DAWSON MP ANCHORS UPGRADE TO WHITSUNDAY VMR

After years of advocacy, hard-working Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has announced that Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (WVMR) have been successful in their federal grant application under the Investing In Our Communities Program.

The previous Coalition Government was committed to supporting regional volunteer organisations and in recognition of the amazing work Whitsunday VMR do at keeping our waters safe, Dawson MP Andrew Willcox proudly committed funding towards the expansion of the operations headquarters as a 2022 Federal election commitment. 

“Whitsunday VMR are an incredibly important local organisation in Dawson,” Mr. Willcox said.

“I’ve been working closely with the WVMR team to lobby Local, State, and Federal Governments for this funding, which is why I was so proud to be able to announce this funding as the Dawson LNP candidate in the 2022 Federal election.

“It has been a mammoth effort, from the amazing team at Whitsunday VMR, to the wider Whitsunday community, who have backed this project the whole way.”

With this funding Whitsunday VMR will expand the top level of their headquarters giving the region’s marine communications hub the space needed for regular rescue services, as well as full scale search and rescue operations.

“If you’re out fishing, snorkelling, or just relaxing, it’s comforting to know that if something goes wrong, the team at VMR are there for you.

“This is an important community development project, and as a local, I’m proud of the amazing work these volunteers do, often in high pressure situations, to support our region and keep our waters safe,” said Mr Willcox.

A spokesperson from WVMR has also thanked the Dawson MP for his support and lobbying efforts surrounding this project.

“We are delighted to secure the Federal Government grant after four years of lobbying and seeking funding avenues,” the spokesperson said.

“Andrew took on the challenge and championed our cause during his Mayoral days and we appreciate his persistence to support the Whitsunday community.

“The project will give us a three times larger training and operations area, as well as provide a larger and more functional search and rescue coordination facility with upgraded radio and communications equipment.”

The upgrades will commence on 23rd October 2023, and Whitsunday VMR are aiming to complete the project by the middle of 2024, marking sixty years of volunteers helping others on the water in times of need.

“It is fantastic that our hard work has paid off and even though it’s been a long road, it is wonderful that today the WVMR team are receiving the support they deserve,” Mr. Willcox said.

“As the Federal Member for Dawson I will continue to work with all levels and sides of Government to achieve what’s best for our region.”