Mackay Surf Club Lifesavers Celebrate A Season Of Success

Mackay Surf Club Lifesavers celebrate a season of success

From national and state champions to podium finishes at North Aussies, branch age champions, and ensuring the safety of Harbour Beach, Mackay Surf Life Saving Club recently held its annual awards presentation night to honour the contributions of its dedicated volunteers.

Club President Brendan Smith opened the evening by reflecting on the club’s 75 years of “Vigilance and Service” to the Mackay community, proudly referring to its members as the “Guardians of Harbour Beach.” He acknowledged the challenges of the past season and the pride the club takes in its ongoing commitment.

“Being a volunteer organisation, there are many people who make personal 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 and this makes our club very proud,” Mr. Smith said.

The awards evening recognised both junior and senior members who make a difference, from the volunteer workforce behind major carnivals such as the North Australian Titles, Nippers and Youth development programs, to surf sports competitors, sponsors, and, most importantly, the Club Captain, Patrol teams and patrolling members who help protect our beaches.

All of Mackay SLSC’s volunteer members are local heroes.

Award recipients:

• Junior Club Champion – Will Henry
• John Patti Most Improved Nipper – Lachlan Griffith
• Flo Payne Club Nipper Culture – Isabella Grant
• George Moody Quiet Achiever – Hayden Tobin
• Junior Coaches Award – Cadence McKinnon
• Junior Club Captain – Ash Johnson / Hayden Tobin
• President’s award for ‘Service and Vigilance – Joshua Grant
• Volunteer of the year – Peter “Legs” Marshall
• Patrol captains 2025 : Stan Ridland , Alex DeSousa, Stewart Richardson , Brendan Smith , Stephen Bird ,Tony Caris
• Reg & Helen Butlers Patrol Captain of the year – Stewart Richardson
• Patrol of the Year – Patrol 3: Ryan Lee, Matt Newlands, Stewart Richardson, Zara Richardson, Nate McKinnon, Melania Craig, Cadence McKinnon
• Coach of the year – Cathy McKinnon - Champion Lifesaver Team
• Senior Competitor of the Year: Zara Richardson
• Masters competitor of the Year: Ben Madden
• Team of the Year: Champion Lifesavers: Nate McKinnon, Cadence McKinnon, Isabella Grant & Zara Richardson
• Surf Boatie of the Year: Anthony White
• Best New Bronze Medallion Club Member – Dan Stampa
• Life Member : Lexi Schiffer – long term Junior Activities contributions

Contributed By Josh Grant

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