MARINE Rescue Woolgoolga celebrated a remarkable milestone on 12 December, marking 60 years of dedicated service to the Mid North Coast community.
The festivities were held at the Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club, drawing more than 60 current and past members, as well as guests who came to honour the unit’s enduring legacy.
As one of the oldest volunteer marine rescue units in New South Wales, Woolgoolga has had 20 Presidents and Unit Commanders steer its operations over the past six decades.
Five of those leaders were present for the anniversary celebrations – John Murray ESM, Kevin Johnson, Tony Skalla, Mitch Harvey and the current Unit Commander, Taylor Marshall.
At just 25 years of age, Marshall is the second-youngest Unit Commander in the unit’s history, exemplifying the fresh energy and commitment that continue to define Marine Rescue Woolgoolga.
Mitch Harvey remains the youngest, having taken on the role in 2019 at just 22.
“The strength of our unit lies in the dedication of our volunteers, past and present,” said Marshall.
“The men and women who came before us laid the groundwork with immense passion and selflessness.
“Seeing so many former members here tonight, sharing their stories and memories, really brings home the incredible legacy we are part of.”
The unit’s origins stretch back to 1965, when local fishermen Ross Burton, John Small, Jack Brooks and Bill Prior established a volunteer rescue service in Woolgoolga.
Using their own fishing vessels, they conducted rescues and training exercises, laying the foundations for a service that would grow in size and capability over the following decades.
The first purpose-built base was erected at the Woolgoolga boat ramp in 1991, constructed by volunteers using donated materials under the leadership of then-President Len Simpson.
The unit steadily expanded its fleet, acquiring its first legitimate rescue vessel in the early 1970s and later commissioning commercially built craft to enhance operational capacity.
Woolgoolga became part of Marine Rescue NSW during the state-wide consolidation of volunteer rescue services in 2009–2010, bringing the benefits of standardised training and state support while retaining its strong local identity.
In December 2018, after 53 years at Woolgoolga, the unit relocated to a new $1.3 million base on the western side of Arrawarra Headland.
Overlooking the waters of Arrawarra Bay, the facility, developed from the former University of New England Marine Science Station, features state-of-the-art marine radio communications, training facilities, boat and tractor storage, and a workshop. It also allows for safer launch and retrieval of Woolgoolga 30, the unit’s flagship rescue vessel, in all tidal conditions.
“Marine Rescue Woolgoolga has a proud tradition of protecting those at sea and supporting our community,” said Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer.
“Tonight’s celebration was a wonderful tribute to the extraordinary dedication of those who served before, and the volunteers who continue that work today.”
The unit’s fleet continues to evolve, most recently with the commissioning of the 9.5-metre Naiad Hamilton jet boat Woolgoolga 30, named the Tamieka Lee.
Delivered in August 2023, the vessel was later awarded the Baird Maritime Best SAR RHIB, acknowledging the unit’s operational excellence.
Woolgoolga volunteers regularly undertake search-and-rescue missions, medical evacuations, welfare checks, and offshore assistance, demonstrating their readiness to respond in challenging conditions at any time of day or night.
Notable operations include a 2016 medical evacuation from an 85-foot motor cruiser on the Clarence River Bar, and a 2025 medivac from a trawler after launching the rescue vessel from the beach during heavy seas.
The anniversary also highlighted the unit’s progressive culture.
In 2025, Woolgoolga achieved the first all-female executive team in the history of Marine Rescue NSW, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
Looking back over six decades, the spirit of the founding fishermen lives on.
Ross Burton’s granddaughter, Emily, has followed in their footsteps and is now a rated vessel crew member, a full-circle moment that illustrates the enduring legacy of volunteerism in Woolgoolga.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
