Lifesavers on the NSW Central Coast have picked up a quarter of the awards on offer, including the blue-chip Surf Lifesaver of the Year category, at the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence – the culmination of a stellar season for the Branch.
The gala ceremony in Sydney on Saturday 24 August offered volunteers from clubs up and down the NSW coastline the chance to come together to recognise the achievements of more than 78,000 members across the state and announce a new crop of award recipients.
Umina SLSC’s Mollie Murphy was the biggest winner on the night, crowned the newest Surf Lifesaver of the Year after an excellent season in which her initiatives introduced as the club’s Director of Lifesaving and an SLSA National Leadership College participant led to a significant rise in youth participation and lifesaving qualifications.
Mollie is the fifth Central Coast lifesaver to win the state’s top gong since the late 90’s, and the first from Umina.
“It’s incredible to be the NSW Surf Lifesaver, but I’ve always just done it because I love it not for the recognition,” Mollie said moments after receiving her award.
“Surf Life Saving has given me a lot, from being a Nipper right the way through and it’s nice to be able to give back.
“It’s pretty crazy but I’m very grateful. The community around the club I love, there’s so many people I’ve grown up with and it just makes for a real family.”
The Surf Lifesaver of the Year title was awarded as the last of 24 awards on the night, with Central Coast Branch responsible for six of the winners.
Terrigal SLSC had the most success, taking home three categories including Club of the Year, Coach of the Year (Ryan Quick) and Masters Athlete of the Year (Paul Lemmon).
Ocean Beach SLSC’s Richard Grimmond picked up the award for Trainer of the Year and North Avoca SLSC’s Jackie Sproll was named the Patrol Captain of the Year.
“There really is a lot of great lifesavers on the Central Coast and it starts young too,” Jackie said.
“We have so many great activities happening in the youth space, and it helps us to retain them so they progress through to be lifesavers on our beaches. It’s a great place to patrol.”
Wednesday 28 August 2024
