On for young and old

Acknowledging the contribution of our youth and senior volunteers

Sarah Green Goldberg.

The 3,200 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers encompass an extraordinary age range, from energetic teenagers to old hands aged in their 90s.

This year Youth Week and the NSW Seniors Festival provided the opportunity to focus on the contribution made by our youth and senior volunteers, as seen through the eyes of several of our dedicated volunteers.

Youth volunteer Sarah Green Goldberg from Marine Rescue Newcastle decided to join a volunteer-based organisation to help out her local community and to get

“and I wanted to learn more skills, so the local Marine Rescue NSW unit seemed like a great fit.” “Since joining, I’m absolutely loving it, and it’s great to be gaining something with the knowledge and friendships I’ve acquired, while giving something back to the community.” “There’s a perception out there that Marine Rescue NSW is just for older people”, said Sarah. “But there’s plenty to offer volunteers of all ages, and I’m working on getting my friends to sign up too!” “I really enjoy being a Marine I’m always learning something new and I’d recommend it to “ any young volunteer wanting to do something for their local community.“

to know more people, and decided upon the local Newcastle Marine Rescue unit.

“I like the ocean,” said Sarah, Rescue NSW volunteer, it’s a community in itself, and like a big family. I’m always learning something new and I’d recommend it to any young volunteer wanting to do something for their local community.”

Helen Carter is one of half a million seniors aged over 60, and despite her 81 years, remains an active contributor to the Marine Rescue Newcastle unit.

Retirement was not providing Helen with the stimulation and challenges that she had hoped for, and she was quickly, in her own words, “bored to tears.”

Just over five years ago she was listening to the local radio station when she heard a bar and sea conditions report by the local Marine Rescue NSW unit.

“I immediately rang the radio station up,” said Helen, “and got the number of the local Marine Rescue NSW unit. When I rang them I had no idea what they did, so I asked them. I liked the sound of it and said – I’ll do that! And that’s how I joined.”

“Before I joined the only boat I’d been on was a cruise liner, so I had a lot to learn!”

For Helen, Marine Rescue NSW has given her the opportunity to keep busy in her ‘retirement’ and to have a sense of purpose.

“I think Marine Rescue NSW is an excellent spot for retirees.”

“When you retire it is really important to use your mind and to explore what you can do. Marine Rescue NSW has helped me do just that!”

“It has also helped me find out things I didn’t think I could do, and I recommend it to anyone.”

Thank you to all of our youth and senior volunteers – your contribution is essential in keeping your local boating communities safe.