Coast Guard Launches The Matthew White Wing

The Ingham Flotilla QF-14 of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard has officially opened the Matthew White Wing, named in honour of Matthew White and his mother, Donna White, in memory of their service and dedicated support to the Coast Guard.

Steve Whipps of QF-14 spoke with pride and gratitude, saying, “It's a special occasion for us. We don’t have many of them, but I would like to say that the funds for this shed all came out of public fundraising in the Shire of Hinchinbrook. Without the people of Hinchinbrook, we wouldn't have been able to do it. Some of the funding did come from one of our generous contributors, and we’re very grateful. I’d also like to acknowledge our squadron, Commodore North Queensland Squadron, Commodore Terry Spurrier, and invite him to say a few words and cut the ribbon.”

Commodore Terry Spurrier said the occasion was deeply meaningful, “This shed doesn't just represent storage for the boat. It symbolises the hard work of our members, our sponsors, and it stands as a memorial to a valued past member. There’s a lot of sentiment here today. I’d like to thank everyone for the work they do, and a special thank you to the partners and families for understanding when the 2am call-out comes and it’s time to go. I’m very proud to be here.”

Nick Dametto MP shared his personal reflections on the dedication, “Having the Matty White Wing opened today is an absolute testimony to the dedication that young man had for, at the time, the Ingham Coast Guard. A life taken too early, but one that will be remembered for many years to come." He continued, “It’s very heartwarming to see the shed named in his honour. Matty was known for his commitment, from driving the tractor down to launch the boat to helping rescue those in need. They even nicknamed it ‘Matty’s tractor’. The fact that this new wing was funded entirely by local donations is a testament to the hardworking volunteers and the community that supports them.”

Acting Mayor Mary Brown also praised the efforts of the Coast Guard and the significance of the new facility, “It’s fantastic to see an extension to the infrastructure and facilities already here. The role the Coast Guard plays in our community is critical, often not fully appreciated until you need them. Kudos to all the volunteers and to the community that stands behind them. This shed is not just infrastructure; it’s about building resilience for a growing coastal region and ensuring we can continue to support both residents and visitors enjoying our marine environment.”

The Matthew White Wing stands as a proud symbol of local unity, volunteer dedication, and the enduring memory of a young man whose legacy lives on in every rescue, every launch, and every life kept safe on the water.