Many picnicked, enjoyed market and food stalls, celebrated Australia Day and engaged in cultural workshops from the Gadhungal Murring group.

The much-loved derby held at Moona Moona Creek in Huskisson is the biggest annual fundraising event for the Marine Rescue NSW Jervis Bay unit.

Unit commander Tony Dagger said the funds go towards rescue vessels and training volunteers.

"We've got a new boat that on the market would be $1.5 million. It costs $350 an hour to run," he said.

"They allow us go 25 to 30 miles offshore to help people, so we're out there for hours potentially. It's a lot of time and expense, but that's what we do.

"We train intensely for it...our people are very, very skilled and competent."

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Tony said this holiday period has been "extremely busy", with crews being called out twice per day last December for rescues.

"A lot were simple, run out of fuel or flat battery situations, but some were more serious."

He extended his thanks to the community for their continued support.

"We see the same people who come to the derby every year," said Tony. "They are very, very supportive."

"We have to raise about 80 per cent of our own funds to run the unit. And this event is a major contribution to it."

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