Trailblazing women take the helm at Marine Rescue Woolgoolga
by Marine Rescue NSW 15 Sep 02:37 PDT
Woolgoolga 30 departs Coffs Harbour Marina © Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue Woolgoolga has made history as the first Marine Rescue NSW unit to appoint an all-female executive team.
The Mid North Coast unit, which boasts 44 volunteers, is now led by Unit Commander Taylor Marshall, supported by Deputy Unit Commander Lisa Mobbs, Treasurer Cherrill Powell, Administration Officer Susan Nielsen-Robson, and Membership Officer Dolly Clarke.
Unit Commander Marshall said the milestone had been warmly welcomed across the organisation and the community.
"It wasn't planned, it just happened — and I'm glad it did. It's making waves, and that's nice. The unit executive is a wonderful group of dedicated women who believe in our members, the service and the community. I'm very excited to be on this journey with them and our incredible volunteers," she said.
Marshall, who has been with Marine Rescue NSW for just two years, admitted she "fell into" leadership through her fiancée Mitch Harvey, a former Woolgoolga Unit Commander. After serving as a training officer and acting deputy, she was elected Unit Commander in July this year.
Harvey, Brian Taylor, Shirley Teague, David Forge and Josh Stangl were collectively at the helm of the unit for the past five years, guiding the operation with professionalism and purpose.
"I have learned a lot from them. They have set the standard high for the new executive and I hope we can meet the standards and possibly even exceed them. We are focused on keeping everybody happy and healthy, on task and growing the unit," Marshall said.
While preparing for her wedding in April 2026 and working full-time in disability support, she continues to juggle her volunteer commitments.
"There's always a lot to do, but all the pieces fit together which makes it work. Now that I'm really busy, I can't stop being really busy," she laughed.
Marshall is also progressing through her operational training, holding a Coxswain (Restricted) rating and working towards her full Coxswain qualification — a vital role for Woolgoolga, where missions involve surf beach launches straight into offshore waters.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm praised the new unit executive.
"Marine Rescue NSW and the local community is privileged to have this determined and reliable group of women leading the unit."
Hulm also encouraged more women to volunteer.
"At Marine Rescue NSW, women and men train together, serve together, and save lives together — with respect, teamwork and professionalism at the heart of everything we do," he said.
"I encourage women who are ready to make a real difference to join Marine Rescue NSW — whether on the radio or the rescue vessel, there is a place on the team."
Marine Rescue Woolgoolga is based just north of Coffs Harbour, with its crews regularly called upon for challenging offshore rescue operations.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.