HISTORY OF VMRWA
1973-74
Approximately four volunteer sea rescue groups were established or forming
at various locations in WA.
1975
A state representative body, Volunteer Sea Search
and Rescue Association (WA) - (VSS&RA) was formed.
1987-88
By this time there were 25 VSRGs in WA. All the groups were established as individual
organisations to meet local needs. The groups were set up under their own constitutions
as incorporated associations.
The activities and functions varied according to
location and strength.
All the groups were members of VSS&RA of WA,
which was made up of entirely individual group members.
Groups were encouraged to have a 'Group representative'
in attendance at VSS&RA executive council meetings
held approximately 4 times a year.
1988
The WA State Emergency Service proposed that VSRGs
affiliate with SES and placed a proposal before
VSS&RA. This was rejected by a majority 15/5/8 A Marine Search and Rescue Working Party established
by government working under direction of State Counter
Disaster Advisory Committee.
A VSS&RA representative was included on the
working party and assisted in developing the 'Marine
Emergency Management Scheme' - (M.E.M.S.)
1989
M.E.M.S. established. This scheme detailed the
management arrangements for marine SAR within the
scope of State responsibility under Commonwealth/State
arrangements.
Under the scheme (MEMS) responsibility for development,
maintenance and implementation of M.E.M.S. was allocated
to WA Marine Search and Rescue Co-ordinating Committee
on which VSS&RA has representatives.
The M.E.M.S. has considerable impact on VSRGs in
WA.
August 1989
VSS&RA August Executive council meeting was very poorly attended by Group
representatives. At this time VSS&RA still without a permanent secretary.
At this time there was considerable concern regarding the future organisation
and its member groups. There was a lack of group plans, standards and programmes
that, although being written, there difficulty in
getting such governance approved.
1990
The situation remained similar to 1989, the divisions between groups, particularly
metropolitan and country were beginning to develop.
1995
The adoption of the VMR block of radio call signs by 23 groups caused dissention
among the membership and five metropolitan groups formed the new West Cost
Marine Search and Rescue Association.
1997
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services transferred
coordination of marine rescue from the West Australian
Police services to the shortly to be formed Fire
and Emergency Services Authority. This accorded
with the wishes of VMRWA which had made representations
in this section. The Police remained the Hazard Management
Authority
1998
A meeting called in March by the WA Police Service
because they believed that action to manage the Marine
Rescue Service by FESA had been too slow. The outcome
was that the representative of the Minister for Police
and Emergency Service was directed to the Minister
that Marine Rescue Service was severely under funded
and. if nothing were done to remedy the situation,
the service would collapse. In June 1998, the Minister held a function at Parliament
House for Police and Emergency Services to formally
recognise the Marine rescue Service
In the same month the first of a series of workshops
was held to work towards increasing funding, work
out the legislation and lay down the guidelines for
the Service, as we know it today.
1999
In March 1999, the funding for the Marine Rescue
Service was increased from $300,000 to $1,000,000.
2002
Formal recognition of the Marine Rescue Service as
an Emergency Service was incorporated into the
Fire and Emergency Service Act. This provided VMR
groups with protection from actions taken and certain
powers to effect marine rescue.
2003
The VMR services were invited to nominate a member
to the FESA board and representatives to a new
VMR Consultative Committee. At
the AGM the members adopted a strategic plan
to invigorate the association and to ensure the
effective representation of groups and the furtherance
of the mission of VMRWA.
The meeting adopted the
following:
Vision
That volunteer Marine Rescue WA be the organisation of choice for support,
advocacy, advice, values, professional standards and communications amongst
marine rescue services.
Mission
To provide leadership in marine rescue servcies through supporting, the enhancement,
improvement, organisation, structure, training and resources on which the
service delivery depends.
Values
The values of VMRWA are:
• Integrity
• Justice
• Professionalism
• respect for persons
• Service to Others
2004
The funding of VMR services increased to $1.3 million with additional funds
for training requested at an additional cost of $106,000. the amalgamation of the two associations was a major
project of the Association and all WCSARA members
were invited to join VMRWA in July.
The assistance of Tom Reed OAM is acknowledged in
the preparation of these notes. |
