The funding will go towards upgrading the main roller door at the boat shed as well as a new slipway for the PM 30 a high-powered sea vessel, and NSW Minister for Racing, Paul Toole, joined Member for Port Macquaire, Leslie Williams, at the Port Macquarie Marine Rescue base to deliver the good news to volunteers this week.

“It is great to be at the Marine Rescue base in Port Macquarie with Minister Toole to announce over $33,000 in funding for upgrades to their facilities,” Mrs Williams said.

“There will be new slipway rails for the secondary emergency vessel that carries our rescues in the Hastings River and local beaches in coordination with local surf life-saving clubs.

“The grant will also provide additional first aid training equipment to boost volunteers’ capacity to carry out rescues.”

Minister Paul Toole said that he was glad to be back in Port Macquarie announcing the money.

“It is great to be here with Leslie Williams who is such a strong advocate for Port Macquarie Marine Rescue and I am very pleased to say that we are giving $33,000 to help with vital work in and around the Marine Rescue centre,” Minister Toole said.

Port Macquarie Marine Rescue unit commander Greg Davies said that the money is very welcomed.

“The money will be great for our unit and will go to assisting in upgrades which include a new roller door for our main vessel as well as slip tracks and an advanced first aid kit which will assist in providing excellent training resources for our volunteers so that we are even better equipped to save lives,” Mr Davies said.

“The first aid kit will contain very real aids that will enhance the training we are constantly doing.”