NEWS DESK
Marine safety approach agreed The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) have supported a review of the current structure of marine safety activities in Victoria to strengthen the organisation and sustainability of the volunteer marine rescue services. In a meeting with the Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett and Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley, both the BIAV and the Volunteer Coast Guard raised the importance of having a coordinated approach with all marine rescue services and the development of an efficient interface between volunteer services and government agencies. “The meeting with Minister Garrett and Craig Lapsley, responsible for developing a new framework for marine safety in Victoria, provided an important opportunity for the Volunteer Coast Guard to put forward concerns in relation to future funding programs and the need for a coordinated framework,” Volunteer Coast Guard squadron board advisor Richard Burgess said. “We have also raised the issue of the importance that any new framework needed to provide the opportunity for the volunteer marine rescue operation in Victoria to retain a strong community identity.” Mr Burgess said that as a result of the meeting with Mr Garrett and the almost immediate commencement of a consultation process, the Volunteer Coast Guard has ceased its campaign of restricted services. Steven Potts, CEO of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria said the Volunteer Coast Guard, with over 750 volunteers, along with other marine rescue groups and Victoria Police were a major and vital part of the boating and marine industry in Victoria. Mr Potts said the development of a new framework for the Marine Rescue Operations in Victoria was an important foundation for the marine industry in Victoria, which contributes $4.5 billion annually to the State economy with safety on the water underpinning consumer confidence. “Apart from the emergency services provided,
Good Frankston appeal: Simon, left, Jacob, Liam and Rebecca Savage with Easter Bunny (AKA Hayley Laird) hope Frankston families will support this year’s Good Friday Appeal. Pic: Yanni
United front: Frankston Coast Guard flotilla commander Kevin English, left, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard national PR captain Deanne Semens, Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard National Commodore Ray Campbell. Picture: John Billing
the volunteer marine rescue organisations play an important role in their local communities. “Currently 95 per cent of the 172,000 of Victorian recreation vessels are trailered, less than 8 metres in length with 68 per cent of registered boats being operated on Port Phillip and Western Port Bays. “The projected increase of the population in the central coast area of Victoria, including Port Phillip and Western Port, from 4.6 million to nearly 8 million by 2050, will see a doubling of boating activities. The BIAV see the framework now being developed by the Victorian government as part of ensuring we have a robust and sustainable marine rescue service for future generations.” Mr Potts said the BIAV looked forward to working with the state government and the Volunteer Coast Guard through the consultation process.
Family day out has appeal THIS year’s Good Friday Appeal is coming to Frankston thanks to the efforts of the Savage family. Rebecca and Simon Savage, owners of Frankston’s Savage Attractions fancy dress and party hire business, will host an event to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital at church grounds at 135 Golf Links Rd, Frankston on Friday 25 March, 10am-4pm. It’s a cause close to the couple’s hearts. “Our now 9-year-old son was diagnosed at age 2 with an extremely rare kidney disease that very nearly killed him,” Mrs Savage said. “The incredible team at the Royal Children’s Hospital saved his life. To this day, we still have a daily battle with
the disease, but we are forever grateful to the RCH for not only saving his life but for making the journey along the way much easier.” The Savages give money to the Good Friday Appeal each year but decided this time around to hold a fundraiser in Frankston in the hope it can become an annual occasion. Channel 7, TV broadcaster of the annual appeal, are onboard and will cross live to the Frankston fundraising day to include rides, live music on stage, children’s performers, wildlife handlers, markets stalls, an Easter bonnet parade and markets stalls. Specials guests will make an appearance throughout the day including the Easter Bunny, Elsa and Anna from the movie
Frozen and Batman. Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley will close the event. Raffle tickets will be on offer and prizes include a family cruise holiday, a TV and luxury car drive packages. “This event is just a small way we can say ‘thank you’ to all at the RCH,” Mrs Savage said. “We are just two parents out of so many, who feel the immense need to support a hospital that supports so many others through difficult times. We are asking the local community, to please dig deep and ‘give that they may grow’.” See the Frankston’s Good Friday Family Day page on Facebook or call Rebecca Savage on 0411 731 742 for more information.
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