WAUCHOPE-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) held its Awards of Excellence presentation on 9 May, recognising the teams and individuals who have contributed to the long-running success of the club.
For only the second time in its almost 70-year history the club named a Life Governor, with the honour going to George Fowler.
Club president David Trotter said the Life Governor role is an honorary membership of Wauchope-Bonny Hills SLSC.
“Life Governor status may be granted to a Life Member who has a minimum of 20 years’ continuous distinguished, sustained or special service to promote the advancement of the Club beyond lifesaving aspects or who has continued to serve the club exceptionally after gaining Life Membership,” he said.
George’s membership of the club began in 1963, and since then he has held roles including president, vice president, branch delegate, publicity officer, social secretary and maintenance.
With his friend and fellow Life Governor Chalkie Bob Smith, he has amassed an extensive collection of competition medals.
Other significant award winners included Michelle Butt (Volunteer of the Year), Lachlan McNeice (Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year), Zada Robinson (Club Swim Competitor of the Year), Harry Hoad (Youth Volunteer of the Year), Peter Daniels (Administrator of the Year), Jason Sawyer (Trainer of the Year), and Matty Hines (Rookie of the Year).
The most recent season was a very successful one for the club, with the U/19 Men’s Crew and the Women’s Crew both winning overall point score in the North Coast Surf Boat Series.
Club members Zada Robinson and Charli Robinson were selected for the 2026/27 SLSNSW Pathways Academy, an elite state-level athlete development program designed to support emerging surf sports athletes.
Sam Major was awarded The Grahame Buckley Memorial Surfboat Rower award, while The Simon Stennett Memorial Trophy for Young Surfboat Rower of the Year went to Oscar Hoad.
The prestigious Chalkie Bob Smith Shield Club Person of the Year award was presented to Jason Sawyer for his outstanding contribution to the club and branch.
Mr Trotter congratulated the members on another highly successful season both on and off the beach.
By Rachael THORPE
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