By Ron Lane
At the recent Sunshine Coast Annual Dinner and Awards of Excellence, Sunshine Beach and Noosa Heads both featured in awards for outstanding achievements for the 2016/17 season.
Held at the Maroochydore Surf Club, for Sunshine Beach it was definitely a night to remember.
Following what was a very successful season in competition, club captain Scott Summers upheld their club’s success by being the recipient of three major awards in the area of lifesaving and leadership.
For the second year in a row, Scott was named as the Sunshine Coast Life Saver of the Year. His second award came when he was named Branch Operations Support Officer; and following this he was awarded the Clive Hammond Memorial Silver Medal for his outstanding contribution to surf lifesaving on the Sunshine Coast.
Regarding the Clive Hammond Medal, the name of the winner from each of the state branches is forwarded to state centre for final judging as the overall Queensland Gold Medal recipient.
When questioned by the Master of Ceremony regarding his attitude to his work as a volunteer lifesaver his reply said it all: “I came from a military background where I was serving my country, now as a lifesaver I am serving the community.’’
Another Sunshine Beach member to receive a major award, the Junior Activities Member of the Year, was Clare Derrington; and for his outstanding contribution to surf sports Nick Sloman was named Athlete of the Year.
It was this young man, who after winning a gold medal for swimming at the Australian Titles (early morning) walked straight from the beach to be driven home to Sunshine so that he could fulfill his afternoon patrol obligations.
Junior Athlete of the Year was Abbey Tolano and Rookie Official of the Year was Tara Lees.
Not to be left out, club president Craig Law, was for the second year named as the Team Manager of the Year; and finally Sunshine Beach was named Aggregate Surf Sports Club of the Year.
Over the hill at Noosa, senior member Barry Leek was also amongst the winners when he received two major awards of the evening; the first being the Official of the Year and following this the Volunteer of the Year.
In the junior section Under 14, Lifesaver of the Year was Kai Thompson and Masters Athlete of the Year Alison Pegg.
All in all it was a good night for both clubs; and well done to all who were acknowledged for their outstanding contribution during the season.
To Barry Leek – Volunteer of the Year – and Scott Summer – Clive Hammond Medal, we wish them good luck. Their awards make them finalists in the State Awards to be announced at a gala dinner at the Gold Coast Casino on Saturday night.
Last weekend the Noosa club received some sad news with the passing of Life Member Keith Skinnerton.
Keith, a Gympie boy, was educated at the Christian Brothers College and like so many travelled to Noosa every weekend to fulfil his club obligations.
Keith joined in the late ’40s and through the years held several positions including that of club captain.
Fellow Life Member Merv Schriber said, “Keith, answered to the nickname of Pussy; was a good club person and was highly regarded – someone you could always depend on.”
In winter he played for Gympie Brothers Rugby League and was also a member of the boxing club; a great all-round athlete and family man. To his family and friends, our deepest sympathy.
