Outstanding NSW Lifesavers Honoured At Awards

Almost 400 people attended the Surf Life Saving NSW annual Awards of Excellence, proudly supported by Port Authority of NSW, to celebrate volunteer lifesavers from around the state for their outstanding contributions in surf sport, lifesaving and rescues, education and administration.

Honours were shared across the state with the Central Coast enjoying a successful night as their lifesavers picked up seven awards including North Avoca’s Matt Slattery taking out the prestigious Port Authority Surf Lifesaver of the Year crown and Cathy Cole (Terrigal SLSC) named the state’s top volunteer.

Sydney and Sydney Northern Beaches clubs had plenty of reasons to celebrate, picking up 10 awards between them including five of the sport prizes on offer and the Club of the Year going to Avalon Beach SLSC.

Bellambi’s Tegan Robertson (Young Volunteer of the Year), North Steyne’s Tracey Hare-Boyd (Patrol Captain of the Year), and Umina’s Patrol 1 (Patrol of the Year) all made history after being named the inaugural recipients of SLSNSW’s newest awards.

The Far North Coast picked up two awards (Official of the Year & Trainer of the Year), while Port Macquarie’s James Turnham was named NSW Lifeguard of the Year.

It was a night to remember for the Far South Coast Branch and clubs, with the small but enthusiastic contingent picking up five awards across a number of areas including the overall Branch of the Year. 

Official guests including the Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving, the Hon. Melinda Pavey MP, herself a volunteer lifesaver, congratulated clubs throughout the state for their efforts.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said it was an occasion that befitted the contribution lifesavers make to their communities.

“On behalf of Surf Life Saving NSW I would like to congratulate all of our finalists and award winners. There is so much talent among our members and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate so many great achievements,” he said.

2018 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence Recipients

Surf Sport Awards   

• Official of the Year - Jenny Kenny (Cudgen Headland SLSC)


• Masters Athlete of the Year - Laura Thurtell (Bondi SBLSC)


• Coach of the Year - Jim Walker (North Bondi SLSC)


• Youth Athlete of the Year (U/19)  - Jemma Smith (Umina SLSC)


• Surf Sports Team of the Year - Freshwater SLSC Open Female R&R Team


• Athlete of the Year - Kendrick Louis (Manly LSC)

Member Services Awards

• Administrator of the Year - Cheryl McCarthy (Bermagui SLSC)


• Services Team of the Year – Tathra, Bermagui and Pambula Call-Out Teams


• Young Volunteer of the Year (U/19) – Tegan Robertson (Bellambi SLSC)


• Junior Lifesavers of the Year (U/14) – Sophie Burns (Elouera SLSC) & Oscar Crowe (MacMasters Beach SLSC)


• President’s Medal – Nigel Penn (Bilgola SLSC)

Education Awards

• Initiative of the Year – Recognising Our First Female Lifesavers – Terrigal SLSC


• Trainer of the Year – Paul Ellem (Evans Head-Casino SLSC)


• Assessor of the Year – Paul Hotton (North Bondi SLSC)


• Facilitator of the Year – Mike Le Geyt (South Curl Curl SLSC)


• Community Education Program of the Year – Broulee Canberra Nippers

Lifesaving Awards

• Patrol Captain of the Year – Tracey Hare-Boyd (North Steyne SLSC)


• Patrol Team of the Year – Patrol One (Umina SLSC)


• Young Lifesaver the Year (U/19) – Matthew Calbert (Ocean Beach SLSC)


• Lifeguard of the Year – James Turnham (Port Macquarie)


• Rescue of the Year – Broulee Surfers, Moruya, & Batemans Bay Support Operations

Overall Awards

• Branch of the Year -  Far South Coast Branch


• Club of the Year - Avalon Beach SLSC


• Volunteer of the Year – Cathy Cole (Terrigal SLSC)


• Port Authority Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Matt Slattery (North Avoca SLSC)