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Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club was highly praised at Life Saving Victoria's Awards of Excellence

Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club excelled at Life Saving Victoria's Awards of Excellence, with Katherine Simnett, Holly Foster, and the Search and Rescue Camp winning top honours for their outstanding contributions.

By news@gippsland - 27th August 2024 - Back to News

Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club received high accolades at Life Saving Victoria's Awards of Excellence. The awards are run every year to celebrate the outstanding achievements of volunteer lifesavers, and of the people who work in many roles across the aquatic industry to help keep our community safe in the water.

Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club won multiple Life Saving Victoria Awards, including for Nipper Program, inclusion, and innovation, with praise from President Paul James

Inverloch Club triumphs

Local winners were:

Katherine Simnett, Inverloch SLSC, Nipper Program Volunteer of the Year

Katherine courageously stepped up as interim coordinator for Inverloch's Nipper Program on short notice. In this role, she cultivated a supportive and cohesive environment, ensuring nipper safety and engagement while seamlessly integrating age managers, water safety, and volunteers. Her leadership was instrumental in launching Inverloch's inaugural Starfish Nipper Program. Her dedication and unwavering commitment make her a standout in advancing both local and state-level Nipper education and development.

Holly Foster, Inverloch SLSC, Janet Jones OAM Inclusion Award

Holly showed exceptional leadership in supporting diversity and inclusion at Inverloch SLSC. She worked with disability experts, medical specialists and other clubs to deliver a program that engaged with parents to understand each child's needs, and had personalised support plans for participants. Holly's dedication and leadership in this space has been outstanding, and she is a worthy recipient of this award.

Inverloch Lifesaving Search and Rescue Camp, Inverloch SLSC, Dr Nigel Taylor ESM Innovation Award

The Inverloch Lifesaving Search and Rescue Camp (or ILSAR) was driven by the need for enhanced SAR capabilities due to the club's unique beach location and a number of community incidents. ILSAR has significantly enhanced the capabilities of club members, boosted community safety and inspired young leaders to advance within the club. It has made an impact and a contribution that is truly exceptional.

Recognition and gratitude

Life Saving Victoria President Paul James congratulated all award recipients and thanked all attendees for their efforts over the past year. "Through our combined efforts to save lives and empower communities to safely enjoy water, we have made an impact that goes far beyond what any of us can see or fully know," Mr. James said on the night.

"For that, I encourage you all to hold your heads high as members of our movement, and for the far-reaching contribution you make to the people of - and visitors to - Victoria," Paul said.

Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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