Congratulations to the NSW Surf Life Saving leaders recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for lifetime contributions spanning frontline patrols to international leadership.
SLSNSW Life Member and former SLSNSW, Central Coast Branch, and Umina SLSC President, Brett Harrod received an AM for significant service to Surf Life Saving and the community.
Brett’s leadership in sponsorships, marketing and event delivery has seen him held in high esteem across the movement.
Medals of the Order of Australia (OAMs) have been awarded to Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Life Members, Peter Kinsey (Long Reef SLSC) and Tracey Lake (Narrabeen Beach SLSC), both of whom have served as President of their respective clubs on two separate occasions and boast several decades of dedicated service at club and Branch level.
Malcolm Butterfield of Cronulla SLSC, Nicholas Newton of Merewether SLSC, Dave Torevell of Freshwater SLSC, and Albert Maxwell of Woolgoolga SLSC were all recognised for their sustained and conspicuous service to lifesaving over many years and, in some cases, multiple clubs, while Paul Lemmon of Terrigal SLSC was awarded an OAM in recognition of his service to,and achievements in, surf sports.
Also receiving OAMs for service to other fields include Steven Adams, associated with Cooks Hill SLSC, Noline Cornhill, a member at Cape Hawke SLSC, and Mark Williams, a member at Warriewood SLSC.
Two members have also received the prestigious Emergency Services Medal (ESM) – Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club stalwart, Stuart Harvey and Far North Coast Branch Director of Lifesaving, David Rope.
In the four decades since Stuart gained his Bronze Medallion in 1996, he has established himself at the forefront of emergency management operations at club, Branch and state level.
He was one of SLSNSW’s first State Duty Officers and has held frontline and educational roles, showcasing his ability to be a true lifesaver when incidents arise while also passing on his knowledge to the next generation of volunteers.
David, meanwhile, has amassed over three decades of service and 4,000 hours on patrol and responding to incidents. The Cudgen Headland SLSC member is renowned both on the Far North Coast and more broadly across the state for his operational expertise and calm demeanour when it is needed most.
His skills led him to ably coordinate his region’s response to flood and extreme weather events over the past few years, however his commitment to the core principle of lifesaving between the flags cannot be overstated; he is a mentor to many, a manager of intense situations, and his efforts have elevated the Far North Coast Branch’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
SLSNSW President, Elissa Hancock said she was extremely proud to lead an organisation supported by so many dedicated volunteers.
“I want to congratulate all our members recognised this year in the King’s Birthday Honours and thank them for their significant contributions to Surf Life Saving,” she said.
“I’m extremely proud that this movement attracts and retains members of such a calibre who continue to serve their clubs and the community with distinction.”
Tuesday 9 June 2026