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When Geoff Fitzgerald retired, he went to the Volunteering Illawarra centre in Wollongong to see what he could do to help the community.
‘‘I had a bit of time on my hands and I’d thought of becoming a radio operator with the coastguard,’’ he said.
‘‘In October 2010, the coastguard was changing to Marine Rescue NSW. I wanted to do something I had totally no experience in, so that I didn’t have any preconceived ideas.’’
Almost four years later Mr Fitzgerald is the sector leader at Marine Rescue NSW’s 24-hour search and rescue communications centre at Hill 60, Port Kembla. He has spent countless hours operating the radio, organising the rosters of 20 radio operators, monitoring boats, logging their comings and goings and organising searches and rescues.
The Fernhill resident puts in 80 to 100 hours a month, covering for others when there are gaps. He is also on the fund-raising committee.
‘‘Our main go is people breaking down, flat batteries, electrical problems, bad fuel. The vast majority of work is being the NRMA of the sea, towing people back,’’ Mr Fitzgerald said.
The 67-year-old is a finalist in the Pride of the Illawarra Emergency Service Officer of the Year Awards, run by the Rotary Clubs of the Illawarra. The awards, to be announced at a gala dinner at the University of Wollongong on August 8, recognise community service above and beyond the call of normal duties.
‘‘It’s quite humbling. My immediate thought was what I have done to deserve this?’’ Mr Fitzgerald said.
He said his role was satisfying and he worked with a great bunch of people.
‘‘You debrief yourself after every job and you ask could I have done this any better...as long as everyone’s safe and sound – that’s the bottom line.’’
‘‘It’s a good feeling when you know that you’ve done it right.’’
There are 23 finalists in the Pride of the Illawarra awards. Tickets for the dinner cost $95 and are selling fast.
Tickets: www.prideoftheillawarra.com.au or 0412 120 314