Maritime medal for patrol volunteer
Central Coast Division of Coastal Patrol volunteer Mr Norm Smith of Ettalong was awarded a NSW Maritime Safety Medal at a special ceremony in Sydney on September 29.
Four other members of the Hunter and Central Coast boating community also received the medal at a presentation on board the tall ship James Craig attended by the Minister for Ports and Waterways Mr Joe Tripodi.
"The Maritime Medal is designed to acknowledge those who make an outstanding and sustained contribution to the maritime community and this year's recipients are certainly worthy choices," Mr Tripodi said.
"Norm Smith has been an active participant in the volunteer marine rescue community of the Central Coast for 28 years as a patrol boat skipper.
"He has also served as radio officer, divisional commander, operations officer and boat license examiner."
Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol publicity officer Mr Richard Manning congratulated Mr Smith.
"Norm Smith has served with the local Coastal Patrol Division for 28 years, including as its division commander," Mr Manning said.
"He has provided unstinting service during recent years in his role as the senior training officer and lifeboat skipper assessor.
"Norm was recently made a life member of the state-wide patrol organisation in recognition of his outstanding and diverse contributions to the volunteer marine rescue movement."
Press release, 29 Sep 2009
Richard Manning, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol
Press release, 29 Sep 2009
Joe Tripodi, Minister for Ports and Waterways