Around 40 former and current Eden Marine Rescue volunteers gathered on Sunday, May 1, to celebrate a very important milestone, it’s 30th anniversary.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol established a presence in Eden in early 1980 with five radios located at various sites, but most notably on the back verandah of Jean Whiter’s house in Cocora Street.
For 30 years now we have been able to provide boaters with assistance, advice and vital rescue services to help them stay safe on the water
- John McKinnon,Eden Marine Rescue unit commander
Since then the Coastal Patrol has been renamed and the current marine rescue building on Bramble Street was constructed and continuously update.
Eden’s Marine Rescue started with around 45 volunteer operators this number has since dropped down to around 23 active members, most of which were at the anniversary celebrations.
For two volunteers, Ian Whiter and Jenny Drenkhahn, Sunday was a time to reflect on their many years of service, thirty years to be exact.
“Jenny and I were here from the beginning,” Mr Whiter said about his sister. “Mum started it on her verandah and we have both been here helping out and doing what we can ever since.”
Mr Whiter said over the years advances in technology have changed the way the Marine Rescue operates.
“In some ways it has made the job a lot easier, but now we have less volunteers and less people to help out so there is still a lot for us to do.”
Eden Marine Rescue unit commander John McKinnon said although the organisation was formed in the early 80s the anniversary was to celebrate 30 years since the construction of the Marine Rescue building which was opened in April 1986.
“Without this building, who knows where Eden Marine Rescue would be.”
Mr McKinnon said construction of the building was carried out with mostly donated materials and labour from various local businesses and individuals.
“For 30 years now we have been able to provide boaters with assistance, advice and vital rescue services to help them stay safe on the water.”
Another important part for the afternoon was the presenting of medals to two volunteers.
Bob Herbert, Marine Rescue NSW’s regional controller of the Monaro region presented Glenda Wood and Tony Heriot with their 10 year service medals.
“Ten years is a long time to serve the community and it is great that we could present these medals on such a special day for Eden Marine Rescue,” Mr Herbert said.
To celebrate the anniversary the volunteers enjoyed an afternoon indulging in delicious homemade treats and reminiscing on years of hard work.