At just eighteen, Lachlan Davidson has already been recognised for his years’ volunteering for the Kiama Lifesaving Club and Surf Rescue 50 with the presentation of the 2022 Robert East Community Service Award.

The award is for Council employees who have outstanding records in community service. It was established in 2006 in memory of the late Councillor Robert East. Lachlan worked as one of Council’s lifeguards last season, and is doing so again this summer.

Volunteering since he was 13 years old, Lachlan has also been named Lifesaver of the Year and Youth Lifesaver of the Year by the Club for the past two seasons.

In addition to gaining his Silver Medallion in Basic Beach Management, this season saw Lachlan named Patrol Captain and spend over 118 hours patrolling the beach and leading the team, as well as joining surf rescue callouts for flood emergencies.

He says he does all this for the enjoyment, as well as for the rewards of giving back to the community and gaining skills.

“It is nice to be noticed and rewarded for all the hours of volunteering but I don’t do it for the recognition,” Lachlan says.

“I do it for the satisfaction of helping someone out who is in one of the worst times of their lives - fearing of death in the water.”

Ben Johnston (right) receives his award from members of the Dalley family, with Mayor Neil Reilly

This year’s Megan Dalley Trainee of the Year Award for 2022 was split between two young Council employees, IT cadet James Carli and Parks and Gardens labourer Ben Johnston. This award remembers Megan Dalley, an excellent trainee killed in a car accident.

All winners received a certificate of recognition and a cheque for $500.