Nominations are now open for the NSW Maritime Medal, which recognises the outstanding and sustained contributions that individuals or organizations have made to the maritime community in NSW.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Safety, Environment, and Regulation Tara McCarthy said the award provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of safe and responsible boating practices, and encourage a culture of safe boating in communities across NSW. “This is a terrific opportunity to nominate an unsung boating hero in your community – there are countless examples of people who go above and beyond to promote safe boating practices,” Ms. McCarthy said. “We also want to recognize and celebrate the individuals or groups who encourage participation in boating and enjoying NSW’s beautiful waterways.”

Nominations for the biennial award close at 5 pm on Friday, 11 June, and will be shortlisted and reviewed by a panel of judges from the Maritime Advisory Council and Transport for NSW. The winner will be announced at the Sydney Festival of Boating event on Friday, 30 July. The Medal was last awarded in 2019 to Colin McQueen, a devoted State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer for more than 40 years. Mr. McQueen received the medal in recognition of his dedication to training and assessing SES search and rescue staff and volunteers, as well as supporting key community maritime events, such as the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic and Clean Up Australia Day.

Ms. McCarthy said this year they were hoping to see a vast array of nominations from all facets of the NSW boating community. “From dedicated volunteers, like the previous recipient Colin McQueen, to marine rescuers or club members and marine organizations – we’re hoping any individual or organisation who’s made an outstanding contribution to the boating community will be nominated,” she said. For more information or to nominate a person or organisation in your community, go to: https://maritimemanagement.transport.nsw.gov.au/partners/nsw-maritime-medal/index.html