HE first joined the Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club as a 12-year-old and 63 years later, Ron Calman is as passionate about helping those on the water today as he was in the 1950s.
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Now 75, the Marine Rescue Newcastle unit commander has been recognised for his contribution with an Emergency Services Medal as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.
"I'm overwhelmed," Mr Calman said.
"I feel really, really good.
"I've been on the water all my life and I love it.
"I'm very thankful to all the wonderful people I've worked with over the years."
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Mr Calman's wife of 52 years, Maria, and daughter, Melinda, are among his biggest supporters, with the unit commander saying "they've helped me achieve this".
Having been the founding commander of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Swansea flotilla, the division commander of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol at Lake Macquarie and an officer in the NSW Police Marine Area Command, Mr Calman is one of the longest serving marine rescue members in the state.
On call 24/7, Mr Calman has responded to all sorts of emergencies on the water, often in dark and dangerous conditions.
"It's what the job is. The phone is always switched on and I don't have a problem with it at all," Mr Calman, who has been Newcastle's unit commander since 2012, said.
Also the unit's training officer, Mr Calman also gets a lot of satisfaction out of ensuring Marine Rescue Newcastle's up-and-coming members "receive professional training, resourcing and support for their life-saving roles".
"Our volunteers make a valuable contribution to the safety and wellbeing of our community without any expectation of reward or recompense. They deserve our gratitude," Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said.
"Our people are our strength and we are proud to have such experienced, skilled and dedicated members. These awards are our chance to say thank you."