Sunshine Coast surf lifesavers have emerged as major winners at Queensland’s premier awards for the movement, with local clubs collecting honours for volunteering, sport, training and community programs.
Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club claimed two of the biggest prizes at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Awards of Excellence in Brisbane on September 26, including Marsh Club of the Year.
Club member Ethan Collins was also named Volunteer of the Year for his work mentoring young people and developing future leaders.
SLSQ credited Mr Collins with helping create an environment where members felt valued and supported, with his work extending across clubs, branches and state programs.
The club award capped a significant turnaround for Kawana Waters, which SLSQ said had struggled with a small membership and a clubhouse in disrepair five years ago.
SLSQ said a strategic reset had since led to membership growth across all categories, a 73 per cent retention rate, expanded patrol facilities and a new clubhouse co-located with the RSL as a community hub.
The organisation also highlighted the club’s response to the disappearance of young lifesaver Joe Tolano. It said the club became an emergency hub for the search within 15 minutes of learning he was missing, with more than 50 members involved over several days.
Several other Sunshine Coast clubs and members were recognised at the awards.
Alexandra Headland SLSC collected multiple honours, including the President’s Cup for the second consecutive year.
Lucy Smith was named Junior Athlete of the Year, Kane Pilkington received Sports Team Manager of the Year and the club’s Ignite program won Community Engagement of the Year.
SLSQ said Ignite’s Youth Surf Awareness Program supported disengaged young people from Nambour State High School.
Peregian Beach SLSC member Lyndon Forlonge was named Trainer of the Year after delivering 27 Bronze Medallions, 16 Surf Rescue Certificates, 24 First Aid Awards and 16 Advanced Resuscitation Technique Awards, with SLSQ reporting a 100 per cent course completion rate.
Coolum Beach SLSC’s Jake Harris received the Andy Frizzell OAM, OBE Award for Services to Junior Activities. SLSQ credited him with transforming the club’s junior culture through initiatives including its Sea Turtles program.
Sunshine Coast clubs also shared a lifesaving excellence honour, with Alexandra Headland and Dicky Beach SLSCs receiving a Jack Dearlove MBE Medal.
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SLSQ chief executive officer Damien Marangon said the awards recognised contributions across an organisation with 36,000 volunteer members and 58 clubs.
“In my first few months with SLSQ, I have been struck by the incredible passion and professionalism of this community, and tonight was a chance to see that on full display – from lifesavers on the beach and in the clubhouses, to those coaching our next champions and the quiet achievers working behind the scenes,” Mr Marangon said.
“Every award recipient, and indeed every nominee, has made an outstanding contribution to our mission of zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters.”
