A proud marine rescue tradition spanning almost 46 years enters a new chapter today, with the Thirsty Sound Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) joining Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ).
The unit will now be known as MRQ Thirsty Sound, bringing nearly five decades of local knowledge, volunteer service and community commitment into Queensland’s first statewide marine rescue service.
Established in 1980 to address a communications blackspot between Yeppoon and Mackay, the flotilla was formed by local volunteers determined to improve safety for boaters operating in the remote waters of Central Queensland. Since then, generations of volunteers have protected local waterways, assisted people in distress and supported safer boating across one of Queensland’s most challenging marine environments.
MRQ Acting Chief Officer Mark Anderson welcomed the volunteers of Thirsty Sound into the statewide organisation.
“The volunteers of Thirsty Sound have built an extraordinary legacy of community service over almost 46 years,” Chief Officer Anderson said.
“Their commitment to helping others, deep local knowledge and willingness to answer the call whenever needed have made a lasting contribution to marine safety in Central Queensland. We are proud to welcome them to Marine Rescue Queensland.”
MRQ Thirsty Sound Unit Commander Colin Strohfeldt said the transition marked an important milestone for both the unit and the community that had supported it for decades.
“Everything this unit has achieved has been built on volunteer dedication and community support. From our earliest days, local people recognised the need for marine rescue services in this region and worked tirelessly to make it happen,” Mr Strohfeldt said.
“For many years, volunteers even used their own boats to respond to emergencies. The community then spent almost two decades fundraising to help us purchase our first dedicated rescue vessel. That spirit of service and support is still at the heart of who we are today.”
Mr Strohfeldt said the unit’s volunteers were proud to continue that tradition as part of MRQ.
“We’re fortunate to operate in a region that attracts visitors from across Queensland and interstate. Helping people return home safely is what motivates our members, and we’re excited to continue that mission as part of Marine Rescue Queensland.”
Operating across approximately 4,500 square nautical miles, MRQ Thirsty Sound supports boaters throughout the Shoalwater Bay, Broadsound, Cape Townshend, St Lawrence and Percy Islands regions.
The area is renowned for its fishing, crabbing and recreational boating opportunities, making marine safety services an essential community asset.
AVCGA National Commodore Matthew Semmens acknowledged the significant contribution members have made through decades of volunteer service.
“They take valuable skills, local knowledge and a strong community spirit into MRQ. We thank them for everything they have contributed to Coast Guard and wish them well in this next chapter,” National Commodore Semmens said.
Today, 13 members transition to MRQ Thirsty Sound, continuing a proud tradition of volunteer service that began in 1980 and remains focused on a simple mission: saving lives at sea.
One Coast. One Crew. One MRQ.
