Recipients of the Order of Australia Medal include: Richard (Dick) Bignold OAM (Cronulla SLSC), Dennis Gee OAM (Avoca Beach SLSC), Andrew Hoban OAM (Avoca Beach and Terrigal SLSCs) and John Restuccia OAM (Maroubra SLSC).
Dick Bignold OAM joined Cronulla SLSC in 1958, is a former SLSNSW Director of Surf Sport and is a life member at every level of the movement. He has chaired numerous sport and competition committees and has held senior officials roles including Deputy Referee at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
Dennis Gee OAM is a long service member of Terrigal SLSC and a life member of Avoca Beach SLSC, where he held positions including Club Captain and Boat Captain for many years. He holds coaching and official accreditations and was awarded a 60 Year Long Service Award in 2018.
Andrew Hoban OAM is a life member of Avoca Beach SLSC where he has been a member since 1960. He has held roles including Vice President and President and was an instructor for more than 50 years.
John Restuccia OAM has been a member of Maroubra SLSC since 1988 and has held club positions including Club Captain and President. John is the current SLSNSW Deputy President and is a former NSW Director of Lifesaving. He is a life member of SLSNSW and is a senior carnival official and an assessor.
A former member of Elouera SLSC, Richard Mailey was awarded an OAM for his contribution to rescue helicopter services including the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and later Careflight.
Life Member of Nobbys SLSC, Emeritus Professor Thomas Boulton was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to medical education.
John MULLEN AM, a former Global CEO of DHL Express, a major national partner of Surf Life Saving, was also made a Member of the Order of Australia.
SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce said he was delighted by the number of recipients of awards from within the ranks of the Surf Life Saving movement.
“I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all those associated with our movement who have been recognised and honoured for their outstanding community service as part of the Australia Day Honours,” said Steve Pearce.
“We are extremely fortunate to have people of this quality contributing to our movement.”
Surf Life Saving NSW would like to extend its congratulations to all those who received Australia Day Honours.
Member (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Emeritus Professor Thomas BOULTON
John MULLEN
MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Richard BIGNOLD, NSW
Dennis GEE, NSW
Andrew HOBAN, NSW
John RESTUCCIA
Richard MAILEY