For more than 40 years, Coast Guard Sandy Straits has been a trusted part of the local community, with marine rescue volunteers sharing vital local knowledge and helping people to return home safely to their family.
From today, the unit will be known as MRQ Sandy Straits, joining Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) as part of Queensland’s first statewide volunteer marine rescue service.
While the name and uniform may change, the local community can continue to rely on the same experienced volunteers who know these waterways and understand local conditions.
Operating seven days a week, MRQ Sandy Straits, provides a vital service through on-water assistance and regular radio broadcasts on tides, weather and navigation warnings (notices to mariners).
MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff said today marked a significant moment for Coast Guard Sandy Straits and recognised the unit’s long history of volunteer service.
“Coast Guard Sandy Straits has earned the trust of its community through decades of dedication, local knowledge and service, and we are proud to welcome the unit into Marine Rescue Queensland.
“This transition is about people — the volunteers who give their time, skills and experience to help others. Their ongoing commitment will continue to make a real difference for Queensland’s boating communities”.
This week has also marked a significant period of growth for MRQ, with Coast Guard units in Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Noosa and Tin Can Bay transitioning to MRQ earlier in the week.
Chief Officer Wulff said the transition completed a continuous stretch of MRQ coastline in the region
“The Sandy Straits transition completes 500 kilometres of continuous MRQ-serviced coastline in this region, from Gladstone to Bribie Island, giving boaties travelling along this part of the coast confidence that our marine rescue volunteers are ready to assist.”
MRQ Sandy Straits Unit Commander Richard Lange said the unit was looking forward to continuing its long tradition of service under the new banner.
“Since 1984, Coast Guard Sandy Straits has been a vital part of this community, supporting local boaties and visitors to our waterways.
Our area is known for its challenging coastal conditions, particularly around Sheridan Flats where tides from the north and south meet. In these waters, local knowledge is essential, and our members bring that experience to every activation and every radio watch.”
Commander Lange is also optimistic for the future.
“As MRQ Sandy Straits, our members are excited to continue serving this community while also becoming part of something bigger. We’re looking forward to joining a connected statewide service built on volunteers, local knowledge and support for Queensland’s boating community.”
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association National Commodore Matthew Semmens said the transition was a significant milestone for the organisation and its members.
“For decades, Coast Guard volunteers across the Sunshine Coast have answered the call when people have needed help on the water,” Commodore Semmens said.
“While the uniforms will change, the dedication of these volunteers and their commitment to protecting the community will stay. Their knowledge, experience and local understanding will continue to be an invaluable part of marine rescue services across the region.”
Commander Semmens also paid tribute to the legacy of the Coast Guard volunteers. “On behalf of AVCGA, I sincerely thank every member, past and present, as well as their families and the local communities and businesses that have supported Coast Guard over many years.”
