DEMONSTRATING genuine support for Marine Rescue Port Stephens (MRPS), Hon Troy Grant, MP, spent two hours at the facility on Wednesday.

Although the rain hampered the view, Mr Grant is familiar with the area as this is where his parents lived for many years.

Mr Grant was given a guided tour of the Unit, including the radio room, gift shop, museum and external facilities.

The visit enabled the Minister for Emergency Services to officially present MRPS with a suite of first aid training equipment as part of a $12,800 recruitment and skills grant.

The grant was provided under the Emergency Volunteer Support Scheme (EVSS), which supports the recruitment, training and retention of emergency services volunteers.

Mr Grant inspected the equipment, worth a total of $6,000, during the visit and told News Of The Area, “I announced this important funding boost at Marine Rescue Headquarters in April, so I am delighted to see first hand the range of equipment that has been purchased to assist MRPS volunteers in carrying out their duties.”

“The remaining $6,800 will be invested in the recruitment of more volunteers for this extremely busy unit.”

During the past year alone, rescue crews in Port Stephens have responded to 200 incidents, including almost 30 life-threatening emergencies.

“This grant will help the Unit recruit more members so we can continue to rely on MRPS to monitor our waterways and keep the community safe for generations to come,” Mr Grant said.

Deputy Unit Commander, Neil Hansford said, “Marine Rescue Port Stephens is very reliant on grants from Government and other sources to continually upgrade its life saving and training equipment due to the very high cost of these items. Members are the lifeblood of the Unit and to receive a grant to promote membership is a real commitment by Government to have strong Marine Rescue Units.”

 

By Mandy ELLIS