Long-serving Marine Rescue NSW volunteer recognised in Australia Day Honours list

Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteer Nicole Lockie has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours list.

Nicole has dedicated more than 24 years to the NSW community, having volunteered with VRA Marine Division (a precursor to Marine Rescue NSW) from 1995 – 2005. After spending six years volunteering in QLD, Nicole returned to volunteering in NSW and became a member of Marine Rescue NSW in 2011.

As one of only a few female Marine Rescue NSW Coxswains, Nicole has accumulated hundreds of hours of sea time. She makes herself available around the clock to respond to emergencies on the water, personally conducting numerous rescue missions, often in dark and dangerous conditions.

Among her many notable missions was the 2017 rescue of a stricken trawler off Tweed Heads in what can only be described as a David and Goliath struggle. More recently, Nicole recorded the most rescues in one day. As skipper, her rescue vessel performed seven separate rescues, three offshore and four inshore, setting a new record for the Marine Rescue Point Danger unit.

In addition to her operational role, Nicole is a Marine Rescue NSW Trainer and Assessor, investing significant time in developing the skills and knowledge of her fellow volunteers.

Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said it was a privilege to have such an experienced female mariner within the organisation.

“Nicole is one of the longest serving operational female Coxswains in Marine Rescue NSW.

“She is also a qualified rescue watercraft (jet ski) operator and as an endorsed member of the Marine Rescue NSW State Operations Group, Nicole can be deployed to assist the NSW Government response to severe weather events.

“The awarding of the Emergency Service Medal to Nicole is a fitting tribute to a woman who has shown overwhelming dedication to volunteering and to our mission of saving lives on the water,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.