Central Coast News

Marine Rescue Central Coast Annual Awards Presentation.

By Marine Rescue Central Coast

Archived 13 Aug 2023 - Posted: 13 Jun 2023

L-R Liesl Tesch MP, Dr Gordon Reid MP, Comm. Alex Barrell, Sherwin Hensby, Yvonne Hensby & Deputy Comm Darren Schott

More than 150 years of combined volunteer service was recognised by Marine Rescue Central Coast, and the award evening brought out the big guns from Marine Rescue HQ in Sydney, as well as local politicians.

Both Marine Rescue Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott made the drive up the M1 to congratulate the several Central Coast members who were recognised, especially long time volunteer with numerous organisations, Sherwin Hensby.

Mr Hensby, at 81, was officially presented with his Life Achievement Award, recognising 35 years of volunteer service.

Unit Commander, Ian Morrow, praised fellow Life Member recipient George Edward (Ted) Leeson, and observed a moment's silence for recently passed Life Member, Geoff Dark.

Rescue NSW award members receive a badge at five years, a medal at 10 years and a clasp every 10 years after that, the Unit Commander said, adding that people are awarded a National Medal after 15 years’ service, followed each 10 years with a clasp.

Hensby’s years of volunteering began with the Rural Fire Service, where he spent many years serving food to firefighters on scene through the RFS canteen, along with other duties.

Following a recent bout of cancer, he now helps out where he can - although most of the time he’s resting at a local nursing home.

The Awards:

National Awards

2nd Clasps to the National Medal for 35 year’s service:

Harold Frederick Scales (Absent in hospital)

1st Clasp to the National Medal for 25 year’s service:

Nikolas Banjevik

National Medal for 15 year’s service:

Peter William Alderton

Ian Phillip Morrow

Paul Robert Degeling

MRNSW State Awards