Marine Rescue NSW awards Life Membership to three exceptional volunteers
by Marine Rescue NSW 22 Nov 13:48 PST
22 November 2025
Minister Jihad Dib, Margaret Teal, Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews and Chair Nola Watson © Marine Rescue NSW
Three outstanding volunteers were awarded Marine Rescue NSW Life Membership at the organisation's Annual General Meeting in Cronulla, recognising their exceptional commitment, leadership and service.
The awarding of Marine Rescue NSW Life Membership is among the highest honours, reserved for individuals whose contribution has shaped both their units and the wider organisation.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair Nola Watson commended the three recipients - Frances (Margaret) Teal of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, William (Bill) Blakeman ESM of Marine Rescue Merimbula, and Marine Rescue Shoalhaven's Bruce Mitchell ESM - describing them as "the very best of what the organisation stands for."
"Margaret, Bill and Bruce have each given significant service marked by professionalism, compassion and a commitment to the safety of others," Watson said. "Their leadership has strengthened our units, uplifted our volunteers and enhanced the confidence of boating communities across the state."
For Frances (Margaret) Teal, today's Life Membership marks the culmination of an extraordinary 35 years of volunteer service. At 95, she is one of Marine Rescue NSW's longest-serving female volunteers. Beginning with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1991, Margaret brought an unwavering passion for training and education, particularly in First Aid, where she trained and assessed generations of volunteers.
Her leadership as Divisional Commander during the transition to Marine Rescue NSW, and later as the first Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie, helped lay the foundations for one of the state's busiest units. She continues to serve operationally as a Watch Officer at the unit and remains a mentor to new members entering the radio stream.
"Margaret's commitment over more than three decades has had a profound influence on her unit and on Marine Rescue NSW more broadly," Watson said. "Her example reminds us of the power of quiet, steady leadership and the impact of helping others build their skills and confidence."
Bill Blakeman's 17 years with Marine Rescue NSW follow a lifelong maritime career spanning the British Merchant Navy, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and senior roles with NSW maritime authorities. Since joining the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 2007 and transitioning into Marine Rescue NSW two years later, he has played a central role in shaping the Merimbula unit's capability, culture and operational readiness.
As Unit Commander and long-serving Training Officer, Bill has guided countless volunteers through their qualifications, instilling high standards and ensuring safe, cohesive rescue operations. His efforts to secure a second rescue vessel for enclosed waters, upgrade critical infrastructure and maintain strong financial foundations have transformed the unit into one of the most capable and community-engaged in the region.
Blakeman was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in 2022 and received the NSW Maritime Medal the following year.
Chair Watson commended the personal impact of Blakeman's leadership. "Bill's dedication has inspired generations of volunteers. His calm teaching style, his depth of knowledge and his absolute commitment to safety have contributed directly to lives saved on the water."
Bruce Mitchell's 25 years of continuous service have been defined by reliability, measured leadership and steadfast support for volunteers across the Illawarra. Joining the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard in 2001 after retiring from business, Bruce quickly emerged as a trusted leader, guiding the organisation locally through the transition to Marine Rescue NSW.
From 2009 to 2022, Bruce managed operations across the Illawarra region, providing regional oversight, interagency coordination and volunteer support. Bruce's calm management during complex search and rescue missions and his consistent presence for volunteers earned him wide respect across partner agencies and government.
Following his retirement from staff service, Bruce returned as a volunteer, serving as Unit Commander at Shoalhaven and continuing as a mentor and Watch Officer.
Mitchell was awarded the NSW Maritime Medal in 2009 and was recognised on the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours list with the Emergency Services Medal.
Watson said his contribution reflected "a rare degree of consistency and integrity." "Bruce has been a point of stability for volunteers and an asset to every unit and agency he has worked alongside. His service has strengthened the capability, reliability and public confidence of Marine Rescue NSW," she said.
Across their varied journeys, Margaret, Bill and Bruce share a deep commitment to their communities and to the volunteers they have trained, mentored and supported. Their years of service have saved lives, strengthened units and contributed to the growth and professionalism of Marine Rescue NSW.
"These three Life Members are deeply valued," Watson said. "Their influence will continue well beyond their years of active service, through the volunteers they have inspired and the safer waterways they have helped create. Marine Rescue NSW is stronger because of them."
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.