Just days before Ballina pauses to remember those lost in the Ballina Bar tragedy, the community has once again rallied behind its Marine Rescue volunteers.

More than $58,000 raised by local residents, businesses and community groups was officially handed over on Monday to support surviving crew members and the families affected by the May 4 tragedy.

The fundraising campaign was launched by Cherry Street Sports Group, whose board contributed an initial $25,000 to kick-start the appeal. The final tally totalled $58,343.00, with hundreds of donations flowing in from across the community.

Cherry Street Sports Group CEO Tere Sheehan said the generosity shown over the past two months highlighted the deep connection between Marine Rescue Ballina and the wider community.

“This will be our community’s way of saying to them, we’ve got your back, we’re here for you, like they have been here for us so many times,” Mr Sheehan said.

The club received donations large and small, with many contributors saying they simply wanted to thank the volunteers who help keep local waterways safe.

“We get people walking in with $2,000 donations just because they use the waterways so much,” Ms Sheehan said.

“It just goes to show what Marine Rescue means to our community.”

“If it’s $5,000 or $500,000, any amount is great and we’re just really grateful that we can give this money over today.”

While acknowledging the money could never replace loved ones, Mr Sheehan said she hoped it would ease some of the burden on those affected.

“That’s what our community club does best. We give back to our community.”

The cheque presentation comes ahead of Sunday’s Community Memorial Service, which will be held at 11am at RSL Memorial Park beside the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch Cenotaph.

The service, hosted by Marine Rescue Ballina and supported by Ballina RSL, will provide an opportunity for the community to come together in reflection, respect and support following the tragedy.

Marine Rescue volunteers Bill Ewen, 74, and Frank Petsch, 62, died when Marine Rescue vessel BA30 capsized while attempting to assist a yacht in dangerous conditions at the Ballina Bar on May 4. Yacht sailor Matthew Clayton, 54, also lost his life.

The memorial will honour the two volunteers, acknowledge the surviving crew members, first responders, families and emergency services personnel affected by the incident, and recognise the courage and service of all those who responded.

The service is open to all members of the community.

For those unable to attend in person, the memorial will be livestreamed, with viewing details to be released by Marine Rescue NSW before the event.

The livestream will also be broadcast on a large screen at the memorial site and will be visible and audible to those wishing to attend by boat.

Main image: Marine Rescue Ballina unit commander Peter Hill receives the “big cheque” from Cherry Street Group CEO Tere Sheehan.