Marine Rescue's $280K boat raffle

Marine Rescue NSW is marking the official start of the summer boating season this weekend with the launch of its biggest fundraising campaign yet, the Great Outdoor Getaway Art Union.

Supporters of MRNSW can enter the draw for a prize package worth $281,500, featuring off-road caravans, 4WD vehicles, boats, two cars, a quad bike and cash.

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the Art Union was the major annual fundraiser for the organisation’s 45 volunteer units along the coastline from Point Danger to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama.

"Our members will be out and about in their local communities from this weekend right throughout the summer, selling tickets in the Art Union and getting to know people," he said.

 "Every cent that a unit raises from its ticket sales stays with that unit so people know they are supporting a great local cause.

"The revenue from the Art Union is essential to help our units maintain their boating safety net for local recreational boaters, supporting their operations, training and day-to-day expenses."

Commissioner Tannos said MRNSW was fortunate to receive welcome financial support from the NSW Government and boating community through a levy on recreational boat licences and registrations but still relied on its volunteers’ dedicated fundraising efforts to help fund its vital safety services.

The Art Union will be drawn on April 26, 2016. Tickets are great value at $2 each or three for $5.

The Great Outdoor Getaway prize package offers something for everyone:
>> 1st: The lucky winner gets to choose between a Haines Seachange 595 Off Road Caravan plus a VW Amarok CORE 4WD, worth a total $140,397, OR a Haines Seachange 640 Off Road Caravan, valued at $120,000, plus $20,397 in cold hard cash.
>> 2nd:  A Haines Signature 525F S-Series with Suzuki 90hp outboard plus a Suzuki 4-door Grand Vitara Sport 4WD, worth a total of $73,427.
>> 3rd: A Sea Jay 3.7m Nomad, complete with trailer and 15hp Suzuki, which comes with a Suzuki S-Cross GLX Auto - all worth $40,397.
>> 4th: A $16,790 Suzuki Swift GL Navigator.
>> 5th: A sturdy Suzuki KingQuad ATV 400 ASi 4x4 bike.

The Art Union is conducted under NSW Permit No. GOCAU/1702 issued under the provisions of the Lotteries and Art Unions Act 1901.

Tickets are also available online. Buyers simply need to enter the relevant promotion code listed on the website to make sure the funds from their ticket purchase go straight to their local unit. Go to www.mrnsw.com.au.