NEWS - Final nominations called for NSW Maritime Medal

NSW Ports and Waterways Minister, Joe Tripodi, has called for final nominations for the 2009 NSW Maritime Medal.

“There is less than two weeks to go before the closing date of Friday, August 21,” Tripodi said.

"This is a chance to nominate an individual or group who deserves public recognition for their outstanding contributions to the boating and marine community.

“NSW Maritime is proud to support these awards as a way of expressing our gratitude to those people who are making extraordinary efforts for our community,” said Tripodi.

The NSW Maritime Medal was introduced in 2006, with categories for Safety, Community and Environment.

Past recipients of NSW Maritime Medals include a Sydney group carrying out a voluntary marine ‘neighbourhood watch’ surveillance of vessels in their area for the past 19 years; several dedicated sailing club and sailing school members putting decades of unpaid effort into youth development activities; and, a voluntary marine environmental advocate who made a major contribution to improving boating facilities on Lake Macquarie.

Other Medal recipients have included marine rescue groups and individuals, one of whom spent countless days over 25 years selling raffle tickets in North Coast shopping centres to raise more than $150,000 for the local volunteer marine rescue groups.

Another recipient provided more than 400 people with the opportunity to learn the art of square-rig sailing through his efforts with the restoration and operation of the historic vessel James Craig.

The 2009 awards ceremony will take place in late September.

For more details and nomination forms, visit www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/wh/medal.html

Photo: Pictured from left are the recipients and officials from the 2007/08 NSW Maritime Medals: Paul Helmore, Norman Grant Snr, Bill Carter (rep. Shoalhaven Marine Rescue Assoc.), Neil McCartney (rep. the late Ron Isaacs), NSW Ports and Waterways Minsiter Joe Tripodi, Matthew O'Grady, Arthur Dreckmeyer, David Johnston. (Photo by David Clare).