Surf Life Saving NSW is saddened to advise of the passing of Robert ‘Bobby’ Little OAM. He was 88 years old.
A Life Member of Wollongong City SLSC, Illawarra Branch, SLSNSW and SLSA, Bob’s impressive volunteering resume of over 75 years is a testament to his passion and dedication to the movement.
After joining his club in the Illawarra in 1950 as a Cadet, Bob quickly established himself as a valuable member with significant skill on the Longboard, winning eight branch titles, four state titles and three Australian titles. Those accompany what was nearly two decades of domination in the category at club level, where he won 19 times.
His talents took him to America as part of the Australian touring team in 1965, while he also competed in and coached the State Team.
Bob was regarded as one of Illawarra’s best all round sportsmen from the mid 50s to late 60s, where apart from his lifesaving competition – excelling in Board, R&R and Surf Boats – he was prominent in local rugby league, basketball and table tennis.
A keen contributor to the delivery of lifesaving services, he held down two, two-year spells on the Club Executive committee in the early 70s, first as Deputy President and then as Secretary, and earned Life Membership of Wollongong City during that time.
By 1993, he was a Life Member at all three remaining levels of Surf Life Saving, and at the turn of the century he was recognised with both an Order of Australia Medal and an Australian Sports Medal.
Thursday 9 October 2025
