Marine Rescue Middle Harbour has introduced a new fundraising and community engagement initiative, the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Club 500 Programme, designed to strengthen connections between the boating public and the volunteers who support them.
So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have performed 188 search and rescue missions, including 24 emergency responses, safely returning 460 people to shore.
The programme has been developed by volunteer crew member Tony Collins, who also serves as the unit’s Community Partnership Manager – Club 500. It invites boat owners and supporters to become Club 500 Members by contributing an annual $500 fee. Members gain access to a range of benefits provided by local marine businesses and national industry partners.
Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that receives some government funding but relies on community support to sustain its services. Collins stated that fundraising is essential for Marine Rescue Middle Harbour to maintain its operational readiness.
“The programme raises essential funds to ensure safe and effective operations, while also fostering stronger engagement with the wider boating community. Club 500 is structured so that participating partners also gain commercial value through increased customer engagement,” he said.
Club 500 has attracted a range of partners offering practical benefits to members, including:
- Fuel discounts from d’Albora Marinas
- Antifouling discounts from BoatYard and Short Marine
- Mooring services from Treharne Moorings
- Mechanical servicing by Onboard Marine Services
- Equipment discounts from Boat Warehouse
- Dive service discounts from Underwater Dive Services
- Membership discounts at Manly Skiff Club
- Survey and inspection services from Boatbuy
- Marine training courses from Maritime Training School, Boatwise, and Flying Fish Sailing
The programme is designed so that many boat owners can recover the cost of membership through partner discounts alone. Contributions also support Marine Rescue Middle Harbour search and rescue and emergency response capability on Sydney Harbour and offshore, vessel maintenance and crew training.
“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Club 500 establishes a programme grounded in partnership, trust, and community connection, offering a practical way for members of the boating community and the wider public to support volunteer rescue services,” Collins noted.
Further information and membership details are available on the Club 500 website: https://club500.mh.marinerescuensw.com.au
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