2026 SLSSA Awards of Excellence Winners

Surf Life Saving SA congratulates all award winners honoured at the 2026 Awards of Excellence.

Their incredible contributions, commitment and passion this season across a wide range of areas epitomise the core values and mission of Surf Life Saving. We look forward to continuing this valuable work in 2026/27.

Club of the Year – West Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Finalists: Moana SLSC, Normanville SLSC, Semaphore SLSC,

Our back-to-back winners continue to set the benchmark for inclusion, capability, and community impact.

With 659 members, the club’s focus this season remained clear: making it easier to be a lifesaver, while ensuring there is a place for everyone in surf lifesaving.

The club demonstrated outstanding resilience during severe algal bloom conditions, rapidly transitioning to pool-based training with Immanuel College. This ensured continuity of lifesaving education and resulted in nearly three times more awards than any other club in the state, significantly strengthening patrol capability.

Inclusion is embedded across all operations, with structured engagement programs creating access for Afghan, Pakistani, Sudanese, Chinese, Russian, Indonesian and Filipino communities. As a result, members from diverse backgrounds are now actively contributing across patrols, training, and leadership, strengthening a culture that embraces diversity while giving back to the community.

Another major highlight was the launch of Tidebreakers, a six-week Adaptive Nippers program for children aged 5–13 with disabilities, which, through strong participation and positive feedback, has enabled genuine inclusion and expansion of opportunity.

Youth development also remains a key strength, with 29% of members being Nippers and youth aged 5–15. A 93% retention rate in Under 13s particularly reflects strong engagement, with programs such as the Westies Crew providing a clear progression pathway from Nippers through to patrol and leadership roles.

In surf sports, the club’s impact was further recognised through being named Overall State Champion Club, alongside Junior Club of the Year, Masters State Champion Club, and Pool Rescue State Champion Club.

Congratulations to West Beach President Graeme Cunningham and the members at West Beach for creating such a connected community where people belong, contribute, and progress.

 Surf Life Saver of the Year – Bobby Tanner (Brighton SLSC)

Finalists: Steve Pugliese (West Beach), Joshua Warne (Glenelg SLSC), Cassie Wilmot (Goolwa SLSC)

Bobby Tanner is an outstanding surf lifesaver whose contribution reflects the very best of Surf Life Saving. Widely respected for his professionalism, reliability, and depth of experience, Bobby is someone others instinctively look to during both routine operations and high-pressure situations.

At state level, Bobby holds several key leadership roles, including State Duty Officer, State Powercraft Officer, Jet Rescue Boat Coordinator, and member of the Education Advisory Committee. Renowned for his expertise in powercraft operations, he brings strong technical knowledge and judgement to every situation.

Bobby is also a highly regarded trainer and assessor for Brighton and Surf Life Saving SA, delivering Bronze Medallion, IRB Crew and Driver, and Jet Rescue Boat training. Through this work, he has played a significant role in strengthening South Australia’s JRB operational capabilities.

Over the past season, Bobby has delivered exceptional service across club patrols and the Emergency Operations Group, providing calm leadership in multiple significant incidents, including night operations and multi-agency responses.

This season also marked his milestone of 4,000 patrol hours, reflecting an extraordinary and longstanding commitment to protecting our community.

Bobby leads by example, takes on responsibility without hesitation, and continues to make a lasting impact across our movement.

Volunteer of the Year – Cassie Wilmot (Goolwa SLSC)

Finalists: Chelsea Daughtry (Semaphore SLSC), Richard Nurmi (Christies Beach SLSC), Rebecca Woods (Henley SLSC)

Cassie has been involved in Surf Life Saving since the age of five and has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive beach environment.

As Club Captain at Goolwa for the past four years, Cassie has led patrol operations, supported members through challenging situations, and helped build a strong club culture where people feel valued, connected, and supported.

A highly experienced leader, Cassie has served in numerous state and national roles, including Patrol Captain, Emergency Operations Group member, Trainer and Assessor, Duty Officer, Carnival Safety Supervisor, Life Saving Chaplain, Life Saving Advisory Committee member, and co-leader of the medical team at IRB Aussies.

Passionate about developing others, she has contributed as a lead trainer for the Women in Powercraft program and Lifesaving Development Camp, a facilitator at the Emerging Leaders Course, and a mentor in the national Women’s Mentoring Program.

Cassie has also played key roles during critical incidents, providing frontline support, emergency coordination, and member welfare during high-pressure situations. She has also championed diversity, inclusion, and member recognition through initiatives such as Rainbow, Blue, and Pink Patrols, as well as Goolwa’s inaugural Milestone Patrol.

Through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others, she has become a highly trusted figure within both Goolwa and the wider Surf Life Saving community.

‘John Baker’ Young Surf Life Saver Of The Year – Lachlan Larven (Glenelg SLSC)

Finalists: Jai Gardner (Henley SLSC), Jacob Newrick (Brighton SLSC), Hannah Trezona (Christies Beach SLSC)

At just 19 years old, Lachie continues to set the standard as an outstanding young leader within surf lifesaving, balancing frontline operations, mentoring, and club leadership with remarkable maturity.

This season, he served as Glenelg’s U19 Club Captain, Radio Officer and Operations Committee member, while also contributing heavily to the State Emergency Operations Group. As a Supervisor within the State Operations Centre, Lachlan consistently demonstrates leadership beyond his years, making sound decisions and operating with confidence in dynamic environments. His calm and measured approach provides reassurance to those around him and has helped build strong trust within the team.

He is proactive in his own development and equally committed to supporting others. Beyond operations, Lachie is known for his approachable nature and genuine care for others, mentoring younger members, organising team bonding activities, and leading by example through his professionalism, reliability and willingness to always put the team first.

Young Volunteer Of The Year – Tahlia Hicks (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Finalists: Jed Down (Seacliff SLSC), Elias Morton (Elizabeth LSC), Ella Murray (West Beach SLSC)

Tahlia is an exceptional young volunteer whose kindness, integrity and commitment to inclusion have made a lasting impact within her club.

A valued member of Aldinga Bay for the past 10 years, Tahlia has progressed from nipper to Bronzie and inspiring young leader and role model. At just 15 years old, she is an active patrolling member who regularly contributes to beach safety and has already assisted in numerous preventatives and rescues.

But what truly sets Tahlia apart is her contribution as Youth Coordinator for the club’s Seahorses inclusive nipper program. She leads with empathy, initiative and genuine care, creating a welcoming environment where participants feel safe, supported and valued. She adapts activities to individual needs and celebrates every achievement. Tahlia has also encouraged greater youth involvement within the program, helping strengthen a culture of inclusion and community across the club.

Youth Athlete Of The Year - Robert Burfield (Grange SLSC)

Finalists: Taj Bunting (Brighton SLSC), Harrison Carberry (West Beach SLSC)

Robert has enjoyed an outstanding season in the board arena, highlighted by gold in the U17 Male Board Race and both the U17 and U19 Board Rescue events at State Championships. At Aussies, he claimed bronze in the U17 Men’s Board Race and silver in the U17 Board Rescue, adding to an impressive list of podium finishes across the World Ocean Series and major interstate competitions. Robert also proudly represented South Australia at the Interstate Championships and Super Surf Teams League this season.

Beyond competition, Robert is a fantastic role model within his club, always treating officials, coaches and fellow competitors with respect. He leads by example through his professionalism, sportsmanship, and willingness to encourage and support younger members both at training and events.

Trainer Of The Year – Abby Thomas (West Beach SLSC)

Finalists: Nathan Amos (Aldinga Bay SLSC), David Forest (Grange SLSC), Camron Lane (Semaphore SLSC), Kirstin Tocker (Glenelg SLSC)

Abby has been an exceptional and highly dedicated trainer for the past decade.

This season, she played a critical role in delivering more than 120 awards, leading Bronze Medallion, SRC and pathway training programs across both club and state levels. She also delivered CPR certification training to nearly 30 young members within the Nipper program.

She was also instrumental in delivering skills maintenance to more than 250 patrolling members, attending over 90 per cent of sessions and helping to upskill volunteers in the new Lifesaving CPR requirements.

Abby is especially passionate about making training inclusive and accessible for all, supporting participants with learning difficulties and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to achieve qualifications they may not have previously thought possible.

Beyond West Beach, Abby also supported North Haven members through inter-club training opportunities across SRC, Bronze Medallion and IRB Crew courses.

Assessor Of The Year - Suzanne Mitchell (Henley SLSC)

Finalists: Iain Mitchell (Glenelg SLSC), Richard Nurmi (Christies Beach SLSC), Ray Nussio (Somerton SLSC), Bobby Tanner (Brighton SLSC)

As Chief Assessor at Henley, Sue has played a vital role in delivering and assessing key awards including SRC, Bronze Medallion and ART, both within her club and across state programs. During a season of significant operational challenges and the rollout of the updated Lifesaving CPR requirements, Sue stepped up and helped ensure members remained qualified and confident — at times acting as the sole assessor to maintain continuity.

Sue has also provided valuable contribution to future-focused assessment practices through her involvement in the SLSSA assessing app testing group.

Beyond assessment, Sue is known for her reliability, mentorship and willingness to support others, setting a fine example for her fellow education members.

Mandi and Kristi Bedford on behalf of Andy Bedford

Community Engagement Of The Year - Inclusive Beaches Carnival by Semaphore SLSC

Finalists: River Nippers Program (Murray Bridge LSC), Survival Day Community (North Haven SLSC), Ocean Rise Program (Seacliff SLSC), Tidebreakers Program (West Beach SLSC)

This initiative is the first of its kind in South Australia, designed to remove barriers to participation and create an inclusive and sustainable surf lifesaving experience for individuals of all abilities.

Bringing together 20 participants from five clubs, the carnival provided a safe and supportive environment where individuals living with disability and additional needs could take part in adapted surf sports events — many for the very first time.

Inspired by the national adaptive events at Aussies, events including flags, relays, wades and board activities were modified to suit a wide range of physical, cognitive and sensory needs. This saw every participant have the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and feel a strong sense of belonging.

With participants already engaged in programs at their local clubs, the Inclusive Beaches Carnival provided a vital pathway to continue their involvement and progression in surf lifesaving.

Athlete Of The Year – Hannah Deacon (Glenelg SLSC)

Finalists: Taj Wallace-Ward (Seacliff SLSC), Lachlan Washington (West Beach SLSC)

Hannah delivered a standout season, competing at the highest level across state and national surf sport events.

At State Championships, she produced exceptional results, securing five gold medals across Iron, Board, Swim, Surf Belt Race, and Board Rescue.

Nationally, as a key member of the SA Reds, Hannah contributed to strong team performances across the Super Surf Teams League and Interstate Championships, including 5th in both Surf and Iron.

Beyond her impressive results, Hannah is a well-loved and respected mentor within Glenelg, regularly supporting Nippers and youth athletes. She leads by example through her friendly, approachable nature and positive attitude, helping to foster confidence, inclusion, and a strong club culture, particularly for emerging female members.

Charles Sheffield (coach) on behalf of Liana Channon

Surf Sport Team Of The Year – The Chiton Rocks Crusty Critters (U19 Male Surf Boat Crew)

Finalists: The Grange U17 & U19 Male Board Rescue Team, The Seacliff Open Male Rescue Tube Rescue Team

Made up of Finn Bezzina, Lucas Garlik, Jack Breen, Hugh Mahoney, and sweep Darren ‘Hocko’ Hocking, the crew delivered an exceptional 2025/26 campaign, dominating at state level before achieving historic success on the national stage.

The crew claimed three State Championship gold medals across the Under 19 Male, Reserve Grade, and Short Course events, before taking on Australia’s best. Their breakthrough moment came with a victory at the Surf Boat Interstate Championships in Wanda, followed by a silver medal at the Australian Surf Boat Championships — the first-ever Aussies medal won by a South Australian junior male surf boat crew.

Beyond their competitive success, the crew have made significant contributions to patrols, officiating, mentoring, and club activities, consistently demonstrating leadership, sportsmanship, and a strong commitment to surf life saving.

Coach Of The Year – Todd Bampton (Semaphore SLSC)

Finalists: Robert Holman (Grange SLSC), Darryl Pope (Seacliff SLSC)

As Head Senior Coach, Todd has built a strong and inclusive program that supports athletes of all ages and abilities.

Throughout the season, Todd led Semaphore athletes to strong results across State Championships, Aussies and interstate championship events, with numerous finals appearances, podium finishes and several athletes achieving their first individual medals.

But Todd’s impact extends well beyond his own athletes. At state level, he was selected as a coach in the SA Surf League and the Youth Pathways State Team, helping develop high-performing athletes across SA. Within Semaphore, he has mentored emerging coaches and led a team of assistant coaches through structured training programs and a strong coaching philosophy. This commitment to leadership is also reflected in the many senior athletes who now volunteer as age-group assistants in the Nipper program.

Official Of The Year - Paul Rothwell (Christies Beach SLSC)

Finalists: Richard Crowe (Brighton SLSC), Loo Keighran (Somerton SLSC)

Paul Rothwell is a well-respected Senior Official with nearly 20 years of service to surf lifesaving.

Paul holds an extensive range of qualifications, and this season he fulfilled various roles across club, state and national events. At Christies Beach, he served as Officials Coordinator, while at state level he officiated across IRB, Pool Rescue, Junior, Senior and Masters Championships and carnivals. Nationally, he was Assistant Chief Judge at the Australian IRB Championships and Chief Technical Judge at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships.

Off the beach and pool deck, Paul also contributed through the state Officials Advisory Panel, IRB Racing Advisory Panel and Sports Advisory Committee. His recent work developing and updating the IRB Lane Judge Rules document has particularly strengthened consistency and understanding across IRB competition in South Australia.

A passionate mentor and leader, Paul has also played a crucial role in developing officials across multiple disciplines, helping build their skills, confidence and knowledge.

Rescue of the Year – Richard Nurmi and Hubert ‘Huee’ Deroussent (Christies Beach SLSC)

Rescue date: Sunday 20 July 2025 at Christies Beach

On Sunday 20th July 2025, Richard, Huee and members of Christies Beach demonstrated outstanding initiative and lifesaving skills during a rescue at Christies Beach assisting five members of the public in an overturned vessel.

A member of the public alerted the crew to an upturned vessel near the southern end of the reef, with persons in distress. Responding immediately and overcoming some challenges with equipment, Richard and Huee urgently attended the scene, with Kerri-Lee, Llewelyn and Stella offering valuable ground support.

Despite sustaining injuries, Richard and Huee ferried five patients back to shore. Four were found clinging desperately to the upturned hull and showing signs of distress, while the fifth patient was identified unconscious in the water. None were wearing lifejackets. Fortunately, all patients were successfully handed over to SAAS and SAPOL.

All members involved acted with composure, courage and professionalism while under significant physical, emotional, and operational pressure. Their quick decision-making, situational awareness, and refusal to stop despite injury likely contributed to the survival of multiple individuals.

This award celebrates acts of bravery exhibited during rescue operations, recognizing individuals or teams who willingly put themselves in danger to save others in challenging and hazardous situations where the risk of fatality was imminent.

Given the incredible efforts of our surf lifesavers in performing numerous rescues, finalists are not chosen for this award, as every rescue is commendable. Instead, the lifesaving team selects a single winner using national criteria, focusing on an exceptionally extraordinary incident.

President’s Award - Erin Scammell (Murray Bridge LSC)

Erin has been the driving force behind Murray Bridge Life Saving Club - our first river-based lifesaving club.

As Founding President, she has led her club through its inaugural nippers season, welcomed more than 80 members, and supported 10 young members in achieving their Surf Rescue Certificate qualification.

Erin has a remarkable ability to inspire others and make ambitious goals feel achievable. Her resilience, vision, and persistence have been instrumental in building opportunities for young people and growing lifesaving in inland communities.

150+ Patrol Hours

Congratulations to the following members who logged in over 150+ patrol hours in Season 2025/26.

Andrew Bedford (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Jessica Macpherson (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Tiffany Mayne (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Louisa Beaumont (Brighton SLSC)

Kylie Ellison (Brighton SLSC)

David Lucas (Brighton SLSC)

Lachlan Mollison (Brighton SLSC)

Jacob Newrick (Brighton SLSC)

Cal Silcock (Brighton SLSC)

Robert Tanner (Brighton SLSC)

Craig Van Tenac (Brighton SLSC)

Lillian Woodroffe (Brighton SLSC)

Lucas Garlik (Chiton Rocks SLSC)

Richard Nurmi (Christies Beach SLSC)

Lachlan Larven (Glenelg SLSC)

Jamin Lee (Glenelg SLSC)

Joshua Warne (Glenelg SLSC)

Damion Burrage (Goolwa SLSC)

Matthew Burrage (Goolwa SLSC)

Cassandra Wilmot (Goolwa SLSC)

Layla Woods (Goolwa SLSC)

Michael Carter (Grange SLSC)

Hannah Darling (Grange SLSC)

David Forrest (Grange SLSC)

Samuel Ralph (Grange SLSC)

Jennifer Frisby-Smith (Henley SLSC)

Jai Gardner (Henley SLSC)

Alessia Giglio (Henley SLSC)

Rebecca Woods (Henley SLSC)

Scott Goldie (Normanville SLSC)

Simon Simms (Normanville SLSC)

Michael O’Sullivan (Port Elliot SLSC)

Danny Smith (Port Elliot SLSC)

Ashley Baker (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Trent Stone (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Derek Bawden (Seacliff SLSC)

Matthew Crichton (Seacliff SLSC)

Hayley Hosking (Seacliff SLSC)

Gregory Brown (Somerton SLSC)

Robert Hood (Somerton SLSC)

Lyndon Mills (South Port SLSC)

Brian Burrowes (West Beach SLSC)

James Butler (West Beach SLSC)

Steve Pugliese (West Beach SLSC)

Matilda Heneker (Whyalla SLSC)