On August 5 the Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) held their annual presentation night celebrating all of the achievements by members over the last year.

The night was a big success, which is fitting for the club who, only last month, were crowned the Australian Masters point score champions at the Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships.

Fiona Phillips and Steve Strong

Club President Brett Schweitzer says that nights like these are super important for local, community based clubs. “It's important to celebrate what we’ve achieved, often we don’t spend enough time reflecting on what we’ve achieved and so that’s the main purpose behind the night. To recognise what we’ve done in the last 12 months and also the members who have gone out of their way in making that happen both on the beach and in the community,” says Schweitzer.

The winners included:

Bill Gowan Award: Steve Strong

Club Person of the Year: Trina Jensen

Patrol Person of the Year: Ben McAlister

Junior of the Year: Liam Ovenden

Competitor of the Year: Louise Skjeime

Cadet of the Year: Archie Weir

Federal Labor MP, Fiona Phillips, who attended the event, believes nights like these allow the community to see the amazing accomplishments of these local clubs. “There is a lot going on in our world but it is the tireless efforts at the community level, like at the Kiama Downs SLSC, that help our young people stay healthy and active and grow into active positive participants in our community – that’s something I’m always willing to support,” says Phillips.

Phillips says that the SLSC is a key part of Kiama Downs and that it is this reason why the community must continue to support it. “With so many members and their families, and Jones Beach such an important part of so many people’s lives, it’s no wonder that Kiama Downs SLSC is a key part of the community. I think one of the great things about Kiama Downs SLSC is that it caters for all ages, from nippers, to patrols, masters and more; generation after generation and newcomers – it’s a true welcoming community club."

Following the presentation, on Saturday August 10, some Kiama Downs SLSC members went down to the South Coast branch awards and brought home two awards:

Tegan Ross: JAC of the Year

Lily Gazzard: Junior Volunteer of the Year.

The Bugle wishes to congratulate the Kiama Downs SLSC and all of the winners at the presentation night.