Minister for Police and Community Safety Honourable Mark Ryan today announced the appointment of Tony Wulff as the Chief Officer of the new Marine Rescue Queensland.
As the inaugural Marine Rescue Queensland Chief Officer, Mr Wullf will play an instrumental role in establishing the new organisation.
Mr Wulff has over two decades' experience in transformational leadership across the public sector and marine industry and will take on the role from Monday 19 February 2024.
An International Yacht Master, Mr Wulff is passionate about the marine sector, bringing further direct and personal experience to this significant leadership role.
The progressive transition of existing volunteer units seeking to onboard to MRQ will initially commence on 1 July 2024 and is expected to continue over the medium term.
Quotes attributable to Minister Ryan:
"I welcome the announcement of Mr Tony Wulff as Chief Officer of Marine Rescue Queensland."
"Mr Wulff brings to this important position a wealth of experience and leadership, which will benefit the new Marine Rescue Queensland and the 3000 volunteers delivering marine rescue services to Queenslanders every day."
"The appointment of a Chief Officer for Marine Rescue Queensland is an important milestone in the Queensland Government's unwavering commitment to the marine rescue sector in this state."
Quotes attributable to Tony Wulff:
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead the new Marine Rescue Queensland, which is an exciting and vital outcome of the State's disaster and emergency services reforms."
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of marine rescue services in Queensland, and I'm excited to meet as many of the volunteers as possible very soon."
Quotes attributable to Allan Tennent, Deputy National Commodore, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association:
"Filling the position of Chief Officer of Marine Rescue Queensland will move forward the process of forming the single Marine Rescue entity.
"Mr Wulff's appointment should bring a much needed boost to the team's momentum in bringing about the transition to a single Government funded Marine Rescue entity."
Quotes attributable to Dr Graham Kingston, President Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland:
"Volunteer Marine Rescue Association welcomes the appointment of CEO Tony Wulff as a clear demonstration of the progress towards formation of MRQ.
"We forward look to working with Tony to assist the incorporation of over 50 years of relevant marine rescue experience into MRQ."
Background:
The Queensland Government's 2020 election commitments included $35.38 million to establish an integrated marine rescue service, called Marine Rescue Queensland.
Bringing together Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland, Marine Rescue Queensland will be established as a single entity dedicated to protecting Queenslanders in our oceans and waterways.
Image of Tony Wulff available below: