Hawkesbury River Rescue Inc

Boating Safety

This project funded through the

National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund.

                                    Cox’n's Corner   November 2008                                                                                                       The months of September and October were as usual filled with Radio Watch’s and Rescue incidents that are the main reason for our being what we are, we did however managed to visit a regular meeting of the Sea Bees and the North Mead Fishing Club as well as a school giving our Boating Safety Message. For those interested in Statistics for the nine months to 30/09/08 we have attended 48 incidents assisting 94 people and logged 13,129 volunteer hours.                      

At the fishing club meetings we presented our Boating Safety message and also took the opportunity to discuss the Price report, at the Sea Bees there were a number of members who appeared to support the amalgamation of the three executive bodies, together with volunteers and assets; we put forward our position. Although there appears to be a sound reason for this amalgamation there are other models that would be just as beneficial to the boating public without the “grab for cash” that the report suggests.

  A large number of those present saw our point of view and in conclusion we assured all that irrespective of the outcome of the report we would still maintain our 24/7 operations and our integrity as a community based organization available to all those who need our services in our operational area would continue, we are not just a rescue base.

  At the Northmead Fishing Club we continued in this theme and were gratified by the response.

  In regard to the Price report, the present feedback is that everything is on hold as submissions are being read and one surmises with true government performance factors to the fore; another report will be prepared. In the meantime we shall continue to provide volunteers for Radio Base, Rescue Boat operations and our other mission, the aim to increase boating safety awareness, all at a cost to the State Government of some $2,500 per year. An interesting fact one Government Body spends many thousands of dollars on boating safety material mostly for the benefit of the walls in their storage areas.

  Bill Glover continued with his Primary School program, taking a simple message to the class room with the recipients going home with a sticker enforcing the message, all by courtesy of the fully expended grant we received from the Federal Government.

  Graham Phillis continues in his efforts to arrange other venues for our Boating Safety message, and our hardworking committee continues to support all of the activities.

  Hector McLeod                                                                                 Cox’n