REDLAND Bay’s Australian Volunteer Coast Guard flotilla has become the first in Queensland to officially transition to Marine Rescue Queensland, marking a new chapter for the volunteers who have kept local boaties safe for four decades.
From August 28, volunteers based at Redland Bay Marina now wear Marine Rescue Queensland uniforms as part of the statewide move to bring volunteer marine rescue operations under one government-funded service.
The Redland Bay unit services one of South East Queensland’s busiest recreational boating areas, including waterways linking the mainland with North Stradbroke Island and Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
Marine Rescue Queensland Chief Officer Tony Wulff said the first Coast Guard transition was an important step towards a unified marine rescue service across the state.
“This is a historic day for marine rescue in Queensland, where we welcome the first Coast Guard Flotilla into MRQ,” Chief Officer Wulff said.
“So many people have given their time and expertise to reach this momentous occasion, and I commend the volunteer members of Redland Bay for the significant work they have delivered to be the first Flotilla to MRQ.”
He said the transition brought Queensland closer to MRQ’s vision of “one coast, one crew and one MRQ”.
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association National Commodore Matthew Semmens said the change was a significant moment for Redland Bay volunteers and the wider organisation.
“For 40 years, generations of volunteers have given their time to help people on the water and keep their community safe,” he said.
“I want to acknowledge all the Redland Bay volunteers for the way they have worked through this transition.
“Change is never easy, particularly when people have such a strong connection to an organisation they have served for many years.”
MRQ Redland Bay Unit Commander David Bell said the community could expect the same volunteers and the same level of marine rescue and safety support.
“It’s important for our community to know that the same dedicated volunteers will continue to operate at Redland Bay, providing the same high level of marine rescue and safety services they’ve always been able to rely on,” Mr Bell said.
“Our uniforms may be different, but our commitment to keep the community safe on water will never change.”
Marine Rescue Queensland is Queensland’s first statewide volunteer marine rescue service and operates as part of the Queensland Police Service’s coordinated emergency response network.
The transition will combine the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland, with all units expected to move to MRQ by the end of 2026.
MRQ provides free rescue services for the boating community – in an emergency, call Triple Zero or use VHF Channel 16.
