeper water, which “These men and women give up Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club.” channel markers, adding to the took another hour. their time to save lives on the water,” Commissioner Tannos described Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, Coffs Harbour MP hazards of night operations. The crew of CH 10, under Mr Elliott said. the base as one of the finest Gurmesh Singh and Commissioner Stacey Tannos at the official opening of the new MR Woolgoolga base. CH 10 crew Ken Clancy and torchlight, then was able to locate “That’s essential in a coastal MRNSW facilities in the state. Neville Adams were swiftly activated. the three people and dog on the community renowned for boating “It’s strategically located and fit- In the failing light it took about island and get them to wade out to and water sports and I thank them for-purpose, equipped with the latest state of the art facility.” on the beach at Woolgoolga has put 45 minutes to locate the vessel with the rescue vessel. for it.” in marine radio technology, training Unit Commander Tony Skalla us in direct contact with the larger four passengers and two dogs on All seven people and three dogs Coffs Harbour City Council facilities and a workshop,” he said. thanked the State Government and boating community in the area. board. were taken on board. contributed $600,000 and the NSW “Our volunteers do a marvelous council for their generous support. “We have panoramic vision over It was then that the crew was CH 10 returned to the stranded Government provided a $441,000 job and it’s rewarding to see them He said the brilliant new base the bay and the launch area at alerted to a further problem, with vessel, which had been anchored, Crown Reserve Improvement Fund so strongly supported by the State had buoyed the volunteers’ spirit, Arrawarra also is better suited for the boaters reporting that three and took it under tow safely back to grant towards the establishment of Government and Coffs Harbour City creating increased enthusiasm and the safe launch and retrieval of our more people and another dog were the base’s ramp. the base in the former University Council, who have committed a commitment. rescue vessel Woolgoolga 30 in all stranded nearby on Moores Island. Ken Rutledge of New England Marine Science great deal of funding to develop this “Moving from our former base tides,” he said. Dreaming of that new: Jetty, Floating, Pontoon or Marina Pen We are in your area and able to provide a free no obligation quote!

MR Camden Haven and Port Macquarie crews kept watch as fires Tel: 02 8091 1534 www.cm-consulting.com.au threatened Dunbogan on November 9, ready to evacuate residents A bird’s eye view of the new MR Woolgoolga base as Woolgoolga 30 A grand day for an official event ... members Bob Scarr, Brian Taylor, if necessary. Photo: David Targett. is readied for deployment. Photo: Square Up Drones. Renzo Battiston, Treasurer Ray Edgerton and Ben Holmes.

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Mid North Coast News

Emergency bushfire watch through the night Unit officially opens door to new $1.3m base Camden Haven stands ready for evacuations as members forced from homes. ‘Rewarding’ State Government, council support for Woolgoolga volunteers. arine Rescue Camden Haven fanned the bushfires also kept many he official opening of the Research Station overlooking Mwas activated to provide an boaters ashore over the past couple Tnew MR Woolgoolga base at Arrawarra Beach and Bay. extended around-the-clock watch in of months, creating the opportunity Arrawarra Headland on October 31 Mr Singh said the State response to severe bushfire danger for unit members to concentrate on underlined a $1.3 million investment Government was committed in our district in early November. training activities. in boating safety on the Mid North to ensuring volunteers had the Our crew members were on This has resulted in three Coast. equipment and facilities they needed standby and members of MR Port additional members attaining their Emergency Services Minister for their work to protect and assist Macquarie travelled south so they crew qualifications. David Elliott, Coffs Harbour MP the community. could be pre-positioned at our base Three members also are close to Gurmesh Singh and Coffs Harbour “This is an impressive new home to help evacuate residents by water their watch officer assessments and City Councillor George Cecato for a vital emergency service here from fire-affected areas if necessary. we have a number of new members joined MRNSW Directors John on the Mid North Coast,” he said. Some unit members who had undertaking their initial training. Lynch, Keven Marshall and Jim Cr Cecato said the new to leave their homes in Laurieton The unit’s small RHIB, Camden Wright, Commissioner Stacey facility was a great result for the were accommodated in the base Haven 10, was called to one muddy Tannos, unit volunteers, emergency community. overnight on Friday, November 9, rescue operation that proved the services personnel and community “Council put a huge effort into with the unit maintaining a 24-hour value of the 4.2m Zodiac for work in Cleaned up after a muddy operation to rescue seven people and representatives for the celebration. working with multiple partners to watch as bushfires threatened the the area’s shallow lakes and river. three dogs ... CH 10 crew Neville Adams and Ken Clancy. Mr Elliott said the unit’s skilled ensure we were able to deliver this Dunbogan area across Camden At 5.30pm on Monday, October 7, and dedicated volunteers provided new facility,” he said. Haven Inlet before turning toward at the end of the long weekend, unit out of fuel in the mouth of Watson On the falling tide and in shallow a professional marine search and “The project involved major the small Johns River community. radio operator Ron South received Taylor Lake. water and failing light, the crew of rescue service and marine radio relocations at two different sites The prevailing strong winds that a call from a vessel that had run The area is notorious for its both CH 10 and the stranded vessel safety watch for the large local and for Marine Rescue Woolgoolga, the shallow waters out of the main were forced to get into the water to visiting boating community. University of New England and the channel, with no lights on the drag the boat to deeper water, which “These men and women give up Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club.” channel markers, adding to the took another hour. their time to save lives on the water,” Commissioner Tannos described Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, Coffs Harbour MP hazards of night operations. The crew of CH 10, under Mr Elliott said. the base as one of the finest Gurmesh Singh and Commissioner Stacey Tannos at the official opening of the new MR Woolgoolga base. CH 10 crew Ken Clancy and torchlight, then was able to locate “That’s essential in a coastal MRNSW facilities in the state. Neville Adams were swiftly activated. the three people and dog on the community renowned for boating “It’s strategically located and fit- In the failing light it took about island and get them to wade out to and water sports and I thank them for-purpose, equipped with the latest state of the art facility.” on the beach at Woolgoolga has put 45 minutes to locate the vessel with the rescue vessel. for it.” in marine radio technology, training Unit Commander Tony Skalla us in direct contact with the larger four passengers and two dogs on All seven people and three dogs Coffs Harbour City Council facilities and a workshop,” he said. thanked the State Government and boating community in the area. board. were taken on board. contributed $600,000 and the NSW “Our volunteers do a marvelous council for their generous support. “We have panoramic vision over It was then that the crew was CH 10 returned to the stranded Government provided a $441,000 job and it’s rewarding to see them He said the brilliant new base the bay and the launch area at alerted to a further problem, with vessel, which had been anchored, Crown Reserve Improvement Fund so strongly supported by the State had buoyed the volunteers’ spirit, Arrawarra also is better suited for the boaters reporting that three and took it under tow safely back to grant towards the establishment of Government and Coffs Harbour City creating increased enthusiasm and the safe launch and retrieval of our more people and another dog were the base’s ramp. the base in the former University Council, who have committed a commitment. rescue vessel Woolgoolga 30 in all stranded nearby on Moores Island. Ken Rutledge of New England Marine Science great deal of funding to develop this “Moving from our former base tides,” he said. Dreaming of that new: Jetty, Floating, Pontoon or Marina Pen We are in your area and able to provide a free no obligation quote!

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Mid North Coast News

embers of MR Forster-Tuncurry Nicholls and Geoff Anderson on en volunteers from MR Port Mbegan the boating season board, to meet the vessel, which TMacquarie have been lauded with a late night Mayday operation was making its way to Forster. on the world and national stages in turbulent conditions after a man Originally planning to transfer for an operation to save the lives was seriously injured when he was the injured man on board FO 30 for of three seriously injured men on a knocked overboard from a 15m swift transfer to shore, the crew was sinking motor cruiser in the dark off sloop en route from Brisbane to advised while under way that he Crescent Head in April. Sydney and could not be revived. had died. The MR Port Macquarie team Unit Duty Watch Officer Ray Mazurek described the was named as the winner of the Dennis Travers was alerted to the sea conditions as “extremely bad, Outstanding Team Contribution emergency at 11.40pm on Sunday, pitch black, with no visibility at all”, to a Maritime Search and Rescue October 6. preventing FO 30 from coming Operation category of the 2019 He was advised that urgent alongside the sloop when it arrived International Maritime Rescue Commander Timothy Lawrence with MR Port Macquarie members Rob Breskal, Gary White, Bill A Sydney man died after being knocked overboard by the boom on medical assistance was required as on scene. Federation Awards, announced on Richardson and Chris Condon and Mattias Malmgren, from IMRF awards sponsor CM Hammar. this 15m sloop off Cape Hawke in October. Photo: NBN News. two people on board the sloop had Escorting the vessel back to the September 10. been injured, one seriously, 5nm off safety of Cape Hawke Harbour, The trophy was presented to four also received a Professional as the members who happened to women’s public bathrooms on the Cape Hawke. F0 30 guided it to a safe passage Police Marine Area Command. we give hope to boaties that people unit representatives by Commander Commendation Award in the be involved. ground floor, causing serious smoke One of the four-member crew on into the harbour where police were Mid North Coast Regional can and will be saved, which is very Timothy Lawrence in a ceremony National Search and Rescue Awards. “We also received a ZONTA and heat damage to the radio base board the alloy rigged cruising boat waiting. Operations Manager Randall Gawne important to them. on board the HQS Wellington, Unit Commander Greg Davies award for outstanding commitment upstairs and forcing the unit to had been knocked overboard by the Arrangements were made for thanked the crew members for their “Please never underestimate the permanently moored on the Thames said the whole unit had been thrilled to empowering women in the relocate its radio operations to its boom and pulled unconscious from the sloop to anchor in the Tuncurry efforts, placing their own safety on importance of what you do and the River in the heart of London. to be recognised in the awards. community, reflecting the strong boat shed on the Hastings River. the water. channel, opposite the MR Forster- the line to rescue others in need. service you provide the community.” The Port Macquarie members “They reflect the quality of the gender diversity across our unit.” The unit is not expected to return Forster 30 was activated, facing Tuncurry base. “As Marine Rescue members we The unit has expressed its also visited the Australian High continuous training we undertake,” The celebrations were marred to the two-year-old base until April. 5-6m seas as it departed Cape The exhausted crew of FO 30 save almost everyone who asks for condolences to the deceased man’s Commission on The Strand while he said. when the unit’s Town Beach radio UC Davies said the base could be Hawke Harbour with skipper Ray was stood down at 2.15am, heading help on the water,” he said. family and friends. they were in the city. “There is no doubt in my mind base was severely damaged by a rebuilt but the important thing was Mazurek, Bryce Nicholls, Karen home after a debrief by the NSW “Not only do we save people but Wendy Borchers On the same night as the that any of our boat and radio crews suspicious fire on September 12. that overnight radio operator Keith IMRF announcement, the unit would have performed equally well The large blaze began in the Reichenbach escaped unharmed. Hazardous Nambucca bar claims life New Rescue Water Craft boosts unit’s summer patrol plans. Intensive training on Coffs Harbour’s radar

n early morning boating fatality about 500m from where the boat embers of three units such as parallel indexing, setting Aon September 20 was a tragic capsized. Massembled for an intensive targets, adjusting the settings for pointer to the dangers of the Nambucca 20 ferried Unit radar training course at MR Coffs the best resolution and collision Nambucca bar ahead of the boating Commander Graham Horne to a Harbour in early November. avoidance settings,” he said. season. location in Warrell Creek adjacent to Volunteers from the neighbouring This initial course was followed A 51-year-old local man died the beach. Woolgoolga and Nambucca units by another practical session on when his 3m aluminium punt The crew, Vaughn Thompsett, attended the session, led by MR November 21. capsized after it hit a wave while Colin Cracknell and Tim Milligan, Woolgoolga Deputy Unit Commander The boating season began with attempting to cross the sandbar then returned to collect police and and master Mitch Harvey. a false alarm for MR Coffs Harbour. about 6.40am, throwing him into paramedics to transfer to the site. The 15 participants began On October 4, a member of the the water. Attempts to revive the man were the day with an overview of the public alerted the unit base to an Officers from the Mid North unsuccessful. functions of the Raymarine radar apparently abandoned windsurfer Coast Police District attended and NH 20 returned the man’s body to MR Nambucca Rescue Water Craft operators will again patrol the fitted on the MRNSW fleet, its use in on Sawtell beach. Coffs 30 was were assisted by the Marine Area shore before taking his boat under river mouth to keep swimmers and boaters safe this summer. search and rescue operations and activated for a search up to 1.5nm MR Woolgoolga DUC Mitch Harvey and MR Coffs Harbour’s Ken Command, MRNSW, the Westpac tow to the unit base. plotting radar targets. off Sawtell beach but was stood McNeil and Graham Taylor on a radar training session on Coffs 30. Life Saver Rescue Helicopter The unit’s preparations for the The new rapid response craft will on December 23. DUC Harvey said the morning down when lifeguards confirmed the Service, Surf Live Saving NSW and peak holiday season have been join NH 22 on patrol on the bar as The unit’s accredited RWC familiarisation had been followed equipment was from a kite surfer from the marina to assist a sailor transfer the man from the yacht, so NSW Ambulance. boosted with the delivery of a part of the unit’s proactive approach Operators rotated shifts on the by an afternoon session on board and there was nobody in the water with a badly broken leg on board Coffs 30 escorted the yacht to shore About 7.30am Surf Live Saving second Rescue Water Craft, NH 12 to prevent swimmers being swept ebb tide up to six hours a day last Coffs 30. This followed an incident on a 43 foot yacht about 12nm where an SES crew was waiting with personnel located the man’s body to replace X 10, which was used on into danger at the river mouth. summer, helping prevent incidents “We went through the practical September 26 when the unit was south-east of Coffs Harbour. On specialist equipment to transfer the and the vessel on South Beach, patrol last summer. Daily patrols are planned to start and keeping swimmers safe. applications crews use on the water, tasked to transport two paramedics arrival, conditions were too rough to patient to an ambulance.

26 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 27 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Mid North Coast News

Mayday response to fatal accident at sea Dual honours for Port Macquarie operation Late night operation marks start of boating season at Forster-Tuncurry. Damage from suspicious fire forces unit to evacuate two-year-old radio base. embers of MR Forster-Tuncurry Nicholls and Geoff Anderson on en volunteers from MR Port Mbegan the boating season board, to meet the vessel, which TMacquarie have been lauded with a late night Mayday operation was making its way to Forster. on the world and national stages in turbulent conditions after a man Originally planning to transfer for an operation to save the lives was seriously injured when he was the injured man on board FO 30 for of three seriously injured men on a knocked overboard from a 15m swift transfer to shore, the crew was sinking motor cruiser in the dark off sloop en route from Brisbane to advised while under way that he Crescent Head in April. Sydney and could not be revived. had died. The MR Port Macquarie team Unit Duty Watch Officer Ray Mazurek described the was named as the winner of the Dennis Travers was alerted to the sea conditions as “extremely bad, Outstanding Team Contribution emergency at 11.40pm on Sunday, pitch black, with no visibility at all”, to a Maritime Search and Rescue October 6. preventing FO 30 from coming Operation category of the 2019 He was advised that urgent alongside the sloop when it arrived International Maritime Rescue Commander Timothy Lawrence with MR Port Macquarie members Rob Breskal, Gary White, Bill A Sydney man died after being knocked overboard by the boom on medical assistance was required as on scene. Federation Awards, announced on Richardson and Chris Condon and Mattias Malmgren, from IMRF awards sponsor CM Hammar. this 15m sloop off Cape Hawke in October. Photo: NBN News. two people on board the sloop had Escorting the vessel back to the September 10. been injured, one seriously, 5nm off safety of Cape Hawke Harbour, The trophy was presented to four also received a Professional as the members who happened to women’s public bathrooms on the Cape Hawke. F0 30 guided it to a safe passage Police Marine Area Command. we give hope to boaties that people unit representatives by Commander Commendation Award in the be involved. ground floor, causing serious smoke One of the four-member crew on into the harbour where police were Mid North Coast Regional can and will be saved, which is very Timothy Lawrence in a ceremony National Search and Rescue Awards. “We also received a ZONTA and heat damage to the radio base board the alloy rigged cruising boat waiting. Operations Manager Randall Gawne important to them. on board the HQS Wellington, Unit Commander Greg Davies award for outstanding commitment upstairs and forcing the unit to had been knocked overboard by the Arrangements were made for thanked the crew members for their “Please never underestimate the permanently moored on the Thames said the whole unit had been thrilled to empowering women in the relocate its radio operations to its boom and pulled unconscious from the sloop to anchor in the Tuncurry efforts, placing their own safety on importance of what you do and the River in the heart of London. to be recognised in the awards. community, reflecting the strong boat shed on the Hastings River. the water. channel, opposite the MR Forster- the line to rescue others in need. service you provide the community.” The Port Macquarie members “They reflect the quality of the gender diversity across our unit.” The unit is not expected to return Forster 30 was activated, facing Tuncurry base. “As Marine Rescue members we The unit has expressed its also visited the Australian High continuous training we undertake,” The celebrations were marred to the two-year-old base until April. 5-6m seas as it departed Cape The exhausted crew of FO 30 save almost everyone who asks for condolences to the deceased man’s Commission on The Strand while he said. when the unit’s Town Beach radio UC Davies said the base could be Hawke Harbour with skipper Ray was stood down at 2.15am, heading help on the water,” he said. family and friends. they were in the city. “There is no doubt in my mind base was severely damaged by a rebuilt but the important thing was Mazurek, Bryce Nicholls, Karen home after a debrief by the NSW “Not only do we save people but Wendy Borchers On the same night as the that any of our boat and radio crews suspicious fire on September 12. that overnight radio operator Keith IMRF announcement, the unit would have performed equally well The large blaze began in the Reichenbach escaped unharmed. Hazardous Nambucca bar claims life New Rescue Water Craft boosts unit’s summer patrol plans. Intensive training on Coffs Harbour’s radar n early morning boating fatality about 500m from where the boat embers of three units such as parallel indexing, setting Aon September 20 was a tragic capsized. Massembled for an intensive targets, adjusting the settings for pointer to the dangers of the Nambucca 20 ferried Unit radar training course at MR Coffs the best resolution and collision Nambucca bar ahead of the boating Commander Graham Horne to a Harbour in early November. avoidance settings,” he said. season. location in Warrell Creek adjacent to Volunteers from the neighbouring This initial course was followed A 51-year-old local man died the beach. Woolgoolga and Nambucca units by another practical session on when his 3m aluminium punt The crew, Vaughn Thompsett, attended the session, led by MR November 21. capsized after it hit a wave while Colin Cracknell and Tim Milligan, Woolgoolga Deputy Unit Commander The boating season began with attempting to cross the sandbar then returned to collect police and and master Mitch Harvey. a false alarm for MR Coffs Harbour. about 6.40am, throwing him into paramedics to transfer to the site. The 15 participants began On October 4, a member of the the water. Attempts to revive the man were the day with an overview of the public alerted the unit base to an Officers from the Mid North unsuccessful. functions of the Raymarine radar apparently abandoned windsurfer Coast Police District attended and NH 20 returned the man’s body to MR Nambucca Rescue Water Craft operators will again patrol the fitted on the MRNSW fleet, its use in on Sawtell beach. Coffs 30 was were assisted by the Marine Area shore before taking his boat under river mouth to keep swimmers and boaters safe this summer. search and rescue operations and activated for a search up to 1.5nm MR Woolgoolga DUC Mitch Harvey and MR Coffs Harbour’s Ken Command, MRNSW, the Westpac tow to the unit base. plotting radar targets. off Sawtell beach but was stood McNeil and Graham Taylor on a radar training session on Coffs 30. Life Saver Rescue Helicopter The unit’s preparations for the The new rapid response craft will on December 23. DUC Harvey said the morning down when lifeguards confirmed the Service, Surf Live Saving NSW and peak holiday season have been join NH 22 on patrol on the bar as The unit’s accredited RWC familiarisation had been followed equipment was from a kite surfer from the marina to assist a sailor transfer the man from the yacht, so NSW Ambulance. boosted with the delivery of a part of the unit’s proactive approach Operators rotated shifts on the by an afternoon session on board and there was nobody in the water with a badly broken leg on board Coffs 30 escorted the yacht to shore About 7.30am Surf Live Saving second Rescue Water Craft, NH 12 to prevent swimmers being swept ebb tide up to six hours a day last Coffs 30. This followed an incident on a 43 foot yacht about 12nm where an SES crew was waiting with personnel located the man’s body to replace X 10, which was used on into danger at the river mouth. summer, helping prevent incidents “We went through the practical September 26 when the unit was south-east of Coffs Harbour. On specialist equipment to transfer the and the vessel on South Beach, patrol last summer. Daily patrols are planned to start and keeping swimmers safe. applications crews use on the water, tasked to transport two paramedics arrival, conditions were too rough to patient to an ambulance.

26 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 27 MAKING WAVES PICTURE GALLERY Mid North Coast News Marine Rescue NSW at work

Crowdy members on fire alert since October What we’ve been up to Unit opens doors to caravan park residents evacuated late at night.

arine Rescue Crowdy alert the following day. Crowdy MHarrington members have been 20 was moved from its boat shed on fire alert since late October as to Harrington Marina for rapid massive bushfires have borne down deployment to evacuate residents on the Mid North Coast region. by water if needed. A crew travelled With the township of Harrington upstream on the Manning River under threat, the unit opened its to Wingham to improve their local training facility as an evacuation familiarity in case of night activation. centre for residents forced to leave As the unit was stood down a local caravan park late at night on the following day, Crowdy 20 was Monday, October 28. tasked to rescue a kite surfer who MR Crowdy Harrington UC Bek Brown presents Harrington RFS Access to the harbour and experienced difficulties on the water Deputy Captain Rob McPherson with a $600 donation. surrounding areas was restricted as in front of the unit’s radio base. fires closed the main thoroughfare, Newly qualified Coxswain Kevin meat raffle sales to the brigade. Unit Skipper Kevin Nicholls, Kevin Crowdy Road, on November 8. Both Bailey, along with Aaron Orton and Commander Bek Brown presented a Bailey and Peter Ward braved 25 unit vessels, Crowdy 30 and Crowdy John Single, returned the kite surfer cheque for $600 to Brigade Deputy knot winds and a 3m swell to locate 20, were crewed and ready for to the beach within 30 minutes. Captain Rob McPherson, who was the vessel, which had drifted 9nm immediate activation. The road re- To thank the Harrington Rural extremely grateful. from the initial location given to the Run like the wind … two riders on a jet ski rush back to the safety of shore as a storm front whips up white caps on the sheltered waters of opened on November 11, enabling Fire Service volunteer firefighters On the water, CB 30 was tasked radio base. CB 30 travelled 42nm in Port Hacking in the early afternoon of November 26. The north-westerly squalls passed quickly over MRNSW State Headquarters but areas of the unit to refuel the vessels. for their heroic efforts in protecting to rescue a 6.9m vessel with two a five-hour operation, managing only Sydney’s north shore and eastern surburbs sustained significant damage. Photo: Brad Whittaker. With fires still raging, the unit our community, the unit decided people on board that had lost power six knots on the return voyage. was placed on official fire rescue to donate the profits of two weeks’ to all its systems on October 5. Mary Thomas

Christmas gifts for you

Support for us Talking budgets ... MRNSW Chief Financial Officer Todd Andrews Colleagues ... MR Port Macquarie skipper Alison Cameron-Brown Looking for the perfect gift for the boater in your life this (centre) meets NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Police and and MR Nambucca Commander Graham Horne catch up at the Mid Emergency Services Minister David Elliott. North Coast Leadership Development and Support Course (see P9). Christmas? Make sure you visit the Marine Rescue NSW online store for great discounts on that ideal bit of kit. We have essential safety equipment and top boating and fishing gear including lifejackets for adults and children, Mini Jump Starters and Pelican cases, accessories and coolers. There’s Marine Rescue NSW supporters’ merchandise, too. Remember, discounts apply for Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and Radio Club members. It’s just one way for us to say thanks. Shop with us this Christmas and join our mission to save lives on the water. Shop at the MRNSW e-shop Generous gift ... Retired MR Brunswick volunteer Barry Hutton A whale of a time ... members of MR Narooma, Bermagui and shopmrnsw.com.au presents Deputy Unit Commander Barry McIntosh with a handmade Batemans Bay join a National Parks and Wildlife Service training diorama featuring rescue vessel Brunswick 30 (see story page 20). course on rescuing whales tangled in marine debris (see page 46).

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29 MAKING WAVES PICTURE GALLERY Mid North Coast News Marine Rescue NSW at work

Crowdy members on fire alert since October What we’ve been up to Unit opens doors to caravan park residents evacuated late at night. arine Rescue Crowdy alert the following day. Crowdy MHarrington members have been 20 was moved from its boat shed on fire alert since late October as to Harrington Marina for rapid massive bushfires have borne down deployment to evacuate residents on the Mid North Coast region. by water if needed. A crew travelled With the township of Harrington upstream on the Manning River under threat, the unit opened its to Wingham to improve their local training facility as an evacuation familiarity in case of night activation. centre for residents forced to leave As the unit was stood down a local caravan park late at night on the following day, Crowdy 20 was Monday, October 28. tasked to rescue a kite surfer who MR Crowdy Harrington UC Bek Brown presents Harrington RFS Access to the harbour and experienced difficulties on the water Deputy Captain Rob McPherson with a $600 donation. surrounding areas was restricted as in front of the unit’s radio base. fires closed the main thoroughfare, Newly qualified Coxswain Kevin meat raffle sales to the brigade. Unit Skipper Kevin Nicholls, Kevin Crowdy Road, on November 8. Both Bailey, along with Aaron Orton and Commander Bek Brown presented a Bailey and Peter Ward braved 25 unit vessels, Crowdy 30 and Crowdy John Single, returned the kite surfer cheque for $600 to Brigade Deputy knot winds and a 3m swell to locate 20, were crewed and ready for to the beach within 30 minutes. Captain Rob McPherson, who was the vessel, which had drifted 9nm immediate activation. The road re- To thank the Harrington Rural extremely grateful. from the initial location given to the Run like the wind … two riders on a jet ski rush back to the safety of shore as a storm front whips up white caps on the sheltered waters of opened on November 11, enabling Fire Service volunteer firefighters On the water, CB 30 was tasked radio base. CB 30 travelled 42nm in Port Hacking in the early afternoon of November 26. The north-westerly squalls passed quickly over MRNSW State Headquarters but areas of the unit to refuel the vessels. for their heroic efforts in protecting to rescue a 6.9m vessel with two a five-hour operation, managing only Sydney’s north shore and eastern surburbs sustained significant damage. Photo: Brad Whittaker. With fires still raging, the unit our community, the unit decided people on board that had lost power six knots on the return voyage. was placed on official fire rescue to donate the profits of two weeks’ to all its systems on October 5. Mary Thomas

Christmas gifts for you

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Proud to support Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News BERTH YOUR BOAT on the A home at last for Capability exercise tests rescue readiness HAWKESBURY Norah Head boat Five search targets retrieved under sullen skies over Lake Macquarie. olunteers from the Hunter/ Green light for safety innovation. VCentral Coast Region hit the target in a search and rescue exericse to enhance regional capability for the summer boating season. Seventy-five members of the MR Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, Norah Head, Central Coast and Port Jackson • 88 berths with power and water units took part in the major exercise • 23 swing moorings (free dinghy storage) on Lake Macquarie in mid-October. • Boom gate access to car park They were joined by personnel from Surf Life Saving, the Westpac • Toilets and showers Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and Ready for rapid deployment ... Norah Head 20 attached to its launch • Slipway to 15 tonnes tractor in its new $265,000 home. the NSW Police Force Marine Area • Convenience store (Brooklyn Central) Command. The regional Search and Rescue • Unleaded fuel on wharf for marina clients escue vessel Norah Head 20 by boat club members. A green light Rnow has a place to call home, indicates 0-10 knot wind speed, Exercise began on October 12 • Mechanic on site following the completion of the unit’s yellow is 10-20 knots and red light with a review of search and rescue long-awaited boat shed. 20+ knots. theory and tabletop exercises at MR Lake Macquarie Deputy Unit Commander Malcolm Druce and MR Central Coast and Lake Macquarie After a lengthy period of The unit received a call late in the Toronto Workers Club before Rescue Water Craft operators Paul Hanlon and Jason West prepare for the SAREX. consultation and approvals, the the afternoon of November 9 from moving on to Lake Macquarie for construction was completed without a Jeanneau 36 yacht about 5nm a simulated search and rescue specialists locating all five rescue a hitch. The project received a off Norah Head with a crew of five operation the following day. targets dropped in the lake in the SANDBROOK INLET $140,835 State Government My on board. The skipper of the yacht, Rescue vessels and Rescue morning. Community Project grant and taking part in a qualifying race for Water Craft from MR Lake Deputy Commissioner Dean MARINA MRNSW Facitlities Development the Sydney to Hobart, was seriously Macquarie, Central Coast, Norah Storey thanked the members of all Program funding. ill and in need of medical assistance. Head and Tuggerah Lakes were the agencies who took part in the Brooklyn 9985 5500 A landslip in front of the base in The yacht was directed towards joined by assets from Surf Life SAREX. 2015 ruled out the use of the boat Cabbage Tree Harbour, where Saving, Westpac Life Saver Rescue “Your hard work and commitment Helicopter and the Police. shed under the radio base, with NR 20 launched. The unfavourable helps ensure we are rescue ready Coordinated from the MR Lake NR 20 stored in the open since its conditions and differing sizes and this summer,” he said. “These major delivery more than a year ago. deck heights of the two boats made Macquarie base at Pelican, the capability exercises test agencies’ The shed is large enough to the transfer difficult, however, the practical training exercise was marine search and rescue practices accommodate the 6.8m Ocean crew ensured it was as safe and conducted under sullen skies. and coordination so boaters know Cylinder attached to its new launch comfortable as possible for the It was successfully wrapped that if they run into trouble this MR Newcastle DUC Lynette Van Homrigh and MR Lake Macquarie tractor, facilitating its rapid response patient and a support person, who up with the search and rescue summer, we are ready to help.” radio operator Fiona Perram provide communications support. to emergencies. were transferred to a waiting NSW In an innovative safety project, Ambulance. the unit has recently installed ‘wind This left the yacht short of speed indicator’ lights to advise the experienced crew so volunteer Harry local boating community of offshore Asher boarded the yacht to assist wind speed forecasts by the Bureau in its safe journey to Sydney. After of Meteorology. Unit member Adrian a long slow trip at only 6 knots Greenfield had the idea of obtaining heading into a 3m southerly swell, a set of obsolete traffic lights from the yacht arrived in the early hours RMS and installing them so boaters of the morning. Harry eventually can see them from the car park returned to the base at 6.30am before launching. The lights have next day. Well done to all involved in been approved by the NSW Police ensuring a good outcome. MR Lake Macquarie member Peter Sun watches Surf Life Saving Constable Paul Farquharson from the NSW Police Force Marine Area Marine Area Command and praised Julie Rostron crews deploy in the Hunter/Central Coast SAREX. Command leads a session on search theory at Toronto Workers Club.

30 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 31 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Proud to support Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News BERTH YOUR BOAT on the A home at last for Capability exercise tests rescue readiness HAWKESBURY Norah Head boat Five search targets retrieved under sullen skies over Lake Macquarie. olunteers from the Hunter/ Green light for safety innovation. VCentral Coast Region hit the target in a search and rescue exericse to enhance regional capability for the summer boating season. Seventy-five members of the MR Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, Norah Head, Central Coast and Port Jackson • 88 berths with power and water units took part in the major exercise • 23 swing moorings (free dinghy storage) on Lake Macquarie in mid-October. • Boom gate access to car park They were joined by personnel from Surf Life Saving, the Westpac • Toilets and showers Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and Ready for rapid deployment ... Norah Head 20 attached to its launch • Slipway to 15 tonnes tractor in its new $265,000 home. the NSW Police Force Marine Area • Convenience store (Brooklyn Central) Command. The regional Search and Rescue • Unleaded fuel on wharf for marina clients escue vessel Norah Head 20 by boat club members. A green light Rnow has a place to call home, indicates 0-10 knot wind speed, Exercise began on October 12 • Mechanic on site following the completion of the unit’s yellow is 10-20 knots and red light with a review of search and rescue long-awaited boat shed. 20+ knots. theory and tabletop exercises at MR Lake Macquarie Deputy Unit Commander Malcolm Druce and MR Central Coast and Lake Macquarie After a lengthy period of The unit received a call late in the Toronto Workers Club before Rescue Water Craft operators Paul Hanlon and Jason West prepare for the SAREX. consultation and approvals, the the afternoon of November 9 from moving on to Lake Macquarie for construction was completed without a Jeanneau 36 yacht about 5nm a simulated search and rescue specialists locating all five rescue a hitch. The project received a off Norah Head with a crew of five operation the following day. targets dropped in the lake in the SANDBROOK INLET $140,835 State Government My on board. The skipper of the yacht, Rescue vessels and Rescue morning. Community Project grant and taking part in a qualifying race for Water Craft from MR Lake Deputy Commissioner Dean MARINA MRNSW Facitlities Development the Sydney to Hobart, was seriously Macquarie, Central Coast, Norah Storey thanked the members of all Program funding. ill and in need of medical assistance. Head and Tuggerah Lakes were the agencies who took part in the Brooklyn 9985 5500 A landslip in front of the base in The yacht was directed towards joined by assets from Surf Life SAREX. 2015 ruled out the use of the boat Cabbage Tree Harbour, where Saving, Westpac Life Saver Rescue “Your hard work and commitment Helicopter and the Police. shed under the radio base, with NR 20 launched. The unfavourable helps ensure we are rescue ready Coordinated from the MR Lake NR 20 stored in the open since its conditions and differing sizes and this summer,” he said. “These major delivery more than a year ago. deck heights of the two boats made Macquarie base at Pelican, the capability exercises test agencies’ The shed is large enough to the transfer difficult, however, the practical training exercise was marine search and rescue practices accommodate the 6.8m Ocean crew ensured it was as safe and conducted under sullen skies. and coordination so boaters know Cylinder attached to its new launch comfortable as possible for the It was successfully wrapped that if they run into trouble this MR Newcastle DUC Lynette Van Homrigh and MR Lake Macquarie tractor, facilitating its rapid response patient and a support person, who up with the search and rescue summer, we are ready to help.” radio operator Fiona Perram provide communications support. to emergencies. were transferred to a waiting NSW In an innovative safety project, Ambulance. the unit has recently installed ‘wind This left the yacht short of speed indicator’ lights to advise the experienced crew so volunteer Harry local boating community of offshore Asher boarded the yacht to assist wind speed forecasts by the Bureau in its safe journey to Sydney. After of Meteorology. Unit member Adrian a long slow trip at only 6 knots Greenfield had the idea of obtaining heading into a 3m southerly swell, a set of obsolete traffic lights from the yacht arrived in the early hours RMS and installing them so boaters of the morning. Harry eventually can see them from the car park returned to the base at 6.30am before launching. The lights have next day. Well done to all involved in been approved by the NSW Police ensuring a good outcome. MR Lake Macquarie member Peter Sun watches Surf Life Saving Constable Paul Farquharson from the NSW Police Force Marine Area Marine Area Command and praised Julie Rostron crews deploy in the Hunter/Central Coast SAREX. Command leads a session on search theory at Toronto Workers Club.

30 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 31 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News

crew from MR Port Stephens Helicopter and NSW Police Force arine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes The unit’s radio base was alerted A battled gale force winds and Marine Area Command. Mhas prevented a potential to the woman’s plight by her heavy conditions in the search Some wreckage was sighted but tragedy in a rescue operation that husband. With Bob Blue on radio for a helicopter that plunged into unfortunately, no survivors. As the has highlighted an emerging safety duty, the rescue crew - skipper Bob the ocean south of Fingal Bay on wind strength increased and PS problem with inflatable watercraft on Sutton, Danny Knight and trainee September 6. 31 and crew were buffeted on the the lakes. Anthony Hollingworth, on only his All five people on board were open waters, the skipper decided Last summer, six rattled young second day - rapidly put together a killed when the Bell UH 1 helicopter, conditions were too hazardous and boys who had blown into the middle search plan starting at the location travelling from Brisbane to Sydney, returned to port. of Tuggerah Lake on a motley of the dinghy’s last sighting. crashed in the poor weather. Helming the vessel was difficult collection of unseaworthy boats and Fifteen minutes into the search, The benefits of training in heavy as the conditions had deteriorated inflatables were rescued by the crew TL 21 located the dinghy, finding weather were realised when Port with a massive following sea but of Tuggerah Lakes 21. the exhausted mother lying over A mother and her two-year-old daughter safely on board Tuggerah Stephens 31 was tasked to the the crew’s experience and training A more recent incident could her toddler, who was only wearing a Lakes 21 after being blown across the lakes on an inflatable boat. search for chopper reported missing saw the team return safely return have had a tragic ending, with TL disposable nappy and hat, to protect off Birubi Beach. to dock. The pressure placed on despatched to locate a mother her from the sun. than continue trying to paddle. The look on the relieved mother’s Port Stephens 31 ... buffeted in hazardous conditions in the search 21 Little was known about the radio operators during serious for a downed helicopter south of Fingal Bay. Photo: Tony O’Donnell. and her two-year-old child who had After her desperate paddling If she had lost hold of the craft, face when she saw the crew of incident as PS 31 departed just after incidents such as this must not be been missing for a few hours in an against the wind, the mum could she would have been separated TL 21 made all our preparations, dark with a crew of five, heading underestimated but the value of the to support the ongoing search by The PolAir helicopter joined the inflatable dinghy. hardly raise her arms. from her daughter. training and planning worthwhile. into gale force winds and seas unit’s radio training also was clearly a number of vessels and aircraft. operation at 4am, soon locating The pair had started their paddle Once the pair were safely on With neither wearing a lifejacket The pair was safely returned to above 4-5m, to join the operation on display. Wreckage was located after an the vessel in a tributary and PS 30 in calm waters but soon were blown board TL 21, it emerged that at one and only limited sun protection, land. Well done to all the members with the Westpac Life Saver Rescue PS 31 headed out again next day extensive search by a Port Stephens returned to dock at 5am. more than 2km across the lakes in a stage, she had entered the water Marine Rescue’s intervention who reunited this young family. Police vessel and police divers, a An operational debrief identified strong wind. and tried to swim the craft rather averted a potential tragedy. Bob Sutton Royal Australian Navy minesweeper, that MR Port Stephens crews were HMAS Huon and PS 31. not completely familiar with the The helicopter pilot’s family Karuah River, so a full crew on board later visited the unit to thank the PS 30 was assigned to improve the Lake Macquarie goes fishing at open day volunteers for their efforts. unit’s knowledge of the waterway’s A fortnight later, the unit’s radio upper reaches and tributaries. Overdue kayaker and stolen boat found as stranded yachties call for help. base was alerted to a small vessel The crew spent a day exploring pring has been an interesting Operationally, Lake Macquarie 30 with one person on board that was and documenting areas of the upper Sand exciting time for members was deployed on a night search on overdue on a trip down the Karuah reaches. The knowledge gained of MR Lake Macquarie. October 22 for a 52-year-old woman River from Allworth to Karuah. has been shared among the unit’s After taking part in the regional reported overdue from an afternoon PS 30 and LT 30 from MR Lemon coxswains and crew, which will help SAREX in early October, the unit’s outrigger paddle. The woman’s Tree Passage were tasked to search improve response times and the annual open day was a huge husband called Triple Zero after she the river, along with police. effectiveness of future taskings in success. The event was this failed to meet him as expected and The crews scoured the river and the area. year held in conjunction with the LM 30 and the Westpac helicopter its banks but found nothing. Iain Blackadder Department of Primary Industry’s were deployed at 8pm to search Gone Fishing Day, making for an the Moon Island area. Although A Lifestyle Like No Other informative and enjoyable day out, calm seas were forecast, the search Discover the tranquil waters of Lake Macquarie’s most scenic and protected bays from Marmong Point Marina. The lake offers 110sq km of pristine waterway and is with casting competitions, lob-a- vessel and crew were pounded by Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake. There is 178km’s of unspoiled shoreline with vast expansion of bush land, beaches and sandy islands waiting to explore. CALLAGHANS choc games and the famed Lake large waves for a couple of hours MR Lake Macquarie members Birgit Merkel and Zoe Tylee at the 245 berths for vessels up to 30m and dry storage facilities up to 30’ all with power and water. unit’s succesful open day in October. Photo: Jim Wright. Full service boatyard and large hardstand area. MARINE SERVICES Macquarie barbecue. VIP guests until receiving the good news that Koolewong Marina is the Central Coast’s newest marina. With 50 berths for vessels up to 25 meters, including Swansea MP Yasmin the woman had returned home including catamarans, this fantastic facility has state of the art services, stylish onshore guest amenities, vessel pump out system, high tech security & safety systems and 7 day a week » SERVICING ALL DIESEL, PETROL & STERNDRIVES Catley and Lake Macquarie Mayor safely instead of to her planned eventually called off but as LM 30 the inner Swansea Channel to silt onsite Marina supervisor. Enjoy on-site hospitality at Boathouse Bar & Dining, easy access to public » REPOWER & REFIT SPECIALIST transport by land and stunning cruising areas, such as Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury by water. Kay Fraser presented Long Service arrival point at Blacksmiths ramp. returned across the bar, two men up in some areas around Swan Bay Koolewong Marina is the ideal location to berth your pride and joy. » ENGINEERING & FABRICATION » PROPULSION & STEERING SYSTEMS Medals to several members. On October 30, the unit’s radio dragging a runabout on to the beach recently, leading to many calls for » ONBOARD SYSTEMS Unit Commander Mal Wardrop operators spotted a small runabout waved down the crew, who were help from stranded yachts. A dredge » SALES, SERVICE & PARTS for presented first prize in the unit’s well being washed up on to rocks in front able to confirm it was the vessel for is now in place and reportedly supported raffle, a $5,000 Flight of the Swansea Head radio base. which they had been searching. The moving 1,000 cubic metres of sand Centre voucher, to the winner, who LM 30 responded but was unable boat had been stolen the previous daily so it is hoped the channel Located @ Fenwicks Marina, 31 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn NSW 2083 had just returned from an overseas to find the vessel and police were night and the owner was grateful for will be fully navigable by the peak P: 02 9985 7885 | F: 02 9985 7991 E: [email protected] | W: www.callaghansmarine.com.au holiday and immediately began unable to locate or contact the the unit’s assistance. holiday season. planning her next trip. registered owner. The search was Seasonal sand drift has caused Mal Wardrop

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 33 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News

Massive sea buffets crew in chopper search Rescuers avert mother, daughter tragedy Operation proves value of Port Stephens’ training in heavy weather. Emergency highlights hazards of inflatables on Tuggerah Lakes. crew from MR Port Stephens Helicopter and NSW Police Force arine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes The unit’s radio base was alerted Abattled gale force winds and Marine Area Command. Mhas prevented a potential to the woman’s plight by her heavy conditions in the search Some wreckage was sighted but tragedy in a rescue operation that husband. With Bob Blue on radio for a helicopter that plunged into unfortunately, no survivors. As the has highlighted an emerging safety duty, the rescue crew - skipper Bob the ocean south of Fingal Bay on wind strength increased and PS problem with inflatable watercraft on Sutton, Danny Knight and trainee September 6. 31 and crew were buffeted on the the lakes. Anthony Hollingworth, on only his All five people on board were open waters, the skipper decided Last summer, six rattled young second day - rapidly put together a killed when the Bell UH 1 helicopter, conditions were too hazardous and boys who had blown into the middle search plan starting at the location travelling from Brisbane to Sydney, returned to port. of Tuggerah Lake on a motley of the dinghy’s last sighting. crashed in the poor weather. Helming the vessel was difficult collection of unseaworthy boats and Fifteen minutes into the search, The benefits of training in heavy as the conditions had deteriorated inflatables were rescued by the crew TL 21 located the dinghy, finding weather were realised when Port with a massive following sea but of Tuggerah Lakes 21. the exhausted mother lying over A mother and her two-year-old daughter safely on board Tuggerah Stephens 31 was tasked to the the crew’s experience and training A more recent incident could her toddler, who was only wearing a Lakes 21 after being blown across the lakes on an inflatable boat. search for chopper reported missing saw the team return safely return have had a tragic ending, with TL disposable nappy and hat, to protect off Birubi Beach. to dock. The pressure placed on despatched to locate a mother her from the sun. than continue trying to paddle. The look on the relieved mother’s Port Stephens 31 ... buffeted in hazardous conditions in the search 21 Little was known about the radio operators during serious for a downed helicopter south of Fingal Bay. Photo: Tony O’Donnell. and her two-year-old child who had After her desperate paddling If she had lost hold of the craft, face when she saw the crew of incident as PS 31 departed just after incidents such as this must not be been missing for a few hours in an against the wind, the mum could she would have been separated TL 21 made all our preparations, dark with a crew of five, heading underestimated but the value of the to support the ongoing search by The PolAir helicopter joined the inflatable dinghy. hardly raise her arms. from her daughter. training and planning worthwhile. into gale force winds and seas unit’s radio training also was clearly a number of vessels and aircraft. operation at 4am, soon locating The pair had started their paddle Once the pair were safely on With neither wearing a lifejacket The pair was safely returned to above 4-5m, to join the operation on display. Wreckage was located after an the vessel in a tributary and PS 30 in calm waters but soon were blown board TL 21, it emerged that at one and only limited sun protection, land. Well done to all the members with the Westpac Life Saver Rescue PS 31 headed out again next day extensive search by a Port Stephens returned to dock at 5am. more than 2km across the lakes in a stage, she had entered the water Marine Rescue’s intervention who reunited this young family. Police vessel and police divers, a An operational debrief identified strong wind. and tried to swim the craft rather averted a potential tragedy. Bob Sutton Royal Australian Navy minesweeper, that MR Port Stephens crews were HMAS Huon and PS 31. not completely familiar with the The helicopter pilot’s family Karuah River, so a full crew on board later visited the unit to thank the PS 30 was assigned to improve the Lake Macquarie goes fishing at open day volunteers for their efforts. unit’s knowledge of the waterway’s A fortnight later, the unit’s radio upper reaches and tributaries. Overdue kayaker and stolen boat found as stranded yachties call for help. base was alerted to a small vessel The crew spent a day exploring pring has been an interesting Operationally, Lake Macquarie 30 with one person on board that was and documenting areas of the upper Sand exciting time for members was deployed on a night search on overdue on a trip down the Karuah reaches. The knowledge gained of MR Lake Macquarie. October 22 for a 52-year-old woman River from Allworth to Karuah. has been shared among the unit’s After taking part in the regional reported overdue from an afternoon PS 30 and LT 30 from MR Lemon coxswains and crew, which will help SAREX in early October, the unit’s outrigger paddle. The woman’s Tree Passage were tasked to search improve response times and the annual open day was a huge husband called Triple Zero after she the river, along with police. effectiveness of future taskings in success. The event was this failed to meet him as expected and The crews scoured the river and the area. year held in conjunction with the LM 30 and the Westpac helicopter its banks but found nothing. Iain Blackadder Department of Primary Industry’s were deployed at 8pm to search Gone Fishing Day, making for an the Moon Island area. Although A Lifestyle Like No Other informative and enjoyable day out, calm seas were forecast, the search Discover the tranquil waters of Lake Macquarie’s most scenic and protected bays from Marmong Point Marina. The lake offers 110sq km of pristine waterway and is with casting competitions, lob-a- vessel and crew were pounded by Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake. There is 178km’s of unspoiled shoreline with vast expansion of bush land, beaches and sandy islands waiting to explore. CALLAGHANS choc games and the famed Lake large waves for a couple of hours MR Lake Macquarie members Birgit Merkel and Zoe Tylee at the 245 berths for vessels up to 30m and dry storage facilities up to 30’ all with power and water. unit’s succesful open day in October. Photo: Jim Wright. Full service boatyard and large hardstand area. MARINE SERVICES Macquarie barbecue. VIP guests until receiving the good news that Koolewong Marina is the Central Coast’s newest marina. With 50 berths for vessels up to 25 meters, including Swansea MP Yasmin the woman had returned home including catamarans, this fantastic facility has state of the art services, stylish onshore guest amenities, vessel pump out system, high tech security & safety systems and 7 day a week » SERVICING ALL DIESEL, PETROL & STERNDRIVES Catley and Lake Macquarie Mayor safely instead of to her planned eventually called off but as LM 30 the inner Swansea Channel to silt onsite Marina supervisor. Enjoy on-site hospitality at Boathouse Bar & Dining, easy access to public » REPOWER & REFIT SPECIALIST transport by land and stunning cruising areas, such as Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury by water. Kay Fraser presented Long Service arrival point at Blacksmiths ramp. returned across the bar, two men up in some areas around Swan Bay Koolewong Marina is the ideal location to berth your pride and joy. » ENGINEERING & FABRICATION » PROPULSION & STEERING SYSTEMS Medals to several members. On October 30, the unit’s radio dragging a runabout on to the beach recently, leading to many calls for » ONBOARD SYSTEMS Unit Commander Mal Wardrop operators spotted a small runabout waved down the crew, who were help from stranded yachts. A dredge » SALES, SERVICE & PARTS for presented first prize in the unit’s well being washed up on to rocks in front able to confirm it was the vessel for is now in place and reportedly supported raffle, a $5,000 Flight of the Swansea Head radio base. which they had been searching. The moving 1,000 cubic metres of sand Centre voucher, to the winner, who LM 30 responded but was unable boat had been stolen the previous daily so it is hoped the channel Located @ Fenwicks Marina, 31 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn NSW 2083 had just returned from an overseas to find the vessel and police were night and the owner was grateful for will be fully navigable by the peak P: 02 9985 7885 | F: 02 9985 7991 E: [email protected] | W: www.callaghansmarine.com.au holiday and immediately began unable to locate or contact the the unit’s assistance. holiday season. planning her next trip. registered owner. The search was Seasonal sand drift has caused Mal Wardrop

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 33 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Greater Sydney News

ixty members of MR Central ore than 300 paddlers made SCoast and guests assembled at Mit safely to the finish line of an the Gosford RSL Club on October overnight paddle on the Hawkesbury 30 to celebrate five volunteers who River in October but none was as have dedicated more than a century relieved to set foot on dry land as a of service to the community. rescued boater anxious to make it Unit Commander Mark Sheehan home for the imminent birth of his congratulated the five on their second baby. commitment, applauding their The third weekend of October is sacrifice in giving so much of their always busy for MR Hawkesbury, time to help others. which has a long-standing safety He reflected on the history of support partnership with the annual volunteer marine rescue on the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic. coast, which today boasts one of the More than 300 entrants took best equipped units in the State. part in the 43rd Classic, setting off Federal Member for Robertston Congratulations ... Terrigal MP Adam Crouch, Robertson MP Lucy Wicks, MR Central Coast award from Windsor at 4pm on October We always deliver ... Hawkesbury 22 crew members James Phillips and Matt Sexton, who ensured a and Unit Patron Lucy Wicks, State recipients Brendon Weston, Ian Leafe (front), Andy Pope (rear), Phil Page and Albert Morris, Central 19 on an 111km course to Mooney stranded dad-to-be made it safely back to shore. Photo: Sarah Adair. Coast Councillor Chris Holstein and Unit Commander Mark Sheehan at the unit awards night. Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch Mooney to raise funds for the Arrow and Central Coast Councillor Foundation and bone marrow cancer At 2.30pm, a report was received to start arriving, the crew of HW 22 An updated report en-route, Chris Holstein were on hand to of the individuals but also the succession off Lion Island on vessel in tow. Just after rounding the research. The last paddler reached of a vessel towing a 3m pontoon was again called to duty. advising that the woman was indeed congratulate the five members. sacrifice their families made for the November 1. western side of the island, another the finish at 10am the next day. taking on water. The crew of At 2am a call came in reporting in labour but at home, produced Presenting the National Medal community. Thank you to Gosford At 3.30pm, a 26 foot trailer-sailer call came from a runabout losing Unit Commander Peter Moore HW 22 found a dinghy overloaded a dinghy broken down off Juno sighs of relief all round. On arrival to Phil Page for 25 years’ service, RSL for providing a $600 grant for called for help after losing steering power and drifting dangerously again put in countless hours with steel girders and two occupants Point with three people on board, at Juno Point, the crew found an Ian Leafe (15 years) and Andy Pope the awards night. and power in choppy conditions on towards the rocks on the northern organising all unit members and who had no lifejackets. The boaters including a woman who was eight anxious father, who was assured the (15 years), Ms Wicks spoke of the The unit has recently completed Broken Bay. A stiff north-easterly side. their families and friends to stand also had communication difficulties months pregnant. As the crew raced crew would have him back on land difference volunteers make in the its major fundraising campaign, was blowing the yacht close to the CC 21 took the first vessel to watch at checkpoints and provide with one profoundly deaf and the into action, they were advised that before he knew it. community and the strength of the drawing its raffle at the Oyster rocks at Lion Island. anchor in the safety of Iron Ladder. chase boats overnight. other unable to speak English. the woman was now in labour. “Is this your first?” Matt asked. volunteering spirit on the coast. Festival at Ettalong on November The boat’s small auxiliary motor Returning to assist the runabout, the The first half of the race was With the pair safely moved on to “I don’t know what James “No, it’s my second and I am in Mr Crouch presented MRNSW 10. The two major prizes were travel could do little in the conditions but crew found the stricken boater had troubled with high winds gusting up the rescue vessel, HW 22 fought (Phillips) was thinking but I was really, really deep @$%#. She told Long Service Medals to Life Member vouchers worth $4,000 and $2,000. those on board managed to hoist flagged down a passing boat, which to 90km/h, leading some paddlers strong winds while pumping out the thinking about each of the three me not to go fishing but I did and Albert Morris, recognising 30 years’ The start of the boating season a jury rig sail while waiting for the was towing the runabout. CC 21 to withdraw. pontoon in a deteriorating swell to births I had attended and replaying now I’m (expletive deleted).” membership and Brendon Weston has been marked by a steady flow rescue crew. With skipper Mark shadowed the tow before returning The inclement weather also prevent the vessel going under. each of those in my head,” crew A quick jump-start saw the (20 years). He said such awards not of incidents. The crew of CC 21 Sheehan and Alan Harvey on board, to take the larger vessel to Woy Woy. saw the unit’s duty crew tasked to With the wind settling in the late member Matt Sexton said. fisherman on his way, with HW 22 only represented the commitment conducted two rescues in quick CC 21 raced to the scene, taking the Mitch Giles multiple non-race related rescues, evening and the various checkpoints “They don’t teach baby delivery in shadowing the boat to Parsley Bay. including a sinking vessel. and chase boats waiting for paddlers First Aid and Advanced Resus.” Sarah Adair Newcastle team tries vessel out for size he Hunter/Central Coast The crew of the unit’s existing Fire risk forces vessel from bushland base TSearch and Rescue Exercise in vessel, NC 30, took part in the October was an ideal opportunity city’s annual Blessing of the Fleet, arine Rescue Cottage Point accessible by road or to evacuate for MR Newcastle members to gain conducted by Chaplain Phillip Mwas quick to relocate its residents impacted by fire. operational experience on a vessel Morris, in September. primary rescue vessel when MR Cottage Point members also similar to their new boat, due for Unit Commander Ron Calman and catastrophic bushfire conditions have joined the MRNSW Bushfire delivery in early 2020. Watch Officer and Leading Crew were forecast for Sydney on Information Line contingent at the Construction of the new 10m member Rick Nevile have been November 12. RFS Headquarters. Naiad is under way at Yamba recognised for their lengthy and The unit is based in the Ku- The unit is ready for summer Welding & Engineering. continuing service to the community. ring-gai National Pak and it was operations,with volunteers focusing Crew members Paul Hardie With Rick away, Newcastle MP prudent to move the vessel to on training, including firefighting and and Terry Reynolds joined the Sharon Claydon presented UC Broken Bay for two days to ensure first aid, and vessel preparations crew of Central Coast 30 for the Calman with a Newcastle Volunteer it was accessible for deployment in recent weeks. Congratulations SAREX to get a feel for the vessel’s Service Award 2019. The crew of Newcastle 30 is blessed by Chaplain Phillip Morris if required, either to transport to Mike Evans, who attained his Fighting fire on the water ... MR Cottage Point member David performance, handling and layout. Terry Reynolds during the Newcastle Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. fire crews to isolated areas not Coxswain rating on October 5. Leonard takes part in an on-board training exercise.

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Greater Sydney News

Volunteers commended on century of service Labour pains for dad stranded on river Crews respond to steady stream of incidents at start of season. Hawkesbury crew delivers father-to-be and paddlers safely to shore. ixty members of MR Central ore than 300 paddlers made SCoast and guests assembled at Mit safely to the finish line of an the Gosford RSL Club on October overnight paddle on the Hawkesbury 30 to celebrate five volunteers who River in October but none was as have dedicated more than a century relieved to set foot on dry land as a of service to the community. rescued boater anxious to make it Unit Commander Mark Sheehan home for the imminent birth of his congratulated the five on their second baby. commitment, applauding their The third weekend of October is sacrifice in giving so much of their always busy for MR Hawkesbury, time to help others. which has a long-standing safety He reflected on the history of support partnership with the annual volunteer marine rescue on the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic. coast, which today boasts one of the More than 300 entrants took best equipped units in the State. part in the 43rd Classic, setting off Federal Member for Robertston Congratulations ... Terrigal MP Adam Crouch, Robertson MP Lucy Wicks, MR Central Coast award from Windsor at 4pm on October We always deliver ... Hawkesbury 22 crew members James Phillips and Matt Sexton, who ensured a and Unit Patron Lucy Wicks, State recipients Brendon Weston, Ian Leafe (front), Andy Pope (rear), Phil Page and Albert Morris, Central 19 on an 111km course to Mooney stranded dad-to-be made it safely back to shore. Photo: Sarah Adair. Coast Councillor Chris Holstein and Unit Commander Mark Sheehan at the unit awards night. Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch Mooney to raise funds for the Arrow and Central Coast Councillor Foundation and bone marrow cancer At 2.30pm, a report was received to start arriving, the crew of HW 22 An updated report en-route, Chris Holstein were on hand to of the individuals but also the succession off Lion Island on vessel in tow. Just after rounding the research. The last paddler reached of a vessel towing a 3m pontoon was again called to duty. advising that the woman was indeed congratulate the five members. sacrifice their families made for the November 1. western side of the island, another the finish at 10am the next day. taking on water. The crew of At 2am a call came in reporting in labour but at home, produced Presenting the National Medal community. Thank you to Gosford At 3.30pm, a 26 foot trailer-sailer call came from a runabout losing Unit Commander Peter Moore HW 22 found a dinghy overloaded a dinghy broken down off Juno sighs of relief all round. On arrival to Phil Page for 25 years’ service, RSL for providing a $600 grant for called for help after losing steering power and drifting dangerously again put in countless hours with steel girders and two occupants Point with three people on board, at Juno Point, the crew found an Ian Leafe (15 years) and Andy Pope the awards night. and power in choppy conditions on towards the rocks on the northern organising all unit members and who had no lifejackets. The boaters including a woman who was eight anxious father, who was assured the (15 years), Ms Wicks spoke of the The unit has recently completed Broken Bay. A stiff north-easterly side. their families and friends to stand also had communication difficulties months pregnant. As the crew raced crew would have him back on land difference volunteers make in the its major fundraising campaign, was blowing the yacht close to the CC 21 took the first vessel to watch at checkpoints and provide with one profoundly deaf and the into action, they were advised that before he knew it. community and the strength of the drawing its raffle at the Oyster rocks at Lion Island. anchor in the safety of Iron Ladder. chase boats overnight. other unable to speak English. the woman was now in labour. “Is this your first?” Matt asked. volunteering spirit on the coast. Festival at Ettalong on November The boat’s small auxiliary motor Returning to assist the runabout, the The first half of the race was With the pair safely moved on to “I don’t know what James “No, it’s my second and I am in Mr Crouch presented MRNSW 10. The two major prizes were travel could do little in the conditions but crew found the stricken boater had troubled with high winds gusting up the rescue vessel, HW 22 fought (Phillips) was thinking but I was really, really deep @$%#. She told Long Service Medals to Life Member vouchers worth $4,000 and $2,000. those on board managed to hoist flagged down a passing boat, which to 90km/h, leading some paddlers strong winds while pumping out the thinking about each of the three me not to go fishing but I did and Albert Morris, recognising 30 years’ The start of the boating season a jury rig sail while waiting for the was towing the runabout. CC 21 to withdraw. pontoon in a deteriorating swell to births I had attended and replaying now I’m (expletive deleted).” membership and Brendon Weston has been marked by a steady flow rescue crew. With skipper Mark shadowed the tow before returning The inclement weather also prevent the vessel going under. each of those in my head,” crew A quick jump-start saw the (20 years). He said such awards not of incidents. The crew of CC 21 Sheehan and Alan Harvey on board, to take the larger vessel to Woy Woy. saw the unit’s duty crew tasked to With the wind settling in the late member Matt Sexton said. fisherman on his way, with HW 22 only represented the commitment conducted two rescues in quick CC 21 raced to the scene, taking the Mitch Giles multiple non-race related rescues, evening and the various checkpoints “They don’t teach baby delivery in shadowing the boat to Parsley Bay. including a sinking vessel. and chase boats waiting for paddlers First Aid and Advanced Resus.” Sarah Adair Newcastle team tries vessel out for size he Hunter/Central Coast The crew of the unit’s existing Fire risk forces vessel from bushland base TSearch and Rescue Exercise in vessel, NC 30, took part in the October was an ideal opportunity city’s annual Blessing of the Fleet, arine Rescue Cottage Point accessible by road or to evacuate for MR Newcastle members to gain conducted by Chaplain Phillip Mwas quick to relocate its residents impacted by fire. operational experience on a vessel Morris, in September. primary rescue vessel when MR Cottage Point members also similar to their new boat, due for Unit Commander Ron Calman and catastrophic bushfire conditions have joined the MRNSW Bushfire delivery in early 2020. Watch Officer and Leading Crew were forecast for Sydney on Information Line contingent at the Construction of the new 10m member Rick Nevile have been November 12. RFS Headquarters. Naiad is under way at Yamba recognised for their lengthy and The unit is based in the Ku- The unit is ready for summer Welding & Engineering. continuing service to the community. ring-gai National Pak and it was operations,with volunteers focusing Crew members Paul Hardie With Rick away, Newcastle MP prudent to move the vessel to on training, including firefighting and and Terry Reynolds joined the Sharon Claydon presented UC Broken Bay for two days to ensure first aid, and vessel preparations crew of Central Coast 30 for the Calman with a Newcastle Volunteer it was accessible for deployment in recent weeks. Congratulations SAREX to get a feel for the vessel’s Service Award 2019. The crew of Newcastle 30 is blessed by Chaplain Phillip Morris if required, either to transport to Mike Evans, who attained his Fighting fire on the water ... MR Cottage Point member David performance, handling and layout. Terry Reynolds during the Newcastle Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. fire crews to isolated areas not Coxswain rating on October 5. Leonard takes part in an on-board training exercise.

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Greater Sydney News

olunteers from MR Broken Bay members unanimously agreed to he MR Middle Harbour base Vhave become custodians of their participate as they saw the benefits. Tat The Spit has been a hive local marine environment as well as “It’s also a way to thank the of training activity recently, with the boating community that enjoys Pittwater community for voting for more than 180 Sydney members the area’s scenic waterways. us to receive the My Community undertaking a range of courses to The unit has joined with Indigo V Project grant for our new boat. equip them for their volunteering Expeditions, a not-for-profit ocean “So now not only are we on roles. research organisation, to assist its patrol and looking after our boating A full program of 13 courses has monitoring of the health of local fraternity but we also are becoming been scheduled at the base between waters. environmental champions of our mid-September and the middle of Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga area and taking positive steps to December. said the unit would take part in a make a change.” University of Technology Sydney research fellow Dr Martin Ostrowski Most of the trainees have been three-month pilot, with members Indigo V Expeditions pioneered demonstrates the use of water sampling equipment to MR Broken Middle Harbour recruits but they initially collecting water samples citizen sailing oceanography as a Bay members Jonathon Graham and Jameson York. have also been joined by four new each week from two locations in way to crowdsource vital ocean volunteers from MR Port Jackson Pittwater and Broken Bay during health data. Water samples are universities are Indigo partners. recognising a total of 35 years’ and a sprinkling from other units in their routine Saturday patrols. collected by cruisers and sailors The unit has been busy preparing service to Tim Lewis, Jameson the Greater Sydney Region. This is a drill ... survival at sea trainees set off flares at MR Middle Harbour. Photo: Brian Roberts. “We will be helping Indigo V on their travels around the world, for the summer rush, training new York, Brian Alexander, Keren Muir- MRNSW induction, boat and Expeditions to collate data on creating databases that allow ocean recruits and ensuring skills are McCarey and Gregory Robinson. radio licence courses, three first survival at sea courses have been dedicated first floor training area ready for duty for Sydney’s summer water quality and pollution. We will health to be monitored and solutions refreshed and members ready. Master Chris Guy represented the aid and advanced resuscitation conducted without impacting on the and harbour jetty. Thanks to this holiday boating rush. increase the number of locations if proposed for restoring beleaguered UC Arteaga said he had been unit at the NSW Emergency Services courses and two firefighting and unit’s operations, using the base’s program, these volunteers will be Brian Roberts the samples are showing concerning ecosystems. privileged to thank five Broken Bay Volunteers Memorial Service in levels,” he said. UNESCO, the Australian Research volunteers for their commitment, October and members also have “The great thing is that all our Council and NSW and Macquarie presenting Long Service Medals given their time for fundraising. Port Jackson saves good Samaritan kayaker Trainees apply new skills as offshore towing exercise takes realistic turn.

Technological array supports boating safety ew members of MR Port also overturned and fallen into the Terrey Hills upgrades system to maintain extended online radio watch. NJackson got first-hand water. PJ 30 also was nearby and experience of our mission to save swiftly rescued the second kayaker, adio operators at MR Terrey Members have thanked Mick lives on the water during a towing with the crew administering first aid RHills are the master conductors Quigg at Barrenjoey Smash training exercise on Sydney Harbour for hypothermia and shock en route of a large technological orchestra Repairs for the generous donation in late October. to Rose Bay wharf and a waiting tuned to support their work to keep of materials and labour to repair Port Jackson 20 was practising ambulance. PJ 20 righted the first boaters safe along the coastline. and update the unit’s trailer, which long and tug towing on Sunday, overturned kayak and outrigger, The unit has now installed five is primarily used to transport October 20 when the crew was towing it back to the owner’s club. screens at each radio operator equipment to and from the monthly waved down by a small boat in The trainees were able to bring work station to better enable Belrose Bunnings barbecue. the western shipping channel off their new skill sets to bear, while operators to monitor marine radio Mick’s generosity means Rose Bay. On approach, the crew one member applied expertise in Members of MR Port Jackon with Commissioner Stacey Tannos and communications in the Greater valuable funds can be used in other discovered that those on board had first aid. Director of Operations Andrew Cribb at an emergency services Sydney Region and further north areas of need. Thanks also to the just retrieved a kayaker who had Earlier in the month, the unit was event urging the public to prepare for summer. and south via Radio over Internet unit’s Marketing, Fundraising and been in the water for an hour and attending a function to mark the Protocol technology. Membership Committee chair Peter Surrounded by technology ... MR Terrey Hills radio operators Andrew was suffering hypothermia. official start of the boating season, vicinity and more making their way Greg Searle, Leon Gamaroff and MR Terrey Hills is responsible for Dally for his work on the project. Tory and Marguerite Mason. Photo: David Crawford. The woman had headed offshore when PJ 20 was diverted to support from Sydney Harbour, PJ 20 joined David Mills for filling long shifts managing radio traffic to numerous Positive feedback was received on an outrigger kayak, planning to an operation to free an entangled Middle Harbour 30 in patrolling answering calls to the Bushfire MRNSW bases between 5pm and on a series of training workshops members through to the more senior enabled him to complete the 110km be on the water for 90 minutes, but whale calf off Dee Why. the area around the two whales to Information Line at the Rural Fire 7am daily, with the extra screens for watch and duty officers during watch officers. challenge. had been overturned by the wake The tiring calf had dragged nets ensure all vessels maintained the Service Headquarters. Alex Fenwick enabling operators to more easily September, October and November. MR Terrey Hills member David After raising more than $2,200 from a large tourist jet boat and and lines south from Queensland. required minimum 300m distance. also has been fighting fires in his monitor remote locations throughout Organised by Deputy Unit Crawford has again taken part in the to support the Children’s Medical pushed into the shipping channel. With its mother close by, National PJ 20 also ferried a Channel 10 role as a member of the RFS’s highly the night. While it seems a massive Commander Graham McNaney, the Great Cycle Challenge to raise funds Research Centre this year, David She was too exhausted to make Parks and Wildlife Service and news crew to cover the operation. skilled strike teams. Congratulations array of technology at each work courses gave members an ideal to fight children’s cancer. is planning an even bigger her way back to shore. ORRCA specialists managed to free MR Port Jackson members to Simon Venn for the award of his station, the upgraded system is forum to work together. More will David equipped his wheelchair commitment for the 2020 event. Another kayaker had attempted the youngster. With a large number have supported the recent bushfire 10 year Long Service Medal. working well. be held in 2020 for provisional with a pedal/hand cycle fitting that Denis Comber to help but the good Samaritan had of sightseeing vessels already in the emergency response. Thanks to Tom Crvenkovic

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Greater Sydney News

Volunteers champions of marine environment Recruits learn the ropes at Middle Harbour Broken Bay ocean health monitoring a way to thank community for its support. Packed training program prepares new volunteers for Sydney’s summer rush. olunteers from MR Broken Bay members unanimously agreed to he MR Middle Harbour base Vhave become custodians of their participate as they saw the benefits. Tat The Spit has been a hive local marine environment as well as “It’s also a way to thank the of training activity recently, with the boating community that enjoys Pittwater community for voting for more than 180 Sydney members the area’s scenic waterways. us to receive the My Community undertaking a range of courses to The unit has joined with Indigo V Project grant for our new boat. equip them for their volunteering Expeditions, a not-for-profit ocean “So now not only are we on roles. research organisation, to assist its patrol and looking after our boating A full program of 13 courses has monitoring of the health of local fraternity but we also are becoming been scheduled at the base between waters. environmental champions of our mid-September and the middle of Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga area and taking positive steps to December. said the unit would take part in a make a change.” University of Technology Sydney research fellow Dr Martin Ostrowski Most of the trainees have been three-month pilot, with members Indigo V Expeditions pioneered demonstrates the use of water sampling equipment to MR Broken Middle Harbour recruits but they initially collecting water samples citizen sailing oceanography as a Bay members Jonathon Graham and Jameson York. have also been joined by four new each week from two locations in way to crowdsource vital ocean volunteers from MR Port Jackson Pittwater and Broken Bay during health data. Water samples are universities are Indigo partners. recognising a total of 35 years’ and a sprinkling from other units in their routine Saturday patrols. collected by cruisers and sailors The unit has been busy preparing service to Tim Lewis, Jameson the Greater Sydney Region. This is a drill ... survival at sea trainees set off flares at MR Middle Harbour. Photo: Brian Roberts. “We will be helping Indigo V on their travels around the world, for the summer rush, training new York, Brian Alexander, Keren Muir- MRNSW induction, boat and Expeditions to collate data on creating databases that allow ocean recruits and ensuring skills are McCarey and Gregory Robinson. radio licence courses, three first survival at sea courses have been dedicated first floor training area ready for duty for Sydney’s summer water quality and pollution. We will health to be monitored and solutions refreshed and members ready. Master Chris Guy represented the aid and advanced resuscitation conducted without impacting on the and harbour jetty. Thanks to this holiday boating rush. increase the number of locations if proposed for restoring beleaguered UC Arteaga said he had been unit at the NSW Emergency Services courses and two firefighting and unit’s operations, using the base’s program, these volunteers will be Brian Roberts the samples are showing concerning ecosystems. privileged to thank five Broken Bay Volunteers Memorial Service in levels,” he said. UNESCO, the Australian Research volunteers for their commitment, October and members also have “The great thing is that all our Council and NSW and Macquarie presenting Long Service Medals given their time for fundraising. Port Jackson saves good Samaritan kayaker Trainees apply new skills as offshore towing exercise takes realistic turn.

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Sussex Inlet crews keen for new boat’s arrival Rescues highlight risks of weather and unfamiliarity with local waterways.

arine Rescue Sussex Inlet Mhas spent the cooler months preparing for the December delivery of its new rescue vessel in time for the peak holiday boating period. Crew members have undertaken training on neighbouring MR Shoalhaven’s 7.5m Ocean Cylinder to familiarise themselves with the operation of this model vessel before the new Sussex Inlet 20 arrives. The winter months at Sussex Inlet were characterised by strong winds that kept many wary boaters off the water, resulting in fewer calls for assistance. Heading south ... Sussex Inlet 20 during its sea trials off the North Coast ahead of its delivery in time for However, a number of boaters the peak season. still ran into trouble, highlighting the risks of venturing out without A couple with three young One overturned dinghy in St National Medal. Tom joined the Royal due attention to current or forecast children who could not battle against Georges Basin was righted and Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1994 Make every weather conditions and unfamiliarity the strong winds in their kayaks to taken under tow. and was a key participant during the with local waterways. make it back to their holiday park However, it demonstrated extreme transition to MRNSW. He served as a Two vessels sank while waved down X22 on the Sussex yawing and nose-dived bow-first crew member for many years before attempting to cross the bar from Inlet River. into the water when the tow speed achieving his coxswain rating. seaward. X22 was beached to take all five reached 2-3 knots. The only option He is currently in his second term journey safer. A man and woman who were on board and the kayaks under tow. was to pull the boat across the as Deputy Unit Commander. stranded on the sand bar with The unit also retrieved a number rear deck of the rescue vessel, His wife Denise was present to surf and waves crashing around of boats that had broken from their presenting a not-so-elegant sight on see Illawarra Regional Operations them were rescued by our crew on moorings or washed from the shore the return trip to base. Manager Bruce Mitchell present Tom board X22 and returned to the river of St Georges Basin in high tide and Member Tom Dunlop has been with his clasp. Switch to VHF. entrance. wind conditions. awarded the 25 year clasp to the Les Pataky Services put on a show at 14th open day VHF Channel 16 is the embers of the public seized Highlights included a mock Mthe chance to see emergency rescue carried out by MR services skill and cooperation in Shoalhaven crews, assisted by St international distress channel action at MR Shoalhaven’s 14th John Ambulance and RFS personnel, annual Emergency Services Open a flare demonstration and drumming It’s constantly monitored by MRNSW and your calls for help Day on November 10. displays by the Navy Cadets. The popular event, staged Visitors enjoyed rides on the unit’s can also be heard by other boats nearby. With better range, at the Greenwell Point Bowling rescue vessels and market stalls, quality and help at the push of a button, make today the day Club, featured MRNSW, a NSW with children entertained on jumping Ambulance Service rescue truck and castles. The crowd took advantage you switch from 27MHz to VHF. ambulance, Rural Fire Service trucks of the Marine Rescue barbecue from Culburra Beach and Greenwell on the unit’s new BBQ trailer and Point, NSW Police from Nowra and pancakes, coffee and ice cream. the Marine Area Command at Port The unit also sold tickets in its Kembla, the Nowra State Emergency annual boat raffle and all up, raised

Service, St John Ambulance and TS more than $2,000 on the day. Ready for the 14th Emergency Services Open Day at Greenwell Find out more at marinerescuensw.com.au Shoalhaven Navy Cadets. Bill Carter Point, Shoalhaven 30 and Shoalhaven 20. Photo: Danielle Carter.

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Sussex Inlet crews keen for new boat’s arrival Rescues highlight risks of weather and unfamiliarity with local waterways.

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Illawarra News

hen members of the public also carries the Australian and afe, responsible boating activity Wobserve a Marine Rescue MRNSW flags and standard safety Son Ulladulla waters has resulted NSW vessel on its way to save a equipment including a fire blanket, in fewer calls for help to MR boater in trouble, they do not see fire bucket, paddles, torches and a Ulladulla this year. the amount of specialised equiment V sheet, along with a heliograph, Crews have been tasked to on board to support the crew’s signal dye and navigational charts. respond to just 44 life-endangering operations. There’s also a lifebuoy, first aid emergencies in the 11 months to MR Kioloa has taken up the Tetris equipment, including a defibrillator November, down on the average of Challenge, in which emergency and oxygen kit, and body retrieval 50-60. responders around the world are kits. A considerable number of the showing the extensive range of As KL 20 is an open vessel taskings have been the result of equipment they put to use in their without a cabin, crew members false alarms, vessels failing to Log daily work to save lives and assist also have wetsuits as part of their Off and bogus flare sightings. Most the community. The challenge, personal protective equipment of the actual incidents have been issued online by a police department to keep them warm and dry in as a result of vessels experiencing Ulladalla 30 heads offshore in the Illawarra and Monaro Regional Search and Rescue Exercise on in Switzerland, involves setting out rough seas and helmets fitted mechanical or electrical problems. November 24. Photo: David Hall. all their personnel and gear from with personal radio headsets to This operational respite has given their emergency vehicle, aircraft or communicate in difficult conditions the unit’s crews time to focus on important focus. After being plagued barbecue and raffle in November. that settled into the gelcoat last vessel in an arrangement known as over the noise from engines, sea their training five or six days a week. by rain and wind, some beautiful This semi-regular event is an year during work performed by “knolling” - arranging related objects conditions and wind. The Illawarra/Monaro SAREX weather finally arrived to draw opportunity to take our safety contractors on the wharf. in parallel or 90 degree angles. While most of this is standard was an integral part of our training the crowds into the unit’s monthly messages about the importance of Our unit is well prepared for the The unit laid out the equipment equipment for MRNSW rescue curriculum for both our rescue markets. The markets are a vital lifejackets and Logging On straight annual summer influx of visitors and from its rescue vessel, Kioloa 20, a vessels, other units may have slight vessel crews and radio operators. part of our fundraising and it has to a group of dedicated fishos. their vessels. The increased boating Fitting four crew members and this array of equipment on board 6.25m Cobia Enforcer RHIB. variations on this inventory. rescue vessel Kioloa 20 is indeed a Tetris challenge. Photo: David A number of our newer Watch been disappointing to see these Rescue vessel Ulladulla 30 traffic will mean a consequent rise KL 20 has an optimal crew Of course, this doesn’t include Hall. Officers attended to help build their opportunities lost due to weather. is again looking at its best after in incidents on the water but we are of four and the equipment used the electronic navigation and skills. Members also helped out the recently undergoing a full cut and ready to respond. to assist vessels and people in communications fit-out on board, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. services from 6am to the last boat Fundraising continues to be an visiting Penrith Fishing Club with a polish to remove small rust particles David Hall distress includes crew and spare which includes equipment such Members have extended their each day, as well as its usual 24/7 lifejackets, emergency beacons, as radar, marine radios, electronic thanks to the members of the emergency search and rescue fire extinguishers, flares, signal navigation displays and AIS, nor the local community whose support response. In a life-threatening flags, tow, berthing and heaving array of communications equipment has contributed to the cost of the emergency, call Triple Zero (000) lines, an anchor and anchor lines, a in the unit’s beachfront radio base. unit’s operations and to keeping its or call for help on marine radio VHF Jervis Bay ready for heavy summer workload tool kit, drogue, spotlights, fender, Numerous other emergency considerable range of equipment Channel 16. The unit’s rescue base arine Rescue Jervis Bay is replace the base’s analogue radios, binoculars, knives, emergency services’ Tetris Challenge responses serviced and up to date. can be contacted 24/7 on phone Mready for a hefty workload will be installed in line with major rations, water, a battery starter pack, from around the world can be Over the peak holiday period 4457 1109. in coming weeks in response to infrastructure works scheduled spare parts and fuses. The vessel found on social media, including on MR Kioloa will be providing radio Peter White the continuing trend of increasing to take place on the Vincentia numbers of tourists flocking to enjoy communications tower in March. the district’s natural beauty each The unit is looking into the summer. possibility of extending its Huskisson The unit Logged On 265 vessels base to provide much-needed room HELP INJURED WILDLIFE with 2,287 people on board in for training and operations. October, answering 134 inquiries Two members of MR Jervis Bay, CNC Machined Steel Half Couplings Every year thousands of marine birds and animals and launching 22 rescue missions Harold Plumb and Jurgen Kiaupa, Poly Flex half couplings come in a range of models including 424, 434, 464, are injured by plas� c bags, but these numbers are sure to swell were named as finalists in the 524, 534, 546 & 616. The first number of the model specifies the flange ﬁ shing line, hooks and OD being either 4”, 5” or 6”. These accommodate shaft sizes ranging from as more local and visiting boaters prestigious Shoalhaven Emergency Jervis Bay 40 on the slip at Ulladulla for scheduled maintenance 3/4” - 3”. Please ask one of our trained staff for more info. sinkers. work. Photo: Ron Davies. Custom Half Couplings take to the water in the coming Services Community Awards. & Cotton Reel Adaptors If you see an injured bird weeks. As Harold was away when the Available on Request!! or na� ve animal please call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Members are looking forward to awards were presented, Awards Harold with his finalist’s plaque. and maintenance manager, radio Australian Seabird Rescue the refit of their radio base with new ambassador Dr Peter Taylor, from Harold is an asset to the unit, operator, crew member, upgrading on 0428 862 852. digital radio technology thanks to MR Shoalhaven, and NSW Police with his well-deserved nomination the fundraising trailer and assisting a $90,000 State Government My DONATE to WIRES at WIRES.ORG.AU or to Chief Inspector and SES South Coast recognising his outstanding work with the unit’s annual fundraiser, the Australian Seabird Rescue at SEABIRDRESCUE.ORG Community Grants Project grant. Controller Glen Ran attended the for MR Jervis Bay over eight years Australia Day Duck Derby. The RediTALK system, which will unit’s October meeting to present in roles including vessel resources Ron Walsh

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 41 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Illawarra News

What’s on board a Marine Rescue vessel? Fewer Ulladulla boaters in trouble this year Kioloa unit takes up the global emergency services Tetris Challenge. Lull in emergencies gives crews time to concentrate on training. hen members of the public also carries the Australian and afe, responsible boating activity Wobserve a Marine Rescue MRNSW flags and standard safety Son Ulladulla waters has resulted NSW vessel on its way to save a equipment including a fire blanket, in fewer calls for help to MR boater in trouble, they do not see fire bucket, paddles, torches and a Ulladulla this year. the amount of specialised equiment V sheet, along with a heliograph, Crews have been tasked to on board to support the crew’s signal dye and navigational charts. respond to just 44 life-endangering operations. There’s also a lifebuoy, first aid emergencies in the 11 months to MR Kioloa has taken up the Tetris equipment, including a defibrillator November, down on the average of Challenge, in which emergency and oxygen kit, and body retrieval 50-60. responders around the world are kits. A considerable number of the showing the extensive range of As KL 20 is an open vessel taskings have been the result of equipment they put to use in their without a cabin, crew members false alarms, vessels failing to Log daily work to save lives and assist also have wetsuits as part of their Off and bogus flare sightings. Most the community. The challenge, personal protective equipment of the actual incidents have been issued online by a police department to keep them warm and dry in as a result of vessels experiencing Ulladalla 30 heads offshore in the Illawarra and Monaro Regional Search and Rescue Exercise on in Switzerland, involves setting out rough seas and helmets fitted mechanical or electrical problems. November 24. Photo: David Hall. all their personnel and gear from with personal radio headsets to This operational respite has given their emergency vehicle, aircraft or communicate in difficult conditions the unit’s crews time to focus on important focus. After being plagued barbecue and raffle in November. that settled into the gelcoat last vessel in an arrangement known as over the noise from engines, sea their training five or six days a week. by rain and wind, some beautiful This semi-regular event is an year during work performed by “knolling” - arranging related objects conditions and wind. The Illawarra/Monaro SAREX weather finally arrived to draw opportunity to take our safety contractors on the wharf. in parallel or 90 degree angles. While most of this is standard was an integral part of our training the crowds into the unit’s monthly messages about the importance of Our unit is well prepared for the The unit laid out the equipment equipment for MRNSW rescue curriculum for both our rescue markets. The markets are a vital lifejackets and Logging On straight annual summer influx of visitors and from its rescue vessel, Kioloa 20, a vessels, other units may have slight vessel crews and radio operators. part of our fundraising and it has to a group of dedicated fishos. their vessels. The increased boating Fitting four crew members and this array of equipment on board 6.25m Cobia Enforcer RHIB. variations on this inventory. rescue vessel Kioloa 20 is indeed a Tetris challenge. Photo: David A number of our newer Watch been disappointing to see these Rescue vessel Ulladulla 30 traffic will mean a consequent rise KL 20 has an optimal crew Of course, this doesn’t include Hall. Officers attended to help build their opportunities lost due to weather. is again looking at its best after in incidents on the water but we are of four and the equipment used the electronic navigation and skills. Members also helped out the recently undergoing a full cut and ready to respond. to assist vessels and people in communications fit-out on board, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. services from 6am to the last boat Fundraising continues to be an visiting Penrith Fishing Club with a polish to remove small rust particles David Hall distress includes crew and spare which includes equipment such Members have extended their each day, as well as its usual 24/7 lifejackets, emergency beacons, as radar, marine radios, electronic thanks to the members of the emergency search and rescue fire extinguishers, flares, signal navigation displays and AIS, nor the local community whose support response. In a life-threatening flags, tow, berthing and heaving array of communications equipment has contributed to the cost of the emergency, call Triple Zero (000) lines, an anchor and anchor lines, a in the unit’s beachfront radio base. unit’s operations and to keeping its or call for help on marine radio VHF Jervis Bay ready for heavy summer workload tool kit, drogue, spotlights, fender, Numerous other emergency considerable range of equipment Channel 16. The unit’s rescue base arine Rescue Jervis Bay is replace the base’s analogue radios, binoculars, knives, emergency services’ Tetris Challenge responses serviced and up to date. can be contacted 24/7 on phone Mready for a hefty workload will be installed in line with major rations, water, a battery starter pack, from around the world can be Over the peak holiday period 4457 1109. in coming weeks in response to infrastructure works scheduled spare parts and fuses. The vessel found on social media, including on MR Kioloa will be providing radio Peter White the continuing trend of increasing to take place on the Vincentia numbers of tourists flocking to enjoy communications tower in March. the district’s natural beauty each The unit is looking into the summer. possibility of extending its Huskisson The unit Logged On 265 vessels base to provide much-needed room HELP INJURED WILDLIFE with 2,287 people on board in for training and operations. October, answering 134 inquiries Two members of MR Jervis Bay, CNC Machined Steel Half Couplings Every year thousands of marine birds and animals and launching 22 rescue missions Harold Plumb and Jurgen Kiaupa, Poly Flex half couplings come in a range of models including 424, 434, 464, are injured by plas� c bags, but these numbers are sure to swell were named as finalists in the 524, 534, 546 & 616. The first number of the model specifies the flange ﬁ shing line, hooks and OD being either 4”, 5” or 6”. These accommodate shaft sizes ranging from as more local and visiting boaters prestigious Shoalhaven Emergency Jervis Bay 40 on the slip at Ulladulla for scheduled maintenance 3/4” - 3”. Please ask one of our trained staff for more info. sinkers. work. Photo: Ron Davies. Custom Half Couplings take to the water in the coming Services Community Awards. & Cotton Reel Adaptors If you see an injured bird weeks. As Harold was away when the Available on Request!! or na� ve animal please call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Members are looking forward to awards were presented, Awards Harold with his finalist’s plaque. and maintenance manager, radio Australian Seabird Rescue the refit of their radio base with new ambassador Dr Peter Taylor, from Harold is an asset to the unit, operator, crew member, upgrading on 0428 862 852. digital radio technology thanks to MR Shoalhaven, and NSW Police with his well-deserved nomination the fundraising trailer and assisting a $90,000 State Government My Chief Inspector and SES South Coast DONATE to WIRES at WIRES.ORG.AU or to recognising his outstanding work with the unit’s annual fundraiser, the Australian Seabird Rescue at SEABIRDRESCUE.ORG Community Grants Project grant. Controller Glen Ran attended the for MR Jervis Bay over eight years Australia Day Duck Derby. The RediTALK system, which will unit’s October meeting to present in roles including vessel resources Ron Walsh

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 41 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Illawarra & Monaro News

he Shellharbour unit scored the table. The prize for longest drive ore than 100 marine rescue Tanother hole-in-one with went to a member of the Chippers Mspecialists from the Illawarra its second annual golf day on team. and South Coast took part in the November 1. Defending their title and winning largest MRNSW Search and Rescue The event was again held at the Bradman for the highest score Exercise (SAREX) yet staged, on the the Links Shell Cove, attracting a were the Woodies, who have staked weekend of November 23 and 24. larger field of players than the 2018 their claim to make it three in a row Volunteers from 12 units and challenge. next year. representatives of the NSW Police Fourteen teams took part in the Members of the unit again Force Marine Area Command, Surf four person ambrose, including the fired up the barbecue to provide a Life Saving and the Westpac Life Headquarters Hackers, this year delicious lunch for the competitors. Saver Rescue Helicopter joined in comprising Commissioner Stacey Deputy Unit Commander the SAREX, based at Batemans Bay. Tannos, Member Services Manager Peter May said this year’s event The exercise was designed to test Adrian Adam, IT Support Officer Matt had raised more funds than the agencies’ marine search and rescue Ulladulla 30 leaves barely a ripple in its wake as it heads down the magnificent Clyde River into Batemans Bay to join other MRNSW vessels in the Regional Search and Rescue Exercise. Photo: David Hall. Sims and Regional Training Manager inaugural challenge, totalling more MR Shellharbour volunteers Gerry Kelly, Unit Commander Richard skill and coordination ahead of the Stuart Massey. than $4,000. O’Connor, Deputy Peter May, Eva Goodchild and Alana Heywood on summer influx of boating traffic on The Commissioner won the The event was introduced last duty off the water at the unit’s golf challenge. the southern coastline from Sydney to ensure our people, assets and along the coastline each year as on the water,” he said. nearest the pin prize with an year not only as a fundraiser for to the Victorian border and the technology are well prepared part the organisation’s ongoing Monaro Regional Operations impressive 140 metre shot on the the unit but also a way for the Harrigan Ford, Wilson’s Holden/ for helping out on the day; they’re Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. for the busiest months on the professional training program. Manager Glenn Sullivan said the two par three sixth hole. The hole in one volunteers to thank members of Mitsubishi, Smart Financial, Peter a very special bunch of men and It also tested new radio water, particularly to respond to “Ensuring our members are well regions had combined for the SAREX prize went unclaimed. the community for their continuing Blunden Suzuki, Drummond Golf, women,” he said. “Special thanks infrastructure recently installed at multiple major incidents occurring equipped and trained for their roles after the Illawarra exercise earlier The event was won by the support. Highlights and MRNSW. to Marree Doherty from MRNSW Bermagui, Round Hill, Moruya and simultaneously and to watch over is critical to volunteer safety and in the year had been impacted by Wizards team, with Drummonds Golf “Next year will be better again,” He said the event had provided Headquarters, without whose Dr George Mountain to improve the blue water race to Hobart,” he integral to our mission to save lives adverse weather conditions. second and only a couple of strokes DUC May said. positive exposure for the sponsors. ongoing assistance the day would marine radio reception and eliminate said. “Boaters can be confident that separating the teams at the top of He thanked the event sponsors, “My thanks to all our members not have been possible.” blackspots on the coastline, as well if they need help this summer, we as new digital radio fit-outs in the are ready.” MR Batemans Bay and Bermagui Participants assembled for a day radio bases. of tabletop exercises and a review Port Kembla transformation complete One hundred volunteers, 10 boats of search theory at Batemans Bay and two Rescue Water Craft from before crews headed on to the water Unit looks forward to bright 2020 with new boat and upgraded base. MR Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex next day to locate targets in two search areas, north of Batemans hristmas has come early for Manager Kelvin Parkin, Illawarra Inlet, Ulladulla, Kioloa, Batemans Bay and near Mimosa Rocks, south members of MR Port Kembla, Regional Operations Manager Bruce Bay, Tuross, Narooma, Bermagui, C of Bermagui, which was the scene who will greet 2020 with a new Mitchell and Unit Commander Kevin Merimbula, Alpine Lakes and of a major three-day search in rescue vessel and improved Bradley on board. Moama gathered for the event. August for a missing swimmer that operating conditions in their heritage The major project to upgrade MRNSW Deputy Commissioner was later revealed to be a hoax. listed radio base. and repair the Hill 60 building and Dean Storey thanked the volunteers Deputy Commissioner Storey The new vessel will be on the radio mast has been completed who took part. RWC Operators Wayne Ellison, from MR Tuross, and MR Narooma’s said SAREX operations were staged water in time for the peak holiday with the assistance of a $164,000 “This joint exercise was designed Alison Philip scoured the shoreline for the search targets. season and the unit’s Hill 60 Search State Government Port Kembla and Rescue Coordination Centre has Community Investment Fund grant. undergone a major upgrade since The work involved replacing the last summer. deteriorated observation deck and Port Kembla 20 is a 6.3m Naiad external staircase, which had been RHIB that will operate on Lake closed to public access. Port Kembla 20 undergoes its sea trials in smoky conditions at Illawarra and up to seven nautical Concrete cancer was repaired Yamba on the Northern Rivers. miles offshore in support of primary and the building and mast repainted. response asset PK 30 Members from Port Kembla and Members of the public have been displays and the chance to write a The vessel was built by the neighbouring MR Shellharbour invited to walk on the bottom of the message in a time capsule that will Yamba Welding & Engineering will take part in a community harbour before it is filled with water be placed on the harbour floor. and underwent its sea trials in event to mark a major milestone in 2020. The once-in-a-lifetime The new Port Kembla 20 will be smoky conditions at Yamba in in the development of the new event to walk the marina floor will be on show to the community as part of Crews gather outside the MR Batemans Bay base for an exercise Far from the Murray ... members of MR Moama travelled from our late November with MRNSW Fleet Shellharbour Marina at Shell Cove. a family day with live entertainment, the celebration on December 14. briefing before taking to the water on November 24. most inland unit, meeting the crew of Batemans 21.

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 43 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Illawarra & Monaro News

Second Shellharbour golf day another winner Joint exercise tests new radio infrastructure Organisers promise next year’s event will be bigger and better again. Volunteers from two southern regions combine in largest SAREX. he Shellharbour unit scored the table. The prize for longest drive ore than 100 marine rescue Tanother hole-in-one with went to a member of the Chippers Mspecialists from the Illawarra its second annual golf day on team. and South Coast took part in the November 1. Defending their title and winning largest MRNSW Search and Rescue The event was again held at the Bradman for the highest score Exercise (SAREX) yet staged, on the the Links Shell Cove, attracting a were the Woodies, who have staked weekend of November 23 and 24. larger field of players than the 2018 their claim to make it three in a row Volunteers from 12 units and challenge. next year. representatives of the NSW Police Fourteen teams took part in the Members of the unit again Force Marine Area Command, Surf four person ambrose, including the fired up the barbecue to provide a Life Saving and the Westpac Life Headquarters Hackers, this year delicious lunch for the competitors. Saver Rescue Helicopter joined in comprising Commissioner Stacey Deputy Unit Commander the SAREX, based at Batemans Bay. Tannos, Member Services Manager Peter May said this year’s event The exercise was designed to test Adrian Adam, IT Support Officer Matt had raised more funds than the agencies’ marine search and rescue Ulladulla 30 leaves barely a ripple in its wake as it heads down the magnificent Clyde River into Batemans Bay to join other MRNSW vessels in the Regional Search and Rescue Exercise. Photo: David Hall. Sims and Regional Training Manager inaugural challenge, totalling more MR Shellharbour volunteers Gerry Kelly, Unit Commander Richard skill and coordination ahead of the Stuart Massey. than $4,000. O’Connor, Deputy Peter May, Eva Goodchild and Alana Heywood on summer influx of boating traffic on The Commissioner won the The event was introduced last duty off the water at the unit’s golf challenge. the southern coastline from Sydney to ensure our people, assets and along the coastline each year as on the water,” he said. nearest the pin prize with an year not only as a fundraiser for to the Victorian border and the technology are well prepared part the organisation’s ongoing Monaro Regional Operations impressive 140 metre shot on the the unit but also a way for the Harrigan Ford, Wilson’s Holden/ for helping out on the day; they’re Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. for the busiest months on the professional training program. Manager Glenn Sullivan said the two par three sixth hole. The hole in one volunteers to thank members of Mitsubishi, Smart Financial, Peter a very special bunch of men and It also tested new radio water, particularly to respond to “Ensuring our members are well regions had combined for the SAREX prize went unclaimed. the community for their continuing Blunden Suzuki, Drummond Golf, women,” he said. “Special thanks infrastructure recently installed at multiple major incidents occurring equipped and trained for their roles after the Illawarra exercise earlier The event was won by the support. Highlights and MRNSW. to Marree Doherty from MRNSW Bermagui, Round Hill, Moruya and simultaneously and to watch over is critical to volunteer safety and in the year had been impacted by Wizards team, with Drummonds Golf “Next year will be better again,” He said the event had provided Headquarters, without whose Dr George Mountain to improve the blue water race to Hobart,” he integral to our mission to save lives adverse weather conditions. second and only a couple of strokes DUC May said. positive exposure for the sponsors. ongoing assistance the day would marine radio reception and eliminate said. “Boaters can be confident that separating the teams at the top of He thanked the event sponsors, “My thanks to all our members not have been possible.” blackspots on the coastline, as well if they need help this summer, we as new digital radio fit-outs in the are ready.” MR Batemans Bay and Bermagui Participants assembled for a day radio bases. of tabletop exercises and a review Port Kembla transformation complete One hundred volunteers, 10 boats of search theory at Batemans Bay and two Rescue Water Craft from before crews headed on to the water Unit looks forward to bright 2020 with new boat and upgraded base. MR Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex next day to locate targets in two search areas, north of Batemans hristmas has come early for Manager Kelvin Parkin, Illawarra Inlet, Ulladulla, Kioloa, Batemans Bay and near Mimosa Rocks, south members of MR Port Kembla, Regional Operations Manager Bruce Bay, Tuross, Narooma, Bermagui, C of Bermagui, which was the scene who will greet 2020 with a new Mitchell and Unit Commander Kevin Merimbula, Alpine Lakes and of a major three-day search in rescue vessel and improved Bradley on board. Moama gathered for the event. August for a missing swimmer that operating conditions in their heritage The major project to upgrade MRNSW Deputy Commissioner was later revealed to be a hoax. listed radio base. and repair the Hill 60 building and Dean Storey thanked the volunteers Deputy Commissioner Storey The new vessel will be on the radio mast has been completed who took part. RWC Operators Wayne Ellison, from MR Tuross, and MR Narooma’s said SAREX operations were staged water in time for the peak holiday with the assistance of a $164,000 “This joint exercise was designed Alison Philip scoured the shoreline for the search targets. season and the unit’s Hill 60 Search State Government Port Kembla and Rescue Coordination Centre has Community Investment Fund grant. undergone a major upgrade since The work involved replacing the last summer. deteriorated observation deck and Port Kembla 20 is a 6.3m Naiad external staircase, which had been RHIB that will operate on Lake closed to public access. Port Kembla 20 undergoes its sea trials in smoky conditions at Illawarra and up to seven nautical Concrete cancer was repaired Yamba on the Northern Rivers. miles offshore in support of primary and the building and mast repainted. response asset PK 30 Members from Port Kembla and Members of the public have been displays and the chance to write a The vessel was built by the neighbouring MR Shellharbour invited to walk on the bottom of the message in a time capsule that will Yamba Welding & Engineering will take part in a community harbour before it is filled with water be placed on the harbour floor. and underwent its sea trials in event to mark a major milestone in 2020. The once-in-a-lifetime The new Port Kembla 20 will be smoky conditions at Yamba in in the development of the new event to walk the marina floor will be on show to the community as part of Crews gather outside the MR Batemans Bay base for an exercise Far from the Murray ... members of MR Moama travelled from our late November with MRNSW Fleet Shellharbour Marina at Shell Cove. a family day with live entertainment, the celebration on December 14. briefing before taking to the water on November 24. most inland unit, meeting the crew of Batemans 21.

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 43 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

project to strengthen the rescue a new rescue response procedure. he installation of an upgraded A response to emergencies on The initiative enables an SLS Tradio system in October heralded remote areas on the NSW Far South inflatable rescue boat (IRB) to be major changes at MR Batemans Bay. Coast has taken out a national transported to the scene of an With new aerials, radios and innovation award. emergency on the rear deck of touch-screen monitors, the unit’s Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club rescue vessel Bermagui 30. radio and watch officers are excited and the Far South Coast Branch’s An SLS drone also can be about the technological advances work with MR Bermagui was launched from the Steber 38 to presented by the new online recognised at the Surf Lifesaving support inshore SLS operations if RediTALK marine radio system. Australia National Awards of required. The radio base upgrade has been Excellence on November 9. Mr McKenzie said both services complemented by new infrastructure Members of both the Bermagui considered this an important Innovators ... MR Bermagui Master Denise Page and Surf Life Saving at the base stations at Moruya and Surf Lifesaving Club and MR lifesaving innovation. Bermagui Patrol Captain Euan McKenzie. Round Hill, eliminating black spots Bermagui gathered to livestream the “Marine Rescue can transport the and providing better VHF radio awards. Surf Club’s IRBs to remote locations Caron Parfitt said at the time of swimmers, surfers, boaters and coverage and a safer environment With everyone crowded around which we previously have not been the exercise that the two services other water users to be ‘Safe in the for boaters on local waters. MR Batemans Bay maintained its radio operations from the new MRNSW incident command vehicle (at SLS Far South Coast Director of able to access,” he said. had been working together to fill Water, Safe on the Water’. The work was completed without left) during the fit-out of new technology in its base. Photos: Brad Whittaker. Lifesaving Cheryl McCarthy’s phone, “In addition, lifesavers can remain gaps that might exist in a search, Cheryl McCarthy and UC Parfitt interruption to the unit’s radio a roar went up when the crowd dry until they get there.” particularly in isolated locations. view the remote response innovation services, with operations conducted cabin layout, which includes new November, attended by Monaro and opportunity to test the new RediTALK heard they had won the Innovation He said taking the IRB on board “We can’t get in close but they as a major step towards that goal. from the MRNSW mobile incident seats, window and cabinets. Illawarra units, the Police Marine system, as well as unit and service Award. the Steber had proven extremely can - but they can’t get their boats Both leaders commented on command vehicle located in the Below decks, power switches Area Command, Westpac Rescue inter-operability on a large scale Initiated by MR Bermagui Master simple, probably taking about 90 there,” she said. the excellent relationship and carpark during the fit-out. have been moved, new engine Helicopter and Surf Life Saving. while maintaining usual duties. Denise Page and carefully planned seconds to load. The two local services also camaraderie between the two The unit also is increasing its mounts and fuel lines fitted, shafts The exercise was a great Richard Blundell with SLS Patrol Captain Euan “The IRB fitted perfectly on the worked together last year on organisations. storage and installing additional and bearings re-machined or McKenzie, a joint exercise was back deck of the Steber,” he said. the production of a joint safety They thanked their teams for their training facilities at the base, with replaced, with the hull cleaned and staged in October 2018 to establish MR Bermagui Unit Commander campaign poster encouraging enthusiasm. cabinetry replaced in the offices and livery replaced. In essence, BM 30 training and radio rooms. will look like a new boat. If you’re not a member of the The unit is ringing in the changes With its planned return to the on the water, too, with Batemans Bay for trials in early December, the Boat Owners Association, Modern make-over for Eden radio base Bay 30 lifted and transported vessel is expected to be back on 120km north by road to Nowra for active duty for the Christmas rush of you should be! AT OW Works to provide volunteers with improved operating conditions. O N a major half-life refit expected to boaters flocking to the bay. E E R

increase its operational lifespan by All these works have taken S ork is set to begin on a major cladding to give the building a new T

•

place around the unit’s normal seven to 10 years. The unit’s boat

A • refurbishment of the MR Eden look.

W crews have eagerly awaited the operational duties, as well as the S BOA radio base to improve its volunteers’ These significant improvement S W vessel’s return to test out the new planning for the Monaro Regional O S working conditions. will improve the members’ working C N IAT O The upgrade follows the addition conditions and provide a modern electronics, communications and Search and Rescue Exercise in ION earlier this year of a new room for operational environment to take the search and rescue coordination unit into the future. By the time the Keep the channels to Nowra Bridge our waterways open activities and disabled access. work is finished, it will almost be a A new bridge is proposed, We are working with we are working with the While significant expenditure new building. the RMS & Lands relevant Government Department to ensure departments to ensure in recent years has concentrated With conditions not always Don’t lose your that dredging is kept up boating NSW is well mooring on installing state of the art radio favourable for boating, it was to date. looked after. We are participating in the equipment to support the unit’s generally a quiet winter for the base. RMS moorings review. Batemans Bay We do cover all of operations, there has been no The addition of radios on Dr new bridge NSW Can I keep it? MR Eden Treasurer Glenda Wood tries out a Rescue Keep Little Manly We are working with Complacency and apathy significant refurbishment of the George Mountain north east of Bega Water Craft for size. Cove Open RMS to ensure boat are our own worst building’s fittings and furniture has significantly enhanced marine We successfully lobbied owners will have safe enemies. to give boaters continued access to town and Maintain your boating since it opened as a division of the radio coverage along the Far South the festival. The display was well trailer are in top condition and access. mooring facilities. rights. Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1968. Coast. attended, as was the Eden base, batteries are operational and fully Starting in early December, the Eden has recently celebrated the open to visitors on both days. charged. Lifejackets should also be Contact us today work includes a complete make- annual Whale Festival. Members With the summer boating season checked and tested if required. MR Batemans Bay radio operators Penny Paton and Peter O’Connor Telephone: 9960 1859 | E-Mail: [email protected] over of the radio room, upgraded of MR Eden and Merimbula took fast approaching it is time to remind Have a safe summer season. on duty in the MRNSW mobile incident command vehicle during the Website: www.boatowners.org.au/ amenities and internal and external part in a joint MRNSW display at boaters to ensure their boat and John McKinnon base’s digital upgrade.

44 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 45 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

Award for remote rescue response initiative Bay welcomes technology and boat upgrade Surf Life Saving recognises stronger cooperation on Far South Coast. Refit to extend rescue vessel’s operational life by up to a decade. project to strengthen the rescue a new rescue response procedure. he installation of an upgraded Aresponse to emergencies on The initiative enables an SLS Tradio system in October heralded remote areas on the NSW Far South inflatable rescue boat (IRB) to be major changes at MR Batemans Bay. Coast has taken out a national transported to the scene of an With new aerials, radios and innovation award. emergency on the rear deck of touch-screen monitors, the unit’s Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club rescue vessel Bermagui 30. radio and watch officers are excited and the Far South Coast Branch’s An SLS drone also can be about the technological advances work with MR Bermagui was launched from the Steber 38 to presented by the new online recognised at the Surf Lifesaving support inshore SLS operations if RediTALK marine radio system. Australia National Awards of required. The radio base upgrade has been Excellence on November 9. Mr McKenzie said both services complemented by new infrastructure Members of both the Bermagui considered this an important Innovators ... MR Bermagui Master Denise Page and Surf Life Saving at the base stations at Moruya and Surf Lifesaving Club and MR lifesaving innovation. Bermagui Patrol Captain Euan McKenzie. Round Hill, eliminating black spots Bermagui gathered to livestream the “Marine Rescue can transport the and providing better VHF radio awards. Surf Club’s IRBs to remote locations Caron Parfitt said at the time of swimmers, surfers, boaters and coverage and a safer environment With everyone crowded around which we previously have not been the exercise that the two services other water users to be ‘Safe in the for boaters on local waters. MR Batemans Bay maintained its radio operations from the new MRNSW incident command vehicle (at SLS Far South Coast Director of able to access,” he said. had been working together to fill Water, Safe on the Water’. The work was completed without left) during the fit-out of new technology in its base. Photos: Brad Whittaker. Lifesaving Cheryl McCarthy’s phone, “In addition, lifesavers can remain gaps that might exist in a search, Cheryl McCarthy and UC Parfitt interruption to the unit’s radio a roar went up when the crowd dry until they get there.” particularly in isolated locations. view the remote response innovation services, with operations conducted cabin layout, which includes new November, attended by Monaro and opportunity to test the new RediTALK heard they had won the Innovation He said taking the IRB on board “We can’t get in close but they as a major step towards that goal. from the MRNSW mobile incident seats, window and cabinets. Illawarra units, the Police Marine system, as well as unit and service Award. the Steber had proven extremely can - but they can’t get their boats Both leaders commented on command vehicle located in the Below decks, power switches Area Command, Westpac Rescue inter-operability on a large scale Initiated by MR Bermagui Master simple, probably taking about 90 there,” she said. the excellent relationship and carpark during the fit-out. have been moved, new engine Helicopter and Surf Life Saving. while maintaining usual duties. Denise Page and carefully planned seconds to load. The two local services also camaraderie between the two The unit also is increasing its mounts and fuel lines fitted, shafts The exercise was a great Richard Blundell with SLS Patrol Captain Euan “The IRB fitted perfectly on the worked together last year on organisations. storage and installing additional and bearings re-machined or McKenzie, a joint exercise was back deck of the Steber,” he said. the production of a joint safety They thanked their teams for their training facilities at the base, with replaced, with the hull cleaned and staged in October 2018 to establish MR Bermagui Unit Commander campaign poster encouraging enthusiasm. cabinetry replaced in the offices and livery replaced. In essence, BM 30 training and radio rooms. will look like a new boat. If you’re not a member of the The unit is ringing in the changes With its planned return to the on the water, too, with Batemans Bay for trials in early December, the Boat Owners Association, Modern make-over for Eden radio base Bay 30 lifted and transported vessel is expected to be back on 120km north by road to Nowra for active duty for the Christmas rush of you should be! AT OW Works to provide volunteers with improved operating conditions. O N a major half-life refit expected to boaters flocking to the bay. E E R

increase its operational lifespan by All these works have taken S ork is set to begin on a major cladding to give the building a new T

•

place around the unit’s normal seven to 10 years. The unit’s boat

A • refurbishment of the MR Eden look.

44 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 45 MAKING WAVES PICTURE GALLERY Monaro News Marine Rescue NSW at work

Early rush to coast sparks spike in operations What we’ve been up to New Merimbula recruits ready for Christmas radio and boat duties.

arge numbers of visitors have Larrived on the Far South Coast early this year, resulting in crews from MR Merimbula responding to a significant number of incidents All have involved minor mechanical issues, such as a 6m runabout that suffered battery problems with two people on board that was towed back over a messy and difficult bar, and everyone has been returned safe and well to dry land. After a successful recruitment A good team to have on hand in a medical emergency ... MR Merimbula members assemble for an campaign, the unit has been advanced resuscitation course. occupied with both radio and crew training. A number of new members of positive comments regarding the prize is a boat and trailer package, from MR Eden, promoting MRNSW have completed their sea survival professionalism of MRNSW training with four other prizes donated and fielding inquiries from members Get ready now … Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott joins representatives of Marine Rescue NSW, the NSW Police Force, and firefighting courses, with some and our Regional Training Manager by local businesses, including of the public interested in joining us. Surf Life Saving NSW, Royal Life Saving, the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire + Rescue NSW, the State Emergency Service and NSW Volunteer of the old and bold joining the Stuart Massey. accommodation at Green Cape Our first aid training was put to Rescue Association to encourage the public to prepare for risks and make good decisions for their safety this summer. recruits in first aid and advanced With this intensive program of on- Lightkeeper’s cottage, oyster tours, the test when we were called to help resuscitation courses. the-job training continuing, we are whale watching tours and a VHF a member of the public complaining The 20 minutes of continuous looking forward to seeing a number radio. We anticipate another great of chest pains. The Festival first resuscitation training made us of newly-rated radio operators and response from both locals and aiders were at the scene not long aware of how much concentration crew ready for the Christmas holiday visitors. after with the defibrillator and and energy is required when boating season. Our first day of sales was at the oxygen, closely followed by the performing CPR. Although energy MR Merimbula has launched Eden Whale Festival in November, paramedics. sapping, the course resulted in lots this year’s fundraising effort. First where we teamed up with members Bill Blakeman

Volunteers have a tail to tell at Narooma Three units join National Parks course on freeing entangled whales.

embers of three MRNSW units to free an entangled whale. Headquarters Hackers ... Matt Sims, Adrian Adam, Commissioner Under way again ... a grateful family thanks Chris Williams and the Stacey Tannos and Stuart Massey survey the greens before teeing off crew of Hawkesbury 21 for jumpstarting the battery on their boat Mon the Far South Coast whale A fleet of boats took part, with in MR Port Kembla’s second annual golf day (see page 42). during a run on the river on November 24. Photo: Sarah Adair. super highway are ready to support Narooma 30 tasked with towing the rescue operations for the giant large “whale tail” out to sea. mammals. As well as whales, the unit also The Narooma unit’s spectacular has focused on the safety of the coastal location provides the ideal boating community. vantage point for whale watching On October 19, NA 30 was during the wildlife’s annual migration tasked to tow a 10m trimaran that north to breed and the return had lost its rudder 6nm south-east journey south. of Batemans Bay. Unit members and their The crew was activated in colleagues from MR Bermagui rough seas, 20-25 knot winds and Members of MR Narooma and Bermagui manoeuvre a “whale tail” and Batemans Bay joined a two- fading light, towing the vessel to a on board Narooma 30 for whale disentanglement training. day National Parks and Wildlife mooring off Snapper Island with the Service training course on whale assistance of Batemans Bay 20. support its operations, highlighting hours in the cooler months. In return disentanglement in October. The unit has also launched a the benefits of volunteering at the they get the satisfaction of helping Government House reception ... Glenn Sullivan, Chris Guy, Zoe Tylee, Flying high ... Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey and MR Port The course focused on rescue targeted recruitment campaign base. Operators are needed for save lives on the water - and those Todd Andrews, Helen Zielke and Director Jim Wright represented Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley on the new viewing deck theory before a simulated operation to attract more radio operators to six-hour shifts in summer and five remarkable views! MRNSW at an event to thank the emergency services and military. installed as part of major works at the Hill 60 base (see page 42).

46 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 47 MAKING WAVES PICTURE GALLERY Monaro News Marine Rescue NSW at work

Early rush to coast sparks spike in operations What we’ve been up to New Merimbula recruits ready for Christmas radio and boat duties. arge numbers of visitors have Larrived on the Far South Coast early this year, resulting in crews from MR Merimbula responding to a significant number of incidents All have involved minor mechanical issues, such as a 6m runabout that suffered battery problems with two people on board that was towed back over a messy and difficult bar, and everyone has been returned safe and well to dry land. After a successful recruitment A good team to have on hand in a medical emergency ... MR Merimbula members assemble for an campaign, the unit has been advanced resuscitation course. occupied with both radio and crew training. A number of new members of positive comments regarding the prize is a boat and trailer package, from MR Eden, promoting MRNSW have completed their sea survival professionalism of MRNSW training with four other prizes donated and fielding inquiries from members Get ready now … Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott joins representatives of Marine Rescue NSW, the NSW Police Force, and firefighting courses, with some and our Regional Training Manager by local businesses, including of the public interested in joining us. Surf Life Saving NSW, Royal Life Saving, the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire + Rescue NSW, the State Emergency Service and NSW Volunteer of the old and bold joining the Stuart Massey. accommodation at Green Cape Our first aid training was put to Rescue Association to encourage the public to prepare for risks and make good decisions for their safety this summer. recruits in first aid and advanced With this intensive program of on- Lightkeeper’s cottage, oyster tours, the test when we were called to help resuscitation courses. the-job training continuing, we are whale watching tours and a VHF a member of the public complaining The 20 minutes of continuous looking forward to seeing a number radio. We anticipate another great of chest pains. The Festival first resuscitation training made us of newly-rated radio operators and response from both locals and aiders were at the scene not long aware of how much concentration crew ready for the Christmas holiday visitors. after with the defibrillator and and energy is required when boating season. Our first day of sales was at the oxygen, closely followed by the performing CPR. Although energy MR Merimbula has launched Eden Whale Festival in November, paramedics. sapping, the course resulted in lots this year’s fundraising effort. First where we teamed up with members Bill Blakeman

Volunteers have a tail to tell at Narooma Three units join National Parks course on freeing entangled whales. embers of three MRNSW units to free an entangled whale. Headquarters Hackers ... Matt Sims, Adrian Adam, Commissioner Under way again ... a grateful family thanks Chris Williams and the Stacey Tannos and Stuart Massey survey the greens before teeing off crew of Hawkesbury 21 for jumpstarting the battery on their boat Mon the Far South Coast whale A fleet of boats took part, with in MR Port Kembla’s second annual golf day (see page 42). during a run on the river on November 24. Photo: Sarah Adair. super highway are ready to support Narooma 30 tasked with towing the rescue operations for the giant large “whale tail” out to sea. mammals. As well as whales, the unit also The Narooma unit’s spectacular has focused on the safety of the coastal location provides the ideal boating community. vantage point for whale watching On October 19, NA 30 was during the wildlife’s annual migration tasked to tow a 10m trimaran that north to breed and the return had lost its rudder 6nm south-east journey south. of Batemans Bay. Unit members and their The crew was activated in colleagues from MR Bermagui rough seas, 20-25 knot winds and Members of MR Narooma and Bermagui manoeuvre a “whale tail” and Batemans Bay joined a two- fading light, towing the vessel to a on board Narooma 30 for whale disentanglement training. day National Parks and Wildlife mooring off Snapper Island with the Service training course on whale assistance of Batemans Bay 20. support its operations, highlighting hours in the cooler months. In return disentanglement in October. The unit has also launched a the benefits of volunteering at the they get the satisfaction of helping Government House reception ... Glenn Sullivan, Chris Guy, Zoe Tylee, Flying high ... Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey and MR Port The course focused on rescue targeted recruitment campaign base. Operators are needed for save lives on the water - and those Todd Andrews, Helen Zielke and Director Jim Wright represented Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley on the new viewing deck theory before a simulated operation to attract more radio operators to six-hour shifts in summer and five remarkable views! MRNSW at an event to thank the emergency services and military. installed as part of major works at the Hill 60 base (see page 42).

46 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 47 IN MEMORIAM IT’S ALL IN THE CLUES Tributes to valued members MRNSW crossword

Unit members cherish their time with Garry Whales put on a show for Merimbula’s kind, courageous stalwart.

ind-hearted, courageous and all the biscuits he ate. A small price the sweltering gazebo without fail. Kstoic; these are among the to pay for all the hours he dedicated Although keen to start boat personal attributes that come to to the unit. training, Garry’s health decided mind when describing Garry Baker. During this time, Garry also otherwise. He did join the boat crew MR Merimbula members are found the time to run the Thursday on one training exercise, hoping feeling the loss of this stalwart and fundraising bingo and in 2017 led to experience the whale sightings enthusiastic member. It wasn’t long the Art Union raffle fundraising. we had bragged about. We were after joining the Merimbula base He would attend all the venues lucky - a whale and calf not only that Garry obtained his radio rating earmarked to sell tickets, particularly went under our rescue vessel twice and started filling four or five shifts the successful market selling days. but came across the stern, allowing a week during the winter periods His only grumble was that our Garry to snap a jaw-dropping The late Garry Baker. when the most of the members had uniforms should have been made of photo still pinned to the radio room fled north to warmer climates. There breathable cotton. noticeboard. It was a day you know privileged and will always cherish was a running joke that the base ran Despite this, he would show up at you’ll cherish and feel privileged to our time with Garry. on all the shifts Garry undertook and every market and sell tickets under have experienced, just as we feel Sonia Teston

DOWN Marine Rescue NSW crossword 1. A navigational hazard to be The Marine Rescue NSW crossword is compiled by David Parkinson, from MR Brunswick. avoided. (5) 2. There are two Norths in boating: true and ... (8) 3. The meaning of Ulladulla in indigenous language. (11) 4. These help ships into safe harbour. (8) 6. Who named Point Danger? (9) 8. PWCs are also known as ... (7) 11. The Crew rating between Crew and Coxswain. (7) 16. The last islands visited by Captain James Cook. (8) 17. Which celestial body affects the tides? (4)

ACROSS 4. Another name for a ship’s toilet. (7) 5. A boat with two hulls (9) 7. Another name for a sea anchor (6) 9. Our first inland unit. (11) 10. An outboard motor needs this to move a boat. (9) 12. Navigation instrument. (7) 13. Whose locker do you go to in the ocean? (9)

14. A test to find where something

18. 18. 17. 15. 14.

Wake. Mainsail. Tiller.

Drift. Drift. may have floated. (5)

13. 13. 12. 10. 9. 7. 5. 4. Across: 17.

Davy Jones Jones Davy Sextant. Propeller. Lakes. Alpine Drogue. Catamaran. head. The

Moon. Moon. 15. Used to steer a boat. (6)

16. 16. 11. 8. 6. 4. 3. 2. 1. Down:

Hawaiian. Hawaiian. Leading. Jetskis. Cook. James Tugboats. harbour. Safe Magnetic. Reefs. Reefs. 17. The largest sail on a mast. (8)

IT’S ALL IN THE CLUES THE IN ALL IT’S 18 Left behind a boat (4)

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Volunteers saving lives on the water Soundings Element Advert 0819 Thursday, 22 August 2019 9:29:23 AM