The prestigious 2023-24 Australian Search and Rescue Awards (Awards) were presented in Sydney last night, hosted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The Awards are presented annually by the National Search and Rescue Council (NATSAR Council) in recognition of 'outstanding contributions to search and rescue' in Australia.
Nominations for the 2023-24 Awards were open to individuals, groups or organisations that made a significant contribution to search and rescue efforts in Australia and deserve recognition at a national level.
This year, the NATSAR Council introduced a new 'Professional Volunteer' category, recognising the important contribution and invaluable effort of professional volunteers in the search and rescue community.
NATSAR Council Chair and AMSA Executive Director Response Division, Mark Morrow said it was an honour to celebrate the actions of the awards recipients.
"Every year I am taken aback by the dedication shown by the search and rescue community and members of the public," Mr Morrow said.
"These awardees demonstrate true selflessness and professionalism and thoroughly deserve the recognition they have received."
This year's recipients of the 2023-24 National Search and Rescue Awards are (see attachment for incident details):
- Professional Award: Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad, in recognition of extremely challenging search and rescue efforts on Mount Bogong in August 2019. Note: Recognition of this incident has been necessarily delayed by related coronial proceedings.
- Professional Volunteer Award: Marong SES Swift Water Rescue crew, VIC, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts during the Wedderburn floods in January 2024.
- Non-Professional Award: Tosh Nottle, Alek Nowak and Matthew Thorburn, Jansz Beach, WA, for their successful efforts saving people from dangerous surf conditions near Exmouth, WA, in June 2024.
- Long-Standing contribution Award: Senior Sergeant Michael Gillies, Tasmania Police - in recognition of his long-term commitment, dedication and passion for search and rescue work throughout Tasmania, since 1993.
Commendations will also be awarded to (see attachment for incident details):
- Professional (joint awardees):
- Victoria Water Police, for their rescue of the crew of a pilot vessel in distress off Point Lonsdale, Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, in October 2023.
- AMSA Response Centre, Peter Myers, Andrew Johnson, Peter Welch, Steven Cross, Dion Curtis and Clare Draper from AMSA, for their coordination of the rescue of two pilots from a light aircraft that ditched in the ocean off the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, in 2023.
- Professional Volunteer: Marine Rescue Port Macquarie, NSW for their rescue of two crew from a stricken sailing vessel in strong winds and heavy seas off Port Macquarie, in October 2023.
- Non-professional: Charlotte Blake, Wilderness Ranger, Parks Tasmania, for outstanding efforts in the assistance of seven hikers in difficult, remote alpine wilderness on Western Arthur's Track, Tasmania, in December 2023.
- Long-standing contribution: Senior Sergeant Michael Potts, NT Police, for his outstanding contribution to search and rescue, coupled with leadership, innovation and professionalism.
Images of award recipients available here: Hightail
