Public memorial to honour Marine Rescue volunteers who died in Ballina Bar tragedy

A public memorial is being planned to honour Marine Rescue volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch who died in the Ballina Bar tragedy.

The memorial will be held in Ballina after the funeral services for the two crew members, giving the community a chance to gather and pay tribute to their contribution.

“At this stage, we anticipate the memorial will take place in late June,” a Ballina Marine Rescue spokesperson said.

“As both men are laid to rest in the coming weeks, the families have asked that their wishes regarding the funeral services be respected.

“Frank Petsch’s funeral will be a private, family-focused service attended by invited guests only while the details for Bill Ewen’s service are still being finalised.

“With the families’ wishes paramount, the community will have the opportunity to come together and pay their respects at a memorial.”

The Ballina unit has already held a private ceremony on the shore of South Ballina Beach to honour the men and support fellow volunteers in the wake of the tragedy.

Boat captain Geoff Hutchinson also attended a community tribute convoy over the weekend, with around 150 cars and motorcycles taking part before flowers were laid at the Marine Rescue tower in tribute to the volunteers.

Marine Rescue Ballina unit commander Peter Hill said the support from the community had been deeply moving.

“In Ballina and the Northern Rivers region, we have been overwhelmed by the love, goodwill and offers of help from our community,” he said.

“The beautiful flowers laid at the tower and on the wall, with their kind words, have touched our hearts.”

Donations to support the unit can also be made at ballina.marinerescuensw.com.au/support-us/