KEY PERSONNEL | VMR691 Port Hedland

[YOUNGEST VMR GROUP IN WA]

ABOUT ZAC

Position: Commander
Profession: Progress Rail Locomotive Service Engineer
Bio: Zac is originally from Springfield, Missouri, USA, and has called Port Hedland home since 2012. He joined Marine Rescue Port Hedland in November 2014 as a rescue crew volunteer and was appointed Commander shortly thereafter, leading the organisation's growth in operational capability, volunteer membership and community engagement. Professionally, Zac is a Locomotive Service Engineer with Progress Rail, bringing strong technical, engineering and project management expertise to the role. As Commander, he led the successful delivery of Marine Rescue Port Hedland's $5 million Facility Replacement Project, working alongside the committee, volunteers, government agencies, contractors and funding partners to deliver a modern, purpose-built rescue and training facility that will support marine search and rescue operations and community resilience in the Pilbara for decades to come. Zac holds a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal qualification and remains an active operational volunteer, regularly participating in training, vessel maintenance and marine search and rescue missions. In recognition of his dedication to volunteer marine rescue, Zac received the DFES Volunteer Marine Rescue Outstanding Individual Contribution Award at the Western Australia Fire and Emergency Services Conference in 2019.

Position: Deputy Commander
Profession: BHP Improvement Specialist
Bio: Adrian spent his final year of high school in Newman, Western Australia, before completing his trade qualification as a heavy-duty mechanic. In 2012 he relocated with his family to Port Hedland, where he soon discovered a deep passion for boating. He joined Port Hedland Volunteer Marine Rescue in 2022, rapidly progressing to senior skipper while demonstrating an exceptional ability to mentor and develop crew members. Recognising his natural talent for training and team-building, Adrian was appointed Group Training Officer. In 2025 he was promoted to Deputy Commander. With a strong focus on continuous improvement both in his professional career and volunteer role, Adrian is driven by fostering a positive team culture and watching volunteers grow in skill and confidence. His mechanical expertise, calm leadership under pressure, and dedication to crew development have made him an invaluable part of the Port Hedland VMR leadership team.

Position: Secretary
Profession: BHP Site Admin
Bio: Alyssa grew up in Brisbane, Queensland and relocated to Port Hedland in 2022. She joined Marine Rescue Port Hedland in 2024, initially inspired by her husband’s involvement with the organisation. Since becoming a member, Alyssa has played an active role in coordinating a range of events celebrating the dedicated volunteers of VMR691, and she has served as Secretary since 2024.
Alyssa is qualified as a VMR3 deckhand and now primarily supports land-based operations following the arrival of her son in 2025

Position: Treasurer
Profession: BHP Electrician
Bio: Lachlan moved from Brisbane to Port Hedland at the start of 2022. With a strong passion for being on the water, he joined Marine Rescue later that year as an active member, quickly working his way up to the position of Senior Skipper. Not long after joining, he also took on the role of Maintenance Officer, supporting the team with the upkeep of vessels and vehicles. In August 2025, Lachlan became the Treasurer of the group. Recently, he was nominated and selected as a finalist for the 2025 DFES Marine Rescue Young Person of the Year Award

Position: Maintenance Officer
Profession: BHP Superintendent Asset Performance - Above Rail
Bio: Originally from Cairns, David has called Port Hedland home since 2012 and joined Marine Rescue Port Hedland in July 2015 as an active volunteer skipper. Shortly after joining, he took on the role of Treasurer before serving as Deputy Commander from 2016 to 2020. Since August 2022, David has been the unit's Maintenance Officer, overseeing the maintenance and operational readiness of the rescue fleet and equipment. Professionally, he is the Superintendent Asset Performance – Above Rail at BHP, bringing valuable leadership and asset management experience to the organisation. David holds a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal qualification and has completed the WA Water Police Marine Search and Rescue Course. He remains an active operational volunteer, regularly serving as both skipper and crew across MRPH's fleet during training, emergency responses, and marine search and rescue operations.

Position: Training Officer
Profession: Pilbara Ports Environmental Advisor
Bio: Shelby joined marine rescue port Hedland in 2024 after moving to the region in 2022. With a strong connection to the ocean, she grew up at the Abrolhos Islands as the daughter of a commercial cray fisherman. This upbringing inspired her to complete a degree in Marine Science and pursue a career as an Environmental Advisor. Shelby became a qualified rescue skipper and stepped into the Training Officer role in 2025, where she is passionate about building capacity and ensuring the team is prepared for any emergency on the water.