The powerful story of Churaki, embodies how a rich ancient cultural history and the beginnings of Surf Life Saving in Queensland came together, as one, to protect and save lives.  Churaki, a Bundjalung man from a proud lineage of saltwater people, had a deep connection to the waters. His legacy endures and continues to be recognised and celebrated today. The son of the respected Aboriginal Elder Caomoi, Churaki was known for his imposing stature and remarkable endurance. With the opening of the railway from Brisbane and Ipswich to Tweed Heads in 1903, surf bathing surged in popularity, leading to an increase in drownings. In response, Caomoi asked his son to watch over the surf bathers at Greenmount, seeing it as Churaki’s cultural duty to protect those visiting their Country. Churaki carried out numerous daring rescues in the surf at Greenmount before the first Queensland Surf Life Saving Club was established there in 1911. The headland at Greenmount soon became known as “Churaki Hill” in recognition of his vigilance and bravery. 

In 1911, as summer was ending, a visitor from Brisbane, Mr. McGongile, was walking toward the surf at Greenmount when he plunged into a deep channel. Unable to swim, he quickly sank. Churaki, who had been keeping an eye on bathers from the hill, noticed his plight. He recovered the swimmer’s lifeless body from the lagoon and dragged him back to shore. Churaki ran to alert members of the Tweed Heads Surf Lifesaving Club, who commenced resuscitation, and McGongile recovered enough to be removed from the beach. 

Notes made on the day by a founding member of the Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, ‘Bluey’ Gray, which are held by the club, indicate that ‘McGronigal’ was a visitor residing at Greenmount. Gray called it a ‘serious case’: the patient remained unconscious for 20 minutes after ‘Chouriki’ rescued him and first aid was administered by the ‘brigade’. 

In July 1911, Churaki was recognised by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia with a certificate of commendation. His extraordinary efforts were also celebrated at the foundation meeting of the Tweed Heads Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club.