Marine Rescue Central Coast marked 135 years of service and the significant contributions members have made to the unit and the organisation during its annual awards presentation evening on June 12.
Two life memberships were awarded – the first to Ian Leafe, who joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in June 2005 and qualified as a radio operator and watch officer.
“During his career, Ian has served as the unit’s training officer and administration officer and became a respected radio operator and watch officer assessor for the Sydney and Hunter/Central Coast regions,” Marine Rescue Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow said.
“He has continuously provided general boat licence and PWC licence training for Marine Rescue members and members of the public.”
The second life membership was presented to Brendon Weston who joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in March 1999.
He qualified as a radio operator and crew, and advanced to senior levels.
“On the creation of Marine Rescue NSW, Brendon was awarded recognition as a Marine Rescue watch officer and a Marine Rescue coxswain,” Morrow said.
“He is a long-serving member who has always stood up to fulfil many roles in the unit over his career.
“He always makes positive contributions to the unit, Marine Rescue NSW and the community.”
Other awards were presented during the evening by Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott and Hunter Central Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager Inspector Steve Raymond, Member for Gosford Leisl Tesch and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.
The National Medal (25 years service), which recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community, was presented to Brent Malcolm and Brendon Weston.
The Marine Rescue NSW Service Pin for 20 years’ service was presented to Greg Taylor, while the 10 Year Service Medal was awarded to John Free, Mal Ralston, Duncan Coles and Mike Watson.
Seven members were presented with the five years’ service award: Bob Gilbody, Neville Shakeshaft, Rob Zwart, Doug Fitzgerald, Matthew Sims, Steve Sai-Louis and Dave Segaert.
The Unit Commander’s Commendation Award was presented to five members: Andrew McKellar, Max Landells, Chris Hartcher, Mark Luland and Peter Alderton.
Morrow thanked supporters of Marine Rescue Central Coast, including Mike Watson of Boat Warehouse who has become the unit’s “maiden” Platinum Supporter, Ettalong Beach Hotel as Bronze Supporter and IAC Safety Services, which has just recently made a substantial donation to the unit.
Marine Rescue Central Coast recently received grants totalling just under $58,000 to replace and fit two powerful Suzuki outboards on one of the unit’s rescue vessels assigned to Brisbane Water, Broken Bay and offshore when required.
The NSW Government awarded the unit $38,000, while Central Coast branches of Bendigo Bank – East Gosford, Ettalong Beach, Kincumber, Lisarow and Wyong – contributed close to $20,000.