The Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) community came together in Brisbane on Saturday night for the 2025 Awards of Excellence, honouring the volunteers, athletes, and officials whose dedication keeps Queensland beaches safe.

Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO David Whimpey said the event was an inspiring showcase of the commitment and camaraderie that define the movement.

“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,” Whimpey said.

“From lifesavers on the beach, to those coaching our next champions, to the quiet achievers working behind the scenes — tonight we honoured their service, skill, and spirit.”

He said the calibre of nominations reflected the passion 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.”

Chris Fisher (Broadbeach SLSC) was named Surf Lifesaver of the Year, recognised for his exceptional leadership, 130 patrol hours, and commitment to raising operational standards.

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Joel Kinneally (Coolangatta SLSC) for his nearly four decades of service across patrol leadership, education, junior development, and club culture.

Youth Lifesaver of the Year was awarded to Rory Phelps (Rainbow Bay SLSC) for his leadership roles, 156 patrol hours, and dedication to mentoring young members, while Briella Wassmuth (Ayr SLSC) was named U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year for her patrol service, community involvement, and leadership in youth programs.

Max Jones from Mooloolaba SLSC was awarded Under 18 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year for his work as Lifesaving Gear and Equipment Officer for Mooloolaba SLSC, dedicating significant time to this role both during and outside the season.

Outstanding performances in surf sports were also recognised. Georgia Fitzsimmons (Northcliffe SLSC) the only Ironwoman to win four Australian Surf Life Saving Ironwoman crowns, won the Athlete of the Year Award after a dominant season including five gold medals at her last Australian Championships while Ben Cox (Currumbin SLSC)was named Masters Athlete of the Year following multiple world and national titles.

Youth Athlete of the Year went to Cyra Bender (Northcliffe SLSC), and Finn Bourman (Alexandra Headland SLSC) received Junior Athlete of the Year.

Currumbin’s Cockatoos Open Female Boat Crew took out Sports Team of the Year after national and international victories, including the World Championships, while the Professional Coach of the Year award went to Rachelle King (Currumbin SLSC) for her leadership across pool rescue and surf sports programs.

In other major honours:

• Coolangatta SLSCwas named Club of the Year, with a special commendation to Forrest Beach SLSC.
• Coolum SLSCreceived Junior & Youth Development Club of the Year.
• Andrew McAuliffe, Kirra SLSCreceived the Volunteer Coach of the Year
• Andrew Nightingale, Mermaid Beach SLSC was awarded Operations Support Person of the Year.
• Lisa Maddison, Surfers Paradise SLSC earned Assessor of the Year.
• Kurt Goodwin, Emu Park SLSCwas recognised as Official of the Year.
• The President’s Cup was awarded to Alexandra Headland SLSC.

Special recognition went to Blaise Cini (Etty Bay SLSC) with the prestigious Clive Hammond Medal, while the Andy Frizzell Award went to Adam Edwards (Arcadian SLSC).

The night also celebrated innovation and community engagement, with Innovation Award going to Forrest Beach SLSC for its flood emergency response, and Community Education Program of the Year awarded to Mudjimba SLSC’s Mapleton to Mudjimba Program