Preston Beach volunteer rangers hit the sand with new set of wheels celebrating 25th anniversary

In early 1999 a group of residents from a small Waroona hamlet began discussing plans to form their own volunteer beach ranger group, the first in the State to their knowledge.

With the aim of managing the influx of visitors to the area’s unique environment — and mitigating the damage caused by those entering the protected sand dunes — the Shire of Waroona voted to support a trial of the unique approach at its December council meeting the same year.

Now, 25 years later the Preston Beach volunteer rangers still hit the sand, managing the growing popularity of the South West beach, and keeping the unique dune environment clear of human interaction.

Celebrating their 25th anniversary last month, members of the rangers gathered together to admire a new beach patrol ute given to them from the Shire of Waroona.

PBVR Noel Dew said the past 25 years had been a remarkable journey for the community of the quiet town introducing what he believed to be one of the most unique groups in all of Western Australia.

“A journey such as this doesn’t just happen, it requires lots of hard work and dedication and the current members would like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of so many locals who have put up their hands to undertake this role,” he said.

“Sadly, some of these wonderful people are no longer with us today, but the memory of what they have helped to achieve is firmly embedded into our culture.”

Mr Dew said he was proud Preston Beach was recognised as a safe beach environment by the thousands of visitors who descend on the town each year, with the community always offering their thanks to the volunteers.

“We have been told on many occasions that just seeing us out there helps make people feel safe,” he said.

“As volunteers, we would like to acknowledge the marvellous effort by the Shire of Waroona who have strongly supported our efforts over the past 25 years.”

Mr Dew said the role of a volunteer ranger is not always easy, and can prove demanding, but the hard work is regularly rewarded every time they drive down to the beach and see families having fun, knowing they are contributing to their enjoyment.

Shire president Mike Walmsley said reaching 25 years is a particularity special landmark for the rangers and the shire, and praised all the volunteers for their work.

“I think it’s fantastic they have managed to keep it going for all this time, and are still doing a great job around education and implementing beach-appropriate behaviour on the beach,” he said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge that the funding for the volunteer rangers comes out of Footprints Resort mostly, which contributes to them each year.

“And I’d also like to highlight Noel who has probably been the driving force behind this for many years, and has always been a strong advocate for the volunteer rangers, from his time on council and even now still.”