Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, a time to give thanks to all mothers for the loving care they give to their family. Within the membership of Marine Rescue NSW we have many wonderful mums, each one committed to the welfare of their families and to the wider community.
Today meet Alison Cameron-Brown and her son Anderson, who volunteers alongside his mum at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie unit.
Just over seven years ago, Alison and her husband were heading into the local DIY outlet when they walked past a stall run by the local MR Port Macquarie unit. Alison was trying to make up her mind as to whether she should do some further academic studies or some community volunteering.
Alison thought that volunteering for Marine Rescue might be interesting as she enjoyed kayaking, and at her husband’s suggestion, she stopped for a chat, during which the Unit Commander, Greg Davies, tried to talk her into becoming a radio operator.
With her rich Scottish accent, Alison was not sure this was a good idea, a feeling reinforced by Greg immediately mishearing her name and writing it down incorrectly – and so she soon found herself in training as a crew member.
Alison enjoyed being part of a boat crew so much she soon progressed to Leading Crew, Rescue Water Craft Operator and then Skipper.
“Once I joined, the more I learned, the more I wanted to learn,” said Alison.
“As it turned out, I didn’t need to make a choice between further study and volunteering after all, because at Marine Rescue I got to do both!”
The mother of two sons, Alison was delighted to have her eldest, Anderson, join her as a volunteer at Marine Rescue.
“We are on the same team and usually work together several times a month.”
“As a skipper and the unit crew training officer, I know if I’m short a crew member for a task I can usually get him to help out, which is really convenient for me, but perhaps not so great for him!”
A volunteer for just over three years, Anderson joined the unit aged just 16.
“I’ve already obtained my Crew and Rescue Water Craft qualifications and I’m now studying for my Leading Crew,” Anderson said.
“I enjoy working with mum, although it does mean she can boss me about when I’m volunteering as well as when I’m at home!”
“She’s a terrific mother and really dedicated to her family and the local Marine Rescue unit, and I’m looking forward to spoiling her with a nice breakfast on Mother’s Day.”
Banner photo: Alison and Anderson Cameron-Brown
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