NSW Maritime Medal winners announced

THREE individuals and one group were yesterday awarded the highest of accolades in the State maritime community, with the presentation of a Maritime Medal.

NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay said of the four that had been judged as having made outstanding and sustained contributions to the maritime community, two hailed from Ballina, one from Port Stephens and one from Sydney.

“A panel of independent representatives from the boating community joined Maritime to judge the nominations and selected the four winners,” Mr Gay said.

“Since the inaugural presentation of State Maritime Medals, 39 individuals or groups have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to boating.

“These medals are an opportunity to recognise special individuals or groups who through their dedication, passion and toil are delivering benefits to a countless number of people.

“They have enriched our community through their self-less commitment.”

The four recipients were presented with individually engraved cast bronze-alloy medallions with lapel pins in a hand crafted timber case at an awards presentation at the Cruising Yacht Club, Rushcutters Bay.

Maritime Medals are presented in three categories of Safety and Community and judged by an independent selection panel.

2011 Maritime Medal recipients are:

* Rear Admiral (ret) Tony Hunt AO (Community Medal)
* Michael (Mick) O’Connor
* Ballina Jet Boat Surf Rescue Inc
* Peter Phillipson

There were also three highly commended nominations:
* Charlie Weir
* Peter Hunter
* Avoca SurfCom