Two volunteers with a combined 50-plus years' service to Marine Rescue Port Stephens (MRPS) were rewarded for their dedication and commitment at a special presentation held last Friday week.
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Eileen Kelly, from Anna Bay, has spent 16 years with MRPS predominantly as a radio operator, while Nelson Bay's Harold Gibson has devoted 36 years of service primarily as chief engineer.
"I have always loved doing voluntary community work. I have no boating background but since joining I have adapted my skills and training," Ms Kelly said.
At age 75, Mr Gibson is the Port's oldest and longest service member. Asked what makes him keep coming back, Mr Gibson replied: "Seeing the look of relief on the face of someone who has just been assisted in the middle of the night."
They were just two of a large number of members to receive long service medals and dedication citations presented by the group's unit commander Ben van der Wijngaart.
"Many people are happy to see our uniform in times of need, but they probably have little idea of the time, blood, sweat and tears put in to train up our members to be able to carry out these missions and save lives at sea," he said.
MRPS is unique in that it is the only unit in NSW that also controlled bushfire emergency radio calls. For this reason, 23 members were presented with the Premier's Bushfire Citation at Friday's presentation.
A full list of awards included: Operational Ratings: Peter Lindwall; Ron Lighton, Richard Pizzuto, Krystyna Winslow; Jeff Dallinger.
MRNSW Service Awards: 5 years Jennifer Frost, Stephen Murray, Ian Peacock, Julie Chauncy, Steve Chauncy, Peter Dentrinos, Gary Duckett, Lisa Lodding, Christine Rynne, Coleen Sessions, Charles Traa. 10 year award Penelope Highland, Brian Richardson, Nola Ross-Sampson, Pamela Smith, Monica Thompson, Elizabeth Trickett, Robert Harris, Laurie Nolan, Peter Merlino, Lorraine Shaw. 20 year service award Malcolm Miliken. 35 years Clasp for National Medal Harold Gibson; National Medal Eileen Kelly.
The Bushfire Emergency Citation [to recognise the outstanding contribution of volunteers and service agency personnel who played a significant role in the emergency response effort to combat the 2019-2020 bushfires]: Ben van der Wijngaart, Bill Haskell, Colin Cahill, Colin Couper, Colin Foote, Deniece Gilliland, Iain Blackadder, Ian Peacock, Jenny Kerr, Julian Lyddy-Meaney, Laurie Nolan, Neil Fraser, Neil Hansford, Peter Bliss, Peter Young, Richard Pizzuto, Ross Debenham. Tony O'Donnell, Trevor Moxham and Will Scott.
