Jimmy Arteaga is a true life-saver. He has been volunteering for Marine Rescue Broken Bay for 15 years and is now the Unit Commander. Jimmy has overseen the rescue of numerous vessels and people in the Pittwater and Broken Bay area. He is also responsible for a whopping 90-plus volunteers who belong to the unit. 

It was Jimmy’s dedication and passion to Marine Rescue that earnt him the Northern Beaches Australia Day Citizen of the Year 2024. 

While his role has touched so many lives, like many volunteers, Jimmy never sought the spotlight. With nominations now open for our 2025 Australia Day Awards, it’s up to the community to ensure deserving individuals like Jimmy get the recognition they deserve. 

Nominate someone you feel inspired by today! 

Read more about Jimmy’s volunteering role, and how he felt when he received the Citizen of the Year accolade. 

Can you tell us about your role at Marine Rescue and what you do?

Marine Rescue is a first responder on-water service. I’ve been volunteering with the organisation for 15 years and essentially our main mission is saving lives on the water. 

How did you get involved in volunteering for Marine Rescue?

As long as I can remember I have had a love for the water – I started out in navy cadets then I moved into teaching how to sail, and boat deliveries. But I have always been out on the water, whether it’s on boats, fishing or scuba diving. That’s why Marine Rescue appealed to me so much – and it suited my family and work commitments in terms of how I could give back. 

What do you love about volunteering with Marine Rescue?

I find a lot of joy from helping the community, and as I’ve been with the unit such a long time, I also get a lot of satisfaction from driving positive change in the organisation, watching our members grow and seeing how much more we can engage with the community. 

How did it feel to be awarded the Northern Beaches Australia Day Awards: Citizen of the Year 2024?

It was mind blowing. I do this because I love helping people. I don’t expect any accolades and volunteering with Marine Rescue is something I did for myself so just being nominated was amazing. I feel very honoured but I am shy about it as well. 

Why do you think it’s important for people to nominate deserving community members?

There’s a lot of volunteers out there that give their time and they do it because they love it. But the recognition is really important. If you know someone that is doing something fantastic – a silent achiever – nominate them. It makes a big difference. 

From our young trailblazers and inspiring seniors to dedicated community groups, sportspeople, and event organisers, let’s recognise those who make the Northern Beaches even better. Nominate them today.