NF19 Kingscliff Tower
|
6 FEB 1985 - NF19 Kingscliff
Formally known as Kingscliff Radio Watch began on 12th November 1982, NF19 Kingscliff Flotilla became established on 6th February 1985 and received its Charter on 14th July 1989. The first Commander was N. Brooks and F. Anderson was Vice Commander. The area served is from Tweed Heads north to Pottsville south.
|
1985 - VF5 Lake Eppalock
VF5 was formed in 1985, operating on Lake Eppalock from premises allocated by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission and is strategically located in the public picnic and swimming area overlooking one of the most actively used boating pools on the Lake which keeps the Flotilla and its members in the public eye.
In the beginning members used their own vessels for training and other activities until the first Flotilla owned vessel, CG5, a 23ft. Swiftcraft Sportsman, was purchased in 1987. This vessel was replaced by way of a grant from the State Government in 2001 by a 7mtr. Eden Craft powered by a 200hp Electronic Fuel Injected Mercury Outboard.
The Flotilla has a proud history, being part of the local emergency services, first call in all emergency activities on the Lake. The local Victorian Water Police Squad also supports them. They also take part in annual events in and around Bendigo, the Bendigo Easter Fair, Agricultural Show and Lake Marathons, events which are good public awareness exercises.
The first Flotilla Commander was Ray Campbell and the Flotilla received its charter on 28th April 2001
|
|
|
26 JUL 1985 - National Board Meeting
-
New South Wales and Victoria were empowered to operate a pilot scheme for the utilisation of Associate members as radio operators.
-
Commodore W. Henry presented Commodores Hardie, Swift and Clarke with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard plaques formally commemorating their Life Membership.
-
Past Commodore Fred Lee received the first Association's Ten Year Long Service Award which was presented by Commodore Hardie.
-
The COAT OF ARMS of the Association shall be the emblem with the Motto "Safety By All Means" encircled circumferentially at its base, external to the circlet.
-
SYMBOLISM - The White-breasted Australian Sea Eagle carries the unfouled anchor above the blue patch, symbolising surveillance and security on the water. The Southern Cross - present in the field on the Australian National Flag.
-
Vice Captain Chris Lowe, editor of the "Waves" magazine was appointed a National Officer with the rank of Captain. The name of the magazine was changed from "Waves" to "Coast Guard".
-
QF19 Cairns Flotilla was awarded the Commodore's Gold Award in recognition of outstanding action in the "Alenal" incident.
|
|
10 JAN 1986 - title change
Rank titles were changed to Flotilla Vice Commander and Vice Commander Training. |
Redland Caravan
|
FEB 1986 - QF7 Redland Bay
In 1979 a safety conscious Fishing Club made a habit of "logging-in" with Coast Guard Manly (Brisbane). Eight members of the Redland Bay Amateur Fishing Club joined the club and formed a Section of Coast Guard Manly in 1984. The Section was already accredited with the saving of two lives.
In March 1986 a Flotilla was formed at Weinan Creek, Redland Bay under the leadership of Commander Kel. O'Shea (for the next eight years). As proprietor of the Redland Bay Hotel, Commander O'Shea installed an emergency radio to monitor any emergency calls and meetings were also held at the hotel. Membership totaled 22 with 21 member- inspected vessels. The first Flotilla owned rescue vessel CG 700, a 5.8m Haines Hunter powered by a 185 HP Evinrude was traditionally launched on 7th February 1987.
An old caravan fully equipped with all radio equipment, tools for repairs, First Aid equipment etc was the operations center located at the boat ramp at Weinan Creek, Redland Bay. Four years later, the Shire Council allocated a section of land at the Creek adjoining the boat ramp for the Headquarters building. Commander Kel O'Shea was responsible for most of the building construction which cost some $150,000.
National Commodore Clarke presented the Flotilla Charter on 18th June 1988 The Headquarters was officially opened by Commodore Yowe (South Queensland Squadron) on the 24th November 1990. In May 1992 a new Haines Hunter with a 350ci V8 inboard was purchased and a 3.8metre Zodiac IRB was purchased to assist in shallow water work and for diving operations. A 7.1m Noosa Cat was purchased in 2000 and a 9.8m Coogar Cat replaced this vessel in 2003. A 5.3m Naiad inflatable rigid boat and a 155hp three seater jet ski are also part of the rescue equipment. |
|
|
7 MAR 1986 - National Board Meeting
-
Difficulties were encountered in administering a unit in Darwin.
-
A register of members holding office in the Association including rank, dates of service, is to be maintained at Flotilla, Division, Squadron and National levels as applicable.
-
Len Turnbull, QF1 Southport is now the Public Officer of the Association in Queensland.
-
QF18 Airlie Beach Flotilla was granted its Charter.
|
 |
7 MAR 1986 - Election results
Graham Clarke (right), NF 3 was elected National Commodore and had served a record twelve years before standing down in 1998.
He was then appointed National Board Adviser.
Last National report presented by Commodore Robert Hardie (left) before standing down as National Commodore.
The Honorable Peter Morris, Federal Minister for Transport and Aviation was appointed as the Honorary National Commodore. |
|
|
1 AUG 1986 - Sydney International Boat Show
The Hon. L.J. Brereton, Minister for Public Works, Ports and Roads at the 1986 Sydney International Boat Show, presented A Mobile Communications Centre to the New South Wales Squadron. |
|
7 NOV 1986 - first issue of Coastguard
The first issue of COASTGUARD, "The Newsletter" was presented by Captain Chris Lowe. |
|
28 JUN 1987 -
Commodore Barton was elected Chairman
The inaugural meeting of Committee of New South Wales Commodores was held at Port Kembla. Commodore Barton was elected Chairman for the first twelve months |
|
7 AUG 1987 - 25 year anniversary
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association in South Australia celebrated 25 years.
An "Off Shore Flotilla" was in formation in Sydney. This was disbanded 17th February 1988.
|
|
7 AUG 1987 - National Board Meeting
Commander P.R. Swan was granted Life Membership of the Association.
Commander W. Barber was granted Life Membership of the Association.
Byron Bay. A Flotilla was in formation at Byron Bay in 1987, but merged with NF10 Ballina Flotilla in March 1988. |
| 13 MAY 1988 - Commodore's Silver Award
QF1 member Jim Knowles received the Commodore's Silver Award, for saving a life. |
 |
11 MAR 1988 - official opening of the Seaway Tower
The official opening of the Government Seaway Tower on the Gold Coast, by Sir Joh Bjelke Petersen jointly manned by Coast Guard and ASR, took place on May 31st 1988.
National Training Commodore Henry was seeking assistance of somebody with typing and editing ability to catalogue and distribute documents. South Queensland Squadron offered to assist. Staff Captain Laurie undertook this position.
Hill 60 Radio Base is now operating seven (7) days a week. (Photograph of the building in attachments)
Radio Base is being established at Point Perpendicular Lighthouse.
Wallaroo has a Flotilla in formation.
Boards of Inquiry document presented by National Vice Commodore Pearson. This document was accepted in principle on 12th November 1988 and held by National Board for future reference.
Two manuals entitled "Cadet Seaman" and "Cadet Quartermaster" were presented for perusal by National Training Commodore Bill Henry. |
|
23 MAY 1988 - Coast Guard Port Augusta
Coast Guard Port Augusta SAF8, situated at the northern end of Spencer Gulf was officially opened by Mayor Joy Baluch as a Radio Base Station, operated by Ken and Raylene Pollock from their home. A few years later permission was granted to set up a standby-station to help with all the calls being received from Associate members, yachties and local boaties On 21st August 1996 a public meeting was held in Port Augusta to discuss the formation of a Flotilla, as well as maintaining the Radio Base Station. Commander Ken Pollock was the first Flotilla Commander and Doug Gill was Vice Commander. Fundraising commenced to purchase the first rescue vessel CG08 and a towing vehicle, these being housed in their boatshed. Members who assisted in the search for a downed aircraft in Spencer Gulf were awarded "Certificates of Appreciation" by the South Australian Government. The Flotilla received its Charter on 14th September 2001, signed by National Commodore Gillett. The Commissioning of a new Patrol vessel "Challenger" took place on 24th August 2002. This vessel is now used as a training vessel only. "Albatross" and "Maverick" are the current vessels in 2005. |
Commodore Bob Hardie
|
12 NOV 1988 - Offical Colours
Standard colour for Coast Guard vessels to be air sea rescue orange or bright yellow with a pantone reflex blue flash. |
MAR 1989 - Commodore Bob Hardie was honoured
Commodore Bob Hardie was honoured by the presentation of the Australian Sea Safety Award in recognition of his dedication and continued service to sea safety spanning twenty-two (22) years. |
|
16 APR 1989 - Lake Illawarra launch vessel
NF6 Lake Illawarra launched their newly acquired vessel named "Lake Illawarra" National Commodore Clarke carried out the christening ceremony. |
|
8 JUL 1989 - Launch & Charters
Launching of CG28 at NF3 Ku-Ring-Gai Flotilla.
NF10 Ballina received its Charter.
Queenscliffe Flotilla VF9 received its Charter. |
|
16 JUL 1989 - Recieved Charters
NF9 Kingscliff Flotilla received its Charter
VF3 Loch Sport granted its Charter
NF9 Swansea Flotilla was successful in its tender for operation of the Swansea road bridge. |
|
SEP 1989 - QF 16 Cooktown
Early 1989 after two close calls, members of the Cooktown Sport and Game Fishing Club decided to consult with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard with a view to formalizing a marine search and rescue group in Cooktown. In September 1989, Commodores Lindsay and Porter from the North Queensland Squadron met with interested locals at the Cooktown RSL and gave the locals an overview of the aims, objectives and responsibilities of the Association, and advice on how to set up a Flotilla. The operational area is north to Cape Flattery and south to Cape Tribulation.
The first general meeting of the Flotilla was held on the first Tuesday in March 1990. Dave Moore (Publican of the Lion's Den Hotel) was the first Commander who only held the position for eight months, business commitments forcing him to stand down. Keith Eales was then elected Commander with Bob Harvey taking the Vice Commander position. The Flotilla received its Charter signed by National Commodore Graham Clarke on 3rd April 1992. |
|
SEP 1989 - Life Membership
Commander E. O'Donnell NSW received Life Membership of the Association. |
RETURN TO TOP
|
|
