Volunteer Marine Rescue and Dittmann Bucking Bulls

I rise tonight to recognise some incredible volunteers in my community. I was pleased to attend the Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday AGM that was held in the last fortnight. A plaque commemorating the tireless work and effort by the late John Harper, the former president and honorary life member of the Volunteer Marine Rescue, was unveiled on the building. This was in recognition of his community leadership. He was instrumental in securing the land on which the Whitsunday VMR—the first VMR in Queensland—was established through his swift and tough negotiations with Ansett, which owned the land, and coordinating with the local council to ensure land tenure and that the facility could be built. It was wonderful to meet John Harper Jr, who was there to unveil the plaque and recognise their family's contribution to Volunteer Marine Rescue across the Whitsundays.

During the evening there was a presentation of service awards for those who had served five to 10 years membership, but there was something quite special, with secretary Roger Wodson being acknowledged with a life membership after only seven years of service to Volunteer Marine Rescue. This in fact was outside of the constitution but was voted on by all members. Normally someone would need to serve at least 10 years to receive honorary life membership, but Roger has been instrumental in ensuring the financial sustainability of the Volunteer Marine Rescue and ensuring they have a brand new fleet of two boats. I know that the minister visited there only last week. I look forward to his future announcement of funding for upgrades to the facilities needed to support our local tourism industry.

The VMR in the Whitsundays has seen a significant increase in demand over the past 12 months. There have been in excess of 200 activations. It is our safety net on the water in the Whitsundays, which is a unique body of water different from anything else in Queensland. There has been an increase in activations of 55per cent from 2019 to 2021. VMR Whitsunday is solely run by volunteers. We have seen an increase in volunteers, but that has also meant an increased drain on resources to ensure training and adequate coverage. It also carries out significant medivacs to our Whitsunday Coast islands and provides a critical service not just in times of disaster but 24/7 for boaties across the Whitsundays.

I give a shout-out to Dittmann Bucking Bulls in Bloomsbury. It pulled off the BullPit Bull Bash. I know there would be a few members who would be keen to come to Bloomsbury, with over 3½ thousand spectators. Their facility is outstanding, and we look forward to more bucking bulls in the future.