2026 Australia Day Honour - Emergency Services Medal for Master of Search and Rescue Vessel
Southern Peninsula Rescue Squadron
The Southern Peninsula Rescue Squadron’s (SPRS) dedicated, and highly trained volunteers, have celebrated in the spirit of shared achievement with Mr Tony Marchesani, Master Search and Rescue Vessel, who in the 2026 Australia Day Honours has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal.
Having served 18 years of distinguished service with SPRS and personally involved in more than 600 search and rescue operations, Tony Marchesani has provided direction, support, mentoring and coaching to more than 200 volunteers in all aspects of marine search and rescue operations.
His professional experience of 2,500 hours as Master Search and Rescue Vessel has recorded countless Victorian and International lives saved on Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait.
2016: three persons missing on a jet ski were located by Tony Marchesani clinging to a channel marker after the trio’s jet ski had sunk. Each person was in early stages
of hypothermia. With minimal time to sustain life, the SPRS Master successfully rescued the three adventurers, taking them to shore to waiting paramedics.
2022: four teenagers from Rosebud beach using inflatable paddleboards were reported missing. SPRS mounted a night operation. Tony Marchesani with a party of volunteers searching in hours of darkness located the teens on Swan Island more than 20 kilometres from where they started their adventure, returning them to anxious parents.
2025: SPRS hosted 30 disadvantaged children from Portsea camp. Tony Marchesani pitched the on-Bay outing at survival skills, mental fortitude, resilience and hands on challenges and growth in practical abilities. The SPRS volunteers said the children from all walks of life will carry their experiences forever.
Tony Marchesani has held numerous operational roles with both SPRS and Sorrento SES, including member search and rescue helicopter volunteer crew; manager Marine Search and Rescue Training Officer and SES Deputy Controller. His contributions have been pivotal in advancing rescue techniques and enhancing operational readiness.
Footnote:
Tony Marchesani is currently advising SPRS on specifications and equipment requirements for a new dedicated search and rescue vessel to be funded by SPRS financial resources
The specialised and technically advanced marine search and rescue vessel is under construction, due for 2027 delivery.
Contact details:
Mr Kent Quigley, President SPRS.
Email: [email protected]
Mobile 0409 032 584.