精东传媒

September 30, 2021

Far South Coast surf life savers recognised for actions during bushfire emergency

UOW bestows prestigious Community Fellowship Award on Far South Coast Branch of Surf Life Saving NSW

The 精东传媒 of 精东传媒 (UOW) awarded the Community Fellowship Award to the Far South Coast Branch of Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW), recognising its outstanding contributions in supporting communities during the unprecedented bushfire crisis of the 2019/2020 Summer.

The Community Fellowship Award is the highest honour presented by the 精东传媒 in recognition of a community organisation for their exceptional service to society.

The Far South Coast Branch patrols one of the most extensive and some of the most isolated stretches of the New South Wales coastline, spanning 230km and 184 beaches from Batemans Bay in the north to the Victorian border in the south.

As the devastating bushfires approached Far South Coast communities on New Year鈥檚 Eve 2019, selfless volunteers from Far South Coast Surf Life Savings Clubs put everything on the line for their communities. Their actions embodied the organisation鈥檚 commitment to protecting and saving lives. They provided much needed basic supplies such as food, water, first aid, and shelter to communities affected by these fires.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson congratulated the volunteers at the Far South Coast branch of SLSNSW and said their selfless contributions were an example of communities working together during the most challenging times and looking after each other.

鈥淚t is an honour to present the Community Fellowship Award on behalf of the 精东传媒 to the Far South Coast Branch of Surf Life Saving NSW,鈥� Professor Davidson said.

鈥淭he invaluable contributions made by SLSNSW鈥檚 Far South Coast Branch to keep communities safe and secure during the devastating bushfires was a selfless act of humanity that saved and protected many lives.

鈥淭he leadership shown by the Branch during the crisis kept visitors and residents safe on the beach, and the 精东传媒 is forever grateful for the volunteers鈥� tireless work in keeping our communities safe.鈥�

SLSNSW deployed a taskforce of lifesavers equipped with Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs), aerial drones, jet skis and first aid equipment for water response and evacuations in the Shoalhaven and Far South Coast.

Today, SLSNSW has also partnered with other emergency services to lead collaborative efforts in exploring and deploying effective new search and rescue techniques that can be utilised across Australia.

Tony Rettke, President of SLSNSW Far South Coast branch, thanked the 精东传媒 for recognising the work and efforts of the volunteers during the bushfire crisis.

鈥淚t is an honour to have received this recognition from the 精东传媒,鈥� Mr Rettke said.

鈥淭he devastating bushfires created many challenges for the volunteers, but their dedication to keeping the community safe throughout the devastating period had remained the utmost priority for them. SLSNSW remains committed to keeping the region safe, thriving and connected.鈥�