60 Years Of Setting Sail For Safety VMR Headquarters Grand Opening Coincides With Milestone Anniversary

The brand-new VMR Headquarters was officially opened last weekend, with invited guests and dignitaries celebrating both a new era of operations and an epic history spanning an incredible 60-year period.
Guests were offered a tour of the newly expanded VMR facility which had been brought about following the consistent lobbying of both Member for Dawson, Andrew Wilcox and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm.
The extension, which nearly doubled the floor space of the operational room, began in 2023 and is thanks not only to the politicians that advocated for funding but also the VMR volunteers and tradespeople that drove the project on the ground level.

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Volunteer Roger Wodson, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Wilcox, Volunteer Marlene Manto, Mayor Ry Collins, Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm, Volunteer Mal Priday. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

A New Era Of Safety Begins
With Expanded VMR Headquarters Opening!

This year marks 60 years since the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR), began in a pub in Proserpine, back then, at the launch of Queensland's first VMR, the volunteers and founders could have never imagined how far the VMR would come.
After gaining a federal grant of $700,000 in 2023, the execution of the extension to the VMR headquarters began and has been completed just in time to celebrate the 60-year milestone.
Whitsunday VMR President, Mal Priday, enthused about how the expansion will be vital for marine emergency call-outs but also as a hub for many community events:
“The Marine Club is a very popular venue in the community and a community asset,” Mal explained.
Attendees at the opening included Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm, Mayor Ry Collins, and Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman.
The day began on the lawn of the Marine Club in the sunshine where President Mal Priday welcomed attendees and speeches began:
“We are very proud of what we have achieved to date,” Mal emphasised.
“The support we get from the community is fantastic,” he added.

Rodger Wodson, a VMR volunteer who hugely contributed to the efforts to gain funding, followed shortly after, expressing gratitude to the government and Andrew Willcox for obtaining approval for the grant.
Mayor Ry Collins, also spoke at the event, and said the VMR Whitsunday building upgrade is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the local VMR team who have tirelessly served the community:
“With a new radio room with upgraded technology and meeting rooms that will be available for community use, the renovations will enhance their ability to provide critical maritime safety services for boaties,” he said.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, then took to the stage to thank the VMR members for their tireless efforts in keeping the community safe.
After successfully securing funding for the organisation last year, Federal MP Andrew Wilcox, concluded the speeches and awarded the medals to four volunteers.
“The work that VMR Whitsundays do is crucial when it comes to keeping out boasties and fishers safe on the water, which is why I was incredibly proud when the previous Coalition Government committed to supporting this invaluable organisation and their volunteers, and I am honoured to be here today to officially open the new operations and training centre,” Mr Willcox began.
Federal MP Andrew Wilcox officially opened the new headquarters with the cutting of a ribbon, before, individuals were invited to view the new headquarters, and enjoy some refreshments downstairs.  
VMR President Mal Priday, enthused over the day's events and stated:
“It's been a long, long process. But with support that we got from all sides of government; we've made it we've got it.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Mayor Ry Collins with the volunteers from VMR Whitsundays. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot
Mal Priday President of VMR Whitsundays, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, volunteer Rodger Wodson and Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm
The new control headquarters. Photo credit: R Jean Photography
VMR Whitsundays’ volunteers. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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