Bowen’s Volunteer Marine Rescue service upgrades rescue vessel with help from sponsorship

Abbot Point Operations and Volunteer Marine Rescue’s partnership has officially set sail with the launch of a new state-of-the-art-rescue vessel for the local Bowen volunteer group.

VMR volunteers Ross Homewood (far left) and Ted Gatkowski (far right) with Abbot Point Operations' Tiana Fry and Lauren Barber. Picture: Supplied.

Years of fundraising efforts have finally paid off for Bowen’s Volunteer Marine Rescue service, which received a well-overdue vessel upgrade.

VMR Bowen members were thrilled to launch their first new state-of-the-art, purpose-built rescue vessel in almost 20 years, the Rescue Bowen, late last month, allowing the continued safe operation of their marine rescue service.

Abbot Point Operations supported the volunteer group in their two year fundraising campaign, with VMR Bowen’s fundraising co-ordinator Ted Gatkowski saying the ongoing partnership had also resulted in a renewed interest in VMR from the local community.

“Over the past two and a half years, our Vessel Replacement Program has developed a greater awareness of VMR Bowen’s activities and role within the community and since the arrival of our new boat there has been a noticeable increase in interest from younger people to get involved with us,” Mr Gatkowski said.

“This is something that we had hoped for and are positively thrilled about.”

VMR Bowen's new purpose-built rescue vessel 'Rescue Bowen'. Picture: Supplied

APO general manager Allan Brown said they were delighted to sponsor such an important organisation within the Bowen community.

“The hardworking and enthusiastic volunteers from VMR Bowen provide a vital service for our seaside community, our recreational fisherman and out of town visitors,” Mr Brown said.

“It has been heartwarming to see our local community rally behind VMR Bowen and as a business with a local Bowen workforce we are honoured to be able to support them on their journey to a new vessel.”

VMR Bowen has previously assisted APO’s own emergency response teams with medical evacuation support, having evacuated ship’s crew members in need of medical help.

As part of APO’s Community Volunteering Policy, staff involved in volunteering with VMR Bowen are permitted to be released from work to help with rescue operations aboard Rescue Bowen when required – a “massive benefit” to the VMR, Mr Gatkowski said.

Originally published as Bowen’s Volunteer Marine Rescue service upgrades rescue vessel with help from sponsorship