Long-time member and coxswain Blaise Madden has been elected to serve as the unit Commander of Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya for a 2 year term. Blaise, who recently received his 10-year long service medal, takes over from Alan Blessington.
Elected with Blaise to serve as deputy unit commanders were Iain Palumbo and Darren Nicholls.
“It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to lead this tight-knit unit” said Blaise
“It’s a credit to [former Unit Commander] Alan [Blessington] that the unit is now in a secure financial position with assets on both the Tuross and Moruya rivers. Over the next 2 years we will build upon those strengths, to become one of the most efficient response units in the region”.
Other projects on the new Unit Commander’s ‘to do’ list include maintaining and upgrading the rescue base at Tuross Head, replacing the Unit’s vehicle and introducing focussed working groups to spread the load and take advantage of the experience and interests of members within the unit. Blaise, who served as Unit Commander from 2013 to 2019, does not underestimate the challenges ahead.
“As with all volunteer organisations, membership is always a challenge” he said
“We welcome volunteers looking for ways to contribute to the community and learn new skills, whether that’s on the rescue boat, communications or as part of the support team. There’s a job for everyone”.
To find out more about volunteering with Marine Rescue go to https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/becomea-volunteer/.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Above: Newly elected unit commander, Blaise Madden.
