A new chapter has started for Sunshine Coast volunteer marine rescue units as they transition into a statewide service.
The Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Noosa flotillas of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) have joined Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), which is part of the Queensland Police Service.
While their call signs, colours and uniforms will change, their primary role – to help keep people safe at sea – will remain the same.
The transitions are expected to strengthen the statewide inter-operability of MRQ in delivering Queensland’s first statewide marine rescue organisation.
MRQ chief officer Tony Wulff praised the skills, capability and experience of the region’s respected marine rescue volunteers.
“We are delighted to welcome Coast Guard flotillas into Marine Rescue Queensland and to recognise the remarkable legacy their volunteers have built over many years of dedicated service,” he said.
“This transition is about people, the volunteers who give their time, skills and experience to help others. Their ongoing commitment will continue to make a real difference in keeping Queenslanders safe on the water.”
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MRQ Mooloolaba unit commander Lee Campbell praised the volunteers who have contributed to the group’s success for half a century.
“Generations of volunteers at Mooloolaba have given their time freely to serve their community. Our people have always been driven by service, by the simple but powerful commitment to keep others safe.”
The Mooloolaba flotilla was established in 1976. It has more than 140 members and its radio room is open 24/7 to monitor for emergency calls.
“Mooloolaba brings a highly capable team, skilled crews and 50 years of local knowledge to MRQ. We are proud to stand alongside our fellow volunteers across the state as one marine rescue service,” Mr Campbell said.
The crew at Caloundra have deep local connections, along with a strong social media following. They provide weekend condition reports to help boaties to plan their trips and stay safe on the water.
MRQ Caloundra unit commander Roger Pearce praised the volunteers who have been committed to the flotilla, which was formed in 1973.
“This transition is an important moment for our unit and for the volunteers who have built Caloundra into the trusted service it is today,” he said.
“We are incredibly proud of our history and of the many long-serving members who have dedicated countless hours to helping others.
Commander Pearce said that the group’s focus remains unchanged.
“While our name is changing, our purpose remains the same: to be there when people need us most.”
MRQ Noosa unit commander Lindsay Hall said he was proud of the legacy of safety and service that his team brings to MRQ.
“What makes marine rescue so special is not only the work we do, but the strong sense of community we have built together,” he said.
“There is a real camaraderie here at Noosa. People look out for each other, support each other, and share a genuine commitment to serving the public.
Commander Hall hoped encouraged locals to consider joining the unit.
“There is a place for everyone at MRQ, including vital off-water roles like radio operators, which are essential to keeping our service running.
“If you are looking for a meaningful way to support your community, I encourage you to consider volunteering with marine rescue, and you don’t even need to go out on a boat.”
Boats, headquarters and uniforms are in the midst of change. Vessels are switching from yellow to white and uniforms from white to blue and yellow, while Coast Guard logos are also being replaced with MRQ logos.
AVCGA national commodore Matthew Semmens said the transition was a significant milestone for the organisation and its members.
“For decades, Coast Guard volunteers across the Sunshine Coast have answered the call when people have needed help on the water,” he said.
“While the uniforms will change, the dedication of these volunteers and their commitment to protecting the community will stay. Their knowledge, experience and local understanding will continue to be an invaluable part of marine rescue services across the region.
“On behalf of AVCGA, I sincerely thank every member, past and present, as well as their families and the local communities and businesses that have supported Coast Guard over many years”.
MRQ is the first state-wide, state government-funded volunteer marine rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea and supporting those on or near the water
While it is part of the Queensland Police Service, which is responsible for coordinating the state’s disaster and emergency services response, MRQ is a separate service with its own identity, structure, governance and uniforms.
