Margaret May (McPherson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday the Currumbin Volunteer Marine Rescue service officially launched its new custom-built search and rescue boat at the Currumbim estuary. The Caesar cat will make it easier for the volunteers of the Currumbin volunteer rescue service to cross the Currumbin bar, which is ankle-deep at low tide. It will also take part in rescues up to five nautical miles out to sea.

This is a very important first for the Currumbin volunteer rescue service. The South African built inflatable Caesar cat, worth $33,000, is believed to be the first in Australia. The official launch was conducted by Lesley Bryant, whose family donated the funds to buy the inflatable craft. The new vessel was launched with the name of Timana 3 in honour of her father Arnold Tiny Jones. The launch yesterday was also attended by Lesley’s brother, Ross, and her mother, May Jones. The naming was in recognition of Lesley’s father, who died many years ago, but of whom the vessel will remain a lasting reminder. The generosity of the family in donating the funds to ensure that the Currumbin volunteer rescue service has this up-to-date inflatable craft to assist in rescues in our area is certainly to be commended.