Lifesavers honoured for dedication to community

The City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club wrapped up its 2017-18 season on Friday with its annual awards night at the clubhouse.

A number of major awards were handed out to club stalwarts as well as those dedicated volunteers who help to run the not-for-profit community organisation.

Michael Kavanagh won the Rod Killerby Memorial Shield as the Most Enthusiastic Cadet, while Charlotte Banks received the major honour of the Doug McGhie Patrol Lifesaver of the Year award.

The Tony and Julie Snelling Education and Training award went to Gary Carthew and Phillip and Julie Best were justly honoured with the Glen Morton Best Club Member award.

City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club president Denise Duncan said all the award winners epitomised the fantastic volunteer work of the club.

“It was an excellent way to wrap up the season and open up our new kitchen and changeroom facilities,” she said.

More than 760 members were signed to the club this season and Mrs Duncan said she was looking forward to increasing that later in 2018.

“I would like to increase our membership to more than 800,” she said.

Mrs Duncan said this season the club did 3916 hours of patrol on Bunbury beaches and that would increase later this year when they patrol more often at Koombana Bay.

She said the club was getting stronger each season and its added responsibilities meant the club needed more members.