SOUTHERN Peninsula Rescue Squad (SPRS) Victoria has received national recognition for its exceptional dedication to saving lives and rescue missions for nearly six decades.
The volunteer team was awarded a commendation by the Australian National Search and Rescue Council on 16 October during a ceremony in Brisbane in recognition of its 58 years of dedicated service. It was also recognised by National Search and Rescue Council.
The squad’s secretary Denis Baguley and president Kent Quigley accepted the award on behalf of the SPRS, saying the honour reflected the hard work and sacrifice of every team member. “This is a fantastic recognition for the thousands of trained volunteers who have served over the last 58 years and those that continue to provide dedication and commitment to marine search and rescue on the southern Mornington Peninsula,” he said.
The SPRS, which is based at the Blairgowrie marina, operates 24-7 with more than 35 local volunteers responding to all calls in southern Port Phillip Bay and the near surf coasts of Bass Strait. Tasks range from operating search and rescue vessels in often dangerous waters, providing first aid under pressure, and navigating rugged coastline conditions. Overall SPRS has responded to more than 5500 rescue calls while returning 17,000 people safely ashore since its inception in 1967.
Water Police and other Victoria emergency service organisations have praised the collaborative work ethic of SPRS. SPRS was born out of necessity in 1967, sparked by the disappearance of Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt at Cheviot Beach in Victoria; that tragedy and the sometimes savage and dangerous waters of Port Phillip Bay, demonstrated a lack of emergency resources on the then-remote Mornington Peninsula. By 1970, this grassroots effort officially became the SPRS.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 29 October 2025
