“ Over decades of dedicated volunteering , Derek has made substantial contributions to the safety and wellbeing of the outer Western Sydney community . His skilled support and leadership across various organisations , including Marine Rescue NSW Hawkesbury unit , NSW Rural Fire Service Kenthurst Brigade , St John Ambulance NSW , Blacktown Scouts , and Probus , have left a lasting impact .”
Derek Whorlow
They took me down caves that were more like rat holes and they were pretty small caves by the time we got to the bottom . Despite that we walked out under full-height caves – what an initiation ,” he recalled .
“ I learned to abseil at the ripe old age of 42 – I had to be as able as the younger members .
‘’ When I joined the St Johns Ambulance , I was still involved in scouting and taught both scouts and cubs in first aid , having become a St Johns instructor .
“ Joining the Rural Fire Service meant I had to eventually drop the scouting as is its nature , the RFS in-service training is pretty involved and intensive .
‘’ Going to fires can provide experiences both memorable and sad .
“ I served at major fires in 1992,1994 , 2000 and 2002 before transferring to the communications brigade in 2005 .
‘’ I remember the 1992 Kenthurst fire , when some residents ’ lives were lost , along with property . I learnt a lot , but mostly at fires where you get cold and wet , and if you get warm , you are probably in the wrong place !’’
Dodgy knees later meant he decided to “ leave it to the young blokes ” but not a decision to give the community contributions away .
‘’ After close on 25 years in the RFS , I joined Marine Rescue at Hawkesbury – saving lives on water . I had had a boat for several years before joining , but I learnt more in the first busy weekend than in all that time ,” Whorlow said .
“ Being in marine rescue has given me the opportunity to serve at various levels up to unit commander , including first aid Instructor , training officer and assessor at coxswain level . Among the more satisfying tasks was searching the Hawkesbury for an 80-year old canoeist . He was three hours overdue on a 40C day .
‘’ All he had were some biscuits and a bit of water but we found him and delivered him safe and sound to a very relieved daughter . The fact he was German speaking tested my language skills a little !”
Whorlow is himself safe and sound at home , but the dodgy knees and ticker say his days of climbing down vertical rat holes and active fire and water rescues are long gone .
That doesn ’ t mean the volunteering is over , however . Marine rescue involvement continues from home .
‘’ I had some 10 years ’ involvement with flight simulators in the UK and that background has helped with developing quality training materials and making sure we do things by the book . Until I get back on my feet , that is being done from home ,” he said .
“ Keeping records correct is important for the organisation and the members .”
As with such exhaustive and exhausting learning of active lives and generosity of spirit , the thought is always the same - they don ’ t make Bex anymore , but time for a cup of tea and a lie down , and the hope a bit of the story and generosity of spirit might rub off .
Derek was the proud recipient of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award . Doing the honours with the presentation is Marine Rescue NSW commissioner , Alex Barrell .
“ Over decades of dedicated volunteering , Derek has made substantial contributions to the safety and wellbeing of the outer Western Sydney community . His skilled support and leadership across various organisations , including Marine Rescue NSW Hawkesbury unit , NSW Rural Fire Service Kenthurst Brigade , St John Ambulance NSW , Blacktown Scouts , and Probus , have left a lasting impact .”
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 44 // NOVEMBER 2024 7