Volunteer Marine Rescue, Mornington: Alwyn Tamo
25-March-2011
Mr BURGESS (Hastings) -- On Saturday, 19 March, I had the great pleasure of representing the Baillieu government at Hastings Yacht Club to inspect and officially launch Volunteer Marine Rescue Mornington's new Hastings rescue vessel, the Alwyn Tamo. The government provided a grant of $233 500 and the community raised $60 000 to help purchase this new vessel as part of the Victorian government's Boating Safety and Facilities program. The new vessel will play an important role in servicing the boaters of Western Port and will further assist Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) in the work it does in preventing boat-related injuries and fatalities.
Alwyn Tamo was known as the 'angel of the airwaves' by the boaters she cared for and guided over more than 17 years, and this wonderful new vessel has been named after her to continue her treasured tradition.
VMR is a very important volunteer group that carries out search and rescue operations in Western Port, keeping visiting and local boaters safe. VMR has been recognised by the Boating Industry Association on numerous occasions for its safety initiatives and courageous rescues, and I commend its work and commitment to marine safety in Victoria.