WHY DID I JOIN the AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER COAST GUARD?
Ted
NF19 KINGSCLIFF FLOTILLA
Q. How long have you been with Coast Guard Kingscliff?
I’ve been with the Kingscliff Flotilla for three years.
Q. Why did you join?
I joined because I wanted to do something for the community and I also wanted to take the opportunity to learn something to keep my brain active.
Q. In what areas have you been able to share your skills?
I’m really good at boiling the kettle – a necessity to belong to the Flotilla. I had some experience in operating radios while a national serviceman in the army and was able to help other members learn. While working for a transport company I learned to tie knots, which has come in handy on the boats. I’m able to keep the boat crew under control with the threat of tying them up.
Q. What do you personally get out of Coast Guard?
I especially enjoy the early morning shifts so that I can watch the sunrise. Being a part of the boat crew is great as well, because they are a good mob to work with. I really enjoy learning about boats, navigation etc. There have been many changes since I started, which have improved the standard of the boat crew. In fact, being with Coast Guard, I learn something new every day.
Q. Are you, or have you been involved, in other emergency services?
No, Kathy and I were always moving around with jobs, and it didn’t allow me time to change. It was only when we settled in Tweed Heads that we decided to join Coast Guard.
Q. Where did you and Kathy meet?
I met Kathy when I was in the Army. Kathy was caught by my uniform and arresting smile and we’ve been together ever since.
Ted is a very important part of Coast Guard, especially in the boat crew. He also helps out with duties in the Tower at least once a week and attends fundraising activities whenever time allows. He has a great sense of humour and is fun to work with (especially when he tries to drown the Commander while out on the ocean – he gets drenched every trip).
Thanks Ted for your contributions to Coast Guard Kingscliff.