HE never expected recognition, never chased medals and never stopped answering the call. But after nearly two decades on the water, the man many locals already trust with their lives has received one of Australia’s highest emergency service honours. Southern Peninsula Rescue Squadron (SPRS) veteran Tony Marchesani has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours, recognising nearly 19 years of distinguished service in marine search and rescue. Marchesani, who has 2500 hours as master of the search and rescue vessel, has been involved in more than 600 operations across Port Phillip Bay and…
Browsing: Emergency Services Medal
GUNNAMATTA Surf Life Saving Club member Joseph Watt, above, has received the Emergency Services Medal as part of King’s Birthday Honours for his service to the lifesaving movement.Watt has been a patrol member at Gunnamatta for more than 32 years and has held many volunteer and professional positions at club, regional and state levels including regional lifeguard, inflatable rescue boat (IRB) instructor and lifesaving patrol service assessor.He was among a team of lifesavers that rescued eight people who were swept out to sea at Gunnamatta in 1998. Following the incident, which resulted in three deaths, he played an integral role…