Marine Rescue Kioloa has recognised 90 years of combined service and awarded its first two Life Memberships to dedicated volunteers whose commitment has helped protect the local community and visitors to the small South Coast hamlets of Kioloa and Bawley Point.
The achievements were acknowledged during a ceremony at the Marine Rescue Kioloa base, where Member for South Coast Liza Butler presented the awards, joined by Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond and Inspector Stuart Massey.
Image: (L to R) Unit Commander Peter White, Carol Buckman, Joan Noble ESM and Member for South Coast Liza Butler
For a unit with just 12 volunteer members, Marine Rescue Kioloa is the smallest of Marine Rescue NSW's 46 units across the state, which are supported by a total of 3,400 volunteers. The milestones reflect an extraordinary commitment to saving lives on the water and the important role local volunteers play in protecting their communities.
Carol Buckman and Joan Noble ESM became the first two volunteers to be awarded Life Membership of Marine Rescue Kioloa, recognising their exceptional contributions to the unit over many years.
Carol joined the unit in 2008 and has provided outstanding service as its Fundraising Officer, helping support the unit's work and ongoing operations.
"Carol has provided exceptional support to the unit for almost two decades. Her dedication and contribution have been invaluable," Unit Commander Peter White said.
Joan has served the community for many years, including service with the RFS before joining Marine Rescue NSW. During her 25 years with Marine Rescue, Joan has undertaken numerous responsibilities including Deputy Unit Commander, Administration Officer and Treasurer, as well as Radio Operator and Watch Officer duties in the radio room.
Her distinguished service was recognised nationally when she received the Emergency Services Medal in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours List.
At the ceremony, Ms Butler also presented Joan with the National Medal 25-year clasp and the Marine Rescue NSW 25 years' service clasp.
"Joan has served the community with distinction over a long period of time. Her Life Membership recognises her contribution not only to Marine Rescue NSW but also to the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, one of the organisations that preceded Marine Rescue NSW," Unit Commander White said.
"Joan joined the Coastal Patrol in May 2001 and has continued to give so much of her time and experience to helping others."
Unit Commander White was also recognised for 20 years of service, including eight years leading the unit. A qualified Coxswain and Watch Officer, he continues to respond to emergencies at any time of the day or night.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said the dedication of the Kioloa volunteers was particularly important given the area's remoteness.
"Marine Rescue Kioloa is a vital local emergency service, providing an essential safety net for the area.
"The collective efforts of these volunteers are a credit to the community. Their skills, commitment and willingness to work together to help people in need reflect the strong community spirit that makes Kioloa and Bawley Point such wonderful places to live and visit."
Four other volunteers, Maria Beckett, Robert Evans, Dane Pidgeon and Barbara White, were recognised for five years of service.
The ceremony also marked a significant achievement for Tim Bogg, who received his Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain's certificate after attaining the qualification, enabling him to command and skipper the unit's rescue vessel on enclosed and offshore waters.
With a combined population of just over 1,000 people at the 2021 Census, the neighbouring coastal communities of Kioloa and Bawley Point benefit significantly from the dedication and contribution of local emergency service volunteers.
Marine Rescue Kioloa is continuing to welcome new volunteers to help crew its rescue vessel, staff the radio room and provide essential unit support.
"There's a role for everyone at Marine Rescue Kioloa," Unit Commander White said.
"We teach new members everything and all training is free. All they need is a willingness to learn and a commitment to supporting our mission of saving lives on the water."
