2024 Marine Rescue Commander’s Award

Outstanding leadership in a difficult time has earned Marine Rescue Derby’s Owen Rouse the Volunteer Marine Rescue 2024 Commander’s Award.

Commander Rouse made a big impression in his first nine months in the role, helping the Derby team deal with the devastation of the unexpected passing of their previous Commander to illness.

Announcing the winner, Volunteer Marine Rescue WA Commander Jeff Howe ESM said the Commander’s Award was presented to an individual who had contributed or achieved “something special”, which may occur “on land or water and not necessarily involve a rescue”.

“This year that person is Owen Rouse,” Commander Howe said.

“Last Christmas, the Derby team lost their long-time, respected Commander, Rocky Prouse,” Commander Howe said.

“It hit the team hard. It could easily have derailed them. But luckily they had a leader in their midst who was able to step up quickly.

“Owen Rouse was able to bring the team together and then evolve as a leader as well.”

With his leadership the Marine Rescue Derby team has been able to recover, reorganise and find renewed vigour, Commander Howe said.

“That’s the something special Owen has delivered. That’s why he is a worthy winner of the Commander’s Award for 2024.”

Commander Rouse said it was an honour and a “life highlight” to win the award.

“You don’t volunteer for recognition,” he said. “You do it because you want to get involved and contribute something to the community.”

Commander Rouse said it was a team effort after the loss of Rocky Prouse.

“He was such a big personality. Everybody was sad. But we all knew we had to get on with the job and everybody agreed to pull together and support each other,” Commander Rouse said.

“It was really a mark of respect for Rocky.”