New horizons for old faces

Farewell and best wishes as two senior staff move on

Two long-standing familiar faces at MRNSW have left the Service, with the departure of Director Operations Andrew Cribb and Director Corporate Services Kate Woods.

Andrew ‘Cribby’ Cribb joined the Marine Rescue NSW staff in August 2015, after nearly a decade as the Development Manager for Yachting NSW.

Reflecting on his six years with the Service, Mr Cribb said that he was most proud of helping deliver a world-class VHF marine radio network, which has significantly boosted the ability of Marine Rescue crews to communicate.

“Another proud moment for me was the opening of the Service’s new State Communications Centre in June this year, which was the culmination of years of hard work by many people.”

“Other highlights have been enhancements to our incident management system, our involvement in the responses to the Black Summer fires and the severe floods earlier this year, improvements in the tasking of our resources, and the expansion in our search and rescue exercises and their change in focus.”

“All of these positive changes could not have been achieved without our Marine Rescue volunteers, and I’d like to thank them all for their friendship, support and commitment over the past six years.”

Deputy Commissioner Operations and Capability Alex Barrell thanked Mr Cribb for his dedicated service to Marine Rescue.

“Andrew made a significant contribution over the last six years particularly in the area of operations and emergency systems. I’m sure all members will join with me in wishing in him well in his new role with Surf Lifesaving NSW.”

A skilled sailor, Mr Cribb is hoping that the good fortune he’s experienced while working at Marine Rescue continues.

“While at Marine Rescue I’ve had four top five finishes in the Sydney to Hobart, including winning line honours in 2015. I’m hoping some of that good luck comes with me to my new role.”

After last year’s cancellation due to the Northern Beaches COVID-19 outbreak, Mr Cribb will again be contesting the blue water classic.

Ms Woods joined Marine Rescue in 2010, seeing over a decade of change and growth in the organisation, working to build the Service’s community and media profile, develop its social media capabilities and create quality publications such as Soundings.

Looking back at her time with Marine Rescue, Ms Woods said that she’d seen many changes for the better.

“Every volunteer and staff member can be rightly proud of the enormous strides Marine Rescue has made in the last decade. Its success and achievements have been a true team effort,” she said.

“I’m proud of our work to build our community and media profile, develop our social media capabilities and consistently produce highquality, professional publications. Hats off to all the volunteers who contributed to Soundings over the years. Like the organisation itself, the magazine couldn’t have existed without them and I hope all our readers have found it interesting and informative”

“One of my personal highlights was taking part in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. It’s important to live our values and this was a mature sign of our inclusiveness and respect for diversity. I always say it’s one of the best nights you’ll ever have and the pride and delight our members gain from the warm welcome we always receive is the best part of the event.”

“For me, the greatest reward of any job is the friends you make along the way and I’d like to thank everyone who has been supportive and extended warm wishes for my future.”

Deputy Commissioner Corporate Services Todd Andrews thanked Ms Woods for her long and dedicated service.

“Kate has built a strong foundation for us to continue to raise our public profile. I thank her for her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavours.”

A talented and skilled yachtsman, Andrew Cribb has numerous Sydney to Hobart races under his belt.