A dozen of the Mid-North Coasts most dedicated beach-going volunteers have been recognised in the annual Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Twelve members from local Surf Life Saving Clubs have been announced in a field of 177 finalists for this year's Awards of Excellence held in Sydney on Saturday, August 31.
The awards showcase outstanding contributions from members, as nominated by their own clubs.
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast director of marketing and communications Brienna Elford said the awards were an important traditional running for more than a decade.
"It's just a great opportunity to promote our volunteers and recognise the work they put in on our beaches," said Ms Elford.
"There's definitely nominees who have done the hard yards, proved themselves by going above and beyond their duty.
"This year we had the most nominations that we have had in recent years.
"It's exciting that clubs want to showcase what their members are doing.
"On behalf of the branch committee and members, we wish all the nominees the best in Sydney.
"It's been a good season and we're looking forward to the next one."
The SLSMNC nominations this year include Camden Haven SLSC as Club of the Year, Wauchope-Bonny Hills Elaine Walker as Masters Athlete of the year and Blake Polverino as Lifeguard of the Year.
Tacking Point SLSC have been nominated three times with Dave Moore, Sandra Slattery, Lynne Smith and Mick Lang vying for Surf Life Saver, Volunteer, Administrator and Official of the Year.
Logan McEvoy and Georgia Gaddes from South West Rocks SLSC are nominated for Youth Lifesaver and Youth Volunteer of the Year.
Kempsey-Crescent Head SLSC is nominated for Trainer and Surf Sports Team of the Year with Craig Schweikert and 'TIPS' 180 Surf Boat Crew.
SLSMNC Support Operations Group is vying for Services Team of the Year.
For the first time in the history of the awards members elevated to Surf Life Saving NSW Life Member status this season will also be celebrated.
Surf Life Saving NSW chief membership manager Claire Bevis said these awards represented the best and brightest from local clubs.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for us to acknowledge their achievements at a state-level in front of the wider lifesaving community," she said.
During the 2018 to 2019 season, volunteers carried out more than 22,000 patrol hours, performed 77 rescues, made 3,366 preventative actions and 140 first aid treatments along the Mid North Coast.
There were also 111 beach closures and 173,000 public attendances.
The new season begins on Saturday, September 28 this year.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.
