DFES award recognises vollie’s work

A Pilbara volunteer has been recognised for his dedication to the Marine Rescue Service and local community.

Port Hedland-based business owner Brett Ellacott, pictured, received a silver award at last month’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards.

Mr Ellacott was nominated by Port Hedland Volunteer Marine Rescue commander Zachary Slaughter.

“As a self-employed volunteer, Brett takes time away from his business to donate his services, including assisting at inter-agency search and rescue exercises, managing Volunteer Marine Rescue projects, and assisting with vessel maintenance,” he said.

Mr Ellacott said it was good to get recognition for the amount of work he had put into the VMR.

“I’m only one piece of the big puzzle here and wouldn’t want to take all the credit,” he said.

He said it was hard to shuffle time around with his business to make himself available, but it was worth it.

“As a small business, you need hands on the ground, so shuffling time around is a bit of a challenge, so it means doing things after hours,” he said.

Mr Ellacott has been with the Port Hedland VMR for four years and said it was a great way to help the community.

“I have my own boat. I feel like you can’t expect people to come out and get you at the drop of a hat if you don’t contribute to that equation,” he said.

“It’s a good bunch of people, and there’s a lot more value to be derived from being a part of the VMRS than just on face value.”

Minister for Emergency Services Francis Logan said the awards were a way to acknowledge those businesses and organisations which provided the support emergency services volunteers needed.