SURF Lifesavers on the Mid North Coast are celebrating after being recognised for their contribution to the surf lifesaving movement, winning five state awards.
Almost 600 volunteer lifesavers, sponsors and special guests attended the annual Surf Life Saving New South Wales Awards of Excellence held at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney on Saturday night.
This season saw members from Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast (SLSMNC) nominated in every one of the 21 categories, a first ever for the Branch.
The Branch came away with five awards on the evening, beating the previous best of four awards in one season back in 2022/23.
Among the awards, SLSMNC took out “Branch of the Year”.
“The Mid North Coast Branch has shown strong leadership and innovation over the past 12 months, especially by launching its first volunteer Media Team,” SLSMNC said in a statement.
“SLSMNC has promoted collaboration and sustainable growth by encouraging resource sharing amongst clubs, introducing flexible patrol models and the Cadet Pathways program.
“Programmes like the Interbranch Development Squad and cross-club training have created a more inclusive environment for new talent.”
Paul Rayner from Tacking Point SLSC took out the “Assessor of the Year” award.
A dedicated member of the club for over 20 years, Paul has made significant contributions through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to lifesaving excellence.
As Patrol Captain, Paul mentors probationary captains and stepped up as MNC Director of Lifesaving during a colleague’s illness, representing the region at the NSW SLS Lifesaving Standing Committee.
With 62.5 patrol hours and active involvement in the Branch Support Operations Group, he has played a key role in seasonal operations, debriefs, and training.
Paul completed multiple assessments, including SRC, Bronze Medallion, IRB Crew and Driver, RWC, Silver Medallion Patrol Captain, and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, relieving pressure on the limited number of Assessors in the region.
“This award truly humbles me, and it was totally unexpected,” Paul said.
“The education space is a team effort for all members across the Mid North Coast.
“I don’t volunteer for these types of awards, just for the benefit of the organisation.
“I am proud to represent my Club and Branch.”
“Club of the Year” went to Port Macquarie SLSC.
The Surf Life Saving NSW judging panel called the club’s season a “deeply considered journey”, flagging notable achievements and initiatives, including the Flexible Patrolling Systems the club employed as a major factor behind their success.
An impressive 55 percent increase in active membership has been observed this year, and the club also awarded over 276 training qualifications and engaged more than 100 Youth and Cadet members.
More than just impressive numbers, Port Macquarie built its season on inclusion, community and member-driven changes, ensuring its volunteers felt respected and valued.
“I feel we have been rewarded for our strategic approach to attracting old members back to surf lifesaving and new members to it for the first time,” said Club President Paula Stone.
“Post-COVID memberships were declining and we had noticed a general shift away from volunteering.
“Our strategy was to first improve membership numbers.
“Combined with the introduction of ‘Flexible Patrolling’, whereby members have control over when, what and how much they contribute, people began to re-engage quite rapidly.
“This, combined with a proactive committee leading the way, meant we were able to achieve this award, which was a direct result of the work of our members.
“This award belongs to our members, and I am incredibly proud of our club.”
South West Rocks SLSC took out “Innovation of the Year” for their Cultural Connection program, a groundbreaking cultural inclusion initiative to strengthen the club’s working relationship with the Dunghutti people.
“Administrator of the Year” went to Vicki Thomas, also of South West Rocks SLSC.
The Club of the Year, Innovation of the Year and Assessor of the Year will move forward to the Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence, to be held in Sydney on 1 November 2025.
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