Community rallies with more than $30,000 raised after Marine Rescue tragedy

More than $30,000 has been raised for the Marine Rescue NSW Ballina unit following the deaths of two volunteers during a rescue operation at the Ballina Bar.

Marine Rescue volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch died in the tragedy, while four other crew members are recovering in hospital after the incident.

Cherry Street Sports Group contributed an initial $25,000 donation to support the unit, with community fundraising continuing to build in the days since the tragedy.

Cherry Sports Group marketing and community engagement manager Jackson Connellan said the response from locals had been immediate and deeply felt.

He said Cherry Sports Group chief executive Tere Sheehan and the board originally kickstarted the campaign to raise funds for a replacement vessel.

“The response has been amazing, it’s getting up around $30,000,” Connellan said.

“It was initially set up to replace the vessel, but with the government covering the cost there, the funds will go to the Ballina unit to help them in the recovery.

“That can be for further counselling or whatever they want to do during the recovery.

“When we opened the doors on the first morning, we had people lining up outside wanting to know how they could help.

“That just highlights the strength of the Ballina community, and we all know someone who has been affected by what’s happened in some way.”

Marine Rescue NSW officials, including commissioner Todd Andrews, visited Cherry Street Sports to acknowledge the club’s support.

He said the loss of the volunteers was a devastating reminder of the risks faced by those who serve in rescue operations.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.”

Donations can be made directly to Ballina Bowling & Recreation Club Ltd using BSB 032 591, account number 236790 and the reference “Marine Rescue”, or in person at Cherry Street Sports, Ballina or Club Lennox Sports.

Online donations can also be made through the Cherry Sports Group website.