Whether they're avoiding a pod of whales, traversing a shallow reef, or giving a racing yacht wide berth, the crew of VMR Whitsunday are well practiced at changing course to ensure they reach their destination swiftly and safely.
The experienced volunteer crew set a new course today, joining Marine Rescue Queensland as the service's eighteenth unit.
MRQ Whitsunday Unit Commander Shane Newell said that the unit had taken their transition very much in their stride and were looking forward to a new chapter in their rich history as part of MRQ.
"From our humble beginnings in the early 1960s with just six locals who were concerned for the safety of boaties on the water, we've grown into a highly experienced unit who manage hundreds of activations in all weathers every year," Mr Newell said.
"Our crew work hard to coordinate activities and support one another to ensure that jobs run smoothly and we're proud to be continuing that service under the banner of MRQ."
Mr Newell said that the unit provides a vital service in the Whitsundays, which is a mecca for boating enthusiasts wanting to enjoy sailing and water sports in the clear waters around the region's 74 islands.
"Our territory covers 13,000 square kilometres within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and in busy periods there can be three to four thousand boaties on the water at any one time.
"From medivacs, to towing broken down vessels and search and rescue activities, we're always ready to answer a call for assistance.
"But we're also lucky to be providing our services in one of the best boating areas in Australia and we're often rewarded with spectacular sunrises and sunsets, or a show from a passing pod of whales," he said.
MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff welcomed MRQ Whitsunday into the service and called on local residents to consider volunteering their time to help the unit deliver their vital service.
"As a sailor myself, I know the attraction of boating in the Whitsundays region," Mr Wulff said.
"But no matter how experienced you are, it's good to know that there will be someone there to take the call if you run into trouble.
"The crew at MRQ Whitsundays are a committed and experienced team and we'd love to see their numbers grow.
"Volunteering is a great way to develop your marine skills and learn from seasoned professionals.
"MRQ provides all the uniform, kit and training you need to be able to make a difference and support your local on-water community.
"If you'd like to hear some firsthand accounts of day-to-day rescue work, visit the MRQ Whitsunday Facebook page to read about their activations - the crew are natural storytellers and paint a great picture of life as a volunteer."
Interested volunteers can lodge their interest by the MRQ website or emailing: [email protected]
About MRQ:
- MRQ is Queensland's first state-wide, State Government-funded volunteer marine rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea and supporting those on or near the water
- MRQ is part of Queensland Police Service, which is responsible for coordinating the states disaster and emergency services response - but MRQ is a separate service with its own identity, structure, governance and uniforms
- MRQ currently has 18 units and just over 800 volunteers, with additional marine rescue units expected to follow in 2025.
Further information can be found at: Marine Rescue Queensland.
Water safety tips:
- Log your journeys from start to finish
- Always wear your lifejacket
- Remember to pack sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and water (two litres per person)
- If you need help, radio VHF-16 or call Triple Zero (000)
- Check you have extra fuel
- Check the weather forecast before you leave
- Charge your phone and any other devices
- Tell family and friends where you are going.
Media contact: [email protected]
