Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg will upgrade its communications room with the latest state-of-the-art equipment thanks a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg had been awarded almost $32,000 towards the much-needed upgrades from the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Mr Bennett said VMR Bundaberg was one of 7 community groups in the Burnett to share more than $153,000 worth of funds from Round 87 of the Fund.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce this funding for our local VRM Bundaberg. This small group of dedicated volunteers do a tremendous job in monitoring vessels and providing responsive rescue services for vessels in distress in local waterways,” Mr Bennett said.
“They are highly skilled volunteers who give up their time to keep those out on the water safe. VMR’s work is commendable and they deserve our recognition and financial backing to be able to continue their lifesaving work.”
The funding comes on the back of a brand new high-tech rescue vessel which was handed over to the volunteer group earlier this year.
Rescue Vessel Commander Graham Kingston said he was thrilled to hear VMR had been awarded the additional funds.
“We are grateful for the support we get from the government. We get a small amount this year for operations and contribution towards vessel replacement and this additional funding will serve as a complimentary upgrade to the state-the art equipment on board the new vessel,” Mr Kingston said.
“We hope to use this grant for the upgrade of modern equipment… We imagine that it will go towards upgrading radio and computer equipment and possibly a new desk console to mount the equipment on.”
Mr Kingston said VMR Bundaberg was looking for more volunteers to be involved and help out in their communications room.
“We don’t have enough volunteers as it is. We have about 35 active volunteers involved, including radio operators, boat crews and fundraising activities, but when you take out people who work and those who are away, the numbers dwindle down,” he said.
“To be able to maintain the free service and to relieve that pressure from current volunteers, we really need more people on board.”
For more information on volunteering, contact VMR Bundaberg on 4159 4349.
[ENDS] 19 May 2016