Helping keep Sussex Inlet safer

When people are in trouble on local waterways, Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet volunteers are often among the first to respond.

From Wreck Bay to St Georges Basin, the Sussex Inlet bar and river, Swan Lake and nearby areas, the unit plays an important role in supporting boating safety and emergency response for locals and visitors.

Community Bank South Coast provided $8,000 in funding to Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet to support operational costs and help the volunteer team continue its vital work.

Community Engagement Manager Caroline Boland and Director Gavin Hart recently visited the Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet team to learn more about the unit, hear rescue stories and better understand the scale of work carried out by local volunteers.

The visit was also a chance to hear about the unit’s history, including its early beginnings as Coastal Patrol operating from the back of a shop in Sussex Inlet. Since then, the organisation has grown into a dedicated volunteer rescue unit with a strong local presence and a proud record of service.

Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet is part of Marine Rescue NSW, a not-for-profit organisation that receives support from the NSW Government and the boating community, while also relying on volunteer fundraising, grants, donors and sponsors to help meet ongoing operational needs.

Community Bank South Coast Director Gavin Hart said the visit reinforced how much time, training and commitment sits behind the service.

“Spending time with the Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet team gave us a real appreciation for the dedication behind every call-out. These volunteers train hard, give their time generously and provide a service that helps keep our community safer on the water,” Gavin said.

Community Engagement Manager Caroline said the stories shared by volunteers highlighted the importance of practical local support.

“It was a privilege to hear their rescue stories and learn more about how the unit began. Their work is skilled, calm and genuinely community-minded. We’re proud to ensure this important service keeps running,” Caroline said.

Community Bank South Coast thanks the Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet volunteers for their commitment to saving lives on the water and for the care they continue to provide across the local community. And we loved our visit... these images say it all.

We’re doing good things together 🌍. To find out how, visit www.thelocalloop.org.au, call our branch locally in Milton on ☎️ (02) 4454 2659 or email 📧 milton.mailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au

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