Tuggerah Lakes Marine Rescue NSW volunteers gathered at the Toukley base recently to accept a $20,566 Community Building Partnership cheque from Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris.
The grant will go towards new solar panels, lights and ceiling fans and internal painting of the building.
The solar system powers the Toukley base. saving the unit approximately $4,000 annually.
“This upgrade will improve the facility, enabling a comfortable environment for the volunteers while on duty and a cost-effective solution,” Harris said.
Unit Commander Bob Sutton said the money saved on electricity could now be spent on lifesaving equipment and maintaining the service.
“Lighting inside and around the base has also been upgraded with LED lights which will improve safety and response times at night,” he said.
“The upgraded lighting has made an incredible difference to crew readiness and response times during evening rescue missions.
“The lights cover the jetty and boat ramp making it safer for our volunteers and the people we rescue when transferring them from our vessels.”
With the new boating season approaching on October 1, Sutton took the opportunity to remind users of local waterways to always prepare before heading out on the water and to continually monitor conditions.
“The weather can turn very quickly over the Tuggerah Lakes so if you arrive at the boat ramp and conditions have deteriorated, don’t risk it; there will always be another day when conditions are favourable,” he said.
So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have completed 36 search and rescue missions including four emergency responses, safely returning 62 people to shore.
Harris also presented volunteer Bob Blue the National Medal for 15 years long and diligent service to community.
Blue began volunteering with Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes in 2016 and is today a rated senior crew member and radio officer.
“Bob is a highly skilled and dedicated volunteer at the unit, and it is wonderful to see his long service to community acknowledged,” Sutton said.
“He is an extremely reliable and committed member of our unit.
“I’ve been tasked to numerous emergency responses with Bob and have total confidence working alongside him.
“The community should be proud to have such a wonderful man serving our area.”