The SLSSNB Awards of Excellence 2024 were held Friday 28 June 2024. The annual AoE awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the impressive list of nominees who have made a huge impact on our community, along with all the volunteers who have served locals and visitors during the past Season and, in many cases, for many years.
Winners in the SLSSNB Branch Awards of Excellence are endorsed for the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence. The Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence celebrate the incredible people in our organisation and the impact they have on their clubs, its members and their local communities.
This year’s awards will be presented at the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence function on Saturday 24th August 2024 at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Newport SLSC had several recognitions, including:
- Pipi Te Pania as the SLSSNB Youth Athlete of the Year
- Newport SLSC & PCYC groups as SLSSNB Community Education Program of the Year
- Peter Finch as SLSSNB President’s award
- Newport as SLSSNB Club of the Year
The Club of the Year is an outstanding SLS-affiliated club that is committed to improving the experience of its members, providing a safer environment for the community, and improving club operations.
The President's Award, with Bungan Beach SLSC's Life Member Rod McGibbon currently serving a Branch President, recognises a member who has demonstrated significant and outstanding voluntary service to Surf Life Saving.
Peter joined North Narrabeen SLSC in 1993, and has given over 22 years of continuous service. He is now a member of the Newport SLSC. Peter held numerous positions at North Narrabeen from Business Manager to Junior President and everything in between. He has also held positions within SNB in the power craft area, and without him carnivals would not go ahead.
Even in Winter, as reported by PON in 2013, Peter is out on the water training the next operators in jet ski rescues.
Peter is the first on the water and the last one out. Dedicated to helping with can set up, and water safety at all carnivals in SNB. Peter is a highly experienced jet ski and IRB trainer for the Branch, his work with this team still continues today.
The power craft teams at SNB are privileged to have him educating newer members in the skills needed to operate power craft. Peter was awarded SNB Life Membership in 2015.
Peter Finch 2024 SLSSNB President’s award
Newport SLSC and PCYC groups as SLSSNB Community Education Program of the Year has already had a positive impact. In November 2022, NSW Police Force Youth Command partnered with the Newport Surf Life Saving Club to integrate surf awareness, beach safety skills into a ‘Fit to Learn’ program involving at-risk and vulnerable youth from South West and Northern Sydney.
With the invaluable support of Mr. Guyren Smith, President of the Newport Surf Life Saving Club, the program also emphasised positive role modelling, achieved through presentations led by Ironman and Ironwoman athletes and police from the NSW Police Force Youth Command.
This collaborative effort not only equipped youth with vital life skills and fostered positive connections between police and Surf Life Saving Australia illustrating the power of community partnerships in addressing social challenges. Mr Smith has continued his support of the ‘Fit to Learn’ program, assisting with a total of four programs. Since it’s inception this program has developed so now participants graduate with the SLSNSW Surf Rescue Certificate qualification. The course has resulted in over 30 young graduates from across the entire Sydney Metropolitan area.
On the 11 April 2024, at a Capability, Performance and Youth Command awards ceremony, Mr Smith received a Region Commander’s Commendation for his ongoing commitment, leadership and dependability in the delivery of these programs, and the positive impacts it has on the young people.
Mr. Smith said: ''It was an honour to receive a commendation on behalf of the club from the NSW police. Thank you to those that have helped out over these programs to deliver lifesaving skills and a great environment to the participants.''
A Region Commanders Certificate of Appreciation was also awarded to Koby Ell in recognition of the bravery he displayed in rescuing a young male from surf conditions on Sunday 21st January 2024 at the NSW Police Force Youth Command Annual Awards Ceremony. Koby was at North Maroubra Beach when he noticed a young male some distance from the shore who was struggling to keep his head above the water. With no lifeguards or equipment nearby, Koby ran into the water and swam to the aid of the struggling young male.
Koby managed to reach the young male and without the assistance of any equipment, pull him back to shallow water and complete a successful surf recuse. The young boy thanked Koby for his efforts and left the area safe and well.
In December 2023 Koby successfully completed the Fit For Change Surf Program, a partnership initiative between the NSW Police Force PCYC NSW and Surf Life Saving Australia, at Newport Surf Life Saving Club. Koby received training in beach safety and received a ‘Surf Rescue Certificate’ qualification. By way of his actions, Koby has demonstrated bravery and the knowledge, skills and training he gained from the Fit to Learn Surf Live Saving program to successfully rescue the young male.
Pipi Te Pania as the SLSSNB Youth Athlete of the Year
Adrienne Lowe, Dee Why SLSC, was named a Life Member at this year's SLSSNB Branch Awards of Excellence. In 2022 Adrienne was awarded an OAM 'for Service to Surf Life Saving'. A highly experienced and skilled educator, Adrienne has trained countless volunteers in Lifesaving and first aid awards and has held just about every role at her club, including President from 2007-2010.
Adrienne Lowe, Dee Why, Life Membership
When Adrienne Lowe OAM (Dodds ’80) was a student at Loreto Kirribilli, she was given some advice she has never forgotten. “Sr Paula told us, ‘Do your best, no matter what you choose to do’.”
Adrienne has followed this advice in a lifelong career that has gone from swim coach to surf life saver to Bronze Medallion Training Officer to Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Director of Education.
Adrienne first became involved in surf life saving in 2002 when she was working as a swimming coach at North Sydney Pool. She instantly loved it. “Surf life saving for me was the perfect love marriage of water, the beach and education.”
Adrienne was part of the team that won the 2015 SLS NSW Open First Aid Gold medal- Dee Why SLSC and went on to take Bronze in the Open First Aid for Dee Why SLSC at Aussies that year.
First Aid Friday, out of Dee Why SLSC, was nominated in the Innovation Of The Year category. This is Dee Why SLSC’s weekly 5-minute First Aid Refresher.
Two 2023/2024 examples include:
First Aid Friday – Shock
March 15, 2024
Shock is a life-threatening condition which manifests when there is insufficient blood circulating around the body and the blood pressure is too low to supply the tissues with oxygen. Initially the body responds to the threat by releasing adrenaline; this increases the heart rate and constricts the blood vessels raising the blood pressure. If the situation is not reversed blood flow to the vital organs such as the heart, brain, lungs and kidneys may be insufficient. If not reversed these organs will die and the person may not survive. It is vital we identify shock early and get the person off to hospital for definitive treatment. There’s also a note about sepsis in this week’s refresher. Hope you find this useful.
First Aid Friday - heat stroke (Hyperthermia)
March 1 2024
This summer has been relatively mild but there are plenty of days left for some real scorchers so this reminder may help you identify and treat hyperthermia (heat stroke) in the event someone needs help. Heat stroke is potentially fatal particularly for the very young and old so identifying it and acting quickly is vital. See summary attached.
The Dee Why SLSC First Aid Friday returns in October 2024 - just one example of how surf life saving members who care, give up their time and want to make a difference, find ways to look out for and after residents and visitors to our area while building and extending what came before them in surf life saving as a base for those who will come after them.
The SLSSNB Branch Awards of Excellence also recognise outstanding achievements in surf sports, the training and maintaining ground for fitness and skills that save lives on our beaches. This year the Surf Sports Team award was won by the Puddles U19 Female Boat Team from Palm Beach SLSC, who won Gold everywhere they went throughout the 2023/24 Season.
Palm Beach SLSC Boat Captain and Sweep for the puddles Peter Spence stated as the season closed: ''an undefeated season for the girls, very rare to do in our sport, what a crew, a pleasure to sweep the girls.''
Surf Sports Team award to Puddles U19 Female Boat Team from Palm Beach SLSC
The Youth Surf Life Saver was awarded to Eloise Love, Bungan Beach. The Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year is won by an active patrolling member between the ages of 15-21 who has made an outstanding contribution to the delivery and development of surf lifesaving frontline services.
The Official award was won by past SLS SNB Branch President, Gordon Lang of Palm Beach SLSC. The Official of the Year awards is won by an accredited surf sports official who has made a significant contribution to both officiating at a state, national and/or international level, and to the educational development of other officials in SLS.
Gordon Lang at the 2024 SNB Awards of Excellence
Gordon Lang became a member of Palm Beach SLSC in 1970. During his 54 Years of service (2022), he has been participating in multiple portfolios such as Surf Sports, Administration and Lifesaving.
Gordon is still actively engaged in masters’ competitions, being a surf sports official and a carnival organiser - the annual Adrian Curlewis Masters Carnival being one of his additions to the surf life saving calendar and a great way for masters across Sydney and further afield to commence their January. Gordon has made significant contributions to the Branch throughout his tenure, serving as President, Deputy President, and Sponsorship Director. Under his leadership, SLSSNB witnessed remarkable growth, culminating in a membership base of over 13,000 members at the end of his five year term. Beyond these roles, Gordon has actively participated in several SNB Committees, such as Rules & Constitution, Carnival review, and Judiciary Committees, showcasing his ongoing commitment to the surf life saving community. Gordon was awarded SNB Life Membership in 2021.
Patrol Captain of the year, Sophie Valentine, Avalon Beach SLSC - awarded to a Patrol Captain who is passionate about improving the service their patrol offers to the community, or the experience it offers to members.
Volunteer of the Year awarded to Sascha Rundle, Warriewood SLSC
Administrator of the Year, Victoria O’Halloran, Manly LSC
Surf Life Saver of the Year, Isabelle Stapf-Giannakis, Freshwater SLSC
The full list of winners and nominees in the 2024 SNB Awards of Excellence runs below - good luck to all those endorsed for the State awards - and Thank You For Your Service.
Photos: SLS SNB.
2024 SNB AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS
ICMS Assessor Scott Stein South Curl Curl
ICMS Facilitator Caroline Hjorth Mona Vale
ICMS Trainer Sophie Tyner Manly
ICMS Community Education Program Fit to Learn Program Newport
Dee Why RSL Rescue of the Year Jan-24 Warriewood/Mona Vale
Dee Why RSL Patrol Captain Sophie Valentine Avalon Beach
Dee Why RSL Support Operations Member Ben Crabbe Collaroy
Westfield Warringah Mall Youth Surf Life Saver Eloise Love Bungan Beach
Westfield Warringah Mall Surf Life Saver Isabelle Stapf-Giannakis Freshwater
Avene Youth Volunteer Amanda Cannon South Curl Curl
Avene Volunteer Sascha Rundle Warriewood
Avene Innovation IRB Traffic Light system North Narrabeen
Avene Administrator Victoria O’Halloran Manly
Peters Ice Cream Services Team of the Year Kieran Gavin Collaroy
URM Athlete Oscar Jones Manly
URM Coach Rachel Crerar Manly
URM Masters Athlete Rachel Crerar Manly
URM Official Gordon Lang Palm Beach
URM Surf Sports Team Puddles U19 Female Boat Team Palm Beach
URM Young Athlete Pipi Te Pania Newport
ICMS Club of the Year Newport
Lionel McDonald Shield Open Branch Handicap Point Score North Curl Curl
Alan Fitzgerald Shield Combined Branch Point Score Manly
Bennett Boards Handicap Carnival Point Score Dee Why
Harry Ragan Outstanding Service Award Tim Cuthbert Manly
Raymond Matthew Brown Radio Operator Award Frankie Bryant SurfCom
Presidents Award Peter Finch Newport
Life Membership & Service Honour Recipients
Adrienne Lowe Dee Why Life Membership
Garry Fox Queenscliff Life Membership
Peter Kinsey Long Reef Life Membership
Matthew Molinia Dee Why Distinguished Service
Richard Budd Freshwater Distinguished Service
Tim Cuthbert Manly Outstanding Services
Peter Fenley Bilgola Outstanding Services
James Coates Freshwater Outstanding Services
Tim Cuthbert Manly Outstanding Services
Peter Fenley Bilgola Outstanding Services
James Coates, Freshwater; Outstanding Services
Support Operations Member, Ben Crabbe, Collaroy
The SLSSNB Awards of Excellence stage was also shared by Avalon Beach SLSC boaties with Chaos and Pinkies winning the Branch premiership.
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Gordon Lang, at front, with the team from North Steyne at 2024 Adrian Curlewis Masters Carnival