Marine Rescue unit holds awards presentation
More than 150 years of combined volunteer service was recognised by Marine Rescue Central Coast at a presentation of awards held at the Ettalong Diggers Club.
Marine Rescue Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott came from Marine Rescue headquarters in Sydney to congratulate the several Central Coast members who received awards.
Long time volunteer with numerous organisations, Mr Sherwin Hensby, at 81, was officially presented with his Life Achievement Award, recognsing 35 years of volunteer service.
Unit commander Mr Ian Morrow praised fellow Life Member recipient Mr Ted Leeson, and observed a moment's silence for recently-passed Life Member Mr Geoff Dark.
"Marine Rescue NSW award members receive a badge at five years, a medal at 10 years and a clasp every 10 years after that," said Mr Morrow.
"People are awarded a National Medal after 15 years' service, followed each 10 years with a clasp."
He said Mr Hensby's years of volunteering began with the Rural Fire Service, where he spent many years serving food to firefighters on scene through the RFS canteen, along with other duties.
"Following a recent bout of cancer, he now helps out where he can, although most of the time he's resting at a local nursing home."
National Medals for 15 year's service went to Mr Peter William Alderton, Mr Ian Phillip Morrow and Mr Paul Robert Degeling
First Clasp to the National Medal for 25 year's service went to Mr Nikolas Banjevik.
Second Clasp to the National Medal for 35 year's service went to Mr Harold Frederick Scales.
The NSW Service Badge for five year's service went to Mr Vincent Joshua Boccalatte and Mr Rolf Martin Rienhardt.
The NSW Service Medal for 10 year's service went to Mr Mitchell Giles, Ms Jane Lewis and Mr Raymond Colin Lewis.
First Clasp to the MRNSW Service Medal for 20 years' service went to Mr Andrew William Pope
Unit Life Membership went to Mr Geoff Dark (posthumous), Mr Sherwin Hensby and Mr George Edward (Ted) Leeson.
Unit Commander's Commendations went to Ms Shea Wicks, Mr Ian Leafe and Mr Kevin Sullivan.
Pictured are Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch and Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid with Commissioner Alex Barrell, Mr Sherwin Hensby, Ms Yvonne Hensby and Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott.
SOURCE:
Social media, 7 Jun 2023
Marine Rescue Central Coast