Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby—Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation) (18:05): Today I pay tribute to the amazing work of the Marine Rescue Hawkesbury volunteers. This wonderful group of people provides a vital service for those residents who have no road access to their homes. They also provide assistance for anyone enjoying time boating on the river. I was pleased to see Unit Commander Ken Edwards, along with fellow volunteers Mark Dryza, Greg Groppenbacher, Peter Moore, and Greg Rottinger, presented with the Unsung Hero Award at a recent Sydney Kings basketball game.
Marine Rescue Hawkesbury has two search and rescue vessels, which serve around 1,200 residents who, as I have said, have no road access to their homes. Although these volunteers play a vital role in transporting paramedics to various locations, they are also trained in first aid and advanced resuscitation. So many good people are involved with this organisation, including my great friend Mathilde Kearney-Kibble and my former parish priest, Father Carmelo Sciberras, who do wonderful work with the organisation. Whether responding to emergencies or transporting paramedics, their work is saving lives in our community and is enormously appreciated. I am proud to be the patron of these wonderful volunteers and I thank them for their amazing efforts.
