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SurfLIFE ISSUE 67 – October 2026

12 NSW ATHLETES TO CONTEST

2026 IRON SERIES

Noah Steiner enters the water at Tugun.

A dozen of the best NSW athletes have confirmed their place on the start line for the 2026 Iron Series, with eight pre-qualifiers now joined by four new faces after a gruelling Trial Series at Tugun Beach. Across two huge days of racing on the Gold Coast, Pipi Te Pania and Noah Steiner of Newport SLSC and Wanda SLSC, respectively, earned their return tickets to the Shaw and Partners Iron Series after both competed last year, while Katy Rees of Swansea Belmont SLSC and Jett Green from Avoca Beach SLSC each booked maiden appearances with impressive showings. Rees, in particular, came agonisingly close to qualifying several months ago, finishing second behind Newport’s Olivia Clues in the Next Gen Series in February. Now both will compete side by side in a 12-strong NSW contingent – the largest the state has fielded. Coogee shark incident hero, Charlie Verco (Newport) is set to lead out the 2

males, having finished second last Series, while clubmate, Jackson Borg, Dan Collins (Redhead SLSC) and Dane Sutton (NexGen – Wanda) will also join Steiner and Green.

The female field includes Lizzie Welborn – running out for her swansong Series – and many of Newport’s best; Annalise Kibble, Piper Harrison and Olivia Clues.

“It’s a bit of the ‘monkey off your back’... you train all winter, not really knowing how you’re going,” Steiner said after qualifying.

Having completed the legendary Coolangatta Gold in mid-October, the full field of Ironmen and Ironwomen now turn their attention to Series racing in Thirroul (14-15 November 2026), Newcastle (9-10 January 2027) and finals in Surfers Paradise (6-7 February 2027).

“To line up and get the job done, on the weekend when it matters, I’m stoked and just excited to get my foot on the line in the Series.”

Pipi Te Pania during the Iron Series Trials.

Volunteers Honoured AT ROTARY AWARDS Simon Ceglinski with SLSNSW COO, Phil Ayres.

Brunswick SLSC Patrol Captain, Simon Ceglinski has been recognised for more than two decades of passionate and dedicated service to the movement by the Rotary Districts of NSW, taking out the Surf Life Saving NSW category at the annual Rotary Emergency Service Community Awards (RESCA). The Far North Coast lifesaver leads frontline patrols, coordinates beach operations, and ensures public safety through strong risk management and team leadership. Away from the coastline, he played a significant role during the 2022 floods, coordinating community networks to establish evacuation support. While all the nominees were worthy winners, Simon was named ahead of South Coast Duty Officer and Branch Director of Education, Josh Douglas, Bondi SBLSC trainer, Mason Kemeny, and fellow Far North Coast lifesaver at the neighbouring club to the south, Byron Bay, in Daniela Berti Carrabs.

Simon follows in the footsteps of some great Central Coast surf lifesavers from recent years – Dean Tetley and Mollie Murphy, both from Umina SLSC, picked up the last two category wins for Surf Life Saving NSW. Other outstanding lifesavers recognised in recent years include North Bondi SLSC and Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman, Stewart Bailey, while Morgan Clarke from Woonona SLSC was both the SLSNSW and Overall winner in 2023. Meanwhile, a deserving volunteer lifesaver was once again awarded the Dorothy Hennessy OAM Youth

Scholarship – Kane Doull, formerly of Narooma SLSC and now representing Wollongong City SLSC. “I got a phone call at the start of June saying I’d been nominated and I wasn’t able to tell anyone until the end of June, but I broke that basically straight away when I told mum,” he said with a laugh. “It was a great awards night and really good to see that the recognition is there for all age groups and emergency service organisations.” Kane receives $1,000 towards further training and educational materials to assist in continuing his lifesaving journey. 3

76,000 Flights for +

ENHANCED DRONE SHARK PROGRAM Surf Life Saving NSW drones undertook more than 76,000 flights, covered over 527,000km of coastline across NSW, and sighted over 1800 sharks between July and September, data behind the program has revealed. The figures from the first three months (1 July - 30 September) of the uplifted Shark Management Program, delivered under the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development by Surf Life Saving NSW, break down further to over 800 flights per day and approximately 20* sharks seen per day. A total of over 520 countermeasures – being beach closures and alerting people in the water – resulted from those sightings. This marks a huge spike on the figures observed during the 25/26 patrolling season, when Shark Management Program drones spotted around 2,000 sharks for the full reporting year. 100,000 flights were also completed during 25/26, with the first quarter of 2026 already making up more than 75% of that total. “This has been a massive project so far when you consider where we were only six weeks or so ago to where 4

we are now, and we really have seen some massive results from the first few months,” SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce said.

service – as well as the SLSNSW State Operations Centre, to determine whether there is a need for further action.

“The number of flights undertaken, in particular, is huge and as we get closer to summer that figure is going to keep rising.

“The message to swimmers and surfers remains a clear one – if you see or hear one of our shark spotting drones trying to alert you, consider your own safety and evacuate the area,” Steve said.

“This is an important public safety measure and while there is no silver bullet in shark management, we are seeing the benefit of drones being able to spot these sharks sooner and make interventions where necessary.” Surf Life Saving drones that observe a shark in the vicinity of a swimmer or surfer will sound an alarm on the drone to warn them, and can also speak directly to people in the water via a speaker system. The operator will then liaise with the lifesaving service on the beach – be it a volunteer or paid lifeguard

For October, drones fly at 97 beaches - many of them everyday - from 6.15am til 6.30pm, before extending to 6am til 6.30pm in November. For more information on your nearest drone surveillance location and days of operation, click here. *figures indicative of a total number of sharks sighted and not a total number of present sharks. The same shark may be sighted by multiple drones at different locations, or multiple times by the same drone at the same location across the course of day.

NSW SNAPS 17-YEAR HOODOO AT

IRB Interstate Championships NSW OPEN TEAM

Isabella Garay

Many years of hard work and focus on a singular goal came to a head at South West Rocks on Wednesday 15 July, where a strong NSW side ended a streak of Queensland dominance to triumph at the Sharkskin 2026 Australian IRB Interstate Championships. NSW’s total of 60 points earned across the Open and U23 race categories was more than enough to help the sky blue caps to their first victory in nearly two decades – some 13 points ahead their rivals in maroon and a further eight points ahead of Victoria who placed third on the dias. “I’m so proud of this team, this is another one to tick off my bucket list,” SLSNSW Director and Chair of Surf Sports, Don van Keimpema said. “IRBs has been a bit of a passion project for me and to see this result after years of work, it’s outstanding and reflective of the effort put in.” The win marked the start of a bumper four-day program for the Australian Championships, where NSW clubs showed their speed and skill against some of the best surf clubs in the country in the rubber ducks.

Highlights from the competition included the team of Josh Stephens and Nathan Illes bringing home gold for North Cronulla SLSC in the Open Male Rescue, and a series of strong finishes for Masters competitors. Bondi SBLSC’s Kristy Smith and Nicole Krite were Masters Female Rescue champions, and later joined four clubmates to win the Masters Female Teams. Kiama Downs SLSC took out the Masters Male Teams, while Queenscliff SLSC’s David Callan and Shaun Sursok were quickest home in the Masters Male Rescue. Caves Beach SLSC – the NSW champion club and eventual Masters Overall Point Score winners at Aussies – were backed up by many strong results, not least of which being gold for Nicole Murrell and Elisha Angel in the Masters Female Tube.

Keelan Smith Newport SLSC Jack Hawkins Nobbys SLSC Connor Johansen Nobbys SLSC Will Shaddock North Cronulla SLSC Kai Jones North Cronulla SLSC Nickolas Singh Newport SLSC Koby Gardiner Caves Beach SLSC Xavier Byrnes North Cronulla SLSC Liam Smith North Cronulla SLSC Melisse Cooper Newport SLSC Kaitlyn Williams South Maroubra SLSC Victoria Coppen Caves Beach SLSC Makayla Gay Caves Beach SLSC Kaitlyn Byrnes North Cronulla SLSC Katlynn Coglan North Cronulla SLSC Lucy Green North Cronulla SLSC Elisa Garay South Maroubra SLSC Isabella Garay South Maroubra SLSC

NSW U23 TEAM Jacob Curcio Newport SLSC Luke Thornton Newport SLSC Bailey Meikle Queenscliff SLSC Henry Sole Queenscliff SLSC Leo Shaw Queenscliff SLSC Alexander Pate Newport SLSC Zach Van Dam Newport SLSC Bailey Green Caves Beach SLSC William Coppen Caves Beach SLSC Zach Mitchell Caves Beach SLSC Emilia Sachs Queenscliff SLSC Shae Harvey Caves Beach SLSC Hayley Walmsley Caves Beach SLSC Lily Hook North Cronulla SLSC Hannah Berman North Cronulla SLSC Ellie Halliday Queenscliff SLSC Jessica Way Queenscliff SLSC Gabriella Han Queenscliff SLSC That particular race ended with a NSW-only podium, where a second Caves Beach team and Newport SLSC also finished amongst the medals. The Hunter club managed to also finish third in the Open Overall Point Score. 5

LIFESAVERS STRENGTHEN AND CONSOLIDATE AT

State Conference Almost 500 of the state’s Surf Life Saving leaders and emerging youth members came together to share ideas and build on existing skillsets over the weekend of 25-26 July, with the bi-annual SLSNSW State Conference providing a platform for collaboration between individuals, clubs and Branches.

Many of NSW’s 129 surf clubs were represented at the conference in Sydney, where the challenges facing the membership were tackled in spirited and engaging workshop formats while key successes, upcoming initiatives and lived experiences were highlighted through presentations across the two days. It all tracked back to the core theme of the event – how clubs can Strengthen and Consolidate their existing practices through member engagement, upskilling, responsibility sharing and future planning. Those principles were echoed right throughout the presentations delivered by internal and external presenters; from the opening of the program, where Penrith Panthers coach,

Ivan Cleary laid bare the ideas and values behind an historic four-peat of Championships in the NRL, to former Australian Diamond and netball royalty, Liz Ellis AO who closed it out with a humorous and, at times, raw take on leadership throughout her career.

artificial intelligence in Surf Life Saving, a deep dive into what youth members value most and the key factors keeping them involved in the movement, and an exploration of community education and how clubs can make an impact beyond the beach.

“It’s been wonderful seeing so many people wanting to better themselves and their clubs through this Conference,” SLSNSW President, Elissa Hancock said.

“It’s so good to see everyone and get that burst of excitement heading into the new season,” 2025 NSW Surf Lifesaver of the Year and Fairy Meadow SLSC member, Michael Russo said.

“When members from all over the state come together and learn from each other, share ideas and collaborate, it’s just so great to see.” Popular breakout sessions over the weekend included practical AI for clubs and how to approach using

“It’s definitely a good place to collaborate. A lot of the time we’re all battling the same battles or succeeding in the same successes, so it’s good to take on ideas from other clubs and make it work for you.”

SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce, GM Culture and Capability, Louise Cooke, Bondi SBLSC President, Liz Webb and North Bondi SLSC President, Steve Larnach.

SLSNSW President, Elissa Hancock with SLSNSW Board Member, Shannon Fox.

Volunteer Lifesavers Under Spotlight At Emergency Services Match Volunteer surf lifesavers were at the heart of it all as the spotlight agency at the Sydney Roosters’ 3rd Annual Emergency Services Match at Allianz Stadium on 23 August – the stadium a sea of red and yellow as everything Surf Life Saving was celebrated. A fixture many have come to look forward to, the annual match brings the rugby league community together to recognise and thank NSW’s emergency services community. All eight official NSW emergency service agencies were represented, with a major precinct activation on Driver Avenue

featuring vehicles, equipment, displays and activities for fans. Each year one agency is given the spotlight, with Surf Life Saving NSW being recognised in 2026. It proved a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work of 86,000 members across the state. “This is a very special fixture on the calendar every year and we we’re extremely proud to be given the opportunity to highlight the efforts of our dedicated volunteer membership,” SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce said.

Charlie Verco delivering the match ball.

of Surf Life Saving recognised and celebrated – lifeguards, drone pilots, flood rescue personnel, Nippers, and the volunteer lifesavers themselves were all showcased in an extravaganza of colour and joy – culminating in a Nipper race that saw the whole stadium rise to their feet to cheer them on. The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter also delivered the NRL match ball to NSW ironman, North Bondi SLSC volunteer, and Coogee shark incident hero, Charlie Verco.

“There was so much appreciation around the stadium for what our volunteers do, and we are very grateful for the platform the Roosters provide our emergency services through this match.”

This ultimately marked a poignant moment in the day – an impromptu standing ovation from the crowd when the stadium announcer read out who he was giving goosebumps to all who watched on.

Among the many highlights of the day included the half time show, which saw all elements

“Surf Life Saving fosters a love for the ocean in so many people, I’m so grateful to be a part of it,” Charlie said

NSW Volunteer Surf Lifesavers Raise Patrol Flags

As New Season Starts

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib (right) and the Hon Michael Daley MP and the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (left) join Maroubra SLSC Nippers to help raise the patrol flags ahead of the 2026/27 season.

One of the nation’s most iconic symbols of public safety returned to the coastline on 26 September, with more than 22,000 volunteer lifesavers marking the beginning of the 2026/27 patrol season by bringing the red and yellow flags back to the beach. NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib joined surf lifesavers and Nippers for the symbolic raising of the red and yellow flags at Maroubra to celebrate the occasion, recognising the important role volunteers play within the state’s emergency service landscape. For the seven months that folllow, lifesavers will patrol beaches all over NSW, with volunteer flags up on weekends and public holidays from Saturday 26 September until Monday 27 April 2027. The return of patrolling lifesavers comes at an important time – the weekend prior brought unseasonable warmth which saw many flock to the beach and coast, with three drownings at locations across NSW marking a horror 24 hours on our coastline. Then just two days before flags up, a swimmer drowned at the unpatrolled Marley Beach, south of Cronulla. It brought the state’s coastal and ocean drowning toll since 1 July 2026 to nine (9) at the end of September. From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, 60 people drowned along the NSW coastline. All these drownings occurred outside the red and yellow flags, at unpatrolled locations or away from lifesaving services.

ROCKFISHING SAFETY In line with flags going up, Surf Life Saving NSW also hosted the second Rock Fishing Safety workshop in a program to rollout between now and March 2027. Targeting high-risk demographics where rock fishing deaths are disproportionately represented, the Gone Fishing program engages with at-risk communities through targeted education promoting life jacket usage and safer fishing practices.

AI CAMERA TECH Public safety initiatives this season include a 14-month trial, due for

completion in November, of AI cameras positioned at identified dangerous coastal sites in Little Bay and Kiama Blowhole, where video surveillance of rock platforms uses AI technology to detect rockfishers who are at risk or are washed into the ocean. These are two of many initiatives Surf Life Saving NSW will champion this season, with the support of the NSW Government, to curb the rates of coastal and ocean drownings in the state. “The return of the red and yellow flags is a sure sign that summer is on its way, and a reminder of the extraordinary work of our dedicated Surf Life Saving volunteers,” Minister Dib said. “Our Surf Life Saving volunteers give their time to protect others, respond to emergencies and help ensure people return home safely to their families. “We are proud to support these volunteers with record investment in rescue equipment and technology, ensuring our lifesavers have resources they need to protect beachgoers this summer. “Whether you’re swimming at Bondi, surfing on the South Coast or spending a day on the sand in Newcastle, the message is simple: swim between the flags and follow the advice of lifesavers and lifeguards.”

VOLUNTEER NUMBERS ARE UP Surf Life Saving in NSW continues to grow, and the organisation proudly enters the new season buoyed by significant member milestones – last year, total membership grew by 4% to reach a new record high of 86,456. Active patrolling membership rose by 2% to 22,123 and Nipper numbers increased by 4.7%, totalling 31,023. Despite this, forecasts for an extremely hot, dry summer means more people are expected to head to our beaches and waterways. This places greater

demand on our volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards. “We’re incredibly proud to have more than 86,000 volunteer lifesavers across NSW, our largest membership base yet, all eager to return to the beach and embrace the season ahead,” SLSNSW President Elissa Hancock said. “This summer is shaping up to be one of the most demanding on record. As millions of people head to our beaches, Surf Life Saving will be on the frontline of public safety, backed by an enhanced shark drone surveillance program delivering greater coverage and protection along the NSW coast. “We have a significantly expanded shark drone surveillance capability, with greater coverage across more beaches and for longer hours throughout the state.” Additionally, lifeguards with the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) commenced patrols across many of its locations on the same day, and will continue to protect the coastline on weekdays during the school holidays, working alongside surf clubs and their volunteers to keep beachgoers safe. ALS lifeguards are back on beaches from Port Stephens to the Tweed Shire with more beaches to commence patrols towards the summer holidays. Beachgoers are reminded to always follow the advice of lifeguards and lifesavers, know their limits in the water, and most importantly — always swim between the red and yellow flags. These simple actions can prevent tragedy and ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable trip to the coastline. For more information on beach safety or to find your nearest patrolled beach, visit beachsafe.org.au or lifeguards. com.au/nsw. The volunteer surf patrol season runs until 27 April 2027. 11

ROCK FISHING SAFETY PROGRAM TARGETS AT-RISK COMMUNITIES 350 rock fishers representing 36 different spoken languages descended on Little Bay on 12 September for Surf Life Saving NSW’s rock fishing safety and skills workshop, Gone Fishing – the 2026 return of the highly successful program for the first of nine coastal and in-community workshops. Funded and supported by the NSW Government, the third iteration of the program will build on the success of the previous two – strengthening engagement with at-risk communities through targeted campaigns promoting life jacket usage and safer fishing practices. Indeed, in 2025, the program reached a total of 20,000 people through nine crafted workshops and various other events across NSW, delivering 1,500 FREE life jackets to participants from more than 50 culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The initiative will deliver another nine Gone Fishing coastal and in-community workshops between September 2026 and March 2027, particularly targeting high-risk locations and demographics where

rock fishing drowning deaths are disproportionately represented. Strong numbers have attended each session run so far, particularly at Little Bay - and for good reason. The location itself is a noted rock fishing black spot, and over the past 25 years, there has been 24 rock fishing drowning deaths in the Randwick LGA. “It’s such a simple message but an important one as well – life jackets save lives,” Surf Life Saving NSW CEO, Steve Pearce said. “This is a multifaceted program that we’re very proud of, with continued targeted education events and inwater safety demonstrations along the coastline, and also directly into non-English speaking background communities away from coastal locations.

PROGRAM DATES 2026 “In giving these communities access to the vital lifesaving equipment that they need, and exposure to the tools to understand safe fishing practices more thoroughly, we hope to make engaging in recreational rock fishing more safe as a whole.” Between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, there were 11 rock fishing and rock platform-related drownings in NSW. That’s what makes the upcoming programs so important, with crucial knowledge being imparted by leading agencies in the space. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Maritime NSW, the Bureau of Meteorology, Surf Life Saving First Aid Training & Services, and several experienced rock fishers and survivors of serious incidents will all help to deliver what promises to be an all-encompassing safety workshop. “These collaborations allow us to get the right messages to the right people,” Gone Fishing program lead, Emily Cook said.

“Our reach will be far beyond just these workshops as well – the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) will be engaged through TAFE NSW campuses to reach newly arrived and culturally diverse communities, and we will be further trialling lifejacket library sites, like we did in Maroubra in June, to increase access to free safety equipment in high-risk locations.”

2027 Saturday 6th February | Canterbury/ Bankstown Saturday 20th February | Cumberland Saturday 6th March | Hurstville Saturday 20th March | Parramatta

All rock fishers, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to make use of this FREE resource and stay safe while enjoying one of Australia’s most loved pastimes. Dates and locations are below, with more information available on the Beach Safety Hub. Anybody considering going rock fishing is strongly urged to wear a lifejacket, non-slip footwear and light clothing. People should have an understanding of changing tides and swell conditions. It is strongly recommended that people learn to swim before attempting rock fishing.

Volunteer Service Recognised At

NSW AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE It was an evening of reverence, reflection, and ultimately celebration of all that makes the movement special for more than 650 volunteer lifesavers and their supporters at the 2026 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney on 22 August. Held in Darling Harbour for the second straight year, award categories spanning youth, membership, education, lifesaving and surf sports were contested by members representing all 11 Branches along the NSW coastline. The coveted Surf Life Saver of the Year title was the final jewel in the evening’s crown and came after 21 other extremely deserving and jubilant winners were named. This year, it was Dominic Winkle from Clovelly SLSC who etched his name into the history books, becoming the Sydney club’s third ever NSW winner – after Imogen Barham was named Youth Volunteer of the year in 2021 and the surf club itself was named Club of the Year in 2010. Dominic was one of five Sydney Branch winners on the night, including Wanda SLSC’s Dane Sutton named Youth Athlete of the Year, North Bondi SLSC’s Jodie Salmon crowned

the Patrol Captain of the Year, and Tamarama SLSC’s Education Team taking out the Services Team of the Year category. The esteemed Rescue of the Year was also awarded to Charlie Verco (North

Bondi SLSC), Ben Heenan (Coogee SLSC) and Kassandra McGregor (Tamarama SLSC) for their brave efforts in rescuing the woman involved in a shark incident at Coogee Beach on 13 June 2026.

2026 SLSNSW AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS Youth Surf Life Saver of the Year | Harrison Wicks, Gerringong SLSC Youth Volunteer of the Year | Lucy Marshall, Avoca Beach SLSC Youth Athlete of the Year | Dane Sutton, Wanda SLSC Services Team of the Year | Tamarama SLSC Education Team Administrator of the Year | Nicole Crowe, Camden Haven SLSC Trainer of the Year | Christine Warren, Evans Head-Casino SLSC Assessor of the Year | Craig Le Brocq, Shelly Beach SLSC Facilitator of the Year | Paul Dowdell, Shelly Beach SLSC Community Engagement Program of the Year | Ask Me How to Stay Safe at the Beach, Ocean Beach SLSC Rescue of the Year | North Bondi SLSC & Coogee SLSC Patrol Captain of the Year | Jodie Salmon, North Bondi SLSC

The most successful Branch, however, was the Central Coast – seven winners will take their certificates back up the M1, including Avoca Beach SLSC duo, Lucy Marshall and Trevor Gee, who were named Youth Volunteer of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively. Meanwhile, clubmates Craig Le Brocq and Paul Dowdell from Shelly Beach SLSC took out the Trainer and Facilitator of the Year categories. Other historically significant category wins included Newport SLSC competitor, Jemma Smith’s second straight Athlete of the Year crown.

Support Operations Member of the Year | Sean Leicester, The Lakes SLSC Lifeguard of the Year | Chloe Jones, Tweed Shire Official of the Year | Mick Lang, Tacking Point SLSC Coach of the Year | Trevor Gee, Avoca Beach SLSC Masters Athlete of the Year | Paul Lemmon, Terrigal SLSC Surf Sports Team of the Year | Yamba U13 Male Surf Team Club of the Year | Shellharbour SLSC Athlete of the Year | Jemma Smith, Newport SLSC Surf Sports Club of the Year | Manly LSC Volunteer of the Year | Callum Mercer, Birubi Point SLSC Surf Life Saver of the Year | Dominic Winkle, Clovelly SLSC

No one has done it three times consecutively, a feat she will chase in 2027, and something she tackles with some pedigree to lean on – she’s previously won the Youth Athlete of the Year category three times in a row between 2016 and 2018. Harrison Wicks became Gerringong SLSC’s first state award winner since 2002 when he was named the Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year, and Callum Mercer of Birubi Point SLSC was acknowledged as the Volunteer of the Year.

Evans Head Casino SLSC and Camden Haven SLSC were among the regional clubs to see their volunteers’ rewarded for dedication and hard work, with Christine Warren and Nicole Crowe crowned the Trainer of the Year and Administrator of the Year, respectively. The evening also shone a spotlight on the volunteers from Bondi SBLSC and North Bondi SLSC who were first responders to the attack on 14 December 2025, with the NSW Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC and the NSW Premier, Chris Minns among those who passed on their thanks. The two clubs were recognised with the highest honour in Surf Life Saving – a Group Certificate of Merit with silver insert, as well as the prestigious President’s Medal. NSW Surf Lifesaver of the Year, Dominic Winkle (main) and left, Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington and Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib with NSW Volunteer of the Year, Callum Mercer.

Our Mission To save lives, create great Australians and build better communities.

Surf Life Saving NSW wishes to thank the following sponsors and supporters for helping our volunteers save lives on the beaches each year.

Summary Surf Life Saving NSW is the state’s major water safety and rescue organisation, and with over 86,000 members, is one of the largest volunteer movements in Australia. The primary role of Surf Life Saving NSW is to save lives on our beaches, while other activities include developing our members through education, leadership and surf sports programs. There are 129 surf clubs and 11 branches in the state which are affiliated with Surf Life Saving NSW, stretching from Fingal Rovers SLSC near Tweed Heads, to Pambula SLSC on the Far South Coast.

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Contact Us For contributions or suggestions for SurfLIFE please contact SLSNSW Media on 02 9471 8000 or media@surflifesaving.com.au

SLSNSW endeavours to ensure all information contained in SurfLIFE is correct and true, however accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or mistakes contained in the publication. Surf Life Saving New South Wales

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