THE start of another Surf Life Saving season was officially marked on Saturday, 27 September with the annual Raising of the Flags ceremony on the beach near the Macksville-Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC).
The event, attended by surf lifesavers, community members and guest dignitaries, featured representatives from the SLSCs of South West Rocks, Kempsey-Crescent Head, Hat Head, Port Macquarie, Tacking Point, Wauchope, Camden Haven and Macksville-Scotts Head.
With temperatures climbing and summer just around the corner, the launch highlighted the vital role volunteer surf lifesavers play in keeping local beaches safe.
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Director, Doug Menzies, addressed the gathering acknowledging the efforts of local volunteers over the previous summer and highlighting the significance of continued community involvement in Surf Life Saving.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee and Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring were both in attendance.
Mr Lee pointed out the importance of the work Surf Life Saving volunteers do in keeping out beaches safe, thus encouraging visitors to the region.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp also spoke at the ceremony, imploring beachgoers not to make the job of the surf life savers any harder than it needed to be.
“We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful coastline and amazing surf, but it’s our volunteer lifesavers who make it safe for all of us to enjoy as they generously give up their own time to protect our community,” he said.
“So, this summer, let’s do our bit too and swim between the flags, listen to the lifeguards, wear sunscreen and make the most of our incredible beaches.”
On display at the ceremony was the Macksville-Scotts Head club’s new side-by-side vehicle (SBSV).
The club had applied for funding through the State Government’s Community Building Partnerships Grants to replace what is an essential piece of rescue equipment used for patrols and emergency responses.
Supported by the Member for Oxley, they received $22,902 to purchase a replacement SBSV.
With Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving volunteers performing nearly 3,500 preventative actions last season and spending more than 20,000 hours on patrol, funding to ensure SLSCs are resourced is essential.
SLSC officials who spoke publicly at the ceremony were highly complimentary of Newcastle Permanent, who reaffirmed their commitment to support Mid North Coast SLSCs over the season ahead.
Of the $1.5 million Newcastle Permanent invests in communities, a considerable portion each year goes to supporting Surf Life Saving via branches and clubs buying essential safety equipment, volunteer patrols, training, and other programs.
The ceremony also celebrated the region’s recent accolades, with Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast named the 2025 Branch of the Year and Port Macquarie SLSC recognised as the 2025 Club of the Year by Surf Life Saving NSW.
By Mick BIRTLES
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