News
27 August, 2025
Bribie sets sail with MRQ
Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island marked its first activation as part of Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) on August 14, having officially joined as the service’s 17th unit. The milestone marked a new chapter in the volunteer group’s 55-year history.
Just after 12:30pm, Radio Operator Jeff Kidner received a request from Queensland Ambulance Service to transport two ambulance officers to Tangalooma and medevac a patient back to their waiting ambulance at MRQ Bribie Island. Mr Kidner called in the day callout crew, including Skipper Ian Grimes and crew members Wayne Robinson and Phil Hagen, to respond to the urgent mission.
MRQ Bribie Island Unit Commander Ces Luscombe praised the dedication of the unit’s more than 100 volunteer members, acknowledging the countless hours they contribute to keeping local waters safe.
“MRQ Bribie Island covers a 500 square mile area and answers countless calls for assistance each year,” Mr Luscombe said. “In addition to the time spent on callouts, our volunteers invest an enormous number of hours into training, keeping 24/7 radio watch and rescue services, maintaining the fleet and base, and conducting patrols. We also engage with our local community to promote boating safety through training and education programs. Together, this adds up to more than 22,000 hours of volunteer effort per year to keep the community safe.”
Mr Luscombe said while the unit’s name and uniforms had changed, its mission had not. “We may look a little different now, but we’re the same experienced volunteers the boating public of Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay have been relying on for many years,” he said. “If you see our new blue and yellow branding out on the water, it will be a sign of expert assistance on the way.”
MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff also welcomed the Bribie Island unit, highlighting the importance of its work. “As an island community which experiences a number of different boating conditions, a local marine rescue presence is vital,” he said. “In addition, the area is a mecca for thousands of recreational boaties who flock to the water on weekends and public holidays. We’re grateful for the dedication and commitment MRQ Bribie Island’s volunteers invest into delivery of their services and the connections they have with the thousands of boaties they have supported over the years.”
MRQ is the state’s first government-funded, volunteer marine rescue service, operating as part of Queensland Police Service with its own structure, governance, and identity.
