Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about a valued and important volunteer based organisation in my electorate of Pearce. The hardworking, dedicated volunteers of the Two Rocks volunteer marine rescue group ensure our boating community is safe on the ocean. As their proud patron, and together with the Western Australian emergency services minister, Stephen Dawson, I was invited to speak at the official naming and blessing ceremony for Marine Rescue Two Rocks' new vessel, Neptune. This highly anticipated vessel with sophisticated technology replaces Sea Guardian II, which served the fast-growing community for 18 years. Neptune will vastly improve marine safety in the community of Pearce, which has 32 kilometres of coastline. The $750,000, 8½ tonne aluminium hulled vessel has the latest electronics that will help achieve faster, life-saving rescues in time-critical situations on the Indian Ocean.

In further welcome news, the group have been successful in securing a federal grant of $17,000 to purchase a radio direction finder for their radio room base. This, combined with their RDF on board, will provide a quick triangulation to find a distressed vehicle. I received a very grateful note of thanks to the federal government from the Two Rocks volunteer marine rescue group for awarding this much-needed life-saving grant.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.