Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Awards of Excellence: Newport Wins Community Education Program of the Year
Newport SLSC's 'Fit to Learn' wins SLSA's Award of Excellence. Photo: Newport SLSC/SLSA
Newport SLSC's 'Fit to Learn' program has taken the top gong as Australia’s top surf lifesavers were recognised for their achievements and contributions at Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) National Awards of Excellence.
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 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 then:
''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.
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.
Members came together for SLSA’s night of nights to recognise recipients of awards across the lifesaving, sport and education categories, for their outstanding service to their communities.
Last year alone, surf lifesavers performed more than 8,800 rescues, 2.4 million preventative actions, 49,000 first aid treatments and completed 1.4 million hours keeping watch over Australia’s beaches.
Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker ESM said: “Each year, the Awards of Excellence is a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise the achievements and contributions of surf lifesavers across the country.
“Never before have our surf lifesavers been asked to do as much as what we have in the last 12 months, performing a record number of preventative actions that represents a $9.5 billion dollar value to the community.
“While volunteer surf lifesavers and lifeguards keep watch of our coastline, there are so many roles that contribute to the success of our organisation - from trainers to assessors, officials, coaches and many more. It’s great to be able to bring together our whole community, and celebrate success at every level.
“On behalf of Surf Life Saving, I’d like to congratulate all our Award winners, and look forward to another big summer across our beaches and coastline,” he said.
Mollie Murphy of Umina SLSC was named DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year, with Sharon Stewart of Darwin SLSC awarded DHL Volunteer of the Year, Terrigal SLSC took out DHL Club of the Year and DHL Lifeguard of the Year was presented to Rory Sanders from Rainbow Beach (QLD).
After a remarkable Ironwoman season, that saw her claim victories in the Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold, Australian Championships, Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series and Summer of Surf, Lana Rogers (BMD Northcliffe, QLD) was named as the 2024 Surf Sports Open Athlete of the Year.
Michael White (Alexandra Headland SLSC, QLD) and the Alexandra Headland SLSC Patrol Team were officially inducted into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame after being announced this year, and Scott Byrnes OAM (QLD) and Troy Eady (NSW) were presented with Life Membership.
The Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence were held on Saturday evening, November 9, at Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney.
2024 Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence winners
DHL Volunteer of the Year - Sharon Stewart, Darwin SLSC, NT
Sharon has been an active member of the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club (DSLSC) since 2004, also serving with dedication at North Burleigh SLSC and Mullaloo SLSC. As DSLSC’s Director of Education, she plays a vital role in training members, ensuring they have access to high-quality development opportunities, and fostering strong, skilled lifesavers who enhance community safety.
A testament to her resilience, Sharon took on the role of organising the Darwin Ocean Swim following the sudden passing of her husband during the 2021 event. Her efforts in relocating and managing this swim, the only organised ocean event in the Northern Territory, have received strong community support, highlighting her dedication to both the club and local open-water swimmers.
To increase patrol numbers, Sharon introduced the Bronze Observer Award, allowing members to contribute while awaiting full Bronze certification, which has successfully boosted patrol participation. Her exceptional dedication to volunteering strengthens her club, inspires members, and builds a supportive, connected community.
DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year - Mollie Murphy, Umina SLSC, NSW
Mollie Murphy, has been a passionate lifesaver and Umina SLSC member since she joined as a nipper. Patrolling since 2012, she has logged an impressive 781 hours, including 147.5 hours this season alone, serving in various roles such as Director of Lifesaving and Patrol Captain. Mollie's hands-on approach ensures beach safety across all twelve patrol teams, while her leadership has led to over 68,000 preventative actions and 300 rescues.
Beyond her operational duties, Mollie is committed to youth development, spearheading initiatives including U15 Leadership Development Program and youth patrol trips. Her efforts have empowered young women within the club, fostering leadership and participation in programs like the Women’s Patrol.
Mollie's resilience was particularly evident during a challenging incident on Christmas Day, where she provided support to her patrol team following a tragic event. Her proactive approach to learning from this experience has improved safety protocols and team cohesion.
Her innovative programs, including the Patrol of the Year process and Pink and Rainbow Patrols, have transformed member engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation. Mollie's impact extends to enhancing the club’s community presence, making Umina SLSC a vibrant and inclusive environment.
Rory has served as a full time lifeguard at Rainbow Beach for the past three years. He has been responsible for overseeing and managing operations across Rainbow Beach, Teewah Beach and Inskip Point.
Covering a vast area, which is relatively remote, Rory has also had to deal with the challenges involved with often being the sole lifeguard in these areas with no nearby support. As a result, he has had to be able to think on his feet and adapt to changing environments and emergencies knowing that he may be the only person managing these for some time until other support arrives.
Rory is proactive and solutions based, and has demonstrated a commitment that has seen him recognised as a role model and sets a benchmark for the delivery of professional lifeguard services to ensure the safety and lives of others.
DHL Club of the Year - Terrigal SLSC, NSW
Terrigal SLSC has undergone enormous positive change across three interconnected strategic initiatives.
1. Governance Transformation. A new constitution and policies with improvements in Life Membership nomination process, voting rights, documentation and communication, experienced Board Directors mentoring inexperienced members to refocus on strategy, governance, risk prevention and management and going paperless.
2. Adopting a ‘Something For Everyone’ philosophy. Maximising member engagement, retention and enjoyment by expanding opportunities within and beyond surf lifesaving such as recognising lifesaving achievement, offering free first aid courses, as well as drone and RWC training. Focus on Nipper and Youth programs to make them fun with various family fun events.
3. Community Leadership and Partnerships. Initiatives include:
- Ocean swim and Cancer Council Daffodil Dip where $34,000 was raised for the Terrigal Club and $40,000 for the NSW Cancer Council.
- Clontarf Foundation: A group of 15 Indigenous men attended a camp at Terrigal where these young men learned about surf safety and experienced the power of community philanthropy.
- Legacy: Children and families attended to learn about surf safety as well as a chance to swim, play and paddle a board.
Terrigal aims to provide a fun, friendly and opportunity-creating environment where there is ‘something for everyone.’ With a strong governance as a base, Terrigal is in a stronger position than ever before to save lives; develop and support people, and grow and sustain the Club into the future.
Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year - Lachlan Olive, Coogee Beach SLSC, WA
Starting as a Nipper in 2016, Lachlan has become an invaluable part of Coogee Beach SLSC and Western Australia’s lifesaving community. His commitment to lifesaving is highlighted by his roles as Vice Captain of Aqua Patrol and Youth Coordinator, where he organises youth programs and encourages new memberships.
In the 2023/24 season he was appointed as a Safety and Emergency Management Officer at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships further underscoring his expertise. Additionally, Lachlan led CBSLSC’s Beach Bums camps, fostering camaraderie and skill development among younger members and ensuring their safety during unforeseen events, such as a storm relocation.
Through his dedication to CBSLSC and broader initiatives, Lachlan has fostered a supportive, skill-building environment for young members and contributed meaningfully to surf lifesaving in Western Australia.
Open Athlete of the Year - Lana Rogers, Northcliffe SLSC, QLD
Lana had a remarkable Ironwoman season, claiming victories in the Coolangatta Gold, Australian Championships, Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Series, and Summer of Surf Series. Her consistent podium finishes, particularly in every round of the Nutri-Grain Series, solidified her status as one of the sport's greats.
At the Queensland Championships, she won the individual board title and contributed to Northcliffe’s wins in the surf team and taplin races, earning additional medals in the board relay and rescue tube rescue. Transferring to Northcliffe SLSC for the 2023/24 season, Lana supported water safety and ran nipper clinics. Notably, she helped rescue swimmers caught in a rip at a Nutri-Grain carnival in Maroubra, January 2024.
Youth Athlete of the Year - Riley Brennan, Currumbin SLSC, QLD
Riley is a standout athlete who represented Australia in four major lifesaving teams during the 2023/24 season, excelling in both youth and senior competitions. Riley competed in 20 carnivals across various disciplines, earning 14 state and 12 national medals (including 3 Australian records). He also collected additional ocean event medals and played a key role in the Queensland Cyclones’ and Point Danger Seawolves’ victories.
Despite a demanding schedule, Riley completed 57.2 patrol hours, ranking in the Top 10 at Currumbin SLSC, and engaged younger members through coaching and water safety. His dedication to patrol duties, mentorship, and club activities makes him a positive role model and outstanding ambassador for Surf Life Saving.
Sports Team of the Year - Bulli Open Mens Boat Crew, NSW
The Bulli SLSC Open Men’s Surf Boat crew focused on major events, consistently excelling on surf lifesaving’s biggest stages. In the 2023/24 season, they won their third consecutive and fourth overall Australian Championship in the Open Male Surf Boat event. They also secured national team selection at the Australian Team Selection Carnival, winning the Open Men’s category at the Trans-Tasman Championships. Additionally, they placed second at the Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open and reached the semi-finals at the SLSNSW State Titles.
With a core group together for nearly 20 years, these Illawarra surf lifesavers are deeply involved in surf club life. Their contributions extend beyond competition, with active patrols, mentorship of U/23 Male Surf Boat crews, and participation in Bulli’s 24Hour Row for mental health awareness.
Official of the Year - John Hamrey, Bilinga SLSC, QLD
John is a versatile Senior Official in surf lifesaving, excelling in various roles from carnival referee to announcer at club, branch, state, and national levels. As Point Danger Branch Officials Advisor for the past four years, John has overseen the training of 46 Technical and 15 Core Officials in the 2023/24 season. He has implemented a structured process to monitor probationary officials, track their progress, and lead professional development initiatives to enhance communication, rules comprehension, and safety protocols.
In his role as State Surf Officials Advisor, John spearheaded key projects like the Officials Incentive Project and improved mentoring and exit strategies for officials. His efforts ensure the continued development and recognition of officials. He also contributed to the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships as part of the Local Organising Committee, further demonstrating his leadership in the sport.
Coach of the Year - Andrew Mosel, Trigg Island SLSC
Andrew is the Head of Coaching and Athlete Development and overall club training program coordinator at Trigg Island SLSC for Youth, Open, and Masters athletes. His role includes coaching board, iron, running, and surf swimming, serving as a mentor, and assessing coaches. Under Andrew's leadership, Trigg Island won back-to-back WA State Championships, with a record 871 points in 2024, a 114-point improvement over the previous year.
Andrew's structured training programs were pivotal in Trigg's dominance, particularly in board events, where the club won 14 individual and 10 relay medals at the State Championship. The women's teams swept all board, Cameron, and Taplin relays across multiple age groups. At the 2024 Australian Championships, Andrew's athletes won gold in the U/17 Female Board Relay and U/14 Male Surf Race, along with several other medals.
Trainer of the Year - Julie Moran, Beachport SLSC, SA
As Chief Instructor for Beachport SLSC, Julie has significantly impacted local training programs, growing the Beachport Vacswim Program to a peak of 324 participants. As an inspiring force in community safety, Julie has introduced numerous training initiatives, effectively trained over 100 members, and designed programs that emphasise life-saving skills.
Her adaptability and commitment are evident in her response to challenges, including the implementation of online training. The life-saving impact of her work is exemplified by a 2019 incident where a trained member successfully performed a resuscitation. Julie’s efforts not only enhance individual skills but also strengthen the broader Surf Life Saving community.
Assessor of the Year - Hannah Darling, Grange SLSC, SA
Hannah, Chief Instructor at Grange SLSC and associate member of Seacliff and North Haven SLSC, exemplifies leadership in lifesaving education. With a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, she has delivered numerous qualifications and logged over 1,000 patrol hours.
Hannah has initiated significant programs such as the 'Trainer in Training' at Grange, and led state-wide assessments, impacting over 160 candidates. Her mentorship and workshops have revitalised engagement among peers and improved education practices across South Australia, highlighting her exceptional commitment to the lifesaving community.
Community Education Program of the Year - Newport SLSC, NSW
The Fit to Learn Program at Newport SLSC is designed for Sydney’s troubled youth who are disengaged in the education system and aims to enhance their intellectual and social skills while fostering positive relationships with the NSW Police Force.
Operating since November 2022, it has successfully engaged 30 youth and 5 Police Officers in the Surf Rescue Certificate course, promoting teamwork and essential life skills. Participants have shown increased engagement and confidence, with some returning to their local surf club following the program.
Innovation Award - Search and Rescue Camp, Inverloch SLSC, VIC
The Search and Rescue (SAR) Information Day program at Inverloch SLSC is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing lifesaving training and community safety. Developed in response to identified gaps in SAR knowledge following a 2023 training event, this program includes a SAR-themed camp that successfully improved theoretical and practical skills among participants.
Over four days, attendees engaged in hands-on scenarios, fostering teamwork and inter-agency collaboration. The program has significantly increased participants' confidence and capabilities, leading to improved emergency responses and stronger community safety. It has also inspired further innovation within the club, enhancing its reputation for training excellence and establishing a template for future initiatives in lifesaving practices.
DHL Lifeguard of the Year – Rory Sanders, QLD
Rory has served as a fulltime lifeguard at Rainbow Beach for the past three years. He has been responsible for overseeing and managing operations across Rainbow Beach, Teewah Beach and Inskip Point. Covering a vast area, which is relatively remote, Rory has also had to deal with the challenges not only of the area and ever changing, and often challenging, coast in addition to the fact that he often is operating as the sole lifeguard in these areas with no nearby support.
With these experiences Rory has become instrumental in the training of new staff, setting performance standards and acting as a mentor for other lifeguards coming through. Rory is proactive and solutions based, and has demonstrated a commitment that has seen him recognised as a role model for other lifeguards and setting a benchmark for the delivery of professional lifeguard services and working with other key stakeholders to ensure the safety and lives of others.