It was an evening of reverence, reflection, and ultimately celebration of all that makes the movement special for more than 650 volunteer lifesavers and their supporters at the 2026 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney on 22 August.
Held in Darling Harbour for the second straight year, award categories spanning youth, membership, education, lifesaving and surf sports were contested by members representing all 11 Branches along the NSW coastline.
The coveted Surf Life Saver of the Year title was the final jewel in the evening’s crown and came after 21 other extremely deserving and jubilant winners were named.
This year, it was Dominic Winkle from Clovelly SLSC who etched his name into the history books, becoming the Sydney club’s third ever NSW winner – after Imogen Barham was named Youth Volunteer of the year in 2021 and the surf club itself was named Club of the Year in 2010.
Dominic was one of five Sydney Branch winners on the night, including Wanda SLSC’s Dane Sutton named Youth Athlete of the Year, North Bondi SLSC’s Jodie Salmon crowned the Patrol Captain of the Year, and Tamarama SLSC’s Education Team taking out the Services Team of the Year category.
The esteemed Rescue of the Year was also awarded to Charlie Verco (North Bondi SLSC), Ben Heenan (Coogee SLSC) and Kassandra McGregor (Tamarama SLSC) for their brave efforts in rescuing the woman involved in a shark incident at Coogee Beach on 13 June 2026.
The most successful Branch, however, was the Central Coast – seven winners will take their certificates back up the M1, including Avoca Beach SLSC duo, Lucy Marshall and Trevor Gee, who were named Youth Volunteer of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively.
Meanwhile, clubmates Craig Le Brocq and Paul Dowdell from Shelly Beach SLSC took out the Trainer and Facilitator of the Year categories.
Other historically significant category wins included Newport SLSC competitor, Jemma Smith’s second straight Athlete of the Year crown.
No one has done it three times consecutively, a feat she will chase in 2027, and something she tackles with some pedigree to lean on – she’s previously won the Youth Athlete of the Year category three times in a row between 2016 and 2018.
Harrison Wicks became Gerringong SLSC’s first state award winner since 2002 when he was named the Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year, and Callum Mercer of Birubi Point SLSC was acknowledged as the Volunteer of the Year.
Evans Head Casino SLSC and Camden Haven SLSC were among the regional clubs to see their volunteers’ rewarded for dedication and hard work, with Christine Warren and Nicole Crowe crowned the Trainer of the Year and Administrator of the Year, respectively.
The evening also shone a spotlight on the volunteers from Bondi SBLSC and North Bondi SLSC who were first responders to the attack on 14 December 2025, with the NSW Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC and the NSW Premier, Chris Minns among those who passed on their thanks during a solemn
The two clubs were recognised with the highest honour in Surf Life Saving – a Group Certificate of Merit with silver insert, as well as the prestigious President’s Medal.
2026 SLSNSW Awards of Excellence Winners
Youth Surf Life Saver of the Year – Harrison Wicks, Gerringong SLSC
Youth Volunteer of the Year – Lucy Marshall, Avoca Beach SLSC
Youth Athlete of the Year – Dane Sutton, Wanda SLSC
Services Team of the Year – Tamarama SLSC Education Team
Administrator of the Year – Nicole Crowe, Camden Haven SLSC
Trainer of the Year – Christine Warren, Evans Head-Casino SLSC
Assessor of the Year – Craig Le Brocq, Shelly Beach SLSC
Facilitator of the Year – Paul Dowdell, Shelly Beach SLSC
Community Engagement Program of the Year – Ask Me How to Stay Safe at the Beach, Ocean Beach SLSC
Rescue of the Year – North Bondi SLSC & Coogee SLSC
Patrol Captain of the Year – Jodie Salmon, North Bondi SLSC
Support Operations Member of the Year – Sean Leicester, The Lakes SLSC
Lifeguard of the Year – Chloe Jones, Tweed Shire
Official of the Year – Mick Lang, Tacking Point SLSC
Coach of the Year – Trevor Gee, Avoca Beach SLSC
Masters Athlete of the Year – Paul Lemmon, Terrigal SLSC
Surf Sports Team of the Year – Yamba U13 Male Surf Team
Club of the Year – Shellharbour SLSC
Athlete of the Year – Jemma Smith, Newport SLSC
Surf Sports Club of the Year – Manly LSC
Volunteer of the Year – Callum Mercer, Birubi Point SLSC
Surf Life Saver of the Year – Dominic Winkle, Clovelly SLSC
Saturday 22 August 2026