Up to 30 additional volunteers can be trained as radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Kembla’s vessel base on Foreshore Road following the completion of a fully accessible facility that supports the existing radio base at Hill 60 to help keep the region’s boating community and its families safe.

The improvements, funded by Round Five of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund, will allow Marine Rescue Port Kembla to extend its volunteer rescue services to all members of the community and continue its important 24/7 monitoring and rescue coverage.

The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund is a competitive, merit-based program that financially supports projects that revitalise Port Kembla and surrounding areas for the benefit of the community through new infrastructure, upgrading of existing assets and encouraging tourism.

The program is funded and administered by the Department of Regional NSW.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:

“In 2023, volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Kembla completed 169 search and rescue missions including 112 emergencies, safely returning 339 people to shore.

“The work these urgently needed volunteers do is incredibly important for the safety of our community and visitors 24/7, and I’m really pleased these improvements extend the opportunity to everyone in the community to undertake this vital role.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“The essential role Marine Rescue Port Kembla plays in providing monitoring, rescue and education services is crucial in ensuring the safety of local boaters and tourists.

“I am proud to support these selfless volunteers via the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund who keep our waterways safe and provide vital communications for boaters.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“Until now, many potential volunteers who expressed an interest in being radio operators were not able to participate due to the lack of access to the radio room at Hill 60.

“As someone who has long advocated for improved access for people with mobility challenges, I am pleased that this funding is supporting such a vital community service as well as the volunteers at the heart of it.”

Quotes attributable to Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley:

“Our volunteers enjoy learning new technologies and developing their skills while providing the meaningful work of serving the Port Kembla Community.

“The radio base at Hill 60 is a two-storey building with an internal spiral staircase which has made it challenging for many volunteers with limited mobility or a disability.

“The new all accessible radio room at the Port Kembla vessel base provides the opportunity for members to volunteer in radio operations and support our mission of saving lives on the water.

“In the event that the Hill 60 radio base goes offline, the new facility at the Port Kembla vessel base will also allow us to continue our vital radio operations in the region.

“This new facility will allow us to recruit more volunteers to help us keep our waters safe 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”