FOUNDING members and stalwarts of Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday came together to mark the organisation’s 60th anniversary, on Friday (July 12, 2024).
More than 50 people filled the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale, to hear tales of times gone by, from past and present members.
And the icing on the birthday cake was the launch of a book recounting the past 60 years, from the local VMR being just an idea in a Proserpine pub, in 1964, to being what it is now.
While the official launch of the newly refurbished Whitsunday Marine Club was due to take place the following day (Saturday, July 13) the Friday book launch was very much about old friends reuniting.
Members proudly wore their uniforms, as they welcomed founding and longtime members, their families and friends, to the VMR’s home base, in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale.
Originally opened in 1994, the building underwent a $770,000 update, in 2023, thanks to Federal funding, to expand the operations base and double the space upstairs for the VMR emergency radio operators.
Friday’s book launch included a speech from current president Mal Priday, to a backdrop of old photos showcasing the VMR’s history, followed by Morning Tea with everyone receiving a copy of the book.
Mr Priday welcomed Whitsunday Regional Mayor Ry Collins and Councillor Gary Simpson, saying it was a ‘momentous’ occasion.
“It’s great to see some of the founders that were involved in the establishment of what has evolved to be the VMR today,” Mr Priday said.
“Today, we celebrate 60 years of service to the marine and island communities of the Whitsundays.
“Sixty years is something we can be very, very proud of. We have come a long way since meeting in a pub, in Proserpine.”
Lovingly put together by VMR members Marlene Manto, Brian Richardson, Life Member Alan Midgley, Larraine Biggs and Mal Priday, with photo assistance from Carmel Pyatt, the book chronicles VMR Whitsunday’s history.
From its origins in the 1960s – when the rescue boats were donated by the members themselves and the VMR base was a ‘donga’ – to what it is now, all thanks to the hard work of members and friends of VMR, over the ensuing decades.
The book also chronicles VMR Whitsunday’s rescues throughout the years, from the ‘everyday’ breakdowns and boats running out of fuel, to boats sinking and, sadly on occasion, deaths and heartbreak for families.
There have also been weird and wonderful recues in strange places over the years – including a rescue on the Proserpine River surrounded by crocodiles – all reported with photos and, in some instances, quotes from those who were actually there.
Among many others, names like Jack Hickmott, John Harper and Col Ayers surface regularly in the book – all three were awarded the honour of becoming Life Members.
Life Members are ‘esteemed individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values and mission of VMR Whitsunday….embodying the spirit of volunteerism and playing a pivotal role in shaping VMR Whitsunday’s legacy’.
Col Ayers and Jack Hickmott were both at the book launch.
Mr Ayers – who dedicated 24 years of service to VMR, from 1992 to 2014, including being treasurer for many years – addressed the audience.
“I have seen a lot of committees come and go [over the 24 years] but everybody has had the best interests of the VMR at heart – I think that’s incredible,” he said.
Sadly, John Harper – described as a ‘towering figure in VMR’s rich history’ – passed away, in 2019.
However, two of his granddaughters – Georgie and Gabby Harper – were present at the book launch.
“There are a lot of memories – I have been to beautiful events here,” Georgie said.
“Grandad did rescues and he fought for the VMR – both for this building that’s here today and for the organisation.
“He loved his work and did a lot for it, and he talked about it until the day he died.”
To buy a copy of the book visit www.vmrwhitsundays.com.au/our-history
