A 95-year-old Lake Macquarie woman has been celebrated for an extraordinary 35 years of volunteer service with Marine Rescue NSW, receiving one of the organisation's highest honours.
Decades of Dedication Recognised
Margaret Teal was conferred life membership of the state's Marine Rescue during the organisation's Annual General Meeting in Cronulla on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The remarkable nonagenarian joined the service back in 1991 with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and has become one of Marine Rescue NSW's longest-serving members.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair Nola Watson described Ms Teal as representing 'the very best of what the organisation stands for' during the ceremony that also honoured two other dedicated volunteers.
Building Foundations for Busiest Unit
Ms Teal's leadership proved crucial during significant transitions within the organisation. She served as division commander during the move to Marine Rescue NSW and later became the first Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
Her steady guidance helped establish the foundations for what has become one of the state's busiest marine rescue units. 'Margaret's commitment over more than three decades has had a profound influence on her unit and on Marine Rescue NSW more broadly,' Ms Watson stated.
Legacy of Leadership and Inspiration
The Marine Rescue chair emphasised that Ms Teal's example demonstrates 'the power of quiet, steady leadership and the impact of helping others build their skills and confidence.'
Ms Watson added that the three new Life Members' influence would extend well beyond their active service years. 'Their influence will continue well beyond their years of active service, through the volunteers they have inspired and the safer waterways they have helped create. Marine Rescue NSW is stronger because of them.'
Marine Rescue NSW operates as a volunteer-based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities across New South Wales.
