The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Inc.
National Commodores Report To National Board - March 1986
- The penultimate draft of the Constitution, the result of passage through
the Corporate Affairs Commission, Canberra and perusal by Macphillamy
Cummins & Gibson, is now available for discussion at this meeting. I say,
"penultimate" because one can hardly dare to think that it may be the
final draft. It must yet meet with your approval, and then be forwarded
once again to the Commission for the final word. I recall a notation in
the Minutes of the National Board Meeting at Maroochydore dated Sunday,
7th November, 1982 that "the National Commodore would proceed with a review
of the Constitution accepting that this may take several years", and I
may say that the "several years" involved have been both stimulating and
frustrating. They have, however given me a remarkably deep look into the
substance of this Association, and I find without surprise that it is
a very fine substance indeed. I sincerely thank all, present here or not,
who have played their part in this exercise. I believe the result will
succeed in its intention.
- I have prepared a form of application for Associate Membership based
on the application for Membership.
- I have prepared a modification of the AYF medical kit, as requested,
which I believe is an improvement - with due respect to my colleagues
who prepared the original.
- I recently visited N.S.W. Squadron's Kingscliff Flotilla, and presented
the Charter of the Clarence River Flotilla, having first officially opened
their Base. On the same weekend I visited the Southport Flotilla, and
having inspected the better behaved bar, carried out a short sick parade
in calmer waters.
- I was overseas during the second Department of Transport Seminar-Workshop
in October 1985, and thank Commodore Henry and Commodore Clarke for attending.
- I attended the February 1986 Seminar with Commodore Clarke, acting as
Chairman for one of the discussion groups - quaintly called "Syndicates"/
I found this a very stimulating affair, and append a report on proceedings.
- At the subsequent meeting of the Marine Rescue Association of Australia,
(this named was accepted at the October 1985 Meeting) a logo designed
by daughter and self was accepted. I was honoured by election as Vice
President of the Association, the retiring President Bob Smith being re-elected
to that office. Ian Inwood, Air Sea Rescue Association of S.A. accepted
the office of Secretary-Treasurer. I have been persuaded to initiate submissions
to the Commonwealth Government for financial grants, and am a member of
the MRA Manual Editorial Committee. So much for retirement.
- As you know there is need for yet further data to complete the requirements
of the D.O.T. for the computer record of Volunteer resources. At my suggestion
the requirement for the date of the last RDF calibration test and the
signature of formation Commanders (together with a modification of the
data concerning the numbers of vessels) were declined by the MRA. The
other requirements were I believe only an improvement. I hope to have
for you a final form of report which will encompass everything. It was
strongly recommended that State Committees of all organisations involved
in Sea Safety should be formed, ideally chaired by a representation of
the Water Police. This has baeen done in Queensland with increasing benefit.
Castrol has instituted a Sea Safety Award to be presented in conjunction with the DOT Sea Safety & Surveillance Centre, nominations being "on the basis of a design or programs which improve sea safety, or for any individual or collective act of heroism during a sea rescue".
- In reviewing the past eight years I must admit to some satisfaction
that most of the projects I progressively listed for attention have been
achieved. I do not feel particularly naïve in saying that I believe the
Association has become more cohesive e, although there is still much more
to be done in this regard. It was most certainly fragmented in 1978.
- My most sincere thanks go to all those who have formed an effective
and supportive National Board. My particular appreciation goes to Commodore
Graham Clarke who has been responsible for providing a professional secretariat,
backed by our good friend Donald Issacs, without which all the good intentions
and schemes in the world would have been ineffective.
- My term in office has been a most stimulating challenge and an education.
- I look forward to the support of this Board and the Association in the
development of the vitally important fledgling Marine Rescue Association
of Australia.
Signed: ROBERT HARDIE
NATIONAL COMMODORE.