Sunday was a special day for members of Marine Rescue Port Stephens. Not only did the weather prove favourable for two significant ceremonies but the day signalled a new era in marine rescue capabilities for the Nelson Head base.
A small flotilla of rescue vessels took to the calm waters of Shoal Bay beneath the base, to scatter the ashes of a founding member of the unit, John Thompson.
Reflection then gave way to an official opening and celebration for the refurbished Communications Centre. Around 200 members and volunteers attended the event, officiated by Federal and State MPs, Mr Bob Baldwin and Mr Craig Baumann.
As well as a number of membership awards, tributes were paid to the work of volunteers for their overall commitment to the unit and for their work during several recent sea
rescues and the Port Stephens bushfire emergency.
My Father John Thompson, would have been very pleased and Proud as his fellow Marine Rescue Members did a fantastic job of arranging and organising the whole day. Well done everyone and thank you from his Daughter Nadine.