What’s Happening?
Queensland Flotillas of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) have formally begun transitioning to Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), with Redland Bay leading the statewide change. Volunteers there now wear Marine Rescue Queensland colours while continuing operations from Redland Bay Marina.
The transition brings Queensland’s volunteer marine rescue capability under one modern, government-funded service dedicated to saving lives at sea. It forms part of a coordinated effort to provide consistent marine rescue support across the state.
Why It Matters
Redland Bay is the first Coast Guard flotilla to transition into Marine Rescue Queensland. The new structure combines Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland within one statewide service.
Marine Rescue Queensland operates within the Queensland Police Service and supports coordinated disaster and emergency responses. Government funding also allows every unit to provide free rescue services to the boating community.
For local boaties, the change maintains familiar support while connecting Redland Bay volunteers with the wider statewide rescue service.
Local Impact
Redland Bay Marina is a popular boating destination in southeast Queensland. It provides passage to North Stradbroke Island and southern Moreton Island.
MRQ Redland Bay Unit Commander David Bell said the same volunteers would continue providing trusted marine rescue and safety services.
“It’s important for our community to know that the same dedicated volunteers will continue to operate at Redland Bay, providing the same high level of marine rescue and safety services they’ve always been able to rely on. We look forward to continuing serving the Redland Bay community under our new Marine Rescue Queensland colours. Our uniforms may be different, but our commitment to keep the local community safe on the water will never change,” he said.
By the Numbers
- 40 years: Generations of Redland Bay volunteers have helped people on the water and supported community safety.
- More than 50 years: Marine Rescue Queensland builds on the combined marine rescue history of both volunteer organisations.
- End of 2026: The full transition into Marine Rescue Queensland is expected to be completed before the year ends.
Zoom In
Redland Bay volunteers began wearing Marine Rescue Queensland colours on 28 August 2026. Chief Officer Tony Wulff described the first Coast Guard transition as a major achievement in unifying marine rescue services statewide.
“This is a historic day for marine rescue in Queensland, where we welcome the first Coast Guard Flotilla into MRQ,” Chief Officer Wulff said. “So many people have given their time and expertise to reach this momentous occasion, and I commend the volunteer members of Redland Bay for the significant work they have delivered to be the first Flotilla to MRQ. Through their efforts and unwavering commitment to keeping their community safe, we are now one step closer to our vision of being one coast, one crew, and one MRQ.”
“MRQ is excited to welcome Coast Guard volunteers into MRQ and to build on their proud legacy of service.”
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association National Commodore Matthew Semmens said the transition held deep meaning for current and former Redland Bay members.
“This is a big day for our Redland Bay volunteers and for AVCGA. For 40 years, generations of volunteers have given their time to help people on the water and keep their community safe,” National Commodore Semmens said.
“I want to acknowledge all the Redland Bay volunteers for the way they have worked through this transition. Change is never easy, particularly when people have such a strong connection to an organisation they have served for many years. On behalf of AVCGA, I thank every past and present Redland Bay volunteer for what they have contributed over the last 40 years, and I wish the team all the very best as they start this next chapter with Marine Rescue Queensland.”
Zoom Out
Marine Rescue Queensland is Queensland’s first statewide volunteer marine rescue service and operates within the Queensland Police Service. It supports the state’s coordinated response to disasters and emergencies.
The service brings together the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland. It builds upon more than 50 years of marine rescue service across Queensland.
Volunteers remain central to its operations, supported by government funding and local communities. The service provides marine searches, rescues and assistance to people or vessels in difficulty.
Marine Rescue Queensland also supports other emergency agencies and provides maritime safety education. All units offer free rescue services to Queensland’s boating community.
What To Look For Next?
The remaining Coast Guard flotillas will continue moving into Marine Rescue Queensland before the end of 2026. Redland Bay volunteers will maintain their local rescue work throughout the wider statewide change.
Boaties can find their local marine rescue unit at mrq.qld.gov.au or call 131 MRQ (677).
In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) or use VHF channel 16.
