The brand-new second floor of the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsundays headquarters re-opened this week, delivering a vital new space for orchestrating emergency marine rescues.
The building was closed temporarily in December last year when works began and has remained shut for the past four months.
During this time significant renovations took place.
The overall floor space of the room is now estimated to be 3.5 times larger than previously, and it will now offer far greater room for training and operations, as well as search and rescue facilities.
In addition, the new room will be made available as a meeting room for community groups.
There will be three TV screens, whiteboards and other facilities.
VMR Whitsunday President Mal Priday said he was thrilled with the result.
“All the trades did a fantastic job, we couldn’t have asked for more” he said.
Mr Priday would like to make a special thanks to Project Manager Roger Wodson who was the driving force behind the project.
He also commended builders Ben Doolin & Co for their excellent workmanship.
A group of dedicated volunteers excitedly moved the equipment into the facility earlier this week and began to make themselves at home.
The project was made possible by substantial funding from the Federal Government under the Investing In Our Communities Grant.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm were also instrumental in securing the funding.
Whitsunday Regional Council, Whitsunday Police and the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach also played an important role.
1: A group of dedicated volunteers excitedly moved the equipment into the facility earlier this week and began to make themselves at home.
2: The VMR building in Cannonvale
