Community
31 March, 2025
50 years of faithful service
FIFTY years of service from Volunteer Coast Guard QF15 Flotilla is being celebrated this year, with the history of their chartered services to the boating public of Innisfail, surrounding areas and the Tablelands, commemorated.
First formed in October 1973, the QF15 flotilla was established from the community’s local boating safety organisation, operating from members’ private vessels until formally chartered by the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association on September 28, 1975.
Currently under the leadership of Commander Neville Duncan, QF15 operates across a total area of about 1500sqkm, extending in the south from Mission Beach’s Clump Point to the northern Mulgrave River.
The first event of the 50th anniversary celebrations at the Innisfail RSL Club on Saturday, March 15, involved a dinner attended by past and present members alongside their families.
AVCGA administration officer and active volunteer Don Alexander said the organisation had both long term and short-term goals for the future.
“The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard’s motto ‘Safety by all means’ is fully embraced by the Innisfail flotilla, along with its commitment to our members and public education in maritime safety,” Mr Alexander said.
“Our commitments to public education, include conducting courses which encompass marine radio licence, basic conventional navigation, basic electronic navigation and marine safety awareness.
“This further extends to liaison with fishing, yachting, schools, services and boat clubs.
“These commitments range from marine safety presentations and training including participation in public displays and events.
“In the short term, we are looking to increase our membership and concentrating on training for our current and new members.
“This training results in them becoming qualified in marine search and rescue and marine assistance, in addition to being valued and valuable assets to both the flotilla and the boating public in our operational area.
“As with all volunteer organisations, recruiting of new people is difficult.
“We are slowly building our membership and trusting that our journey into our second fifty years will continue our established traditions.
“We are eager to increase our public presence, increase our membership and maintain our service to the boating community in the Innisfail and surrounding regions.”
