Marine Rescue Middle Harbour has announced the launch of a new fundraising and community engagement initiative, the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Club 500 Program, designed to deepen connections between the boating public and the lifesaving volunteers who serve them.
Spearheaded by Marine Rescue Middle Harbour volunteer crew member Tony Collins, who is also serving as the unit’s Community Partnership Manager – Club 500, the program invites boat owners and supporters of Marine Rescue Middle Harbour to become Club 500 Members by contributing an annual $500 membership fee to the Middle Harbour unit. In return, members gain access to a suite of benefits offered through a network of local marine businesses and national industry partners.
“The aim of Club 500 is twofold. It helps our unit raise essential funds to keep our operations running safely and effectively, and at the same time builds stronger links between Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and the broader boating community. We also want to create real commercial value for our participating partners by driving customers and awareness back to their businesses.” - Tony Collins
Building partnerships across the harbour
Club 500 has already attracted an impressive list of partners, each providing tangible benefits to members. These include fuel discounts from d’Albora Marinas, antifouling discounts through BoatYard and Short Marine, mooring services via Treharne Moorings, mechanical servicing by Onboard Marine Services, equipment discounts from Boat Warehouse, discount off dive services with Underwater Dive Services, membership discounts at Manly Skiff Club, survey and inspection services from Boatbuy, and marine training courses via Maritime Training School, Boatwise, and Flying Fish Sailing.
The program is structured to ensure that most boat owners recover the cost of membership through these Club 500 Partner savings alone, while also knowing that their contribution directly supports rescue operations, vessel maintenance, crew training, and emergency response capability on Sydney Harbour.
Growing community connection
Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation which receives some government funding and relies on community contributions to sustain its essential work. Programs such as Club 500 provide a new avenue for long-term financial sustainability while fostering a sense of shared ownership among those who benefit from its services.
The marketing rollout will initially focus on the Sydney boating community through marina networks, Club 500 Partner databases, and specialist marine publications such as Marine Business News.
“Club 500 is about more than just fundraising,” said Collins. “It’s about building a recognisable brand that represents partnership, trust, and community spirit. Whether you’re a boat owner or simply someone who values safety on the water, Club 500 offers a tangible way to support our volunteers and keep Sydney’s waterways safe for everyone.”
Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters will assess the success of the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Club 500 for potential rollout in other regions as a fundraising initiative for units.
To join the program, or to get more information visit their website – HERE
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
