Kevin Sullivan (right) receives his 35 Years Long Service Award. Photos: Supplied.
BY HARVEY SHORE
At the Annual General Meeting of Brisbane Coast Guard in June, more than 100 years’ worth of Long Service Awards were handed out to local volunteers.
Phil Smith topped the Long Service Award list with a certificate and ribbon for 45 years as a Coast Guard volunteer.
Kevin Sullivan received his award certificate and ribbon for 35 years as a volunteer with the local Flotilla. Paul Burchell and Kevin Franklin also received awards for 25 years of Long Service, and Harvey Shore received an award for 15 years of service. Christian Hager received his award for a decade of volunteer service.
One of the most popular awards on the night went to Lurlene Bowen of Wynnum. Lurlene is the mother of current Flotilla Commander Craig Bowen. She received her award for 25 years of service to the Brisbane Coast Guard.
Lurlene actually started working with the local Flotilla unofficially in 1973, when her husband joined. She started by operating the Marine Radios, but after her husband passed away, she also began looking after the essential stores at the Manly base, keeping it supplied with everything from garbage sacks to kitchen stocks. It was only in 1991 that Coast Guard officially recognised her service by making her an honorary member.
Current Radio Officer Nigel Moore was recognised with an award for 1,000 Hours of Radio Operations.
Also at the AGM, current Flotilla Commander Craig Bowen and current Deputy Flotilla Commander David Purcell were both re-elected for another two years.
