There are several reasons for this situation, some of which are:

The NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, through its executive, is currently undergoing some major state-wide and very necessary restructuring; I believe it does not see diving operations as a part of that restructuring going forward.

Albury Border Rescue Squad does not have any commercially qualified divers left in their squad and have decided not to continue diving as part of their emergency service delivery operations, a decision I respect and fully understand.

RELATED:

Corowa and Albury squads have a long history of cooperation in diving operations.

Without that cooperation, diving operations may have ceased years ago.

I know that our squads will continue to help each other and work together when needed at any situation on the Border.

The Corowa Rescue Squad has always been very supportive of diving operations, that is a credit to our squad.

Over those years, we are pleased and proud to have had the strong support of local NSW Police district commanders and local police, in performing our duties.

MORE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

From a personal point of view, the "baggage" that one carries after being involved in recovery diving for 40 continuous years is significant.

The past 18 months of ongoing discussions with the VRA executive, regarding diving, has just added to that load.

At almost 66, it's time to put family first and resign as a recovery diver and as VRA diving operation coordinator - a difficult decision to make.

In closing can I say to all the former NSW Volunteer Rescue Association volunteer divers from a number of regional rescue squads - people like Des Walters, Peter Adams, Wal Lingen, Stuart Dye, Mick Richardson and the late John Boyd - we are very proud of the timely and professional service we have delivered to our local communities over so many years, in times of extreme need.

"We did good", in the worst possible diving conditions imaginable and in the worst circumstances possible. Well done.

I would finally like to urge people to take care this summer in and around the water, it's not a matter of if another drowning will occur, it's when.

There needs to be a far stronger message to people boarding a flight from Indonesia to Australia that any meat/pork products carried will cause potential jail and substantial fine.

Indonesia should be very aware of the sensitive impact on relations it would have to allow people to carry infected/illegal goods into Australia and cause a swine fever outbreak.

It is time travellers who try to sneak food into our land faced much tougher penalties and the ignorance was no excuse .