1994-1999

Our History - (1994-1999)

NEW YEAR 1994 - Statewide Bushfires
The Government of New South Wales awarded AVCGA New South Wales for recognition of their involvement and support in the effort to preserve life and property during the 1994 New Year Statewide Bushfires. (Copy in Document folder)

16 FEB 1994 - Formation of TF 2
Members of TF1 Executive attended a meeting at Triabunna at the request of Graeme Bellette a former member of QF1 to discuss the formation of a Flotilla in the area. The result of the meeting was the formation of a section of TF1, confirmed by National Commodore Clarke on 23rd February. TF 2 was initially formed at Orford and Triabunna, later expanding into Swansea on the East Coast of Tasmania. Members use their own vessels to provide on water assistance. Radio bases are operated at Orford and Swansea.

3 MAR 1994 - SeaSafety Awards
SeaSafety Award was presented to Rear Commodore John Jewell, North Queensland Squadron for his contribution in arranging SAREX exercises in North Queensland.

Mrs. Croft, VF3 Loch Sport received the SeaSafety Award for providing radio coverage.

25 MAR 1994 - National Board Meeting

QF22 Torres Strait Flotilla was granted its Charter.
National Staff Commodore Mike Askey resigned from this position.
25th Nov. 1994 A draft copy of the Accounting Guide compiled by Commodore Barton has been forwarded to all Squadrons. The Accounting Guide was accepted at 18th August 1995 meeting.
A thirty (30) year Long Service Award is to be considered.
A Charter of Operation was granted to TF1 Kettering.
A working group to cover Radio was formed. National Commodore Clarke - Nominee and contact with Government and SMA; National Training Commodore Henry - Coordinator; Flotilla Commander Watson Technical Adviser and curriculum development, Vice Captain A. Laurie - Administration/Procedures; Captain C. Laurie- Minutes /Contact Base.
As from 1st January 1995 any recognised training for the Government in Queensland must be produced in CBT format.
The Swearing-In Ceremonies procedures for appointed and elected Officers became a By-Law.
CAPITATION FEES are now $10
Commodore Clarke had served eight years as National Staff Commodore and is now in his fifth term, (nine years) as National Commodore and is considering standing down from this position.
Consideration is being given to split the North Queensland Squadron into another Squadron because of the number of Flotillas in the Squadron and the distance to travel to attend meetings.

Mar 1994 - QF25 Cape York Flotilla
QF25 Cape York Flotilla was formed in 1994. Robert Mitchell was the first Commander (1994 - 2004) and Gary Wright was Deputy Commander. The Flotilla was sited at Seisia Caravan Park and at the workplace of Gary Wright. QF25 covers the area North to Thursday Island, South West to Skardon River and South East to Shellbourne Bay. Launching ramps are at Seisia Beach and Jacky Jacky River. The first rescue vessel "Seisia Star" was a 7.6m Aluminum mono hull powered by 2 x 120hp Evinrude outboards. The next vessel was a 7m. Stinger "Talisman" powered by 2 x 70hp Yamaha outboards.

In 2005, Jeffrey Aniba, Deputy Chairman of Seisia Council was appointed Commander with Gary Wright as Deputy. QF25 is currently operational with a combination of AVCGA and SES members and two skippers and crews are always ready to provide assistance. A new 6m Cairns Custom Craft Longboat with 2 x 60hp Mercury engines named "Siga-Thoora" which means 'to see or search in the distance' will be launched in April 2006. A project to erect a building with SES is in the planning stage with $80,000 already allocated and a site provided by Seisia Council.

MAY 1994 - launching of "Noosa Waters"
National Commodore Clarke officiated at the launching of QF5 "Noosa Waters"

DEC 1994 - SeaSafety Award
Larry Ward and Tony McMillan both received the SeaSafety Award

3 DEC 1994 - Caloundra's 20 year anniversary
Qf4 Caloundra celebrated its twenty (20) years anniversary

9 DEC 1994 - Noosa's 20 year anniversary
QF5 Noosa celebrated its twenty (20) years anniversary

DEC 1994 - TF5 Tamar Flotilla
TF5 Tamar Flotilla was formed as a result of advertising shown on Southern Cross Network TV with thirteen interested persons attending the first meeting. Commander Watson TF1 attended the meeting. The first vessel was a 15.5ft Aluminum De Havilland dinghy with a 25hp Mercury outboard used for training.

The Commissioning of their new rescue vessel "Tamar Alliance" was conducted by Deputy National Commodore Archbold in January 1997,

30 MAY 1995 - TAS. Squadron Formation
A Squadron was in Formation in Tasmania

3 JUN 1995 - Order of Australia Medal
Life Member Peter Swan, a member of VF1 Frankston was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard. Peter is the longest serving member of our Association having joined in the very early days in August 1961. (Copy of Citation in History documents file No 1.)

3 JUN 1995 - Tasmania Squadron formed
TF4 Hobart and Tasmania Squadron was formed in 1995 and is based in the Tasmania Squadron Headquarters, (the Graham Clarke Facility) located on the foreshore of the Royal Hobart Regatta Ground, on the Queens Domain, Hobart and is the Training Flotilla. TF4 operates a Volunteer Marine Radio Station mainly for special events and in cases of emergency

JUL 1995 - Membership reaches 10914
MEMBERSHIP of the Association totaled 10914 representing 2628 Regular and 8286 Associate

The election of two female members to the position of Flotilla Commander (Lucille Jackley) and Flotilla Vice Commander ((Lorelle Wilton) in QF9 Cairns is probably a first in our Association

18 AUG 1995 - National Board Meeting

Vale - Vice Commodore Bill McPherson, National Supply Officer.
Captain Geary appointed National Supply Officer and was sworn in as such.
Airlie Beach Flotilla was disbanded 1st September 1995.
The National Policy on Work Place Health and Safety and Social Harassment and the Law was accepted. It was considered that this should be included in the Seaman 11 course.
Recognition of the 15-year period of service to the Association is to be considered, also for five year and twenty-five year service. Certificate accepted.
Consideration to be given to producing a perpetual Year Card for Life Members.
VF12 Sandringham chartered as a Specialist Flotilla.
It was suggested that a section be set aside prior to National Board meetings for Squadron Staff Captains to be briefed by the National Staff Commodore and the Squadron Rear Commodores by the National Training Commodore. Consideration also be given to the organisation of a separate conference for attendance by Squadron Staff Captains, Vice Commodores and Rear Commodores and Public Relations Officers in order that such officers may attend workshops conducted by the relevant National Officers and such conference to be conducted annually at a mutually agreed, relatively central location. Refer to page 29 Motion 19 of minutes dated 18th August 1995.
NF 14 Port Kembla was reclassified as a Specialist Flotilla.
CAPITATION FEES to be increased by an extra $10 from July 1996.
The Mission Statement and Strategic Objectives as outlined by the National Public Relations Officer M. Wilson was accepted.
The Patrol Officer badge is to be replaced with the SAR Control badge. It was later confirmed that the Patrol Officer rating will be retained as well as the SAR controller and the SAROPS patch.
Life Membership of the Association was awarded to Frank Carter and B. Crittenden QF9 Cairns. A posthumous Award of Life Membership was made to Commodore Bill Macpherson.

17 FEB 1996 - Training Seminar
A Training Seminar was held in Sydney chaired by National Training Commodore Bill Henry. Guest speakers were Alistair Mitchell, AYF and Dick Tucker Manager State Rescue Board of New South Wales

29 MAR 1996 - National Board Meeting

A National Administration /Accounting Seminar was held, chaired by Commodore Barton.
A 30 year Long Service Award as per a sample presented by Captain Geary was accepted. The Award to be a gold anchor and laurel wreath.
The Protocol Handbook is to be dedicated to the late Dr. Robert Hardie.
There has always been a capitation fee of $5 for Cadets
QF24 Thirsty Sound was granted a Charter.
QF23 Cardwell received its Charter
QF19 Rockhampton granted its Charter
Central Queensland Squadron granted its Charter
A Life Membership pin is to be considered.
The Charter for Central Queensland Squadron was re-instated March 1996.
The First Aid badge is to be removed from all uniforms. It is no longer permissible to wear this badge.
Proposed formation of a Flotilla at Lockhart River, North Queensland.
QF23 Cardwell received its Charter.30th March 1996. Area of operation is north to Murray River and south to Ramsey Bay, Hinchinbrook Island. New Operations Centre opened.

29 MAR 1996 - Rockhampton Applies for Charter
QF19 Rockhampton Charter Application.

MAR 1996 - Lake Eildon withdrawn
Flotilla VF14 Lake Eildon was withdrawn

13 APR 1996 - vessel "Sunshine"
Commissioning and blessing of Iluka/Yamba rescue vessel "Sunshine" [view document]

12 MAY 1996 - Mooloolaba's 20th Anniversary
QF6 Mooloolaba celebrated its 20th Anniversary Milestone

JUN 1996 - first female Commander
The first female Commander of QF12 Tully, Janice Craze was elected.

2 JUN - Innisfail Official Opening
Official opening of the new Headquarters for QF15 Innisfail

13 JUL - Tin Can Bay 20th Anniversary
QF17 Tin Can Bay Flotilla celebrated its 20th Anniversary

21 SEP 1996 - Farewell to National Commodore
Farewell to National Commodore Bill Henry & National Training Commodore

12 OCT 1996 - Devonport's Commissioning Ceremony
A Commissioning Ceremony carried out by Deputy National Commodore Ian Archbold was held at TF3 Devonport to officially receive TF3’s 16ft. half cabin “Bell Boy” as an AVCGA Rescue Vessel.

NOV 1996 - registration of TF6 Becheno
An approach was made to the Tasmania Squadron by Neville Barnes of Becheno on the East Coast of Tasmania offering the facilities of his radio base with accommodation to AVCGA. The offer was accepted. Arrangements were made with National Commodore Clarke for registration of TF6 Becheno in December 1996. Unfortunately in July 1997 Mr. Barnes passed away.

29 NOV 1996 - National Board Meeting

Commodore John Pearson was appointed National Board Adviser.
Vice Captain Allan Laurie appointed coordinator of the National Radio Committee. The committee consists of National Commodore Clarke, Chairman, Captain Laurie coordinator, Commodore Watson as Technical Officer, Ron Jenkins as Adviser and Captain C. Laurie as Staff and contact base.
Ron Jenkins (Spectrum Management Agency) was appointed Adviser in Radio to the National Association and National Communication Committee.
The ALPHA /NUMERIC system of numbering is to be introduced.
An offer was received to go on the Home Page for inclusion on the Internet. Commodore Cowie was appointed Web Master for the Association and authorised to set up a Web Site.
The Swearing-In procedures in certificate form were approved.
The development of National Competency Based Standard training is to be implemented.
Life Membership was granted to F. Zappala, QF8 Townsville and H. Barnett, QF8 Townsville.

20 MAR 1997 - VF04 welcomed the first US Warship
VF04 welcomed the first US Warship "USS Reid" and assisted in carrying her crew of VIP's ashore and was used for two days as a transport vessel. Commander Ziemba complemented Coast Guard in the best recognized way of all - "He Saluted"

JUL 1997 - Formation of Offshore Rescue Flotilla
An Offshore Rescue Flotilla was formed in New South Wales but was disbanded soon after.

8 AUG 1997 - National Board Meeting

Commodore Neil Jones was appointed National Training Commodore.
It was accepted that a Citation, Badge and Plaque be presented to Life Members.
The Seaman 11 Course as standardised by the New South Wales Squadron was presented by Rear Commodore Trish Boath Notes were distributed and a disc was made available to Squadrons.
A move was made to consolidate all aspects of insurance policies into a single package with the aim of acquiring the best cost effective coverage for the Association.
An Insurance Sub Committee was formed with Kingsley Fraser, QF6 and Ian Lavin, QF11 to represent the Association.
The application for Charter for TF3 Devonport/Sorell was approved.
Life Membership was awarded to Maxwell Chester, South Australia, John Stafford and Tom Faruggia North Queensland.
Consideration is to be given to standardizing the types of vessels purchased by the Association with a limit on design and length.
Captain Fiddyment was appointed National Magazine Editor and the first issue of the magazine under his editorship was December 1997, published by Executive Media, Melbourne. It totaled 36 pages and the print run was 3000. The first issue published by the new publishers P & G. Lynch, Palm Beach Queensland was June 1999 with 64 pages and 5000 copies
Commodore Howland presented National Commodore Clarke with a "larger hammer" a gavel , which was made by a member and presented on behalf of QF9 Cairns.

22 DEC 1997 - Memorandum of Understanding
Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and New South Wales Emergency Service.

3 FEB 1998 - Victorian Squadron entered arrangement
Victorian Squadron entered into a Sister Service arrangement with the USCG and CG Auxiliary at a function in Melbourne hosted by the American Consul General Tex Harris at the Consulate Offices.

6 MAR 1998 - National Board Meeting

Personal Log Books for Instructional Skills, Sea Time and Radio Operator were distributed by Commodore Jones.
Coast Guard identity numbers are to be standardized using the State, Squadron, Year of joining and the identity number. (e.g.) Kingscliff - 21980001. (State being 2, Squadron 1, year of joining 98 then number. )
The Protocol Handbook is now available and forms part of the By-Laws.
Leisurenet Australia P/L proposed to install Video cameras in Bases for Internet Weather System Weather Cam sites to be at Iluka/Yamba, Noosa, Swansea, Ballina and Evans Head.
A certificate will be issued for ten year and twenty year continuous service.
The Victorian Squadron advised the formation of a Sister Service with Team Coast Guard Chicago.
Commodore Chris Gillett was elected National Commodore. Commodore Campbell was elected as Deputy National Commodore. Commodore Pearson stood down as National Adviser and Commodore Clarke was appointed to this position.
Commodore Neil Jones, QF11 was granted Life Membership of the Association.
Commodore Bill Barton , New South Wales was granted Life Membership of the Association.

18 APR 1998 - Davenport Chartered
TF3 Davenport received its Charter.

AUG 1998 - Agreement for 2000 Olympic
Proposed Heads of Agreement made between Waterways Authority of NSW, AVCGA and RVCP for the 2000 Olympic Strategic Plan.

20 NOV 1998 - National Board Meeting

Commodore Gillett presented his first report to the Board as National Commodore.
In order to save costs, it was decided to have full National Board meetings on an annual basis, in addition to hold six monthly business meetings with only National Board members in attendance.
Coast Guard Cadets are to be phased out as operational units of the Association and no new enrolments are to be accepted.
Appointments: S. Richardson as National Supply Officer, C. Laurie, National Minutes Secretary, A. Henwood, Publicity Officer, K. Fraser, Insurance Officer and P. Fiddyment, National Magazine Editor.
A bid has been made to host the ILF Conference in the year 2003
Tony Hollis, (South Australia) was granted permission to use the AVCG Logo on the inside cover of his Coastal Navigation Book.
Rear Commodore Trish Sinclair appointed State Training Co-Ordinator for New South Wales.
The Officers Guide Book is now available from Commodore Holmes.
Life Membership awarded to Commodore Musolino, South Australia and Commodore Alan Carter (Posthumous), Southern New South Wales.

NOV 1998 - Introduction of Youth Program
A Radio Base only was established at Malacoota.

The introduction of the Victorian Youth Development Program (School Cadets)

10 APR 1999 - National Board Meeting

The National Board minutes are to be sent via e-mail
A discussion paper was presented by Commodore Holmes outlining the requirements of a suitable person in each state to act as an Administration co-ordinator and liaise with the National Staff Commodore.
A posthumous Award of "AM" was made to Mr. Ted Maddon, Victoria.
Doug Dufty, Northern New South Wales received the "OAM".
Preliminary arrangements are being made for a Pan Pacific conference.

1 OCT 1999 - National Board Meeting

The National Medal was recognized. Criteria is for a member to have completed fifteen years accumulated service with the Association and maintain training levels to perform the primary functions of the Association.
Captain Brenda Smith was appointed National Supply Officer.
A working committee was formed to report to the next National Board meeting with draft material and policy for implementation for raising funds through Bequests and Legacies. Committee consists of DNC Campbell, Commodores Wilson, Huxley and Mr. Smith.
NF7 Shellharbour was granted its Charter of Operation.
SAF 3, SAF 4 and SAF 7 are no longer active and their respective Charters are withdrawn.
The Queensland State Council distributed a Profile of Resources, 1998 Other Squadrons were asked to produce a similar profile to enable a National document to be produced. This would prove invaluable in negotiations with Government, their agencies, sponsors, other organisations and international bodies

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