By JOLENE OGLE
After more than 20 years’ service to the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, supporters’ club president Warwick Redwood was honoured on the weekend with the award for Surf Life Saving Australian Volunteer of the Year.
Following a long tradition of volunteers “who give their all”, Warwick said it’s with thanks to the club and other volunteers that he’s been able to contribute to the club for so long and in such an important way.
Warwick received his award at the national award ceremony on Saturday night (24 October) and said the hardest part was being interviewed by the panel of judges.
“Talking about yourself, that’s the hard part,” he said.
“But it is a great honour to be awarded, to be acknowledged and recognised for your work.”
Warwick, who moved the Noosa Shire more than 26 years ago, said being involved with a surf club is about more than patrolling the beach, it’s about connecting with people, developing skills and creating memories.
Warwick is currently the president of the supporters’ club, he was the director of surf sports for 15 years and has been involved in the youth development program within the club.
He said his passion lies in recruiting young people to join the Nippers program.
“Nippers, and belonging to the club, is about friendship, mateship and bonding – creating memories,” he said.
“I like to mix-it up and instigate crazy, out-there stuff so the youth can create memories of Nippers.
“Then when they move away they become ambassadors for Surf Life Saving, their family becomes involved and the cycle starts again.”
After receiving the top award, Warwick said he would consider joining state or nation-wide boards to help share some of his ideas.
