Portrait of a VMR
Volunteer
PHILIP BOWLER
CREW BLUE CREW JOINED VMR OCTOBER 2019
A BIT ABOUT ME
I am the Regional Director for Asia Pacific for a global top 5 Medical Diagnostic Company , in the infectious disease diagnosis space . Our company is pioneering a syndromic approach to diagnosing infectious diseases , including COVID19 and it ’ s variants and Co infections . My role sits between Sales , Marketing and the Executive aligning the Asia Pacific Region , and subsidiary Commercial operations .
I have three daughters aged 15 , 12 , and 11 , and whilst they are still young I am enjoying spending as much time as I can with them , as my job is quite arduous , and often involves extensive travel .
Something not well known is until coming back to Australia I did Muay Thai training in Thailand , which was fantastic , and I have a guitar that collects dust at home .
VMR is now my hobby and balances my life quite nicely .
WHY DID I JOIN VMR ? I have always been interested in boats and boating , but never done too much about it . At the same time I ’ ve always been the type of person who wants to give back . VMR has provided me the way to combine my love of the water and boating , whilst helping people . The 3 week rotation of crews also works well around my job , travel and other commitments . I guess that most of us join for our own reasons but I ’ m sure that giving back and helping others is a common theme that would run strong and deep amongst the Active membership .
Being able to interact and work with similar minded people from all walks of life was also a factor .
When I first enquired about joining VMR the roster was full , and it took me 2 attempts and a few months to be given a role .
To anyone wanting to join as an Active crew member , don ’ t give up , it ’ s awesome and well worth pursuing .
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE ACTIVATION YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN ?
Every crew there is someone who is in need of assistance , and the look of relief and gratitude on peoples faces when you help them is what inspires me .
However , my “ proudest ” moment to date was receiving my Crew rank epaulettes .
I remember a feeling of “ Finally I ’ m useful ”, although deep down I know that every rank is useful , and valued .
I guess it ’ s the first moment when you don ’ t need to find another Skipper and Crew member to go out on the boat .
It was a big moment for me and I ’ m sure I ’ ll have the same elation when I eventually make it to Skipper rank as well .
MY FUTURE INTENTIONS WITH VMR I haven ’ t really thought about a goal yet to be honest , however I do have a desire to get to Inshore Skipper rank .
At some point I can see myself wanting to give back like the Senior Skippers , the Committee and the Duty Skippers do , but that ’ s a decade or more away yet .
I really look forward to giving to the next batch of new recruits , and passing on what I ’ ve been fortunate enough to have learnt from great teachers and mentors .
WHAT DO I ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF VMR ?
The friendship and continuous learning that happens every crew is fantastic .
I ’ ve only been with VMR for ~ 2.5 years but every crew I have learnt something new , and often I relearn things I ’ ve forgotten from the three weeks between crews .
I ’ ve been fortunate enough to have two crew families in both Black and Blue Crews over that time , and they quickly become like your extended family . I seriously love every minute of every crew . Whilst every Crew has a differing culture , so far I have been so inspired by the kind hearts , willingness of others to pass on their knowledge , and their genuine passion to help others .
Combine this with being able to have fun , yet instantly switch to being highly professional , I really love this place .
It keeps me looking forward to the next crew , and the next ….
Working together in your community
Vsheet - March 2022 15