SURF Lifesavers on the Mid North Coast are celebrating after being recognised for their contribution to the surf lifesaving movement, winning five state awards.
Almost 600 volunteer lifesavers, sponsors and special guests attended the annual Surf Life Saving New South Wales Awards of Excellence held at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney on Saturday night.
This season saw members from Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast (SLSMNC) nominated in every one of the 21 categories, a first ever for the Branch.
The Branch came away with five awards on the evening, beating the previous best of four awards in one season back in 2022/23.
Among the awards, SLSMNC took out “Branch of the Year”.
“The Mid North Coast Branch has shown strong leadership and innovation over the past 12 months, especially by launching its first volunteer Media Team,” SLSMNC said in a statement.
“This has greatly improved public outreach, club communication, sponsor visibility, and regional pride, raising awareness of lifesaving activities.
“SLSMNC has promoted collaboration and sustainable growth by encouraging resource sharing amongst clubs, introducing flexible patrol models and the Cadet Pathways program. “These initiatives have helped reduce volunteer fatigue and improve youth retention.
“Programmes like the Interbranch Development Squad and cross-club training have created a more inclusive environment for new talent.
“Club culture and community engagement have been pillars for the Branch’s success, leading to increased membership, improved morale, and greater operational resilience.”
Meanwhile, South West Rocks SLSC took out “Innovation of the Year” for their Cultural Connection program, a groundbreaking cultural inclusion initiative to strengthen the club’s working relationship with the Dunghutti people.
“Administrator of the Year” went to Vicki Thomas of South West Rocks SLSC, “Assessor of the Year” was awarded to Paul Rayner of Tacking Point SLSC, and “Club of the Year” went to Port Macquarie SLSC.
“It was extremely gratifying for our members across our eight clubs to be recognised for their continued dedication and community commitment,” said SLSMNC Branch President Rod McDonagh ESM.
“The ongoing development of all aspects of Surf Life Saving, whether it be nippers, surf sports administration or our core function of patrols and emergency response, we have indeed excelled.
“To have the Club of the Year and SLSNSW Branch of the Year is a major accolade that showcases what a small regional Branch can achieve.”
The Club of the Year, Innovation of the Year and Assessor of the Year will move forward to the Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence, to be held in Sydney on 1 November 2025.
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