SLSQ AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE CELEBRATE QUEENSLAND’S RED AND YELLOW CHAMPIONS

The Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) community gathered at The Star, Brisbane, on Saturday night for the 2026 Awards of Excellence, honouring the volunteers and athletes whose dedication keeps Queensland beaches safe.

SLSQ Chief Executive Officer Damien Marangon said the evening was a powerful example of the depth of talent and commitment across the Queensland surf lifesaving community.

“The SLSQ Awards of Excellence allow us to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of our 36,000 volunteer members across 58 clubs who patrol more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline from Port Douglas to Rainbow Bay,” Marangon said.

“In my first few months with SLSQ, I have been struck by the incredible passion and professionalism of this community, and tonight was a chance to see that on full display – from lifesavers on the beach and in the clubhouses, to those coaching our next champions and the quiet achievers working behind the scenes.”

He said the calibre of nominations reflected the strength of Queensland’s surf lifesaving community.

“Every award recipient, and indeed every nominee, has made an outstanding contribution to our mission of zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters,” he said.

“Their achievements are a testament to the enduring power of volunteerism and the red and yellow spirit.”

From Bilinga to the biggest stage in Queensland lifesaving, William Barwick (Bilinga SLSC) capped an outstanding season by taking out Surf Lifesaver of the Year. Will has made a significant contribution across operational, training and leadership environments, serving as Club Captain, Rescue Watercraft Operator and trainer, and Helicopter Crew member. His willingness to mentor, educate and support fellow members has fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the movement, strengthening lifesaving capability at club, branch and state levels.

Behind the scenes with hundreds of members he’s mentored, Ethan Collins (Kawana Waters SLSC), has quietly become one of Surf Life Saving’s most influential emerging leaders and that work was recognised with the Volunteer of the Year award. Dedicating countless hours to mentoring young people and developing future leaders, Ethan has helped create a culture where every member feels valued, safe, supported and capable of achieving more than they thought possible. Across clubs, branches and state programs, his passion and humility have inspired hundreds of members and strengthened the future of the organisation. Mark Foster (Mermaid Beach SLSC) was Highly Commended.

Young Surf Lifesaver of the Year was awarded to Rory Phelps (Rainbow Bay SLSC), whose contribution this season directly strengthened frontline lifesaving capability. As a Patrol Captain, RWC Operator and SurfCom Operator, Rory introduced Froggies familiarisation sessions to build members’ confidence in identifying hazards and safely navigating entry and exit points and contributed to Bronze Medallion training and mentoring after gaining his Training Officer qualification.

Charlotte Lawry (Ayr SLSC) was named U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year, delivering Ayr SLSC back-to-back wins in the category for 2025 and 2026. Charlotte completed her SRC, contributed more than 80 patrol hours, and represented her club and branch in Surf Sports, winning bronze at the Australian Championships in the two-person R&R along with three State silver medals. She also held leadership roles including Junior Club Captain and was awarded North Barrier Branch U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year.

The inaugural Young Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Ketynah Philip (Kirra SLSC), with Bella Lawry (Ayr SLSC) Highly Commended. A Kirra SLSC member since joining as an Under 6 Nipper in 2012, Ketynah has earned 60 association awards and contributed more than 750 volunteer hours to Surf Life Saving. During the 2025/26 season alone she completed 313 volunteer hours, including more than 273 patrol hours, while serving as Deputy Junior Activities Chairperson at Kirra SLSC and Youth Development Officer for the Point Danger Branch.

Five years ago, Kawana Waters SLSC was struggling with a very small membership and a clubhouse in disrepair but last night, it was crowned Marsh Club of the Year. A strategic reset has since transformed the club, with the 2025/26 season delivering membership growth across all categories, a 73% retention rate, expanded patrol facilities and a new clubhouse co-located with the RSL as a community hub. The club also stood up within 15 minutes of hearing of young lifesaver Joe Tolano’s disappearance, becoming the emergency hub for the search effort with more than 50 members involved over several days in heartbreaking circumstances.

Outstanding performances in surf sports were also recognised. Callum Brennan (Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC) won the Peter Lacey Athlete of the Year award, while Mariah Jones (Tweed Heads & Coolangatta SLSC) was named Masters Athlete of the Year.

Youth Athlete of the Year went to Jackson Brennan (Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC), and Lucy Smith (Alexandra Headland SLSC) received Junior Athlete of the Year.

Cab Savs (Tallebudgera SLSC) took out Sports Team of the Year, while the Professional Coach of the Year award went to Rachelle King (Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC), successfully defending the title she won in 2025.

In other major honours:

● Cassandra Sedgman (Surfers Paradise SLSC) won the prestigious Clive Hammond Medal.

● Jake Harris, Coolum Beach SLSC received the Andy Frizzell OAM, OBE Award for Services to Junior Activities (Highly Commended — Darren Edwards, Point Lookout SLSC), for transforming the club’s junior culture through initiatives including the Sea Turtles program.

● IGNITE (Alexandra Headland SLSC) won Community Engagement of the Year for its Youth Surf Awareness Program supporting disengaged youth from Nambour State High School.

● Lyndon Forlonge, Peregian Beach SLSC was named Trainer of the Year, delivering 27 Bronze Medallions, 16 Surf Rescue Certificates, 24 First Aid Awards and 16 Advanced Resuscitation Technique Awards with a 100% course completion rate.

● Ian Hemerik, Arcadian SLSC earned Assessor of the Year, having assessed 86 members across a range of lifesaving disciplines throughout the North Barrier Branch.

● John Hamrey, Bilinga SLSC was recognised as the Ron ‘Boppo’ Tallon OAM Official of the Year.

● Te’a Domeracki, Kirra SLSC received Volunteer Coach of the Year.

● Kane Pilkington, Alexandra Headland SLSC was awarded Sports Team Manager of the Year.

● Jennifer Mullins, North Queensland was named Lifeguard of the Year.

● Ken Lloyd was awarded Operations Support Person of the Year.

● Peter Hallett received BLS Member of the Year, recognising his contribution to the Brisbane Lifesaving Service.

● The President’s Cup was awarded to Alexandra Headland SLSC, successfully defending the title from 2025.

● Kurrawa SLSC received Junior and Youth Development Club of the Year,