Ports and Maritime Minister Joe Tripodi has called for nominations for the 2009 NSW Maritime Medal.
Tripodi said the medals were an opportunity to recognise exceptional people in the maritime community state-wide.
“Each year, people do remarkable things for the benefit of others in the boating community and the NSW Maritime Medal is aimed at those people or groups who make outstanding contributions,” he said.
The three medal categories are safety, community and environment.
“Previous winners have included volunteers who have performed outstanding service in marine rescue groups and those who have repeatedly put their own safety at risk to assist others in need,” the minister said..
“At 88 years of age, Arthur Dreckmeyer was recognised last year for his 20-year commitment to voluntary marine rescue in the Forster area.
“Paul Helmore of Ulladulla also received a medal for his 45-year commitment to the maritime community on the South Coast, particularly at Ulladulla harbour.”
The concept of a Maritime Medal was first raised by members of the boating community in 2005. It was taken up and developed by NSW Maritime with support from the agency's peak stakeholder advisory group, which is comprised of people representing a wide range of maritime activities.
Made of cast metal, the medals come with a hand-crafted timber box and lapel pin. The 2009 awards ceremony will take place in late September.
Nominations for the medals close at 5pm on Friday, August 21. For more details and nomination forms, go to http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/wh/medal.html .
