Small beginnings
Their first steps included devising a communication process and establishing a roster, with each of the 6 members pledging their own vessel to stand ready for distress calls, although when the need arose there were many other boaties who launched their own boats to assist. For one huge search operation, there were twenty four boats involved!
The group operated without charging for their services, relying instead on donations from those they assisted. Gratitude often came in kind; for example, after rescuing a family on a chartered sailing boat, the volunteers received ‘payment’ from the vessel’s owner, a baker from Mackay. A large carton of bread!
Name changes
‘Proserpine Sea Rescue’ became an official entity in January 1967 when a steering committee was formed to draft a constitution and rules, formalising the efforts that had begun 3 years earlier. By July of that year, the name had changed again to Whitsunday Air Sea Rescue (WASR). It was 1977 when a Coast Guard Flotilla was established in the area, and the 2 emergency rescue organisations operated side by side for fourteen years until 1991 when they formally merged to become initially Whitsunday Marine Rescue, and then finally, VMR Whitsunday.
The Marine Club
Initially, the group operated without centralised facilities, holding meetings at various venues in Proserpine, such as the Metropole Hotel, the RSL Club, and the CWA Hall. It wasn’t until over twenty years later that they acquired an official base – a demountable purchased for $80.
In 1994, a significant milestone was reached with the opening of the Whitsunday Marine Club, a joint effort which also involved the Game Fish Club, and the Power Boat Club. It was only a few months later when it was realised that a separate radio room was necessary, so a second level was added. Although the squad was growing, the volunteers managed with the cramped area upstairs for thirty years until 2024 when the upper level was extended significantly.
The Rescue Boats
It was 1978 when the topic of a dedicated rescue boat first came up in discussions, however it was a nine year wait before the dream was realised with the purchase of a Dale Sealord. This sturdy vessel was replaced in 1995 with a Cougar Cat followed by a KevlaCat in 2006. The current Noosa Cat came on the scene in 2017 with the Naiad RHIB added 2 years later.
From little things, big things grow…
From its humble beginnings in 1964, VMR Whitsunday has grown into an organisation with an active crew of over 80 members. In its early years, communication was a challenge, relying on landline phones, word of mouth, and a basic blackboard system, as marine radios were a luxury and mobile phones were non-existent. Today, VMR Whitsunday is equipped with mobile phones, advanced radios, AIS, and other modern technology, providing 24/7/365 emergency marine support.
What began as a casual gathering at the Metropole Hotel has evolved into a highly professional organisation that continues to save lives at sea, not just locally but statewide. The transformation from its modest origins to the present-day VMR Whitsunday is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all its volunteers over the last 60 years.
It was a typical Wednesday evening during the crushing season of 1964 and a group of locals, primarily cane farmers, were gathered at the Metropole Hotel in Proserpine, enjoying some cold drinks. Amidst the friendly banter, there was talk about the growing issue of potential accidents at sea and the increasing risks of losing friends and visitors while fishing or exploring the Whitsunday waters.
