Lifeline thrown to Whitsunday VMR

THE Rotary Club of Airlie Beach has thrown a lifeline to boaties in the Whitsundays by promising significant financial support to the local Volunteer Marine Rescue group (VMR).

Key members of the Whitsunday VMR attended a Rotary meeting last Monday to brief Rotarians on their recently completed tender process and selection of a suitable new vessel to buy.

After listening to the presentation by VMR vice-president Mal Priday and member Adrian Bram, Rotary president Allan Robinson re-affirmed the club’s pledge to donate $100,000 to assist with the purchase of the new rescue boat.

Mr Robinson said the Rotary club had a long association with the VMR, having provided a considerable donation of funds 10 years ago towards the purchase of the current rescue vessel VMR1.

He said the club’s latest pledged donation had been made possible due to proceeds from the MyWhitsunday Phone Guide and was recognition of the significant role played by the VMR in ensuring the safety of the large boating community in the Whitsundays.

Mr Priday said VMR really appreciated Rotary’s long-term on-going support.

“It’s a great contribution to an expensive purchase and without it we would not be in a position to place an order as early as we are,” he said.

“It’s a comfort to know we have Rotary behind us and we look forward to seeing the boat in the water very soon.”