A new leadership group will guide volunteers at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay after Kevin Hill and Steve Hutchison decided not to stand for re-election.
At the recent unit Annual General Meeting, Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said Stef Nitto was elected Unit Commander with Daniel Pauperis (PAW-PER-IS) (operations) and Brad Clarke (administration) deputies.
“We’re thrilled with these appointments.
“Stef (new Unit Commander) brings a great background in education and a lot of skills, drive and enthusiasm.
“We also have some really capable deputies in Brad and Daniel.
“It’s really exciting to see a new generation take the reins, we’re looking forward to seeing the leadership and ideas they bring,” he said.
Zone Commander Hammond paid tribute to departing Unit Commander Kevin Hill who in 2023 received Life Membership to Marine Rescue NSW and was named a joint recipient of the NSW Maritime Medal.
“Kevin has been a fantastic leader, he’s been the Unit Commander before (2016-18) and this time (2022-24) he has taken things on with his usual gusto forging great relationships with the local community and increasing the unit’s rescue capability.
“Being a skipper himself he knows what is required to get the vessels running and the crews ready, he has been instrumental in the great work that has been done here,” Zone Commander Hammond said.
Mr Hill said he was pleased to be handing the leadership to three extremely capable people.
“The time is right for me to step aside for the younger generation.
“Stef, Daniel and Brad represent that and I am confident they will continue to grow and develop the unit to support the region’s boaters well into the future.
“Marine Rescue Jervis Bay is in good hands with the new leadership team, I will continue to serve the community as a volunteer at the unit and skipper rescue vessels when tasked.
“It has been honour and privilege to represent Marine Rescue Jervis Bay and assist the many boaters that we’ve helped during my time as Unit Commander.
“Steve Hutchison (departing Deputy Unit Commander) has worked tirelessly to support our volunteers and boaters, his contribution in the role has been greatly appreciated,” Mr Hill said.
Incoming Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Stef Nitto acknowledged the valuable contribution made to the unit and community by Mr Hill and Mr Hutchison.
“The new leadership team is eager to build on the wonderful work done by Kevin and Steve.
“We will have a focus on recruiting the new generation of Marine Rescue Jervis Bay volunteers to continue our mission of saving lives on the water,” Unit Commander Nitto said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
