The annual Awards of Excellence honour outstanding achievements in all aspects of surf life saving. A record number of lifesavers from across NSW attended the event held in Sydney on 31 August.
Television personality and Surf Life Saving member, Tom Williams, hosted the evening. He shared the stage with the state’s top surf lifesavers as they were honoured in front of their peers.
Punching well above its weight, the state’s most southern branch took home four awards including Branch of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, the Innovation of the Year and the President’s Medal, awarded to Cheryl McCarthy from Bermagui SLSC.
Almost 500 of the state’s top lifesavers heard how the Far South Coast clubs and Branch have championed the development of new processes in partnership with other emergency services for remote search and rescue incidents. They are leading the way with multi-agency operations with the Police and SES.
“Our branch works so hard and we’d be nowhere without the forward-thinking of our Board of Directors and amazing members,” said Branch President Tony Rettke.
The Far South Coast Branch proudly run several inclusive surf education programs, new carnival formats to increase involvement and continue to support inland Nipper development programs.
“We might be one of the smallest branches in the state, but we have some of the most hard-working, passionate and innovative members who put not only their day jobs on the line to respond to call-outs 365 days of the year, but also their lives on the line to save others,” Rettke continued.
Over the last year the branch responded to 35 emergency callouts, supported by the combined efforts of their seven clubs and the Support Operations Team.
“I’m so proud that our clubs can be recognised for their efforts in a room of amazing lifesavers, for the second year running. It’s a real thrill to be here and accept this award on behalf of the Far South Coast,” Rettke concluded.
Wendy Law from Broulee Surfers SLSC received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Wendy has demonstrated outstanding commitment since she joined the organisation in 2005 and has a true passion for Surf Life Saving.
“It’s really amazing. There’s a long list of volunteers. I didn’t think I stood a chance. But there you go! I’m so proud to be recognised as volunteer of the year,” said Wendy.
Wendy has a well-deserved reputation in the club, branch and the state as someone who gets the job done efficiently and effectively.
“I guess it’s recognition of what I love to do behind the scenes. I don’t actually get in the water, but I do pretty much everything else. I do the best I can do at branch and club level.
“It’s such a worthwhile purpose and people who get involved see that straight away. I’m very proud to be part of it!,” said Wendy.
Wendy’s many roles and her commitment are seen through her willingness to provide ongoing support to individuals and clubs. She manages a multitude of roles with incredible efficiency, patience and good humour.
“The Far South Coast is very unique. We have a lot a distance between our clubs but we’re very close,” Wendy concluded.