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A strong field of 182 finalists has been named in the 2020 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence.
Wednesday 1 July 2020 marks 40 years since women were given the opportunity by Surf Life Saving Australia to achieve their Bronze Medallions, don the iconic red and yellow patrol uniform and actively patrol Australian beaches as surf lifesavers.
It was August 1980 and Sue Martin was fit, loved the beach and wanted to be a surf lifesaver. It was pre-season and she was told that for the first time ever, a squad of women were about to start training at Austinmer Beach. The water was cold, but it was a great opportunity to do her Bronze Medallion, so she asked to be included in the squad.
Forty years ago,Port Kembla’s Nella Keenan (nee Risi) and seven other young women became the first females in Australia to obtain their Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallions. It didn’t seem like a big deal to Nella back then, but for thousands of women today who benefitted from the inroads they made, it was a significant achievement.
"Still, to this day I don't know if anyone told me what was coming, whether I'd actually believe it."
Surf Life Saving NSW members were among those recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours announced yesterday.
To many in Surf Life Saving, Gina Crick is a woman who’s done it all. But Gina says there’s more to do.
“Listen up, listen up, listen up!”
National Volunteer Week is a time to acknowledge the people of Australia who generously donate their time to help better the lives of others. Surf lifesavers are some of the most dedicated and outstanding volunteers who really do change communities and change lives.
