More than 55 years after a small group of volunteers established a marine rescue presence at Rosslyn Bay, the Yeppoon Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) enters a new chapter today, joining Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ).
The unit will now be known as MRQ Yeppoon, bringing decades of operational experience, local knowledge and volunteer commitment into Queensland’s first statewide marine rescue service.
For local boaters, however, the message remains simple: new brand, same people, same service.
MRQ Acting Chief Officer Mark Anderson welcomed the volunteers of Yeppoon into the statewide organisation.
“We are delighted to welcome the volunteers of Yeppoon into Marine Rescue Queensland and recognise the remarkable legacy they have built over more than five decades of service to the Central Queensland community,” Acting Chief Officer Anderson said.
“Their local knowledge, operational capability and dedication to helping others have kept countless people safe on the water. That experience will continue to play an important role as part of one statewide marine rescue organisation.”
MRQ Yeppoon Deputy Unit Commander Rex Kirk said the transition marked both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
“Since our establishment in 1971, generations of volunteers have given their time, skills and experience to support the boating public and keep our local waters safe. While our name is changing, our commitment to the community remains exactly the same,” Mr Kirk said.
Established by a small band of volunteers operating from a donga beside a boat ramp at Rosslyn Bay, the flotilla became the 11th Coast Guard flotilla established in Queensland when it was formally chartered as QF11 Yeppoon in 1973.
Over the decades, volunteers have responded to vessel breakdowns, search and rescue incidents and medical evacuations across a vast operational area stretching from Emu Park to Townsend Island, including the Keppel Islands and offshore waters extending as far as Bell Cay in the Swain Reefs.
“On average, our volunteers provide more than 130 assists each year and have responded everywhere from the Keppel Islands to the Swains. None of that would have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the support of our Marine Assist members, sponsors, service providers and the wider Central Queensland boating community,” Mr Kirk said.
“Coast Guard Yeppoon has always been a community effort. We’d like to thank every volunteer, every supporter and every local business that has helped us along the way. As we transition to Marine Rescue Queensland, we do so with great pride in our past and excitement for the future.”
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, 75 members transition to MRQ Yeppoon, continuing a proud tradition of volunteer service while helping shape the future of marine rescue on the Capricorn Coast.
About Marine Rescue Queensland
Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) is Queensland’s first state-wide volunteer marine rescue service, dedicated to saving lives at sea. As part of the Queensland Police Service, MRQ supports the state’s coordinated disaster and emergency services response.
MRQ brings together the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland, building on more than 50 years of marine rescue across Queensland. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Volunteer-focused, government-supported, and community-backed, MRQ provides marine search and rescue, assistance to people and vessels in difficulty, support to other emergency service agencies, and maritime safety education.
As a Queensland Government-funded service, all MRQ units provide free rescue services to the boating community.
To find your local marine rescue unit visit mrq.qld.gov.au or call 131 MRQ (677).
In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) or radio VHF 16.
One Coast. One Crew. One MRQ.
Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) is the first state-wide, State Government-funded volunteer marine rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea and supporting those on or near the water
MRQ is part of Queensland Police Service, which is responsible for coordinating the state’s disaster and emergency services response – but MRQ is a separate service with its own identity, structure, governance and uniforms
Water safety tips:
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or radio VHF 16
- For assistance or information call 131MRQ (131677)
- Log your journeys from start to finish
- Always wear your lifejacket
- Remember to pack sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and water (two litres recommended per person)
- Check you have extra fuel
- Check the weather forecast before you leave
- Charge your phone and any other devices
- Tell family and friends where you are going
