Two Far South Coast Marine Rescue volunteers have been named finalists in the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards for the 2024 Marine Rescue agency award.
Merimbula Deputy Unit Commander, Sonia Teston, and Eden’s Deputy Unit Commander, Nancy Weatherman, have been recognised for their service and commitment to saving lives on the water and boating safety on the far South Coast.
Ms Teston and Ms Weatherman join Port Jackson’s Kelli Jovanovski, and long-serving Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteer, David Bigeni, as finalists for this year’s Marine Rescue NSW agency award while Marine Rescue Port Jackson Training Officer, Sophie Baker, is in the running for the Dot Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, Alex Barrell, said he is extremely proud of the agency’s finalists.
“Marine Rescue NSW is fortunate to have more than 3,400 dedicated volunteers and this group typifies what our volunteers are about and their selfless mission of saving lives on the water,” Barrell said.
“Boaters should feel reassured that our volunteers have got their back and it is wonderful to see this group recognised as RESCA finalists,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell commended Ms Teston and Ms Weatherman.
“Sonia and Nancy’s dedication to boating safety on the far South Coast at the Merimbula and Eden unit’s respectively make them worthy finalists for Marine Rescue NSW and we are extremely thankful for their commitment to service particularly to the local boating community.
“Sonia and Nancy are both exceptional leaders and to have people of their calibre amongst our ranks is a real asset for Marine Rescue NSW,” Barrell said.
The winner of the Marine Rescue NSW agency award and the Dot Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship will be announced at the RESCA ceremony at Bankstown Sports Club on August 10.
Sonia Teston – Marine Rescue Merimbula
Sonia Teston is the Deputy Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Merimbula where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication during her nine years of service. Her outstanding contributions have significantly influenced the unit’s growth and operational effectiveness.
Since joining Marine Rescue Merimbula in 2015, Sonia has quickly risen through the ranks, holding various positions such as Unit Commander, Roster Officer, Admin Officer, and Membership Officer. She is also a qualified Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain and Radio Operator with her skills and professionalism coming to the fore during numerous rescue missions.
Sonia’s leadership has been instrumental in doubling the unit’s membership to 82 members, with a notable increase in female membership to 36%. As the first female Unit Commander and Deputy Unit Commander at Merimbula, she serves as a role model and mentor for aspiring female members.
Beyond her primary role, Sonia has assisted in emergency operations during the 2019-2020 bushfires and the 2020 and 2022 floods. Her efforts were recognised with a Premier’s Bushfire Citation and National Emergency Medal.
Nancy Weatherman – Marine Rescue Eden
Nancy Weatherman has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership during her 10 years with Marine Rescue Eden where she currently holds the position of Deputy Unit Commander. As a qualified Radio Operator, Nancy has provided vital communications support to the boating community and rescue agencies in the strategically important region of Twofold Bay and beyond.
Throughout her service, Nancy has previously held the role of Unit Commander and is instrumental in fundraising, community engagement, and member recruitment. Her efforts were particularly crucial during the transition of the Eden unit from a Radio Base to managing its first rescue vessel in 2022.
Nancy has been actively involved in Marine Rescue Eden’s Building & Facilities upgrade subcommittee and consistently participates in local community events and initiatives. Her leadership and mentorship have been invaluable, particularly in supporting and encouraging the development of female members within Marine Rescue NSW.
Images: Marine Rescue NSW
