This week, as part of the NSW Seniors Festival, we are profiling some of our outstanding senior volunteers. Today meet Coffs Harbour volunteer Alan Newman.
After over thirty years in the NSW Police Force and Australian Federal Police, Coffs Harbour resident Alan Newman retired. Retirement though, didn’t go quite as Alan had expected, and he quickly found himself feeling a bit lost without the regular routine that work in the Police had provided.
One day, around five years ago, the partner of a friend, knowing Alan was struggling, suggested he come along to the local Coffs Harbour Marine Rescue unit and take a look to see if it might interest him.
Immediately Alan saw the structure and purpose that he wanted in his retirement.
“It was a no brainer,” said Alan.
“Joining the local Marine Rescue unit gave me the structure I wanted, as well as the satisfaction of giving something back to the community and the knowledge I was helping people caught in an emergency get safely back to their family.”
After joining and beginning his training, Alan quickly found himself progressing to the roles of Training Officer and Watch Officer, both of which he thoroughly enjoys.
During his time, Alan has seen many rescues, some with good outcomes, and some tragedies.
One that stands out was the search for five Indian nationals swept down a local creek and out to sea. Three were rescued by Surf Lifesaving, and another, sadly, found deceased. Alan found himself part of the team looking for the remaining missing person.
“We worked hard to establish where this person might have ended up, taking into account currents, tides, the person’s size, even the clothing they were wearing,” Alan recounted.
“This helped us in establishing a search area, but sadly, the person was found deceased. While it was not the outcome we wanted, the teamwork and professionalism shown that day ensured that their grieving family had some sort of closure.”
Recently, Alan was on radio duty when a 20 ton, 60 foot luxury cruiser under NSW Police Marine Area Command tow foundered off Muttonbird Island in heavy seas.
“The boat had taken on a lot of water and when the tow rope snapped, it proved impossible to get the rope back on the vessel.”
“With our Coffs Harbour rescue boat standing by, the order was given by Police to the two people on board to abandon ship, and they were quickly recovered by our crew.”
“While the vessel could not be saved, drifting north to be beached and destroyed by the pounding surf, the two on board lived to tell the tale, and it was very satisfying to be involved in such a positive outcome.”
For Alan, Marine Rescue has provided him with a sense of purpose and a practical way to help his local community.
“To any senior out there, I say give it a go,” says Alan.
“It’s a great way to do something positive and enjoyable in your retirement.”
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