MARINE Rescue Lemon Tree Passage volunteer David Aselford was surprised to hear his name called at the Hunter Volunteer of the Year Awards at NEX in Newcastle on Tuesday, 20 October.
The former unit commander was named the 2026 Hunter Emergency Volunteer of the Year.
Fellow member Lisa Lodding also received the Hunter Adult Volunteer of the Year award, giving Lemon Tree Passage two category wins.
“I was surprised,” Aselford said.
“There were so many good candidates who had put in so much time volunteering with the multiple volunteer emergency services.”
He joined Marine Rescue in July 2020 after he and his wife moved permanently to the Tilligerry Peninsula.
“I had previously been very busy travelling internationally for work, which was no longer possible. I thought it would be good to keep busy and give something back to the community at the same time,” he said.
After answering a Facebook advertisement for volunteers, he was elected unit commander in June 2022. After four years in the role, he recently handed over to Daryl Jurd.
The key role involves keeping trained members available around the clock to operate the radio base and four vessels, as well as recruiting, fundraising and maintaining the unit’s buildings.
One rescue Aselford remembers clearly was helping passengers aboard the Wangi Queen after it ran aground.
“Our team jumped in and stabilised the vessel quickly, then evacuated people from both decks. No one was injured, and the vessel was undamaged,” he said.
For Aselford, the award recognises the whole unit.
“The award is great recognition for what normally happens quietly behind the scenes at the unit,” he said.
“The unit is certainly punching above its weight, and has for many years.”
He encouraged others to consider joining, with opportunities to bring existing skills and learn vessel operations, radio operations, and search and rescue procedures.
“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and make new friends in the area,” Aselford told News Of The Area.
“Many people retire to our area. Volunteering is an excellent way to get involved.”
By Althea GUINSBERG
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