Flags flew at half-mast as Ballina gathered today to remember two Marine Rescue volunteers who lost their lives answering a call for help.

But as hundreds stood beside the town’s cenotaph, the memorial to Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch became something broader: a powerful tribute to the volunteers who hold communities together.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley joined families, emergency service personnel, dignitaries, volunteers and residents for the Community Memorial Service at RSL Memorial Park, two months after the May 4 tragedy that shook Ballina.

A large screen carried a moving video tribute as mourners stepped forward to place flowers and personal tributes on a specially prepared table in front of the cenotaph.

Master of ceremonies Phil Chapman said Ballina had endured floods, storms, COVID, shark attacks, road accidents, drownings and other tragedies — but continued to stand together.

“I’m constantly amazed at the resilience of this community,” he said.

“We just seem to keep on going, and I’m sure we will bounce back after this tragedy.

It was a theme that ran through a deeply moving service — from the Governor’s tribute to the courage of the six-person crew aboard Ballina 30, to Mayor Sharon Cadwallader’s reflections on a community that had “wrapped its arms” around those affected.

And it culminated in a direct challenge from Mr Chapman: honour Bill and Frank by getting involved.

“My challenge to everyone today is, don’t let the lives of these men be in vain,” he said.

“Join some group to help take their place.

“In that way, you will be giving continuing purpose and a meaning to their lives.

“That is what they would want us to do. That is what we can do. That is how we build community.”

‘Courage shone’

Governor Beazley described the memorial as both deeply sad and deeply proud.

She said the service had begun appropriately with the Ballina Headliners’ rendition of Amazing Grace.

“I think [it] is the beginning of what today is all about — about a day of grace, about a day of Amazing Grace,” she said.

Reflecting on the night of May 4, the Governor said the tragedy had not represented a failure of commitment, dedication or training.

“It was a really sad night, and today is a sad occasion, but on that night there are a number of things that we know,” she said.

“We know that on that night commitment didn’t fail.

“We know on that night that dedication didn’t fail, the training didn’t fail.

“We also know that on that night courage shone.”

Governor Margaret Beazley and her husband Dennis Wilson

Six Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers had headed out aboard Ballina 30 with one purpose — to reach a vessel in distress and help the sailor on board.

“They knew then, and we know now, that the conditions were treacherous,” Governor Beazley said.

“But they also knew that they had a role to play in fulfilling the mission, the one they’d signed up for, the one that they do for each and every member of our community — their commitment to the mission of Marine Rescue New South Wales to save lives on water.”

The Governor said the fact Bill and Frank were volunteers spoke powerfully about the men they were.

“Truly wonderful men who were prepared to give their time, their training, their courage, their commitment to help someone in distress.”

She said that same courage and commitment defined the more than 3000 Marine Rescue volunteers serving across NSW.

“Your service is the definition of what community is.”

She concluded by returning to the hymn that had opened the service.

“The service of Bill and Frank and their fellow crew members was indeed the exemplification of Amazing Grace.”

‘The darkest night’

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said those gathered had come together with “heavy hearts” to honour two extraordinary men.

On May 4, six Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers launched on a mission with what he described as a simple purpose: to help a sailor in distress.

“It was a mission they had undertaken many, many times before, but that night became the darkest night in the history of Marine Rescue New South Wales,” Commissioner Andrews said.

“Tragically, Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch did not return home, and neither did the sailor.”

Mr Andrews said Bill and Frank were very different men but shared something profound.

Todd Andrews

Mr Andrews said volunteering was often described as giving time, but anyone who had worn the Marine Rescue blue uniform knew it was far more.

“While it is giving your time, it is also giving your commitment, your energy, your courage and your heart,” he said.

He thanked the Ballina and wider Northern Rivers community for the flowers, messages, donations and countless acts of kindness following the tragedy.

“You reminded us and the families of Bill and Frank that no one has to face grief alone,” he said.

The Commissioner also thanked emergency services and members of the public involved in the response and recovery operation.

“In our darkest hours, you stood with us,” he said.

Mr Andrews said neighbouring Marine Rescue units at Brunswick and Evans Head had continued to provide offshore assistance to Ballina, while Port Macquarie radio operators were providing communications support.

An interim replacement vessel was expected later this month.

‘This tragedy has affected just about everyone’

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader spoke of the extraordinary impact the tragedy had had across Ballina.

“Today we gather with heavy hearts, but also with the quiet hope that by standing together we continue our journey of healing,” she said.

“We gather to honour those remarkable men, Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch, to remember their lives, their service, and their unwavering commitment to helping others.

“But we also gather to acknowledge something much bigger — the profound impact this tragedy has had on our community.”

The Mayor said that impact extended to the families who had lost so much, the injured volunteers, those who responded and everyone touched by the events of May 4.

Sharon Cadwallader

Yet, she said, the darkest moments had also revealed something extraordinary.

“I’ve seen a community wrap its arms around those who needed it most,” she said.

“We’ve seen flowers placed quietly by the river, messages arriving from across Australia, neighbours checking on neighbours, meals delivered, volunteers supporting volunteers, people who had never met Bill and Frank simply just stopping to pay their respects.

“These acts may seem small, but together they tell the story of Ballina, don’t they?

“It’s a community that shows up for one another, a community that understands that healing is something we do together.”

‘We will come out the other side’

Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill offered a simple message to the community: thank you.

“On behalf of the families of our lost and injured brothers, thank you,” he said.

“On behalf of Marine Rescue Ballina, Marine Rescue Headquarters, and our sister units in the Northern Rivers, thank you.”

He thanked those who left flowers and cards at the Marine Rescue tower, organisers of the classic car and bike parade, those who raised money for the six affected families, local schools and other emergency services and volunteer groups.

“Bill’s wife, Kerry, has asked me to thank all of you, particularly the Cherry Street Sports Club, for supporting the fundraising and also Marine Rescue for their continuing support,” he said.

“Your love and support means so much.

“And we will come out the other side of this.”

Remembering Bill and Frank

Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch

Mr Chapman also shared personal reflections on the two men whose deaths brought the community together.

Bill Ewen was born in Scotland and came to Australia in 2012, initially to visit his daughter for a year.

He stayed, met and married his wife Kerry, and later joined Marine Rescue, serving for about a decade.

“He remained very loyal to his Scottish heritage,” Mr Chapman said.

“It’s often been quipped that he never really ever lost his accent.”

Frank Petsch was born in Germany and also came to Australia to see the world.

He met and married Janet more than 30 years ago.

“Frank was the type of guy who would give everything a go, but not just have a go at things,” Mr Chapman said.

“He had to excel.”

“He went all out on anything that he attempted,” Mr Chapman said.

Frank joined Marine Rescue about three years ago.

“Whenever there was a call for a volunteer, Frank was always there,” he said.

“He was the go-to man.”

Mr Chapman said the two men had much in common.

“They were both born overseas.

“They both chose to live in our part of the world.

“They were both family men.

“They were both volunteers with Marine Rescue.

“And sadly they both gave their lives out of care and concern for others.”

He also acknowledged yachtsman Matthew Clayton, who died on May 4, and the four surviving Marine Rescue volunteers who suffered serious injuries.

“All sustained serious injuries — cuts, abrasions, broken bones,” he said.

“Recovery time for some will be long and painful.”

The four did not wish to be named during the service.

‘Look past the medals’

As the service neared its end, Mr Chapman returned to the contribution of volunteers.

“I look around and I see badges, ribbons and medals,” he said.

“All, I admit, are well deserved.”

But he said medals could never reveal the full cost of service.

Mr Chapman thanked their families, friends and the wider community for “wrapping their arms around them” as they dealt with the physical and emotional consequences of the tragedy.

“What the medals don’t show are the many sleepless nights our volunteers are on duty, keeping our community safe,” he said.

“They don’t show the lives of mates that have been lost during rescues or the weight of a tragedy on those left behind.

“They don’t show the lasting injuries, both to mind and body.

“They don’t show the support of loved ones who have maintained homes and families while they’ve been away volunteering.

“The medals don’t show time spent, the strength needed, and the years of youth that have been lost.”

He asked those gathered to see the people behind the uniforms and decorations.

Phil Chapman: “Every volunteer group I know is screaming out for help”

“Today, I hope we can all look past the medals and appreciate the people who wear them.”

Then came the challenge that captured the broader message of the day.

“So, what can we do to honour our volunteers?” he asked.

“Put very simply, you can join a volunteer group to help.”

Mr Chapman said every person had different abilities and could find some way to contribute.

“Every volunteer group I know is screaming out for help,” he said.

“We’re all getting old, we’re all getting tired.

“Remember, many hands make light work.”

“So join some group to help take their place.

“In that way, you will be giving continuing purpose and a meaning to their lives.

“That is what they would want us to do.

“That is what we can do.

“That is how we build community.”

After the national anthem, Mr Chapman thanked those who had taken part and the Ballina community for its support.

“What a great show of support,” he said.

“We’re all so proud of you.

“Remember to give someone a hug today.”

Conductor Cathy Gordon leading the Headliners choir

The Ballina Headliners closed the memorial with an Irish blessing.

Two months after a rescue mission ended in tragedy, the community had come together to grieve.

But the final message was not only about loss.

It was about turning up.

For each other.

For the community.

And, as Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch had done, for complete strangers who need help.