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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.
44 of the state’s most passionate and dedicated volunteers have been recognised for their many years of service with National Medals in the recent Batch 57 announcement by Surf Life Saving Australia.
Almost 500 of the state’s Surf Life Saving leaders and emerging youth members came together to share ideas and build on existing skillsets over the weekend, with the bi-annual SLSNSW State Conference providing a platform for collaboration between individuals, clubs and Branches.
Brunswick SLSC Patrol Captain, Simon Ceglinski has been recognised for more than two decades of passionate and dedicated service to the movement by the Rotary Districts of NSW, taking out the Surf Life Saving NSW category at the annual Rotary Emergency Service Community Awards (RESCA).
North Bondi and Newport SLSC lifesaver, Charlie Verco, says he’s “never been more grateful to be a part of Surf Life Saving” after his actions during a shark incident at Coogee where he was able to bring a woman who had been bitten back to shore.
Congratulations to the NSW Surf Life Saving leaders recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for lifetime contributions spanning frontline patrols to international leadership.
Emma Dawson from Broulee Surfers SLSC and Jonathan Kodomichalos from Coogee SLSC have been named the 2026 NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year after three days of team building and leadership development on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Twenty-two of the state’s most passionate lifesavers of the future will pack their bags and travel to Sydney’s Northern Beaches in April for the 2026 NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year (JLOTY) camp – three days of networking, activities, and idea sharing among likeminded volunteers.
Surf Life Saving NSW Life Members – Queenscliff SLSC’s Barry Antella OAM and Bondi SBLSC’s Peter Burst have had many decades of distinguished and conspicuous service recognised by Surf Life Saving Australia with Life Membership of the national organisation.
