Bank to the rescue

A LONG-STANDING community group has received a much-needed funding boost just in time after a busy summer season.
Coastguard Noosa Commander Alan Hall received a cheque for $4000 from the Bendigo Bank Tewantin Community branch manager Wayne Hoens, and said the funds couldn’t have come at a better time.
“The Noosa bar is one of the busiest crossings in Queensland. We have more than 500 per month, and our crews are called out to about 10 assists in that time,” Commander Hall said.
“Over each three-month period, we make and receive more 6500 radio calls and 1700 land line calls.”
“Bendigo Bank and Noosa Council helped us purchase new equipment to log all vessels electronically and guide them with much greater accuracy and effectiveness. We can’t thank them enough for this.”
Coastguard Noosa is a not-for-profit organisation with the running costs of $200,000 a year raised almost entirely by the members and generous sponsors, requiring members to sell raffle tickets, do sausage sizzles and anything that helps raise a dollar.
Each call-out for assistance costs the organisation about $100, if a person requiring the assistance of the Coastguard doesn’t contribute to the costs involved then the members are often left to raise the shortfall of funds themselves.
“We’ve been operating since 1972, and in all that time we have seen the trend we seem to be experiencing right now,” Commander Hall said.
“The Christmas period saw a real increase in those who have required rescuing then not making a donation to reimburse our costs. Some 25 assists occurred where no financial reimbursement was received at all.”
“Sadly, amidst the generosity of local businesses and individuals, others see us as a free service and contribute nothing or an amount that does not cover expenses.”
“We give our time freely and aren’t making a profit from any assists, so it’s common sense really. We just want to get the message out there and create more awareness of how we operate.”
Mr Hoens said the local bank had donated over $20,000 to the organisation in the past nine years and was proud to support such a group.
“We have such a beautiful waterway here, and it’s always great to know Coastguard are here doing what they do best,” Mr Hoens said.
If you would like to make a donation to Coastguard Noosa, go to www.coastguard.com.au/flotillaqld/31-qf5 or call 5474 3695.