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$2 • PH: 1300 4895 00 • EDITORIAL: editor@cooktownlocalnews.com.au • Issue 621 • Thursday, June 27, 2013
Coast Guard has that sinking feeling By GARY HUTCHISON
WILL Cooktown’s Volunteer Coast Guard remain afloat? The answer to that question lies in the hands of local boaties, with current Commander Helen Greaves deciding to step down after nine years at the helm. “I feel I have done my share, and, with changing work circumstances, I no longer have the available time to do the job properly,” she said. “I also feel a bit of new blood in the organisation would go a long way.” Ms Greaves said Cooktown’s nautical community needed to find two people prepared to stand for election as Commander and Deputy Commander of the local group, after no one stood for either position at the
Coast Guard’s recent flotilla election meeting this month. She said she was prepared to continue as Commander in a caretaker role until the next Squadron Board meeting in August by which time she hoped there would be nominations for the vacant positions. If no nominations are received for Commander and Deputy Commander by then, a public meeting will be held to discuss options and the possibility of winding up the Cooktown Flotilla. “If that happens, there is a real threat that the Cooktown Coast Guard could fold,” she said. Helen said the flotilla cannot run without an executive, which consists of Commander and Deputy Commander, which are elected
positions, and a Training Officer, Administration Officer and Purser, which are all appointed positions. “While one member has put up her hand for the position of Administration Officer, that is not enough executive positions filled to continue the running of the flotilla. “In particular, there must be a Commander.” She said the work commitments of the Cooktown group’s members was affecting the situation. “We are in an unusual position that almost all of our members work full time. “Other flotillas generally have a larger percentage of retired and semi-retired members who have the time to ensure the administrative side of things are dealt with.
“I know everyone in town who enjoys boating activities appreciates the Coast Guard, but it’s up to us locals to ensure its viability. “Coast Guard is a great service, and an important one.” Statistics cited by Helen for the last 12 months highlighted the Coast Guard’s contribution to the safety of the boating public. “In the past year we have had 11 rescue activations, 41 training activations, taken around 100 VHF radio calls including one Mayday, 5 pan pans and had 39 vessels log on,” she said. And, although she intends stepping down as Commander, Helen said she intended to remain an active member and promised her full support to her successor.
“I will, of course. give full support wherever and whenever it is needed,” she said. “Rest assured, those willing to take on any of the executive positions will be given every assistance.” She said her time as Commander had been particularly rewarding for her. “I’ve been privileged to meet some fabulous people both locally and from other flotillas,” she said. Membership application and nomination forms are available at the Lure Shop or call Helen (4069 5655) for further information. The next general meeting of the Cooktown Volunteer Coast Guard will be held on Monday, July 8, at the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club from 7pm.
SAVING LIVES: Cooktown’s Volunteer Coast Guard towing a boat into calmer waters during heavy weather. Photo submitted. RIGHT: STANDING ASIDE: After nine years as Cooktown Volunteer Coast Guard’s Commander, Helen Greaves will not stand for the position again. Photo: GARY HUTCHISON.
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