VMR Stradbroke Island

Information

Our Squadron is located on the Moreton Bay (Western) side of North Stradbroke Island, and overlooks an area called One Mile, in the township of Dunwich. The Squadron was originally formed in 1977, as the Voluntary Emergency Rescue Squad, and was available for any emergency on, or near the Island.  Today, Marine Rescue Stradbroke Island is one of five Volunteer Marine Rescue Squadrons in Moreton Bay, that make up the Moreton Bay Zone of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Association of Queensland. We work in cooperation with the Qld Water Police, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the (QAS) Queensland Ambulance Service to provide service to the boating public, residents and visitors to the island.

There are a number of membership options available, and members volunteer their time and expertise in whatever capacity they are able.  A very high priority is placed on all aspects of training, including marine operations, first aid, marine radio, bar crossing, and emergency search and rescue procedures. Dedicated Active members are required to obtain a range of qualifications to complement Search and Rescue activities. They maintain these qualifications to a high standard through regular training and assessment.  In addition to our normal work in assisting the boating public, we play a role in conjunction with the QAS in providing emergency medical evacuations from the island to the mainland.  Our main areas of operation extend south to Macleay Island, west to Peel Island, north to the Southern parts of Moreton Island, and east across the South Passage Bar to access offshore waters areas off Point Lookout and Moreton Island.

We rely totally on community support, on voluntary donations, Corporate sponsors, subscriptions from members, fund raising activities, grants, and some Government subsidies.  Members are not paid for their time volunteering, however, enjoy maintaining our Base, our two Rescue vessels, and training, both on and off the water. They also participate in a number of fund raising events and social activities where camaraderie and friendships are often fostered and developed.

Operational Information

At any time, day or night, our fully equipped vessels can be launched to be ready for most emergencies. Our vessels are fitted with appropriate radio and navigation equipment and are capable of navigating the South Passage bar in all but the most severe weather conditions.  Vessel assistance is offered, a donation to cover the cost of fuel and repairs is always appreciated. Our radio room and Operations Centre at Dunwich, is fully equipped to allow monitoring of the 27mhz band (channels 88 & 91), VHF (channels 16,63,67,73 & 81) and HF (channel 2524) marine bands and to maintain contact with our rescue boats and authorities during operations.  Our radio call sign is “Marine Rescue 449”.  Marine Rescue Stradbroke Island is open on weekends and public holidays, 0800 to 1600 hours daily, and at other times as required.  Weekend calls are directed to our Duty Skipper. Mid-week calls are directed to our Operations Manager.

We can be directly contacted by phone on 0427 694 989.

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