Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Richard McDonald - outstanding Life Saving Victoria member for National Volunteer Week this National Volunteer WeekAcknowledging volunteers on life saving, with an outstanding lifesaver who started at a young age. By news@gippsland - 28th May 2021 - Back to News Life Saving Victoria is thanking and recognising its incredible volunteers this week as Monday 17 May – Friday 21 May marks National Volunteer Week. One of LSV’s members who is being acknowledged is Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance’s Richard McDonald, who went above and beyond for his club during season 2020-21 to ensure lifesaving patrols could continue despite pandemic restrictions.
Volunteer Surf Lifesavers are men and women who volunteer their time to provide aquatic supervision that typically patrol in groups under a patrol captain for a given period of time on weekend and public holidays
Remaining compliant with guidelines
Taking the reins of the newly created COVIDSafe Coordinator role for his club during what is being hailed as one of the most challenging seasons to date, Richard was responsible for ensuring SLS Lakes Entrance remained compliant with Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.
Programs to ensure learning
Richard said, "I took on the role after completing an infectious control mitigation short course through Holmesglen TAFE that complimented my small business, as an essential service, patrols were able to continue with special precautions in place, which was the responsibility of the COVIDSafe Coordinator."
"Although it’s the committee’s newest role, it’s an important one that meant we were still able to have a presence out there on the beach, saving lives. I was very pleased that the nippers, bronze, surf rescue certificate and youth involvement programs could also continue and ensure the learning for our young members."
Starting at young age
Due to Lakes Entrance’s hard work, the club was able to host its major fundraising event, the Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge, in a COVID-19 safe environment this May, raising valuable funds for the club. "The role was more work than I could have anticipated but I felt very supported by our president David Richardson and secretary Kristine Cordery."
Although the COVIDSafe Coordinator role is a new one, Richard has over 20 years’ lifesaving experience at Point Lonsdale and 10 years at Lakes Entrance under his belt, having started out as an eight-year-old nipper at Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club.
Having more than just water skills
Richard said, "I became a nipper at Point Lonsdale SLSC as my family had a holiday house there, I enjoyed it immensely, it taught me more than just water safety skills, I had a lot of fun and made many enduring friendships. Now as an adult with my own family, it was very important to ensure my kids had a similar experience."
Giving back to community
Regularly holidaying on the coast near Lakes Entrance, Richard signed his children up for nippers at the local club, eager for them to learn the same lessons he did about water safety and surf skills. As a nipper parent, Richard’s favourite part of his current involvement in lifesaving is doing water safety in the nippers program.
"I love this role, interacting with the kids and seeing how much fun they have," he said. "It’s great to give back to our community and seeing our kids active and happy."
Recognising Richard McDonald from Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance who took up the role of COVIDSafe Coordinator for his club to ensure patrols could continue despite pandemic restrictions
Keeping it COVID-safe
My favourite memory of my time in the lifesaving movement is seeing my two kids complete the entire nipper program and my daughter receiving the Greg and Sue Oglesby Encouragement Award for the most outstanding nipper." Thanks for your hard work keeping Lakes Entrance COVIDSafe, Richard, and all other COVIDSafe Coordinators across the state.
Pictures from Life Saving Victoria Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams. - Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service. - Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September. - Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop." - Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond. - Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security. - Darren Chester's Christmas reflection mixes Gippsland joy with national grief, unity, gratitude and hope for Australia
Darren Chester reflects on Gippsland Christmas, mourning Bondi Beach victims, appreciating essential workers, and urging unity, gratitude, and hope while wishing everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options. - Tim Bull slams government’s restrictive, confusing emergency levy exemptions failing CFA volunteers across Gippsland
Tim Bull says the government’s flawed levy exemptions are too complex and restrictive, leaving CFA volunteers frustrated, excluded, and unsupported, and is urging the Minister to simplify the process. - Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
|
|
