A strong field of 179 finalists has been named in the 2020 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence. Anthony Bellette of Batemans Bay SLSC (below) is a finalist in the category of Volunteer of the Year along with Batemans Bay SLSC Bushfire Response Team, Batemans Bay SLSC in the running to be Services Team of the Year Others in contention from the Eurobodalla are : Surf Sports Team of Year Batemans Bay 180 YRS Phoenix, Batemans Bay SLSC Youth Volunteer Ryley Spoelder-Hanlon, Moruya SLSC Coach of Year Rob Pollock, Broulee Surfers SLSC Athlete of the Year Darren Drewsen, Broulee Surfers SLSC
Youth Athlete of the Year Elli Beecham, Narooma SLSC
You can view the full list HERE
Above: Anthony Bellette is the joint winner of Eurobodalla’s 2020 Local Hero award - Photo ESC
On Saturday 29 August 2020, hundreds of Surf Life Saving NSW club members will celebrate their high achievers at the first ever virtual Awards of Excellence.
The annual awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions made in all aspects of Surf Life Saving. They celebrate the accomplishments of members, clubs and branches during the 2019/20 season.
For the first time, the awards will be held online - due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. Viewers will be able to watch the event live via the SLSNSW Facebook page and YouTube channel from 6.30pm, Saturday 29 August.
There will be 24 awards presented during the event in the following categories:
Overall Awards
Surf Lifesaver of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Club of the Year
Branch of the Year
President’s Medal
Lifesaving Awards
Patrol Captain of the Year
Patrol of the Year
Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year
Lifeguard of the Year
Rescue of the Year
Surf Sports Awards
Official of the Year
Masters Athlete of the Year
Coach of the Year
Youth Athlete of the Year
Surf Sports Team of the Year
Athlete of the Year
Membership Awards
Administrator of the Year
Services Team of the Year
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Education Awards
Innovation Award
Trainer of the Year
Assessor of the Year
Facilitator of the Year
Community Education Program of the Year
Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales congratulated all the finalists in the 2020 Awards of Excellence.
“The Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence celebrates and recognises the incredible people in our organisation and the positive impact they have on their clubs, members and their local communities,” said George Shales OAM.
Surf Life Saving NSW Membership Manager Claire Bevis said that, “The awards are a wonderful opportunity for us to acknowledge the achievements of our members at a state-level in front of the wider lifesaving community. We are excited to take the awards online this year and present the first ever ‘Virtual Awards of Excellence’ where everyone can attend – regardless of their location.”
The awards are traditionally a highlight on the social calendar and Surf Life Saving NSW encourages everyone to participate in the online event and support the awards. It promises to be a fantastic night with hosts Harold Marshall (Umina SLSC) and Georgie Rowe (Collaroy SLSC).
