Coast Guard Geelong VF08

05/05/2026

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There’s no way to dress this one up.

A call comes in — someone in trouble on the water, near the bar off Ballina.

The crews on Marine Rescue NSW vessels aren’t paid emergency responders. They’re trained locals — tradies, retirees, shift workers — who give up their time to crew boats, monitor radios, and respond when something goes wrong offshore.

Well something did go wrong.

A crew formed, and went out to help. A crew of regular people who just step up when it matters.

Conditions were rough and the rescue vessel rolled while crossing the Ballina Bar, near the river mouth and breakwall. That stretch is known for standing waves and unpredictable conditions, especially in swell — which is what they were dealing with at the time.

Two of those volunteers didn’t make it home.

The man they were trying to reach didn’t either.

The four remaining Marine Rescue crew managed to make it to land, albeit with some injuries.

Our thoughts are with the families of those crew members lost, including the civilian they were attempting to help, as well as the surviving crew members and other responders involved in the incident.

Our volunteers deserve the highest levels of respect and appreciation.

To all the crews who’ll still turn out next time the pager goes off - we appreciate you.

If anyone wants to send some love to someone involved, you can do it via the Pay it Forward on our website.

❤️🇭🇲

12/04/2026

An important day at VF8 with the swearing of our newest regular members, Tim Spiteri and Dave Wellings - one step closer to becoming qualified crew members - well done to both, it’s great to have you both as part of our flotilla.

15/03/2026

We held an important session this morning for a number of our members in training - this time it was the survival at sea course expertly delivered by Greg Mulder our flotilla training officer - at the same time our duty crew were helping MSAR train up the Ocean Grove Marine Rescue team - a busy day all round - well done to all

07/03/2026

Always happy to help

Huge Shoutout to the Crew that towed my disabled vessel all the way from Leopold to St Helens against a heavy Ebb tide.

07/03/2026

Notice of memorial service for Barry - please come if you can

05/03/2026

Great write up in today’s Addy in support of an opportunity for us to relocate to a new base - let’s hope it works out for everyone’s sake.

01/03/2026

Doing our bit for clean up Australian day with a sausage sizzle at the base - one free sausage in exchange for some rubbish (no minimum) - great work Sue !

22/02/2026

Vale Barry Meddings

Today our flags fly at half-mast in honour of Barry Meddings, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. His loss is deeply felt across our flotilla and the wider boating community.

Barry was a much-loved and highly respected member of Geelong Coast Guard, serving with dedication and distinction for 11 years. For the majority of that time, he carried the responsibility of Master in charge of our rescue vessel, leading missions with calm authority, sound judgement and unwavering commitment. He also served as past Deputy Commander and Section Officer, roles he undertook with characteristic diligence and quiet strength.

Barry was the very embodiment of a volunteer. He stepped forward whenever there was a need, took on additional responsibilities without hesitation, and even supported other flotillas when they were short-handed. Nothing was ever too much for our Baz. His generosity of time, skill and spirit set a standard to which we all aspire.

He was at the helm of many successful rescue missions, often in challenging and perilous conditions. Those who served alongside him knew they were in capable hands. Beyond his operational leadership, Barry was an exceptional trainer and mentor. He shaped and encouraged countless crew members, coxswains and vehicle operators, generously sharing his knowledge and experience to ensure others were confident, competent and safe.

Barry leaves a profound void within our flotilla. His steady presence, ready smile and unwavering dedication will be greatly missed.

Today we remember Barry and thank him for his outstanding service to the Coastguard and to the boating community he served so faithfully.

Fair winds and following seas old mate.

15/02/2026

Our on call rescue crew was called out last night around 9:30pm to assist with the rescue of 7 people whose vessel sank in the vicinity of the new Spirit of Tasmania- all were taken from the water by Spirit's crew members, transferred to the Coast Guard rescue vessel and taken to shore and met by paramedics. Once assessed, 4 of the 7 were sent home and the other 3 were hospitalised.

Some great team work by all involved - special shout-out to our Coast Guard volunteers who were called out from home and were on scene in a very short time. Our service is critical in helping to keep the Geelong boating community safe on the water.

It’s a timely reminder to have life jackets for all persons on board, serviced and in good condition. Your vessel needs to be maintained and serviced. Communication is paramount, make sure you have a marine radio and/or a mobile phone. Luck is a limited commodity and these 7 truly had luck on their side last night. ⚓️

04/01/2026

Vale Peter Stathopoulos OAM, Section Officer Geelong Coastguard VF08, and 3rd lieutenant Geelong Coastguard Marine Brigade.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our great friend and colleague.

Pete ‘Stath’ was a long standing member at VF08 who contributed to the esprit de corp of our Flotilla as well as the ADF cadets, particularly TS Barwon Navy cadets which he supported for many years.

Pete was big on recognition for the volunteers having assisted 34 recipients of the OAM as well as many and various service awards, all part of his lasting legacy.

Pete is pictured front and centre, arm in cast, with other members at VF08

RIP old mate.

David McGowan
Flotilla Commander VF08