The Sandgate Marine Rescue volunteers who’ve been watching over Moreton Bay’s waters for more than half a century have embraced a new identity that actually takes them back to their beginnings.
Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane has officially transitioned to Marine Rescue Queensland Sandgate, bringing one of the state’s longest-running marine rescue operations under the MRQ umbrella.
For Unit Commander Neil Sheppard, the change represents something of a homecoming for the service, which first began operating from the historic bayside suburb in 1969 as the Sandgate Yacht Club Search and Rescue Squad.
The connection runs even deeper when you consider that the Sandgate Yacht Club itself was established back in 1912 – making this latest chapter part of a maritime safety story that spans more than a century.
“We’ve been keeping an eye on boaties in these waters for generations, whether they’re under sail or using motor power,” Sheppard explained. The location has always been strategic, with easy access to Moreton Bay and the network of waterways that draw thousands of recreational boaters each year.
While the rebrand brings new uniforms, signage and official designation, the day-to-day reality for local boaters won’t change much. The same experienced volunteers will continue providing round-the-clock emergency response services, with crews maintaining their weekend and public holiday monitoring schedules from the Sandgate base.
The transition brings more than 90 dedicated volunteers into the MRQ network, adding to a statewide service that now encompasses 20 units and over 900 volunteers across Queensland.
MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff emphasised the value these volunteers bring to water safety across the state, from the far north Torres Strait down to the New South Wales border. Beyond their on-water rescue duties, crew members spend considerable time each year training and practising to ensure they’re prepared for any weather conditions or emergency situations.
The integration reflects the Queensland Government’s approach to creating a unified, state-funded volunteer marine rescue service under the Queensland Police Service coordination structure, while maintaining the distinct identity and operational independence that makes these local units effective.
For Sandgate residents and the broader boating community who rely on these services, the change represents continuity rather than disruption. The familiar sight of rescue vessels heading out to assist troubled boaters will remain a reassuring constant, backed by the same local knowledge and experience that has made this unit a trusted presence on Moreton Bay for decades.
The transformation also highlights how community-based emergency services evolve while preserving their essential character – in this case, maintaining an unbroken commitment to water safety that stretches back to the early days of recreational boating in the area.
Published 17-September-2025
