2025 Australian National Search and Rescue Council Awards Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Inc. Victoria Awarded Long Standing contribution to Search and Rescue

Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Inc.

Date: 17 October 2025

Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad (SPRS) Victoria has been recognised for 58 years of dedicated service and was awarded a commendation by the Australian National Search and Rescue Council on 16 October 2025.

The Awards Gala held in Brisbane, also recognised the thousands of trained volunteers during decades of dedicated commitment to marine search and rescue on Port Phillip Bay, southern area.

SPRS response to more than 5,500 rescue calls and the return of 17,000 people safely ashore since inception in 1967, was also recognised by National Search and Rescue Council. For many years Victoria Water Police and other Victoria emergency service organisations have praised the collaborative work ethic of SPRS.

During the last financial year, SPRS conducted 66 rescue missions on Port Phillip Bay and near waterways. 

Background Fact: SPRS was born out of necessity in 1967, sparked by the disappearance of Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt at Cheviot Beach, Victoria; that tragedy and the sometimes savage and dangerous waters of Port Phillip Bay, demonstrated a lack of emergency resources on the then-remote Mornington Peninsula.

By 1970, this grassroots effort officially became the SPRS, a volunteer-led organisation committed to marine search and rescue. More than 35 volunteers are the driving force behind every mission, responding with practical skills gained through rigorous training; operating search and rescue vessels in often dangerous waters; first aid administration under pressure while navigating rugged coastline conditions.

Footnote: The 2025 Longstanding Contribution to Search and Rescue Commendation was accepted by Kent Quigley President, SPRS and Denis Baguley Secretary, SPRS. 

Mr Kent Quigley, President Southern Pacific Rescue Squad Inc.

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