Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers awarded highest unit honour for exceptional community service
by Marine Rescue NSW 30 Nov 22:30 PST
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 30 © Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue Ballina has celebrated the extraordinary service of three long-standing volunteers, with a combined 73 years' service, awarding Life Membership to Lorraine Leuckel, Norm Lannoy, and John Donoghue during a ceremony at the Ballina RSL on Saturday.
Life Membership is one of the highest honours within Marine Rescue NSW, awarded only in exceptional circumstances to volunteers who have dedicated decades to protecting the boating community.
Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said the three recipients had left an enduring legacy within the unit.
"Lorraine, Norm and John have devoted countless hours, immense skill and unwavering commitment to Marine Rescue NSW. Their service embodies the very best of our organisation and reflects a deep dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the Ballina community," Unit Commander Hill said.
"Each of them has contributed in remarkable and meaningful ways over many years. Their leadership, professionalism and community spirit set a powerful example for every volunteer."
"Ballina is privileged to have three volunteers of such calibre. Their work has strengthened our unit, supported local boaters for decades and helped save countless lives on the water."
Unit Commander Hill said the Life Membership awards were a proud moment for the unit and its 85 volunteers.
"Every one of our volunteers plays a crucial role in serving the community. Today we honour Lorraine, Norm and John, but their achievements also reflect the wider spirit of teamwork that defines Marine Rescue Ballina."
Marine Rescue Ballina Life Membership recipients
Lorraine Leuckel
With 21 years of service, Lorraine Leuckel has made a lasting contribution since joining as a Radio Operator in 2004. Over two decades she has taken on significant training and leadership roles, serving as First Aid Trainer for 15 years, Trainer and Assessor (Cert IV) for 12 years and Invigilator for radio qualifications for seven years. Lorraine also spent five years on Boat Crew, including serving on Ballina's first all-female crew, and contributed as Membership Officer for six years. She later served as Deputy Unit Commander during the transition to the new tower between 2016 and 2018. Lorraine remains a respected mentor and a valued leader within the unit.
Norm Lannoy
Norm Lannoy's service began in 1998 when he joined the Coast Guard after completing rescue boat theory training at TAFE. Starting as a Radio Operator, he progressed through operational roles, becoming Competent Crew in 2003, Advanced Crew - Quartermaster in 2004 and a Coxswain in 2005. Norm went on to serve as the final Coast Guard Unit Commander in Ballina and the first Marine Rescue NSW Unit Commander. He completed the theory for his Master Class 5 in 2017 and served as Training Officer and Assessor from 2017 to August 2025. Norm continues to contribute as a Radio Operator and is widely regarded for his leadership, skill and long-standing dedication.
John Donoghue
John Donoghue joined the Coast Guard, North Coast Squadron in 1999 and quickly became involved in planning for the new Ballina Control Tower, which was completed in 2016. Throughout his service he has played a crucial role in regional safety, acting as Squadron Safety Officer for Yamba, Evans Head, Ballina, Byron Bay and Kingscliff, delivering Fire and Water Safety training across the region and writing refuelling Standard Operating Procedures. At Ballina he has served as a Radio Operator, Unit Commander for three years, Safety Officer for evacuation procedures and, for the past five years, Maintenance Officer.
With the summer holidays approaching, Unit Commander Hill is urging boaters to make Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW part of their routine.
"Boaters can Log On using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or via VHF Channel 16. Logging On ensures our volunteers can monitor your safe return and, if you don't return as planned, we can begin searching immediately. It only takes a minute to Log On and protect a lifetime.
"We want everyone enjoying the water this summer to have a safe, enjoyable day out and return home to their loved ones," he said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.