Support: Luke Sharrock and Beresford Ralph recently assisted the border towns of Euston and Robinvale.
Two Moama-based Marine Rescue NSW volunteers flew above and beyond recently.
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Luke Sharrock and Beresford Ralph were not limited to the water when they took to the air by helicopter to assist the rural border towns of Euston and Robinvale.
The duo, along with regular members of the two communities, pitched in to aid two extremely isolated neighbouring houses through sandbagging.
Transport: The pair were transported to southern NSW by helicopter.
The helicopter trip was required for time constraints and amounted to an hour-and-a-half, following a fuel stop at Swan Hill in order to proceed to Balranald Recreation Reserve on November 14.
“We flew in there (on Monday) and when we got to Euston we were there until the sun went down,” Mr Sharrock said.
“We were faring sandbags into the homestead, it (the homestead) was an island.”
The volunteers were deployed to a brief stop at Balranald where the emergency department collected vessels and carefully avoided crater-like potholes on the journey to Euston.
On the scene: The marine rescue volunteers assisting in Euston.
The two vessels could only carry a capacity of 12-18 sandbags at a time at the risk of being overladen, with 50 sandbags to one pellet.
Local people from off the street and staff members from the Euston Club also provided a helping hand.
“We had people from within the community assisting as well,” Mr Sharrock said.
“They gave us a hand and were really helping out.
“That’s what I mean by the community coming together.”
The multi-agency effort to salvage houses was conducted by Marine Rescue, SES, and RFS.
“The main problem was the lack of qualified skippers available to drive vessels,” Mr Sharrock said.
“The available resources in the vicinity are under-utilised on both sides of the political border. Each vessel is an asset.”
The passionate pair were grateful for the skills they have since gained from engaging with Marine Rescue NSW.
“I do it to give back to the community,” Mr Ralph said.
Marine Rescue NSW’s Moama Unit is a volunteer organisation located at the five-mile boat ramp.
“Marine Rescue — we’re just there to help you,” Mr Sharrock said.
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