David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to publicly acknowledge the contributions and commitment of Surf Life Saving Australia around the nation but, in particular, the Lower North Coast Branch, which held its awards of excellence at the Tuncurry sports club recently. I attended along with members of six clubs from Crowdy Head to Pacific Palms. The New South Wales president, Tony Haven, was also joined by Newcastle Permanent Building Society and guests Leslie Williams and Steve Bromhead, our state MPs.

It was a terrific night featuring presentations on the activities of members engaged in many of their varied roles and responsibilities. Brian Wilcox, the branch president, recounted the past season and there were lots of enjoyable and admirable stories. Importantly, a number of awards were presented. All of the lifesavers involved deserve an award, but particular mention was made of junior lifesavers of the year Toby Jones and Sarah Ward from Forster. Allan Davis from Crowdy Head was lifesaver of the year and Rod Croker and Brad Sawyer were lifesavers of the month, along with Shane Riemann. Administrator of the year and most outstanding contribution was Bernadette Nicholson from Black Head Surf Club. Team of the year was the Cape Hawke ladies surfboat crew. There were several awards granted for rescue of the month, and hearing the stories you can see what personal risks they put themselves through to save people who are isolated out at sea. The Lower North Coast Branch rescue of the month in January 2014 went to the Black Head Surf Life Saving Club, involving Maddi, Darren, Sandra and David Rowe; David Quinliven; Geoff Jackson; Mark Dew; Paul Kremer; and Noelene Young. There were also awards given to Jan Clingeleffer, Kim Rayner and Ryan Rosenbaum for services to the Taree Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club and to the Lower North Coast Branch. Our MC for the night, none other than AJ, Andrew Jones, received a national service medal.

I commend the work and efforts of our surf lifesavers and the organisation around the country, but on this occasion I want to bring to the attention of the House the work that the Lower North Coast Branch does. I have other branches in my electorate and I enjoy attending their functions as well. Congratulations to them all.