The Jervis Bay boating community will benefit greatly from the support of Bendigo Bank Community Bank Sanctuary Point and Districts, with a $75,000 grant to assist the dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Deputy Unit Commander, Brad Kilpatrick, said the financial support would be distributed evenly over three years.
“The generosity of Bendigo Bank Community Bank Sanctuary Point and Districts will enhance our capability and response, providing boaters in the area with greater assurance that, if they need assistance on the water, our crews will be there to rescue them at any time of day or night,” Kilpatrick said.
He said the funding would go towards maintaining the unit’s two rescue boats, Jervis Bay 41 and Jervis Bay 20, which require servicing multiple times a year, as well as covering fuel costs for the boats and the two rescue watercraft (jet skis) stationed at Huskisson.
“Some funds have also been allocated for training, so the 92 volunteers at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay can continue honing their skills and remain rescue-ready,” Kilpatrick said.
Bendigo Bank Community Bank Sanctuary Point and Districts Branch Manager, James Marin, said the volunteers at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay play a vital role in making the region’s waterways safe for locals and visitors year-round.
Mr Marin said Bendigo Bank’s Community Model sees its customers help change lives—and save lives—through their banking.
“We are different, with 80% of all our branch profits going back into our local Bay and Basin community. Our customers’ home loans are building skate and sport facilities, hospital wings and classrooms. Personal loans, business banking and credit cards are funding ambulances, rescue boats, and disabled and aged-care facilities,” he said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay carried out their 100th search and rescue mission for the year over the weekend (15-16 November).
“Our skilled volunteers have certainly put their training to the test, safely returning 243 people to shore since New Year’s Day,” Kilpatrick said.
“This support from Bendigo Bank Sanctuary Point reduces the financial pressure on the unit, allowing our volunteers to focus on saving lives on the water.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
