Marine Rescue Central Coast has recognised 135 years of service as well as the significant contributions members have made to the unit and the organisation during the Annual Awards Presentation evening at the Gosford RSL.
Long-serving volunteers Ian Leafe and Brendon Weston were awarded life membership.
Mr Leafe 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,” said Marine Rescue Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow.
“He has continuously provided General Boat Licence and PWC Licence training for Marine Rescue NSW members and members of the public,” Mr Morrow said.
Brendon Weston 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. 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,” Mr Morrow said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott, Inspector Steve Raymond, Member for Gosford Leisl Tesch and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch attended the ceremony and presented awards.
Brendon Weston and Brent Malcolm received the National Medal for 25 years’ service while Greg Taylor was presented with the Marine Rescue NSW Service pin for 20 years’ service.
John Free, Mal Ralston, Duncan Coles and Mike Watson were all presented with the 10 Year Service Medal while Bob Gilbody, Neville Shakeshaft, Rob Zwart, Doug Fitzgerald, Matthew Sims, Steve Sai-Louis and Dave Segaert received 5 Years’ Service Awards.
The Unit Commander’s Commendation Award was presented to Andrew McKellar, Max Landells, Chris Hartcher, Mark Luland and Peter Alderton.
Unit Commander Ian Morrow gave special thanks to the 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 who recently made a substantial donation to the unit.
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