Emma McBride (Dobell, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health) Share this | Hansard source

This Saturday it will be my privilege to present the Australian National Medal to Myles Jones for service to Marine Rescue. Myles belongs to Marine Rescue Norah Head, a volunteer service made up of more than 50 active members who monitor the radio waves from morning to night, keeping us all safe. If a boat is in trouble, its crew will radio Marine Rescue and Myles will dispatch a team to help out. Myles is 83 years old. He started as a volunteer almost eight years ago, and now mentors young trainees. Before joining Marine Rescue, Myles was unit commander of Queensland Flotilla 1, Australian volunteer coastguard, for eight years.

It's no surprise that this isn't the first recognition Myles has received in his stellar career. He already has to his credit the British Empire Medal for gallantry, the international police medal for meritorious service, the New Zealand Defence Service Medal, the New Zealand Antarctic Medal and two commendations for his service to New Zealand in Antarctica. Myles' service record included five years with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, five years with the New Zealand Police, two years as part of Operation Deep Freeze in the Royal New Zealand Navy and three years with the Lake Munmorah Rural Fire Service.

In other good news for Marine Rescue Norah Head, congratulations to Unit Commander Bill Hignett on securing a Saluting Their Service commemorative grant of almost $10,000. This grant will go towards a memorial to air-sea rescues of the Second World War. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you all this Saturday.

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