2025 SLSSA Awards of Excellence Finalists

The Surf Life Saving SA Awards of Excellence recognises and celebrates the achievements and contributions of our members throughout the season across a wide range of categories.

This season we were thrilled to receive nearly 120 nominations from 19 clubs, which is a reflection of the depth and high calibre range of members involved in our organisation state-wide.

Congratulations to the below finalists (listed in alphabetical order).

Surf Life Saver Of The Year
Derek Bawden (Seacliff SLSC
Damion Burrage (Goolwa SLSC)
Daniel Scadden (Aldinga Bay SLSC)
Josh Warne (Glenelg SLSC)
Cassie Wilmot (Goolwa SLSC)

Volunteer Of The Year
Craig Brown (Somerton SLSC)
Tiffany Scadden (Aldinga Bay SLSC)
Anthony Merchant (Glenelg SLSC)
Aaron Oliver (South Port SLSC)
Abby Thomas (West Beach SLSC)

Club Of The Year
Aldinga Bay SLSC
Glenelg SLSC
Semaphore SLSC
South Port SLSC
West Beach SLSC

Youth Surf Lifesaver Of The Year
Kristi Bedford (Aldinga Bay SLSC)
Jai Gardner (Henley SLSC)
Sam Ralph (Grange SLSC)
Lachlan Larven (Glenelg SLSC)
Lillian Woodroffe (Brighton SLSC)

Young Member Of The Year
Piper Cruickshank (Christies Beach SLSC)
Jed Down (Seacliff SLSC)
Rose Fry (Beachport SLSC)
Brooke Gowland (Goolwa SLSC)
Lachlan Macgregor (Glenelg SLSC)

Athlete Of The Year
Amy Buck (Grange SLSC)
Liana Channon (Grange SLSC)
Tom May (Seacliff SLSC)
Eliza Zampatti (Semaphore SLSC)

Youth Athlete Of The Year
Harrison Carberry (West Beach SLSC)
Macklin Harvey (South Port SLSC)
Elsie Parsons (Glenelg SLSC)
Lachlan Washington (West Beach SLSC)

Surf Sport Team Of The Year
The Brighton Jellyfish R&R Team
The Chiton Rocks Crusty Critters Surf Boat Crew
The Seacliff Open Line Throw Team
The West Beach U19 Double Ski Team

Coach Of The Year
Scott Axton (Aldinga Bay SLSC)
Todd Bampton (Semaphore SLSC)
Darren Hocking (Chiton Rocks SLSC)
Darryl Pope (Seacliff SLSC)

Official Of The Year
Rachel Bell (West Beach SLSC)
Loo Keighran (Somerton SLSC)
Paul Rothwell (Christies Beach SLSC)
Robert Thompson (Grange SLSC)

Trainer Of The Year
Cacilia Ewenz (Moana SLSC)
John Stewart (Somerton SLSC)
Robert Tanner (Brighton SLSC)
Kirstin Tocker (Glenelg SLSC)

Assessor Of The Year
Andrew Bedford (Aldinga Bay SLSC)
Hayley Hosking (Seacliff SLSC)
Richard Nurmi (Christies Beach SLSC)
Ray Nussio (Somerton SLSC)

Community Education Program Of The Year
Diversity and Inclusion Festival by North Haven SLSC
On the Same Wave by West Beach SLSC
SameWave by Port Elliot SLSC
Seahorses by Aldinga Bay SLSC

Innovation Of The Year
7Brighton Jetty Classic Environmental Decisions by Brighton SLSC
Quick Release Tie Down Mechanism by Goolwa SLSC
New Nipper Instructional Videos by Glenelg SLSC
IRB Hull Racking System by Somerton SLSC

Winners will be announced at the 2025 Awards of Excellence event.

Event Details
Date: Saturday 21st June 2025
Time: 6:30 PM (for a 7:00 PM start) - 11:45 PM (formalities conclude at 9:30 PM)

Location: Adelaide Convention Centre - Panorama Ballroom

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1381726

Surf Life Saving SA Launches Dedicated Environment Page

Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) is pleased to have launched a new Environment page on its official website, highlighting initiatives to protect and preserve South Australia’s coastline.

This dedicated section, driven by the Environment Advisory Committee, serves as an information hub on SLSSA’s environmental programs, sustainability goals, and practical steps the organisation is taking to reduce its ecological footprint.

The new page reinforces SLSSA’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. As an organisation deeply connected to the coast, SLSSA recognises the importance of protecting the natural environments where its members live, train, and serve.

The page will also be regularly updated with useful links and resources for clubs.

For more information and to explore the initiatives, visit: www.surflifesavingsa.com.au/environment

Become a Trainer or Assessor with SLSSA!

Join the Lifesaving Education Team

Are you passionate about surf lifesaving and education?

Have you ever considered sharing your knowledge and experience to help shape the next generation of surf lifesavers?

Now is your chance to take the next step in your surf lifesaving journey by becoming a Trainer or Assessor with Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA)!

Cassie Wilmot, Goolwa SLSC trainer, completed the Assessor Skill Set course last year, which has allowed her to step into the role of an Assessor. “I love training and sharing knowledge. Then, when a rescue occurs, to hear the members say, ‘I used everything I learnt’ and ‘what you taught me helped me save a life’ is incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“During my 10+ years of being a trainer, I’ve found it’s been hard to constantly ask for assessors for my squads. There is definitely a need for more assessors in this space, and I felt I had the experience and knowledge to assess. So, considering the new assessor course changes and updates to the training, plus the time of year it was being offered, I decided it was time to put my hand up for it.

“The course itself was great! There is minimal homework and everything was able to be completed in the allocated face-to-face time, which meant once we committed to those six full days, we didn’t require much more outside the time, which helps in the business of life!”

Why should you consider getting involved in the education space in Surf Life Saving?

Working as a volunteer Trainer or Assessor within SLSSA offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the lifesaving community. By becoming part of our education team, you will be directly involved in developing and delivering the skills and knowledge associated with the different SLS Awards needed to keep our beaches safe.

As a Trainer, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make an impact

• Inspire the next generation

• Build valuable skills

• Give back to the community

Becoming a Trainer or an Assessor not only provides personal and professional growth, but it also helps strengthen our lifesaving network. It’s an incredibly fulfilling way to contribute to your community while honing your own skill set.

Off-Season Courses

Surf Life Saving South Australia is now accepting applications for:

• TAESS00029 Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set - for those who are looking to gain the TAE qualifications and become a trainer.

• TAESS0019 Assessor Skill Set - for current Trainers who do not hold the Assessor Skill Set or for teachers who are eligible to train in the RTO space.

For more information about Teachers to Trainers, click HERE

What You Can Expect

• Comprehensive training in both theory and practical components

• Supportive, hands-on learning environment

• Opportunities for networking and ongoing professional development

• A rewarding pathway to advancing your involvement in Surf Life Saving

Key Dates

TAESS00029 Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set Course

• Application Close: Monday 9th June, 12pm

• Online Induction Session: Tuesday 1st July, 6pm - 7pm

• Face-to-Face Sessions: 

  • Days 1 & 2: Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

  • Day 3: Sunday 20th July, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

TAESS0019 Assessor Skill Set

• Applications Close: Monday 16th June, 12pm

• Online Induction Session: Tuesday 15th July

• Face-to-Face Sessions:

  • Days 1 & 2: 26th and 27th July, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

  • Days 3 & 4: 30th and 31st August, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

  • Days 5 & 6: 18th and 19th October, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

Applications

If you're ready to take the next step in your surf lifesaving journey and share your knowledge with others, now is the time to get involved!

For more information about the role of a Trainer or Assessor, click HERE.

To apply, submit an application below.

Together, let's continue to make South Australia's beaches safe and welcoming for everyone!