IN MEMORIAM Tributes to valued members
Services honour active community member Radio Operator had shown the nation its history on Bicentennial tour.
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alcolm Webber is greatly missed not only by his fellow volunteers at Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry but also by the members of other Great Lakes emergency services to which he also belonged. An active member of the local community, Mal gave his time to numerous organisations, including the State Emergency Service and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. Members of all three services formed a Guard of Honour after his funeral service. Born in 1939 in Punchbowl in Sydney, Mal joined the ForsterTuncurry unit in 2015, serving as an enthusiastic, conscientious radio operator. He particularly enjoyed Logging On vessels, talking to passing skippers and
boat crew and interacting with his fellow volunteers. He also did not hesitate to offer his services to the fundraising team, spending many shifts selling raffle tickets, always with a cheery greeting and a welcome word. He said one of the greatest jobs of his life was as a crew member on the 1988 Bicentenary Travelling Exhibition, covering 34 cities and country towns across Australia. The exhibition gave Australians the chance to view items from the nation’s history that were rarely seen outside capital city museums and galleries, like a suit of armour worn by a member of the Kelly Gang, a scale model of First Fleet ship HMS Sirius, a large selection of Aboriginal art and a set of Arthur Boyd’s masterpieces. Mal’s five-year-old
grandson joined him in the cabin of his Kenworth truck on the journey billed as the “greatest roadshow ever to circle Australia”. A train enthusiast and avid model train collector, Mal was especially enamoured of the beautifully restored steam engine, 3801, known as the Newcastle Flyer, that conveyed passengers between Newcastle and Sydney. Restored by the State Rail Authority, it visited every mainland capital accessible by rail during the Bicentenary celebrations, accompanying the Flying Scotsman for much of its tour across Australia. The locomotive returned to service in March but sadly, Mal did not live to see it. He is survived by two of his three daughters, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and 11 nieces
Malcolm Webber.
and nephews. Unit Commander David Gibson said at Mal’s funeral: “Marine Rescue members feel we have lost a kind, gentle soul, a conscientious worker and a true friend. Rest in peace, Mal, you’ll be greatly missed.” Wendy Donellan
Ballina mourns longest-serving volunteer Kevin shared his knowledge willingly as he mentored new generations.
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embers of Marine Rescue Ballina remember our longestserving member as welcoming, courtly and kindly willing to share his knowledge and experience. Kevin Thompson served for more than three decades as a member of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Marine Rescue NSW. His service on the water can be traced back to 1989 and in 2008,
Kevin was awarded his Search and Rescue Coordination Centre Duty Officer accreditation. He continued his service when the Coast Guard made the transition to MRNSW. Our members are grateful not only for Kevin’s commitment to his radio operations duties but also his generosity in training and mentoring new volunteers. As the unit’s training officer between 2013 and 2015, Kevin
mentored and guided many “generations” of members through various roles. Many of us fondly recall being entertained and fascinated as he regaled us with stories of his years in the Navy. As a unit, we feel privileged to have known and spent time with Kevin. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Kath Begley
Kevin Thompson.
Coxswain’s cheery disposition fondly recalled
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olunteers from Marine Rescue Narooma were saddened to hear of the passing of their former longterm colleague Dennis Cox. Dennis joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in the 1990s and remained with MRNSW for many years after its formation in 2009,
along with his wife Gayle. Dennis was a diesel mechanic by trade and a skilled Coxswain. His cheery disposition at sea in any conditions will be remembered by all the crews who headed out with him. Dennis’ mechanical skills were
invaluable during his time as Boat Master on the unit’s former RNLI Waveney Class lifeboat and the 40 foot jet-powered ex-cray fishing boat that operated until 2008. Dennis will be fondly remembered by all who knew and sailed with him. Kerry McDonnell
Dennis Cox. SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW
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