Commissioner’s report

Commissioner

Stacey Tannos ESM

From the Commissioner

Member dedication and adaptability key to a successful year

While localised lockdowns remain a possibility, this summer looks to be a far more ‘normal’ one than last year’s, with boaters and paddlers expected to converge on our waterways in large numbers.

Although restrictions have eased, we will continue to remain vigilant, ready to ramp up our COVID-19 protocols for the protection of our members and the wider community should public health orders change.

As we head into the busiest time of year for our members, I am pleased to report that we are in a stronger position than ever to meet the needs of the boating community.

Over the past 18 months we have delivered 11 new state of the art rescue boats, opened our first offshore rescue unit on Lord Howe Island, and by year’s end our Eden unit will commence rescue operations with the arrival of its inaugural vessel.

Of particular note has been the revitalisation of our radio and telephony systems, and the opening of our new State Communications Centre at Belrose, ensuring our members are able to communicate more reliably and clearly than ever.

Planning for the Marine Rescue Training Academy is well-advanced, with much work done in building and refining our business case to Government, and I wish to acknowledge the efforts of all who have worked so hard on this important project.

Despite the constraints of a lockdown that for Greater Sydney stretched to 106 days, our members continued their essential training and trainee assessment, with distance education via Zoom complementing more hands on training when permitted by eased restrictions.

With holidaymakers likely to remain cautious about undertaking interstate and overseas travel, there remains the high probability that we will again see many opting to holiday within the state, and another record boating season.

In response, we will again be boosting our seasonal capability with additional patrols in high-traffic localities such as Sydney Harbour, and pre-deploying resources to high-risk locations, particularly during the busy Christmas – New Year period.

While last summer saw the cancellation of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, reduced New Year’s Eve fireworks displays and the scrapping of popular on-water Australia Day activities; this summer we can expect to see these events return, along with the demand for our services to support boater safety.

is sincerely appreciated. I, and the other members of the Executive, look forward to continuing our fruitful and collaborative relationship in the year ahead. Thanks, too, to the leaders and staff of our many emergency services partners including Resilience NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service, the NSW State Emergency Service, Transport for NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance and Surf Lifesaving NSW. Over the past twelve months our staff have diligently laboured to provide our members with the vessels, equipment, training and profile they so richly deserve; and I thank them all for their efforts. The greatest thanks, however, The greatest thanks, however, must rightly go to our volunteers. “

They are the heart and soul of our organisation“

That we are in such a strong position to support the needs of the boating community and our on-water partners is a tribute to the dedication and adaptability of our volunteers and staff, who have all risen admirably to the challenges of the past year.

Our ability to meet the needs of the community is also strongly connected to the ongoing support provided by the New South Wales Government, and I particularly want to thank Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott and his staff for their time, interest and support.

Our MRNSW Board of Directors have provided welcome support to our projects and initiatives, and their commitment to the ongoing development of the Service and the welfare of their fellow volunteers must rightly go to our volunteers. They are the heart and soul of our organisation, willingly giving up their time to help their local community at all hours and in all weathers, and accepting with good cheer all that the past tumultuous year has thrust upon them. Thanks, too, to their families and employers for their essential support.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and prosperous new year.

Stacey Tannos ESM

Commissioner