By Alesha Capone
The first all-female crew in the history of the Werribee Coast Guard will take to the water next month.
The Werribee Coast Guard, also known as VF10 or Victorian Flotilla 10, has been operating for about 25 years.
However, flotilla commander Bruce Lawrence said that during that time, its patrol boat had never been crewed by a group made up entirely of women.
That will change on September 29, when a team of female volunteers – Claudine Keepa, Marilyn Carre, Angelique Ford, Celestine Hade and skipper Charmaine Meilar – do their first shift together.
Ms Ford said it was an exciting event.
“I hope this may give other women a chance to think about joining,” she said.
Ms Meilar said she joined the Coast Guard because she wanted to give back to the community.
“Volunteering is great when you enjoy what you’re doing, and there is a good crew and flotilla here,” she said.
Ms Carre said she first contacted the Coast Guard to ask if she could do some volunteer office work, but they offered her a chance to join the boating crew.
“I knew nothing at all, but I’ve learned heaps,” she said.
The Werribee Coast Guard will hold an open day on Saturday, September 29, from noon- 3pm – unless it is required to respond to an incident.
Members of the public will be able to board the VF10 boat and chat to volunteers at the Wyndham Harbour Marina. Gold coin donation required.
