Members shine at the 2024 National Awards of Excellence
At the prestigious 2024 National Awards of Excellence, DHL proudly celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to surf lifesaving in Australia. Rory Sanders was honored as DHL Lifeguard of the Year for his unwavering commitment to beach safety, while Sharon Stewart’s tireless dedication earned her the title of DHL Volunteer of the Year. Mollie Murphy was recognised as DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year for her exceptional skill and leadership in lifesaving services. Completing the list of distinguished honorees, Terrigal SLSC from New South Wales was named DHL Club of the Year, applauded for its innovative programs and community engagement. Together, these winners exemplify the passion and excellence that define the surf lifesaving community.
Read a little more about our winners below:
DHL Lifeguard of the Year
Rory Sanders, QLD
Rory has served as a fulltime lifeguard at Rainbow Beach for the past three years. He has been responsible for overseeing and managing operations across Rainbow Beach, Teewah Beach and Inskip Point.
Covering a vast area, which is relatively remote, Rory has also had to deal with the challenges involved with often being the sole lifeguard in these areas with no nearby support. As a result, he has had to be able to think on his feet and adapt to changing environments and emergencies knowing that he may be the only person managing these for some time until other support arrives.
With these experiences Rory has become instrumental in the training of new staff, setting performance standards and acting as a mentor for other lifeguards coming through. He has established and maintains strong relationships with Ambulance and Police and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organisational skills.
Rory is proactive and solutions based, and has demonstrated a commitment that has seen him recognised as a role model and sets a benchmark for the delivery of professional lifeguard services to ensure the safety and lives of others.
DHL Volunteer of the Year
Sharon Stewart – Darwin SLSC, NT
Sharon has been an active member of the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club (DSLSC) since 2004, also serving with dedication at North Burleigh SLSC and Mullaloo SLSC. As DSLSC’s Director of Education, she plays a vital role in training members, ensuring they have access to high-quality development opportunities, and fostering strong, skilled lifesavers who enhance community safety. Sharon also mentors new leaders, such as the Junior Coordinator, and steps in as Age Manager when needed, showcasing her commitment to growth and guidance.
A testament to her resilience, Sharon took on the role of organising the Darwin Ocean Swim following the sudden passing of her husband during the 2021 event. Her efforts in relocating and managing this swim, the only organised ocean event in the Northern Territory, have received strong community support, highlighting her dedication to both the club and local open-water swimmers.
To increase patrol numbers, Sharon introduced the Bronze Observer Award, allowing members to contribute while awaiting full Bronze certification, which has successfully boosted patrol participation. Her unwavering commitment is also evident in her regular attendance at club meetings, even when traveling, ensuring she remains connected to club activities.
Sharon’s hands-on involvement in running Nippers and the weekly Nipper BBQ promotes community spirit and camaraderie, especially among younger members. Her exceptional dedication to volunteering strengthens her club, inspires members, and builds a supportive, connected community.
DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year
Mollie Murphy, Umina SLSC, NSW
Mollie Murphy, has been a passionate lifesaver and Umina SLSC member since she joined as a nipper. Patrolling since 2012, she has logged an impressive 781 hours, including 147.5 hours this season alone, serving in various roles such as Director of Lifesaving and Patrol Captain. Mollie’s hands-on approach ensures beach safety across all twelve patrol teams, while her leadership has led to over 68,000 preventative actions and 300 rescues.
Beyond her operational duties, Mollie is committed to youth development, overseeing activities that connect young members to the core values of the organisation. She has spearheaded initiatives like the U15 Leadership Development Program and organised youth patrol trips, significantly boosting engagement and skill development. Her efforts have empowered young women within the club, fostering leadership and participation in programs like the Women’s Patrol.
Mollie’s resilience was particularly evident during a challenging incident on Christmas Day, where she provided support to her patrol team following a tragic event. Her proactive approach to learning from this experience has improved safety protocols and team cohesion.
Her innovative programs, including the Patrol of the Year process and Pink and Rainbow Patrols, have transformed member engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation. Mollie’s impact extends to enhancing the club’s community presence, making Umina SLSC a vibrant and inclusive environment.
DHL Club of the Year
Terrigal SLSC, NSW
Terrigal SLSC has undergone enormous positive change across three interconnected strategic initiatives.
- First – Governance Transformation with a new constitution and policies with improvements in Life Membership nomination process, voting rights, documentation and communication, experienced Board Directors mentoring inexperienced members to refocus on strategy, governance, risk prevention and management and going paperless. Annual reports for the past 50 years have now been digitised and searchable.
- Second – Adopting a ‘Something For Everyone’ philosophy to maximise member engagement, retention and enjoyment by expanding opportunities within and beyond surf lifesaving such as recognising lifesaving achievement with gold medallion holders receiving a numbered red and yellow cap and included on the Club’s honor board, offering free first aid courses, as well as drone and RWC training. There was a focus on Nipper and Youth programs to make them fun with various family fun events.
- Third – Community Leadership and Partnerships. Three initiatives exemplify Terrigal’s commitment to community
- Ocean swim and Cancer Council Daffodil Dip where $34,000 was raised for the Terrigal Club and $40,000 for the NSW Cancer Council.
- Clontarf Foundation: A group of 15 Indigenous men attended a camp at Terrigal where these young men learned about surf safety and experienced the power of community philanthropy.
- Legacy: Children and families attended to learn about surf safety as well as a chance to swim, play and paddle a board.
Terrigal aims to provide a fun, friendly and opportunity-creating environment where there is ‘something for everyone.’ With a strong governance as a base, Terrigal is in a stronger position than ever before to save lives; develop and support people, and grow and sustain the Club into the future.
Coastal Safety statistics
Sep 2023-May 2024
- Males were 6.5 times more likely to drown than females, accounting for 86% of the coastal drowning burden.
- Swimming and wading drowning deaths increased by 49% from the 10-year average.
- Beaches were the leading drowning location with 1 in 3 beach drowning deaths due to rip currents, which remain the number one coastal hazard.
- Coastal drowning deaths were 64% higher in February and March, and 24% above average in Winter.
- 16.6 million Australians visited the coast in the last 12 months.
- 8,857 rescues and 2.4 million preventative actions were performed across the Australian coastline in the past 12 months.
