Marine Rescue Point Danger

Tonight crew of Marine Rescue Point Danger headed out onto the Tweed River for some valuable night training, with both Point Danger 20 and Point Danger 31 on the water!

Night operations are one of the most challenging environments our crews face, it's not just dark, everything looks different. Distances are harder to judge, landmarks disappear, perceptions shift, and situational awareness takes on a whole new level of importance. After our recent heavy downpours, tonight also brought the added challenge of potential debris in the water, making sharp lookout and careful navigation even more critical than usual.

Our crews put all of that to the test, learning to configure the vessels for night ops and making full use of critical equipment including FLIR and Radar, tools that are absolutely essential once the sun goes down.

As if that wasn't enough beforehand, Skipper Guy and Training Officer Kel pulled out a couple of impromptu questionnaires on the IALA-A Buoyage System and Lights, Shapes and Sounds, keeping everyone on their toes and their knowledge sharp!

Great stuff!

Well done to all who were able to head out training tonight, and a huge shout out to Trish in Radio Operations for staying back late and keeping a watchful eye on the crew throughout the evening.

Yesterday at 2pm, I had the honour and privilege of attending the Investiture Ceremony at Government House Queensland, where Nicole Lockie was officially presented with her Emergency Services Medal.

I was an invited guest alongside Nicole's parents, Catherine and David, and her boss Ian. We watched on with enormous pride while Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, conferred this well-deserved honour.

Nicole is one of only a handful of long serving female Coxswains in our organisation, the only female Coxswain in our unit and dedicated more than 24 years volunteering in maritime search and rescue services.

The Emergency Services Medal is a fitting tribute to Nicole’s commitment, courage, and dedication.

Nicole, we're all so incredibly proud of you. Congratulations!

Aaron Ashley
Unit Commander

Links to articles and video of the Investiture Ceremony at Queensland Government House
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B8Z5PZWft/
https://vimeo.com/event/5927639?fl=so&fe=fs
https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/news-media/news/long-serving-marine-rescue-nsw-volunteer-recognised-in-australia-day-honours-list

Congratulations Nicole Lockie

Our hearts are broken at the tragic loss of two of our fellow Marine Rescue Ballina crew members.

On behalf of all members at Point Danger, I extend our deepest thoughts and condolences to the loved ones and families of those involved, and to our friends and colleagues at Marine Rescue Ballina.

​Aaron Ashley
Unit Commander - Point Danger

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

On Sunday, our Volunteer Rescue Crew performed simulated man overboard drills on board Rescue Vessel Point Danger 31, just off Kirra Beach.

Earlier this week, our Radio Operations Officer Adell caught up with Natalie and presented her with her MR Radio Operator certification and epaulettes.

Congratulations, Natalie!

Having only recently qualified, Natalie did an outstanding job on just her second shift, coordinating our unit’s involvement in a major search and rescue operation. Our Radio Operators know just how busy that can be.

Great job, and thank you for your commitment to training and volunteering with us!