News & Media

PRESS RELEASE

Visit by Emergency Services Minister and DFES Commissioner

On Saturday 10^th Feb the State Minister for Emergency Services, (Hon Fran Logan) accompanied by the Commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, (Mr Darren Klemm) visited the three major sea rescue groups in the Perth area.

The minister started off with a visit to Cockburn Volunteer Sea Rescue. Then he moved on to inspect the facilities at Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue before taking a trip up the coast on board Fremantles’ R100 to rendezvous with Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue vessels Green 1 and Green 2 for the final stage of the trip to Ocean Reef.

The minister met members of the Whitfords committee and took a tour of the radio tower and other facilities. He was then shown Green 3 on its trailer in the big shed. After getting first-hand experience of R100 and then Green 1 and Green2, the minister was able to see immediately the potential shortcomings of Green 3 for some of the conditions we experience doing rescue duty in local waters.

Following a pleasant lunch provided by DFES, the Minister and the Commissioner both had some encouraging and complimentary comments to make about Whitfords  and the other sea rescue groups in the state. Of particular interest to Whitfords members, the Minister gave assurances that the government will ensure that we will be provided with appropriate accommodation during the building of the Ocean Reef Marina and a new, purpose-built facility as part of the completed  new marina complex.

On 3 September 2017 Premier Mark McGowan announced the upgrade of the Ocean Reef boat harbour, transforming existing facilities into a world-class tourism and recreational facility.

A public environmental review has been undertaken and consultative meetings are taking place between the key project participants and the major stakeholders. The most recent meeting took place at Whitfords Sea Rescue HQ on Tuesday 24th October.

For more details, see https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2017/09/Ocean-Reef-Marina-transformation-set-to-get-underway.aspx

The Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group has a new, fully equipped four-wheel drive ute to support its marine safety activities.

Thanks to Quadrant Energy for its grant, which enabled the purchase of the vehicle and equipped it to carry emergency equipment and operate on the radio system.

For the full story, see: http://www.communitynews.com.au/joondalup-times/news/new-ford-ranger-lends-high-powered-support-to-whitfords-sea-rescue-group/

BOATIES are risking their lives when they go out on the water without logging on with a volunteer sea rescue group. Already this year, Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group has saved three people’s lives.

Rescue Group Facts

• Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group has a 24/7 radio service, with the Ocean Reef tower manned every day from 7am to 6pm and home-based operations in two shifts – from 6pm to 11pm then 11pm to 7am.
• With about 120 volunteer members, the group covers the coast from Alkimos to City Beach and about 50km out to sea, performing about 250 rescues a year.

See more details here: http://www.communitynews.com.au/joondalup-times/news/whitford-volunteer-sea-rescue-group-says-boaties-putting-lives-at-risk-by-not-logging-on/