Rescue volunteers honoured on Queen's Birthday

Three volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW have been recognised for their contribution to safety on the water and the NSW boating community in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours.

Bernard (Bernie) Gabriel, David Lyall and Robert (Bob) Herbert have today been awarded the Emergency Service Medal.

Mr Gabriel is the Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Point Danger.  Mr Lyall is a member of Marine Rescue Broken Bay and the organisation’s property officer.  Mr Herbert is the Regional Coordinator for the MRNSW Monaro region on the State’s South Coast.

In addition to the Emergency Service Medal recipients, Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Nambucca, Owen Rushton, received an Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his voluntary work in his local community.

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos congratulated the four members on the national recognition of their distinguished service.

"These awards are an opportunity to thank these volunteers -- along with all the members of Marine Rescue NSW -- for their work and commitment to serving the boating community," Commissioner Tannos said.

"Our volunteers deserve our gratitude for their contribution to saving lives on the water and improving boating safety.

"They are often called upon to put their own safety at risk, turning out in the worst possible weather and sea conditions, to help boaters in need.

"They also give up valuable time with their families to attend training, support community events, conduct education courses for local boaters and raise funds for our organisation. Many also volunteer with other community groups as well.

"They make a valuable contribution to the safety and wellbeing of our community without any expectation of reward or recompense.

"Our members are a credit to our organisation and these awards today give us all a chance to say thank you to them all."