Marine Rescue NSW is proud to announce that five exceptional members have been named as finalists in the prestigious 2025 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA), recognising their outstanding service and dedication to community safety on the water.
Four members are finalists for the Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year Award, with a collective service history of more than 45 years. They are:
Julie Rostron – Unit Commander, Marine Rescue Norah Head
Warren Collins – Coxswain and Trainer, Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
Helen Zielke – State Radio Operator, Marine Rescue Sydney
Stuart Massey – Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager
Nineteen-year-old Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteer Rachael de Courcy has also been named as a finalist for the Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship, recognising her leadership and commitment since joining the Terrigal unit in 2022.
Winners will be announced at the RESCA Presentation Dinner at Bankstown Sports Club on Saturday, 2 August 2025.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated the Officer of the Year finalists on their nominations.
“We are extremely proud of this dedicated group of people who continually go above and beyond in their roles to assist the boating community of NSW,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“This group boasts almost five decades of marine rescue experience, with each nominee playing a crucial role in saving lives on the water—whether on board a rescue vessel or managing vital communications in the radio room.”
Commissioner Barrell also wished Rachael de Courcy well in the youth category.
“We are privileged to have such an enthusiastic young woman as part of the crew at Terrigal,” he said.
“Rachael is one of the youngest rated crew members in the state and has already made a valuable impact on her unit. Marine Rescue NSW is excited to support Rachael’s journey in the Service.”
The RESCAs recognise outstanding service by NSW emergency services personnel. The awards celebrate both paid and volunteer members of all NSW emergency services agencies who have gone above and beyond their normal duties, exemplifying the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
About the Finalists
Julie Rostron – Marine Rescue Norah Head
Julie leads a team of 40 volunteers and has risen through the ranks since joining in 2016. As Unit Commander and a qualified Radio Officer, her calm leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for female participation exemplify service and resilience.
Julie Rostron – Marine Rescue Norah Head
Warren Collins – Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
With over 16 years of service, Warren is a respected Coxswain, Trainer, Rescue Water Craft Operator, and former Deputy Unit Commander. His hands-on leadership during complex rescues, along with his contributions to training and public education, reinforces his commitment to safer waterways.
Warren Collins – Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
Helen Zielke – Marine Rescue Sydney
A stalwart of the State Communications Centre since 2013, Helen averages three overnight shifts a week. She has coordinated critical rescues, mentored dozens of radio operators, and was honoured for her support during the 2019–20 bushfires.
Helen Zielke – Marine Rescue Sydney
Stuart Massey – Marine Rescue Illawarra Inspector
Stuart has more than 40 years’ experience in emergency services, including Surf Life Saving. He now directs seven Marine Rescue NSW units across the Illawarra, supporting crews through 24/7 coordination, training, and culturally inclusive community safety initiatives.
Stuart Massey – Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector
Rachael de Courcy – Marine Rescue Terrigal
Joining in 2022, Rachael has quickly become a key member of her unit—balancing university with callouts, emergency training, and community outreach. Her maturity, leadership, and calmness under pressure have made her a role model for new recruits.
Rachael de Courcy – Marine Rescue Terrigal
Previous RESCA Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year winners
- 2024 – Nancy Weatherman, Marine Rescue Eden
- 2023 – Phillip Causley, Marine Rescue Ballina
- 2022 – Karen Lowry, Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
