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He may have been a latecomer to the surf lifesaving family, but for over three decades Richie Lytham OAM has given his all to the movement he loves.

It’s been an outstanding 12 months for North Avoca’s Matt Slattery who was recognised for his achievements as he topped a strong field to be crowned the 2018 NSW Port Authority Surf Lifesaver of the Year.

Over many years of involvement with Surf Life Saving Terrigal’s Cathy Cole has proved to be tremendously dedicated at everything she has turned her hand to, and now she has one more honour after being judged the state’s top volunteer.

It’s been a successful few years across a broad range of areas for Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and after arguably their biggest season yet they have one more reason to celebrate after they were named the state’s top club at the Awards of Excellence last weekend.

Although they cover one of the largest and most isolated stretches of coastline in the state, distance proved no barrier for the Far South Coast Branch as they powered home in the votes to take out the overall Branch of the Year at lifesaving’s night of nights. 

The determined effort of a group of Far South Coast surf lifesavers to go to the aid of a capsized vessel at Moruya has been recognised with the Rescue of the Year at the NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence.

After a season on the beach where he has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, Port Macquarie Supervisor James Turnham could be forgiven for putting his feet up, but that wouldn’t be the newly crowned Lifeguard of the Year’s style.

From the time he first pulled on his Ocean Beach Nipper cap Matthew Calbert was hooked on the ocean, and now the talented teenager has one more feather to add to his considerable resume after he was crowned the Young Lifesaver of the Year.

For over 15 years, Captain Bob Powell has led Umina’s Patrol One, and this year the team was celebrated for its work both on and off the beach with the first ever Patrol of the Year Award at the 2018 NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney last weekend.