Community partnership powers Marine Rescue Port Macquarie
by Marine Rescue NSW 7 Oct 23:15 BST
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers return a vessel to safety © Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie is proud to welcome Ritchies IGA as a Gold Tier Sponsor, boosting a vital community partnership that helps ensure local volunteers remain rescue-ready — any time of day or night, 365 days a year.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie is a not-for-profit charity with significant annual running costs. Unit Commander Greg Davies ESM said sponsorship is critical in keeping volunteers equipped to respond to emergencies.
"Corporate support is vitally important to the unit. With our running costs around $180,000 annually, we receive some financial support from the state government, but we must raise the gap locally.
"Our 213 dedicated volunteers stand ready around the clock, every day of the year. So far in 2025, they have completed more than 70 search and rescue missions, safely returning over 125 people to shore," Mr Davies said.
Ritchies IGA Community Development Manager Tim Walker said partnering with Marine Rescue Port Macquarie was an easy decision.
"We work with organisations that make a real difference in the community, and Marine Rescue Port Macquarie does exactly that — keeping boaters safe and saving lives on the water.
"We are proud to stand alongside them as a Gold Tier Sponsor," Mr Walker said.
Funds from the sponsorship will go directly towards supplies to keep volunteers trained and rescue-ready, as well as supporting Marine Rescue Port Macquarie's food van operations, a key part of the unit's fundraising efforts.
The partnership launch was celebrated with Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers serving free bacon and egg rolls to Ritchies shoppers — a small gesture of thanks to both the community and their new sponsor.
"Every sponsorship we receive makes a difference. We thank Ritchies IGA for their support and proudly welcome them as a Gold Tier Sponsor," Mr Davies said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.