Guardians Of Harbour Beach Volunteers Recognised At Mackay SLSC Awards Day

Mackay SLSC held their annual awards day on the scenic grounds in front of the Harbour Beach Surf Club, with members taking in the beautiful ocean and island views, as well as each other’s company to celebrate what has been a challenging but rewarding season.

Club President Brendan Smith opened the afternoon recognising the clubs’ 70-years of “Vigilance and Service” as the guardians of Harbour Beach. This was a historic milestone for the club and reflects the long and valued association the club has with the Mackay community.

Mr. Smith said, “Being a volunteer organisation there are many people who make sacrifices to contribute to the running of various aspects of the club, this ensures that we can keep our beach safe for the Mackay Community.

“The awards night was a way of recognising those people who make a difference, from our volunteer workforce who run major carnivals such as the North Australian Titles, our Nippers program and the Tri-Series events, our very own Qld State Title silver medallists the “Box Bellies” Boat crew, life member award recipients, our generous sponsors and most importantly our Club Captain, Patrol teams and patrolling members,” Mr Smith added.

“As a club we are proud of the achievements of all our members and the evening was a great way to celebrate together, after a long and busy season.  We are now starting to plan for an even bigger and better season, with the club’s AGM taking place on the 13th of June at 3pm at the Surf Club.”

Contributed by Josh Grant

AWARD WINNERS

Junior Club Champion - Meliana Craig

John Patti Most Improved Nipper – Kody Amos

Flo Payne Club Nipper Culture - Ash Johnson

George Moody Quiet Achiever – Jake Hudspith

Junior Coaches Award - Bodie Mau

Junior Club Captain - Molly Madden

Presidents award for ‘Service and Vigilance - Tony Caris

Volunteer of the year – Ben Madden

Junior Lifesaver of the year - Jesse Holmstrom

Bronze Medallion of the year - Andrea Conroy

Surf Rescue Certificate of the year - Sofie Searle

Trainer & Assessor of the Year - Peter 'Stan' Ridland

Coach of the year - Josh Grant

Senior competitor of the year - David Fitzmaurice

Highest patrol hours & 100+ hours - Ryan Lee

Some of the Mackay SLSC Nippers celebrating their season – it’s a Ripper to be a Nipper! (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Nippers enjoy hitting the waterslide to celebrate the end of the season.  (source: Leah McLean Photography)

As Volunteer of the Year, Ben Madden has made a huge contribution to the club. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Head Coach Greg Born received a gift for his efforts training club members throughout the season. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Club legend and Patron, Reg Butler with wife Helen and Christine Webb enjoying the afternoon. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Josh Grant receiving the Clive Hammond Medal for outstanding service & dedication at the recent NBB branch awards. (source: NBB Media)

Club President Brendan Smith enjoying the afternoon before the presentation of awards starts. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

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