AOE 2020 – Lifesaving and DHL Awards

Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Campbell Shaw, North Cottesloe SLSC, WA

The Surf Youth Lifesaver of the Year recognises and rewards young members who have made an outstanding contribution to the delivery and development of surf lifesaving frontline services.  It is aimed at active younger surf lifesavers undertaking lifesaving duties and who can be presented as identifiable as the future of Surf Life Saving.

Campbell is an experienced surf lifesaver, trainer and patrol captain who contributed to many aspects of lifesaving at North Cottesloe during the 2019/20 season.  Campbell successfully initiated a new community service program this year. The program introduces year 10 students to surf lifesaving, generating interest and increasing North Cottesloe’s community involvement and presence.   Campbell has been an extremely active member and is a strong role model.

DHL Lifeguard of the Year – Corey Jones, Queensland

The DHL Lifeguard of the Year recognises and rewards Australian Lifeguard Service employees who have made an outstanding contribution to the delivery and development of lifeguard services.

Corey has developed into not only a great Lifeguard, but also a great leader and team player. Corey has created a positive and healthy environment for all who work in his area, and he does this by leading by example. On quite days he ensures all lifeguards are rescue ready by initiating scenarios as training exercises. Corey is also a valued member of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and is always first to put his hand up to help around the hanger.

DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Neil John, Sarina SLSC, Queensland

The DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year recognises and rewards members who have made an outstanding contribution to the delivery and development of surf lifesaving frontline services. It is aimed at active surf lifesavers undertaking lifesaving duties and who can be presented as an identifiable “Ambassador” for Surf Lifesaving.

Holding roles of both President and Club Captain, Neil used a first principles approach to review how the club could improve their lifesaving presence on the beach whilst increasing member engagement, and reducing member burn out.  Neil has spearheaded an initiative to better involve and engage with nipper families at the club and this has seen junior membership increase by more than 30% last year.  Neil is an approachable leader and respected by all.

DHL Volunteer of the Year – Belinda Doman, Coolangatta SLSC, Queensland

The DHL Volunteer of the Year recognises an individual who has demonstrated achievements in a range of different areas of a club or surf lifesaving service organisation throughout the year, or who has shown significant and outstanding achievements in one particular area. The individual’s contribution demonstrably enhances the development of surf lifesaving.

Belinda holds 13 volunteer positions and leadership roles within her club including patrol captain, chief training officer, awards committee and lifesaving membership committee. In addition she holds a further five positions at a Branch level and sits on two Surf Life Saving Queensland committees.

Training is Belinda’s passion and she spends countless hours developing an extensive training calendar to give members opportunities to gain new awards. Belinda is a natural leader who continuously gives to her club. She leads from the front and believes actions are louder than words.

DHL Club of the Year  – Penguin SLSC, TAS

The DHL Club of the Year encourages and recognises outstanding achievements in club development that results in SLSA clubs providing safer beach and aquatic environments for the community.

Penguin SLSC has continued to commit to their five-year strategic plan which has seen them not only exceed their life saving requirements but also their engagement with the broader local community. This has been possible through increased member numbers which allows for roving patrols, facilitating and strengthening their connection with the local school, sending quadruple the number of Nippers to States and tripled their number of advanced award holders, all with only 174 members. Add to this the Club has provided clear pathways for all members to become better life savers and at the same time working with fellow clubs in the area to deliver valuable community education activities.

Congratulations to all the DHL Lifesaving Award winners for 2020.