Howick Coastguard is a step closer to establishing a refuelling facility at its Howick Beach headquarters.
At a dinner meeting on November 24, Howick Coastguard’s past president Alan Martin and community liaison officer Chris Paul formally received a cheque for $6000 from Howick Rotary to help toward the cost of the facility.
In addition, Colin Monk, Fun Walk and Run committee member, announced that the club had secured a further $3000 from the June Gray Charitable Trust to go toward the project.
The two organisations have collaborated with other community bodies to run the annual Rotary Fun Walk and Run event from Stockade Hill.
The event was established as a project that would raise funds for Coastguard and, over the years, the club has been able to provide more than $30,000 of funding to support operational costs with a particular focus on health and safety.
Martin said, “This year the funds will go toward the establishment of a refuelling station being built behind the boat shed with an estimated overall cost of $45,000.
“The $9000 is much appreciated and reinforces the close working relationship the two organisation have built up over many years. Currently we refuel at Pine Harbour and having our own facility will save the volunteer crew a lot of time after a tiring shift on the boat.”
The cheque was presented by Monk and Howick Rotary president Gavin Green.
Monk said, “The Fun Walk and Run event is a broad-based community activity organised by a committee made up of five Rotarians, two members of Howick Coastguard and two members from the Howick community with John Osborne as its chair.
It is supported by the Howick Local Board; prizes are donated by local businesses and local schools are keen participants, all reflecting its widespread appeal withing our community.”
Green said, “Howick Rotary undertakes many activities involving the environment, helping young people and community assistance and this is one of the major projects the club has in its calendar.
“It is great that one community service organisation like Rotary can assist another like Coastguard deliver a vital service to keep our coastal waterways safe.”
