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.
There was a loud cheer last weekend as everyone applauded the efforts of a Branch that has had to overcome its fair share of challenges in season 2017/18.
This year almost half the surf clubs based in the Far South Coast are running a program for people living with a disability, and with a strong presence in the local community as well, next summer is shaping up to be another super season for the Branch.
These efforts combined with a 27% decrease in rescues thanks to a renewed emphasis on preventative actions resulted in the Far South Coast taking out the highest Branch prize on offer, but it was their united efforts during the Tathra fires that also earned widespread praise.
Far South Coast Branch President Tony Rettke felt it was a vindication for the efforts everyone in the branch has been contributing over the years.
“This really is a great feeling for all of our lifesavers. I think what sets us apart from other branches is we don’t really compete against each other as clubs, and see ourselves as part of a wider team.
“We do so much together such as competition, training, and I really feel that our branch and as an organisation, we are getting stronger all the time. We have a lot of hard working directors and people behind the scenes,” he said.
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.
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