Within the realms of every big city, country town or beach resort, there lingers those whose sole purpose seems to be the care and welfare of others.
In Noosa, one recently came to our attention when he was awarded the Surf Life Saving National Medal. This medal recognises long service to organisations that protect life and property: sometimes at risk to their members. In this instance, the recipient was Donald Roy McKill.
This gentleman, who is well known known throughout the fund raising, lifesaving and sporting bodies of our community, was born in Edinburgh Scotland. On completion of his education at the George Watson College, Donald joined the Royal Marine Commando’s in 1976, spending four years with the Corp, before heading to Kenya and a stint in South Africa.
Then in 1983 he returned to Edinburgh where he took on a Timber and Hardware Business, while at the same time, maintaining his military connection: doing a stint with the Royal Marine Reserves as a Physical Training Instructor. “Regarding my choice of the Royal Marines, you could say that I was following a family tradition. We had family members served both first and second World Wars and I also had an uncle and godfather in the commandoes in World War II.”
In 2004 Donald, wife Miffy and family, Charley, Ellie and Zoe, arrived in Australia happily settling in Noosa. Since then, all the family have been involved with the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving club, both as nippers and patrolling members. As a Noosa clubbie, Donald has now devoted 18 years of service to the club: many of which he served as a Patrol captain. The year 2015 saw him awarded Club Person of the Year.
His involvement is still full on, as he remains active with patrols, coaching and self- education: but above all his contribution to the Seahorse Nippers Program, since its inception, has been exceptional. A highlight of his career, has been the successful resuscitation of a patient found unconscious after suffering a stroke. His leadership and handling of the patrol, resulted in the patient making a full recovery and a patrol award for their competence.
Donald’s efforts in fundraising for various charities, has been outstanding. Smile for Child, Kids Foundation, Tour De Cure has seen him take on many bike rides around Australia: helping to raise awareness and funds over many years.
His passion for all things sport, has seen him represent many clubs in the sport of Rugby: as a result throughout his career, it has taken him all around the world. Playing in America, Hong Kong, France, Ireland, Wales, England and as previously mentioned his stints in Kenya and South Africa. However, his career was cut short, when he suffered a broken neck while playing for his Edinburgh Club Watsonians.
Following a full recovery, he turned his attention to squash and on many occasions was successful in reaching several regional finals. This plus his venture into the Triathlon and Ironman events, has kept him fit and fully alert: the serious sporting injury, became a thing of the past. On moving to Noosa his love of Rugby saw him successfully serve time as President of Noosa Dolphins. His attitude and dedication, once again proved outstanding to a cause of his choice.
Highlight of this time, was being instrumental in bringing the British and Irish Lions Touring Rugby Team to Noosa as a training camp, in 2013: a great promotion for the local game and also for Tourism Noosa. Now 13 years later, he’s still involved working with Tourism Noosa on the British and Irish Lions tour 2025, regarding options surrounding the tour of Australia.
“It is hard to believe that another patrol season is just a month or so away.” Once again, our man for all seasons, Donald Roy McKill, will be amongst the volunteers, teaching and patrolling, while engaging in a service that may put his own life at risk. His outstanding contribution to preserving the proud safety record established by the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia, has been fittingly recognised by the award of the National Medal (Australia). Proud to say he is one of Our People.
