Three Marine Rescue Evans Head volunteers, with a combined 58 years of service between them, have been awarded Life Membership to the Marine Rescue NSW unit.
Karin Brown, Heather Stacey, and Nev Hamilton were presented with the honour during an awards ceremony at the Evans Head Bowling Club.
Marine Rescue Evans Head Life Members Karin Brown and Heather Stacey with Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Darcy Henriksen
“The three people (Brown, Stacey, and Hamilton) who have been awarded unit Life Membership have shown exceptional levels of commitment and dedication to Marine Rescue NSW and, as a result, to the community they live in. They provide a wonderful example to other members and people in the community,” said Marine Rescue Evans Head Unit Commander Greg Blackburn.
Brown, who has previously held the role of Unit Commander, said she joined the unit in 2010 after learning that it was in need of volunteers.
The ceremony was held at the Evans Head Bowling Club
“There was a need for radio operators, so I thought I would give it a go.
“It is a real honour to receive Life Membership—I feel really chuffed,” she said.
Former Deputy Unit Commander Hamilton was unable to attend the ceremony in person and instead joined the celebration via video call. Meanwhile, long-serving administrator Heather Stacey was recognised for almost 30 years of service as Treasurer at the unit, having first joined the Coast Guard in 1995.
“We were new to the area. My husband and I were interested in boating and fishing, and we wanted to give back to the community and meet new people in the area.
“I enjoy what I do, but I like to stay in the background,” Stacey said.
Marine Rescue Evans Head Deputy Unit Commander Jim Roberts (L) speaks with Northern Rivers Regional Director Henriksen
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Darcy Henriksen and Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott attended the ceremony, with Mr Schott presenting experienced Coxswain Tony McNally with a National Medal for 15 years of service.
The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in times of emergency or natural disaster.
“It is important that we pause and reflect on all the great work these people have done. They’ve dedicated years of service, and it is vital to acknowledge that,” said Deputy Commissioner Schott.
“We’ve given out a National Medal and also some ratings certificates. It’s great to celebrate this incredible group of people,” he said.
Unit Commander Blackburn said 18 other presentations were made at the event to acknowledge long service at the unit, as well as the contributions of vessel Crew, Watch Officers, and Radio Operators.
Marine Rescue Evans Head vessel EH 31
“It is important to hold an awards ceremony because all of our members are volunteers. They put a lot of time and effort into training and education to ensure they can offer the best service possible—to serve the public of NSW and bring our boaters home safely,” Mr Blackburn said.
The Unit Commander said the ceremony was the first of what he plans to make an annual event.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
