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Congratulations to members of SLSNSW who have been awarded various honours in this year’s Australia Day Honours list. 

Terrigal’s Professor Julie Redfern AM was named a Member of the Order of Australia for her vast service to health and research, as well as to the community. Julie was the club, branch, and SLSNSW Volunteer of the Year in 2022. 

She is currently the Director of Administration at Terrigal, where she played a vital role in helping the club to be named the Club of the Year at the Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence last year. 

Michael Byrne from Elouera SLSC also received an AM for his service to the community and the transport industry. Michael is club patron as well as a branch duty officer – celebrating a decade in the role last year – and RWC operator. 

He has previously worn many hats within the club, most notably Vice President for a two-year period from 2014-16, and has been a Patrol Captain for nearly two decades. 

The late Roger Lynch, a former member of Black Head SLSC, was recognised as an OAM recipient for his service to the Great Lakes community. Treasurer of the Black Head surf club for a three-year period in the last 60’s and early 70’s, Roger played his part in assisting a club which celebrates its centenary in October of this year. 

Also receiving an OAM was Avoca Beach SLSC Life Member Dr Karen Douglas, for her service to medicine and the community.  

Elevated to life membership of the Central Coast club five years ago, Karen has been a distinguished volunteer over a significant period. She has been an active patrolling member for nearly 40 years – 25 of which as a Medical Officer – and serves as an Executive Member. 

Two members were awarded Emergency Service Medals for distinguished service in frontline emergency management – Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Life Member Michael Wasley and Julie Wilcox from the Lower North Coast Branch. 

Michael Wasley has been a member of Surf Life Saving for the past 38 years and holds Life Membership of Sydney Northern Beaches Branch. At a club level, he has held executive roles as the director of Education, club captain and has been a consistent member of the Emergency Callout Team, assisting with after hours tasking for rescues, CPRs, missing persons and other critical incidents.  

Michael remains proficient in a multitude of awards spanning all portfolios – lifesaving, education, surf sports, support operations and member services and he continues to contribute through club, branch, state and national levels of the organisation.  

Michael’s commitment to sharing his skills and knowledge and mentoring others makes him a true role model for many youth members within Surf Life Saving. 

Julie Wilcox has been a lifesaver at Forster SLSC for more than 30 years and has held various pivotal positions, including patrol captain and vice-captain, and has been actively involved in training and assessing members in frontline lifesaving skills.  

Notably, she played a key role in introducing UAVs for beach surveillance and search and rescue operations, training over 100 members in this award and becoming the most senior pilot in the Lower North Coast area.  

Julie’s dedication extends beyond her own club, and she has been heavily involved in after-hours search and rescue work as a Branch Duty Officer, responding to critical incidents and fatalities. Julie’s contribution to emergency management has showcased her unwavering commitment to Surf Life Saving, impact on the community and her distinguished service. 

“I’m extremely proud of our members awarded honours this year and want to thank them for their commitment and dedication to our movement. Serving the community is at the heart of why we become surf lifesavers and these are all worthy recipients of such honours,” said SLSNSW President Peter Agnew AM. 

Sunday 26 January 2025