Community
28 May, 2025
Port Campbell SLSC celebrates annual awards night
PORT Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) wrapped up its 2024-2025 season by celebrating the enormous contribution of its members at the annual awards dinner on Saturday, May 17.
More than 100 people attended the night, including junior and senior members, special guests mayor Kate Makin, councillor Jamie Vogels, Stat Emergency Service representative Peter Younis, Beach Energy community relations adviser Kieran Keane and Todd Baxter and Brooke Barnewall, who gave an account of their recent kayak adventure across Bass Strait.
President Rebecca McAuliffe said the evening was a fitting way to finish the season and recognise the individual and collective contributions of members.
“This season was one of our busiest on record with nearly 3000 volunteer hours dedicated to water safety and patrols,” she said.
“More than 400 preventative actions were logged, which was anything from providing first aid to removing dangerous items such as glass or rocks from the beach area.
“It really does show the important role the club plays in keeping Port Campbell beach safe and welcoming.
“There are so many members playing their role, whether it’s through the Nippers and YIPS programs, training and development, competition, merchandise and events.
“It truly is a huge team effort that I’m proud to be part of.”
2024-2025 award recipients include:
President’s Award – Andrew Wilson;
Peter O’Rourke Training and Assessment Award – Tracey Heeps;
Nipper All Rounder Award – Alby Jones and Savannah Beames;
Senior Competition Team of the Year - U19 Surf Boat Crew ‘The Crays’, Scott McKenzie, Tom Ryan, Huon Glendinning, Josh McKenzie and Zane Vogels;
John Younis Best Junior Club Person – Ronan Kerr and Bethany Best;
Bill Pope Patrol Team of the Year - Abbey Trotter, Zeth Kerr, Zane Vogels, Cath Matthews, Molly Jones and Indi Robertson;
David and Marie McKenzie Lifesaver of the Year - Rob Matthews;
Dunny Seat Award - Ash Tregea;
Ross and Andrew Powell Achievement Award - Raelene Wicks;
Life Membership - Brooke Barnewall;
Stewart Meek Most Passionate Club Person - Darcy Tribe, and
Long service awards - Tracey Heeps (20 years), Scott McKenzie (30 years), Tom Delaney (40 years).
Port Campbell SLSC also held its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, with Rebecca McAuliffe re-elected president for a second year, Darcy Tribe (vice-president), Lynda McKenzie (administration officer), Andrew Wilson (treasurer), and Sim Hayes (vice-treasurer).
Ms McAuliffe said she looked forward to building on the work done through the club’s new strategic plan and thanked members for taking on committee roles for the 2025-2026 season.
Port Campbell is the only safely patrolled beach along 120 kilometres of coastline between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool.
Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club was founded in 1963 and has a proud history of service.
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