V-Sheet January 2016 | Page 3

From the Wheel House Volunteer Marine Rescue SOUTHPORT - SURFERS PARADISE Assoc. Inc. PO Box 866 Southport Qld 4215 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.vmrsouthport.com.au MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2015 - 2016 PRESIDENT Dave Macdonald VICE PRESIDENT Martin Walsh SECRETARY Diana Gibson TREASURER John Kaus OPERATIONS Glenn Norris SEARCH & RESCUE Jacob Rudge COMMUNICATIONS Roy Patterson RADIO OPERATORS Beverley Weldon COMMITTEE Bob Jordan COMMITTEE Alan Coy Vsheet Editor: Anne Harzer [email protected] Advertising: Glenn Norris [email protected] Graphics: Helen Stanfield [email protected] Features: Diana Gibson [email protected] Gold Coast Seaway Tower Hours: 0500 - 2100 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed by the authors and contributors of articles in the Vsheet are not necessarily those of Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport - Surfers Paradise Assoc. Inc. (VMR) nor does VMR guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers or accept any responsibility for any product or service statement made herein. Welcome to 2016 I am now into my 4th month as President and have already been tested a couple of times. There was a technical I.T hitch that resulted in the VSheet missing December and for those wondering where it went I apologise but here we are. Our new Radio Tower was up and running by end November and the old faithful tower removed after some 33 years. Seen from the Southport side of the Broadwater the new tower blends into the skyline and just looks like one of the telco towers. At the same time our radio room was updated with new communication technology putting us at the forefront in equipment and ability to give even greater service to you the boating community. Having been Vice President for the past 3 years the step up was reasonably smooth and with an excellent and dedicated management committee the years ahead are bound to be a pleasant challenge as we look to grow bigger and better in our quest to remain at the forefront of Marine Rescue. Our 4 Rescue boats are out there and are being kept busy. Our prime rescue vessel MR 1 underwent a refurbishment this year with the aim to extend its active life by another 5 years. It has also been fitted with joystick controls thanks to the generosity of Mercury Motors and Brisbane Marine. The data they get from its operation will no doubt assist them in the future. MR 2 has also recently been refurbished ensuring it remains as the major workhorse in our fleet. It is with enormous pride that I watch the volunteers put in countless hours keeping the Seaway Tower operational and our Base running 24 hours a day, boats manned each weekend by 6 dedicated crews, midweek callouts and of course the administration. To do this we are always looking for volunteers to join Volunteer Marine Rescue to help lighten the load. Retired people who would enjoy spending 4 hours a couple of times a week in radio operations and perhaps younger generations who would like to learn all about safe boating and become an accomplished Rescue Skipper. I wish you all safe boating for the remainder of summer. Dave Macdonald President PROUD SUPPORTERS OF VMR SOUTHPORT Vsheet - January 2016 3