Marine Rescue Port Stephens has been faithfully serving the boating community of the local area since 1982 and needs volunteers.
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It currently boasts 230 members, 35 per cent of whom are female, across an age group from 19-92.
In the past year alone Port Stephens volunteers have responded to 200 incidents including almost 30 life-threatening emergencies.
That’s on top of maintaining and operating all facets of the base, including the radio communications centre which operates 24/7 365 days of the year, two rescue boats, the lighthouse and cottage and the gift shop.
“There is no shortage of jobs available for anyone who is interested in joining MRPS,” Deputy Unit Commander Mr Neil Hansford said. “Our average age of volunteers is 65 years but we welcome people of all ages and background.”
On June 7, 2017 NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant visited MRPS and presented a $6000 suite of first aid training equipment as part of a $12,800 recruitment and skills grant.
The remaining $6800 will be invested in the recruitment of more volunteers for this extremely busy unit.
The grant was provided under the Emergency Volunteer Support Scheme (EVSS), which supports the recruitment, training and retention of emergency services volunteers.
Mr Hansford welcomed the grant saying it will assist with operations moving forward.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, grants like these enable us to attract, train and retain volunteers,” Mr Hansford said.
“Unlike SES or the Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue is not funded by state or local government and so any assistance is invaluable,” Mr Hansford
“Government funds only cover 16 per cent of our total annual operating costs of $180,000.
“For the rest we rely on local fundraising, donors, benefactors and proceeds from the gift shop at Nelson Head and contributions from the RFS for operating their after hours communication centre.”
If you're interested in volunteering with MRPS, ring 4981 3585 or visit www.marinerescueportstephens.com.au.