Ever since she first signed on as a surf lifesaver, Bellambi’s Tegan Robertson has demonstrated commitment, passion, and leadership skills. Now she has added a new title to her impressive resume with the teenager crowned the first ever Young Volunteer of the Year on Saturday night.


She received her award at the NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence for her impressive contribution to her club and her community over a range of different areas this season.



“I am beyond shocked, but really happy to win this award,” said Robertson shortly after learning she had won one of the state’s newest lifesaving prizes.



Tegan ran two surf awareness sessions partnering with Bulli PCYC and Wollongong Northern District Aboriginal Inc. to engage disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the program.



At a club level she holds the positions of Members Delegate and Junior Development Officer at Bellambi SLSC and excels on the beach, having been asked to fill in as Patrol Captain a number of times.



Her lifesaving skills were put to the test and she proved her calmness under pressure during a serious incident at her beach.



She also took on Branch responsibility this year with a role as a panel member for the Illawarra Junior Life Saver of the Year.



Tegan Robertson looks set to continue to make contributions to the movement for many years to come, and the enthusiastic lifesaver wouldn’t have it any other way.



“With both my parents being involved in the movement it meant I had no choice but to sign up as a youngster, but I am so happy that it’s become part of my life, because I love it and really enjoy what I do,” Robertson said.



“What I am hoping for is to see smaller clubs grow a bit more. Bellambi is a pretty small club but to eventually get more members would be awesome.”



The 2018 SLSNSW Awards of Excellence are proudly supported by Port Authority of New South Wales with almost 400 of Surf Life Saving’s most outstanding lifesavers, athletes, educators, coaches, and administrators from around the state gathering at Dockside, Cockle Bay to celebrate the season that was.




Tegan Robertson (Bellambi) took out the inaugural Young Volunteer of the Award



For a full list of all the winners, and to see photographs from the night, please visit the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence Event Page or our social media channels



 



Wednesday 29 August 2018