PARLIAMENTARY Secretary for the Central Coast Hunter, Scot MacDonald has congratulated Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit on receiving $12,800 in grants.

Mr MacDonald said the Emergency Volunteer Support Scheme, a joint State-Commonwealth Government program, assists organisations with the recruitment costs, retention and training of volunteers working in emergency services.

“Our emergency services volunteers are often the first people we turn to when we are at our weakest and so now we are supporting them so they can further train and expand their volunteer base,” Mr MacDonald told News Of The Area.

“The Port Stephens Unit will use this funding for first aid and advanced resuscitation training equipment and to run recruitment advertisements to increase membership.”

The Port Stephens Unit is the largest in NSW with over 200 members and has major training demands to induct new members and revalidate all members in their qualifications.

Marine Rescue NSW is auspiced by the NSW State Rescue Board and tasking is by the NSW Police Marine Area Command.

Marine Rescue Port Stephens also supports the RFS Lower Hunter Firecom by providing after hours coverage for emergency calls in Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock and Dungog Council areas.

“I toured the Headquarters Radio Base and Training Facilities before being taken out on rescue vessel PS 31 to see its capabilities with Unit Commander Lee Uebergang and Deputy Unit Commander Neil Hansford earlier this year and was very impressed with the professionalism and competency of the team there.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Hon. Troy Grant MP said that the NSW Government continues to deliver for regional communities.

“Marine Rescue volunteers are an indispensable part of our emergency management system. Their work to protect lives and properties cannot be underappreciated,” Mr Grant said.

 

By  Mandy ELLIS