The Northern Rivers community will have the opportunity to pay tribute to two Marine Rescue volunteers who died trying to save a lone sailor at a public memorial service in Ballina on Sunday, July 5.

The service at RSL Memorial Park will also honour the four Marine Rescue volunteers injured on the night Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch lost their lives. Yachtsman Matthew Clayton also died in the tragedy.

Mr Ewen’s funeral was held at Ballina RSL on Monday, June 15, while Mr Petsch was laid to rest at a private funeral on May 23.

Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said the memorial would support the Ballina community to continue the healing process after an incident that impacted volunteers, families, emergency services and the broader community.

“The events of 4 May touched every corner of our community,” Unit Commander Hill said.

“This memorial is about recognising the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers and first responders, acknowledging the profound impact the tragedy has had on so many people, and providing a space for the community to come together and heal.”

The Community Memorial Service will commence at 11am on Sunday, July 5, at RSL Memorial Park beside the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch Cenotaph.

“While we will honour and remember Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch, we will also acknowledge the courage and dedication shown by all those who responded that night, including the four volunteers who were injured while selflessly answering a call for help,” he said.

“This has been a difficult period not only for our unit, but for the six families directly affected, our fellow volunteers, emergency service personnel and the wider Ballina community. We continue to grieve with them and support them.”

Unit Commander Hill said the loss of the rescue vessel was also deeply felt.

“It was a vessel the community helped fund and one that represented our shared commitment to keeping people safe on the water,” he said.

“Throughout this difficult time, we have been overwhelmed by the compassion, kindness and support shown by the Ballina community. That support has been a source of strength for our volunteers and families, and we are sincerely grateful.

“Marine Rescue Ballina remains committed to serving our community and saving lives on the water. This memorial will be an opportunity to reflect on the values of service, courage and community that continue to guide our volunteers every day.”

The service is open to all members of the public and will be livestreamed, with viewing details to be published on the Marine Rescue NSW Facebook page before the event.

A coronial inquest into the incident is underway, and Marine Rescue NSW has appointed an independent investigator to examine operations on the night of the tragedy.