Service recognised ... Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey, Governor of NSW, General David Hurley, and Commissioner Stacey Tannos join Keven Marshall (second from left) and John Murray (second from right) at the presentation of their Emergency Services Medals at NSW Government House. Photo: Rob Tuckwell.
new grants training program was launched early in 2018 and delivered on a regional basis for grants officers and other senior unit personnel. The next five-year Operational Funding Agreement, which sets out the terms of our funding delivery from the State Government, is being finalised and will be signed in the coming financial year. We also are continuing to pursue funding enhancements from the Government, making a strong case based on our solid record of achievement, fiscal responsibility and accountability. The immediate priorities for additional expenditure would be to complete the Fleet Modernisation Program and marine radio network upgrade that have dominated our spending to date and turn our major investment focus to repairing, refurbishing and, where necessary, replacing ageing built infrastructure. The majority of the facilities we occupy are publiclyowned assets. The organisation faces a substantial maintenance and repair bill to upkeep buildings subject to accelerated deterioration due to their age and exposure to harsh coastal environmental conditions. We face a pressing need to enhance units’ working environments, providing safe, secure facilities compatible with modern emergency operations. This would not only boost units’ current service delivery and training but also
help underpin their future sustainability by encouraging greater volunteer recruitment. Under the ongoing Fleet Modernisation Program, four new vessels were delivered this year, at a cost of $629,000, taking the total operational rescue vessel fleet to 84. Over the life of MRNSW, 81 new and refurbished rescue vessels, worth almost $19 million, have been delivered to provide our crews and the boating public with safe, reliable and contemporary rescue resources. We are showcasing our fleet through a social media series following the construction of the new MR Central Coast vessel to be delivered in 2018-19. A world-class rescue service such as this is built on experience and continual development. Our volunteers have again this year committed thousands of hours to meeting the challenges of our custom-designed training curriculum, earning a total of 1,505 new qualifications. I thank each of our volunteers for their commitment, professionalism and community service, whether they serve as radio operators, crew members, trainers, treasurers, fundraisers or in the many other administrative and support roles needed to keep a unit rescue-ready. I particularly acknowledge the additional burden carried by our unit leaders, whom we are providing with extra support through the new leadership
MARINE RESCUE NSW | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018
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