The winners of the Marine Rescue Broken Bay (MR) Christmas raffle have been announced, with five lucky winners taking a share in $7,300 worth of prizes.
The raffle is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the branch, and it ran from mid-August to December, raising close to $25,000. It was a great effort for MR, who need to raise approximately $70,000 per year to keep their voluntary operations running.
Located in Rowland Reserve, Bayview, the volunteers of the MR Broken Bay branch are dedicated to helping boaters stay safe on the waterways. They are an independent not-for-profit organisation that relies on donations from the public to keep operating.
Steph Minshall, MR’s deputy unit commander – administration, says the funds raised will go towards maintaining and fuelling the base’s two rescue vessels and helps to continually replenish their rescue, training and first aid supplies.
“The summer boating season is always the busiest time for our unit and our volunteer crews are on the water Saturday through to Tuesday, and on call 24/7, manning Pittwater, Broken Bay and offshore,” Steph says. They also extend if needed to Cowan, Hawkesbury and Brisbane Water to support neighbouring bases on these waterways.
“Last summer season there were 118 assists within Broken Bay, including medical emergencies, search operations and breakdowns,” she says. “More than 300 people were assisted safely back to shore.”
Steph says the funds raised through the raffle this year were an amazing testament to the kindness and generosity of the local community, friends and families.
MR reminds boaters to take care and be prepared this summer. They say to plan ahead, check your vessel, batteries, fuels, weather and sea conditions before you set off and then monitor for changes during your voyage.
They also remind boaters to log on and log off with the free Marine Rescue app. This saves critical time should boat owners need assistance.
The lucky MR Broken Bay Christmas raffle winners are:
- First prize: $5,000 Woolworths voucher. Winner is Margeux S, ticket 1743
- Second prize: $1200 Waterfront two-night break. Winner is Donna H, ticket 349
- Third prize: $500 Johnsons Mitre10 voucher. Winner is Mitch N, ticket 3077
- Fourth prize: $400 Zone Bowling voucher. Winner is Alex U, ticket 2221
- Fifth prize: $200 RMYC voucher. Winner is Amber Y, ticket 867
