FIVE Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour volunteers have been recognised for a remarkable combined 120 years of service by receiving Marine Rescue NSW 20- and 25-year long-service clasps.
Unit Life Member Lindy Powells, Coxswains Andrew Innes, Greg Taylor and Mark Halling, who is also a Watch Officer, Trainer and Assessor, and fundraiser Harriet ‘Dusty’ Blakemore have each given at least two decades of service to Marine Rescue NSW and the Coffs Harbour community.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams presented the long-service clasps at a special ceremony at the Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour last week.
Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour Unit Commander (UC) Rob Kasmarik said the milestone was a fitting opportunity to recognise five volunteers who had made an outstanding contribution to the community.
“Mark Halling, Greg Taylor and Andrew Innes are skippers, and Graham Taylor was a skipper on the Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour Search and Rescue vessel,” said UC Kasmarik.
“I have had the privilege of being at sea with these very experienced mariners, and I have seen first-hand the professionalism, knowledge and commitment they bring to every task.
“Dusty Blakemore has been a vital part of our base, both as a radio operator and through her tireless fundraising efforts.
“Her contribution, often behind the scenes, has played an important role in supporting our unit and keeping it strong to help save lives at sea.
“Lindy was a very experienced radio operator and managed the base for many years.
“She has played a very special role in my own Marine Rescue journey.
“She taught me everything I know about the radio room, and I truly value the time we spent together at the base.
“Her knowledge, patience, and willingness to share her experience have meant a great deal to me and others.”
Coxswain, crew trainer, and radio operator Rob Kasmarik has been with Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour since 2019.
In the June 2026 unit elections he was elected Unit Commander along with Deputy Unit Commander, Tracey Baxter.
UC Kasmarik relates to the recipients’ commitment and why they have put in such long service to Marine Rescue.
“For me, there is a passionate interest in all things to do with the sea, especially sailing and surfing, which I’ve had most of my life,” he said.
When he retired, he felt a natural inclination towards Marine Rescue combined with wanting to give back to the community and help people.
“I am now a Skipper on our Marine Rescue (MR) vessel CO 30 and a radio operator,” he said.
“I am achieving everything I wanted, saving lives at sea and working as a volunteer in a marvellous organisation – I love it.”
He said the experiences were many and varied.
“For example, a Marine Rescue volunteer who only does fundraising is fundamental to saving lives at sea because our watch room and vessel cannot operate without this funding.”
A typical week for one volunteer is different to that of another.
“A radio operator may start the day at 5am.
“By 8:30am, they have logged on 20-30 local boats and five transiting vessels; there may be an incident, and CO 30 has to be sent out.”
The result is 3.5 hours of intense activity.
“Another radio operator starts a shift at 3:30pm.
“Most boats have returned home.
“Is this 3.5 hours of no activity … no,” he said.
Marine Rescue is a listening post.
“It’s the only agency that will hear the distress call from a mariner who is in trouble out at sea, alone and needs our help, and we can save their life.
“What a responsibility, but how gratifying to be a part of it.”
Volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds.
“Some have never had anything to do with radios or boats.
“Some of these make the best crew.
“The range of things we do is fundraising, radio operation, and crew on our vessel; people can do one, all three, or any combination.”
There is also professional development available and progression through the ranks, such as radio operator through to watch officer and boat crew through to Coxswain.
“These are internationally recognised qualifications,” UC Kasmarik said.
“The training is free, so for younger people joining Marine Rescue, it can even lead to paid careers within Marine Rescue or elsewhere in the marine industry.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a registered business charity that exists on grants from the NSW government and unit fundraising.
There are 3500 volunteers in 46 units along the NSW coast and alpine lakes.
Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour is one of four Search and Rescue Coordination Centres on the NSW coast and has 75 active members.
For more information about volunteering, visit the Marine Rescue website.
By Andrea FERRARI
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