KEY PERSONNEL | VMR691 Port Hedland

[YOUNGEST VMR GROUP IN WA]

ABOUT ZAC

Position: Commander
Profession: Progress Rail Locomotive Service Engineer
Bio: Zac is from Springfield, Missouri, USA and has been in Port Hedland since 2012. He joined the VMR team in November 2014 where he started as a rescue boat crew volunteer. A few months after joining the group, Zac became the Commander of the group and has built the team up to where it is today. Zac holds a Coxswain Grade 1NC certificate and is very active on the rescue vessels doing training, marine search and rescues and vessel maintenance. Zac was nominated for the DFES Volunteer Marine Rescue’s “Outstanding Individual Contribution Award”, where he then won the award at the Western Australia Fire and Emergency Service Conference in September 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: Treasurer
Profession: Blackwoods Area Operations Manager (PH,NW&BM)
Bio: Originally from Zimbabwe, Allen has called Australia home since 2006 and has been a Port Hedland resident for the past 8 and ½ years. He joined the VMR team in April 2017 as an active crew member and with time put his hand up for the group Treasurer role and has been in that capacity since August 2017. Muzz as he is affectionately known is just finalising his attainment of a Coxswain Grade 1NC certificate and has participated in the WA Water Police Marine Search and Rescue course. Muzz is an active member of the group in most capacities from deck hand to skippering duties on our various vessels during simulated and actual search and rescue missions.

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.