SURF lifesavers on the Mid North Coast came together to celebrate the achievements of clubs and their members over the 2024/25 season on Saturday night.
One-hundred volunteer lifesavers, sponsors and special guests attended the annual Newcastle Permanent Awards of Excellence for Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast (SLCMNC) at the South West Rocks SLSC.
Represented were surf life saving clubs from Macksville-Scotts Head, South West Rocks, Hat Head, Kempsey-Cresent Head, Port Macquarie, Tacking Point, Wauchope-Bonny Hills and Camden Haven.
SLSMNC President Rod McDonagh ESM acknowledged the “incredible commitment and passion shown” by members across the Mid North Coast Branch.
“From the beach to the boardroom, your efforts have kept our communities safe and strengthened the spirit of surf lifesaving.
“Thank you for the countless volunteer hours, the teamwork, and the pride you bring to the Mid North Coast.
“Here’s to continuing that legacy into the next season.”
At the event, SLSMNC Vice-President and Tacking Point SLSC President Mick Lang was inducted as a new Life Member of the Branch.
Mick has given his entire life to the surf life saving movement, and is well known for his commitment to the Mid North Coast, especially in the surf sports arena as a coach and official.
Award Winners:
Rookie of the Year: Geoff Craig – Tacking Point SLSC
Masters Athlete of the Year: Maree Mackenzie – Port Macquarie SLSC
Youth Athlete of the Year: Hudson McNeil – Tacking Point SLSC
Athlete of the Year: Emily Towle – Port Macquarie SLSC
Surf Sports Team of the Year: ‘Nightmare’ – Wauchope-Bonny Hills SLSC
Coach of the Year – Adam Smith: Tacking Point SLSC
Official of the Year: Leanne Hatherly – Tacking Point SLSC
Administrator of the Year: Vicki Thomas – South West Rocks SLSC
Most Improved Education Awards: Port Macquarie SLSC
Community Education Program: Silver Salties – South West Rocks SLSC
Innovation of the Year: Cultural Connection – South West Rocks SLSC
Trainer of the Year: Peter Daniels – Wauchope- Bonny Hills SLSC
Assessor of the Year: Paul Rayner – Tacking Point SLSC
Facilitator of the Year: Sue Croad – Hat Head SLSC
Patrol Captain of the Year: Tony Worton – Camden Haven SLSC
Rescue Services Member of the Year: Kim Rayner – Tacking Point SLSC
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Sophie Smailes – South West Rocks SLSC
Youth Lifesaver of the Year: Drew de Silva – South West Rocks SLSC
Volunteer of the Year: Renee Smailes – South West Rocks SLSC
Surf Lifesaver of the Year: Andy O’Brien – Tacking Point SLSC
Club of the Year: Port Macquarie SLSC.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
