Marine Rescue Association celebrates 25th anniversary

2/12/2000
The Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia (VMRWA) will celebrate their silver jubilee this weekend in Albany with a program of special events.
Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince will address a VMRWA celebration meeting later today and attend a Jubilee Dinner with marine rescue volunteers from all parts of Western Australia.
"The VMRWA was formed as the Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Association of WA on October 12, 1975," Mr Prince said.
"Thirty one people representing coastal towns, Government agencies and existing sea rescue groups met in Albany for the inaugural meeting.
"The association's member groups provide an invaluable service towards community safety - as do all marine rescue service groups operating in this State.
"Each year more and more people set out to sea at various points along the Western Australian coastline, placing increasing demands and responsibilities upon organisations such as VMRWA.
"We are all indebted to the organisation for the first class, reliable and professional service they perform around the clock, year after year."
Mr Prince said marine rescue groups throughout WA were co-ordinated under the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service Division of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA (FESA) in July 1999.
"This was a notable milestone for VMRWA as volunteer marine rescue groups then benefited from the State Government's commitment to significantly increase operational funding through FESA," he said.
"The Government committed $1 million in the first year."
Since VMRWA first became associated with FESA, other important developments have included:

• implementing a VMRS capital grants policy and program, making funds available to help groups buy or replace vessels, equipment and facilities;
• introducing an Accreditation, Standards and Training Policy for volunteer marine rescue groups State-wide;
• improving insurance cover for VMRS volunteers;
• establishing the FESA VMRS Co-ordination Unit to provide support and advice to all associations and groups; and -
• fuels and oils for the purpose of marine rescue services available for purchase at Government contract prices.

Further VMRWA activities planned for Sunday, December 3 include:

• a special church dedication for VMRWA at the Wesley Uniting Church in Duke Street, Albany at 10am; and -
• a Blessing of the Fleet to take place on Princess Royal Harbour at 2pm, featuring a flotilla from Princess Royal Sailing Club, the Albany Fishing Fleet and recreational vessels.

Media contacts:
Caroline Lacy -9220 5000
FESA: Kristine Smith, Snr Media & Public Affairs Officer on 9323 9329