Surf Life Saving SA was proud to induct Madeline Nurmi, Melinda McAinsh and Craig Hobart into the SLSSA Hall of Fame at the 2025 Awards of Excellence.
Madeline Nurmi - Christies Beach SLSC
Hall of Fame - Leadership
Madeline is a respected leader whose exemplary service to surf lifesaving began at Christies Beach SLSC in 2000.
Since taking on the role of Club President in 2016, she has played a pivotal role in transforming Christies Beach SLSC into a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing club. Under her leadership, the Board of Management now boasts 60% female representation, and club visibility has grown significantly through improved sponsorship, increased competition craft, and a strong culture of member recognition.
Madeline has successfully led the club in hosting major state events, including the Masters, Senior, and IRB State Championships, and has proudly driven Christies Beach’s participation in numerous community events - further strengthening ties with the local community.
Her leadership extends far beyond the presidency. Over the years, she has held a wide range of key roles at Christies Beach SLSC, including Vice President, Club Captain, Director of Facilities, Registrar, Junior Chairperson, Age Group Manager, and positions on both the Grievance and Disciplinary Panels. Through these, she’s driven junior growth, inclusive membership policies, and financial stability.
Her impact at state level includes previous service on the SLSSA Board and the Development Advisory Committee, where she played a key role in shaping strategic plans, reviewing lifesaving pathways, and simplifying administrative processes. As a State Council member, she’s worked to enhance collaboration between clubs and state leadership.
Her leadership is strategic, compassionate, and community-driven, always focused on developing others and creating lasting impact.
Melinda McAinsh - Brighton SLSC
Hall of Fame - Surf Sports
Melinda McAinsh is a master of the sand who has dedicated nearly four decades to surf lifesaving with distinction, passion, and excellence.
While her began their journey at West Beach in 1986, it was at Brighton from 1989 where she truly built her legacy, highlighted by a notable four-year chapter at Currumbin in between.
As an athlete, hercompetitive record is phenomenal, with back-to-back national golds in Beach Relays for Currumbin in the 1990s, a silver in the Open Female Sprint, and multiple World and Australian Championship finals.
At state level, she fiercely dominated beach events for more than a decade, earning 10 Open Beach Sprint gold medals between 1987–1995 and four Open Beach Flags gold medals between 1993 and 1998. As a Masters competitor Melinda has continued to shine, securing gold across Ironwoman, Board, Ski, Swim, Rescue Tube, Beach Flags and Beach Sprints in the early 2000s.
Off the track, she’s shaped generations of athletes through coaching, mentoring, and leadership. A long-standing sprint and flags coach since 2001, she is regularly seen trackside at carnivals, offering expert advice and encouragement.
Equally committed to their lifesaving responsibilities, Melinda was Brighton’s first female Club Captain from 2002 – 2007, as well as a Patrol Captain in the 1990s. Her devotion to surf lifesaving is grounded in service, with 362 patrol hours and a 10-Year Patrol Service Award. A Life Member of Brighton since 2008, she remains a cornerstone of the club and an enduring force in surf sports.
Craig Hobart - Christies Beach SLSC
Hall of Fame - Lifesaving
Craig is an outstanding lifesaver whose remarkable journey began as an 8-year-old nipper at Christies Beach in 1980 and has since spanned nearly five decades of dedicated service.
A true pillar of our movement, he has a legacy of leadership across club patrols, state-level operations, member education, administration, and surf sports.
With over 1,500 patrol hours and a Gold Medallion – the highest award in surf life saving – Craig’s long-standing service to Christies Beach SLSC has been exceptional, earning him Life Membership in 2003 and Life Governor in 2024.
He’s been a cornerstone of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG) for 34 years, playing vital roles in rescues, searches, and high-risk incidents. He’s regularly worked alongside police and other emergency services, bringing calm leadership and extensive knowledge to critical operations.
Joining the Jet Rescue Boat service in 1991, Craig rose through the ranks to become a respected trainer and assessor for both crew and driver qualifications. As one of the first Duty Officers when the program launched 15 years ago, he’s also overseen countless after-hours rescue responses and mentored emerging leaders in the role.
In the education space, Craig’s influence has been profound as a trainer, assessor and facilitator. With over 150 education awards to his name, he’s equipped generations of surf lifesavers with the technical skills, confidence and readiness to save lives. Recently, he’s particularly focused on delivering state SMAR courses.
His service has been recognised with numerous honours, including the SA Emergency Services Medal, South Australian Surf Lifesaver of the Year, the Premier’s Certificate, and long-service awards.
Craig’s legacy is one of humble leadership, tireless dedication, and lifelong service.
