The highlight of the night was the announcement of the Gordon Godwin Club Persons of the Year. The award is named in honour of Gordon who was  a founding father of the club. Stephen Bromhead MLA presented the award to Keely Quinn and Gavin Williams. Unfortunately Gordon’s wife Rona Godwin was unable to attend this year as she was away with other family members. 

Keely and Gavin are highly regarded members of the club with Keely a former Forster Nipper graduating to be Patrol Captain who provides positive support and has been a role model for Beach Bums youth group in the 13-19 ages. She has been the first to provide assistance at water safety for events, barbecue fundraisers for the club and a range of social activities for the youth for many years. Keely is also a member of the IRB Racing team and has displayed a great deal of commitment to compete at State and National events. 

Gavin Williams has provided assistance to training of Bronze Medallion and IRB crew certificates during the season. He completed over 80 hours on patrol and is involved with water safety for events that the club is involved in such as triathlons, the Club 2 Club swim and Professionals Weekend of Surf. Gavin also is an age manager and assists in coaching our board squad. Gavin also this season gained his IRB driver’s award and is an enthusiastic club member.

Other notable awards handed out on the night were patrol hour awards to (seniors) Jody Blair and Gavin Williams, (juniors) Ruby Jones and Zack Hender. The President’s Award was to Anthony Harris and Jody Blair. Anthony really got involved in Nippers and the providing water safety at training and other events and Jody Blair is always helping at Nippers and the first to put her hand to assist at any club events. They both contribute to lifesaving patrols and are enthusiastic club members.

Surfsports person of the year was Masters competitor Laura Thurtell who excelled at Branch, Country, State and also came away with three medals at the Australian Titles in swim - Gold, Tube Rescue Bronze and teamed with Bonnie and Kylie for bronze in the Taplin Relay. Keely Quinn also presented Simon Lee with the Prop Award.

The night was hosted by Junior Club Captain Ruby Jones and Sarah Ward and they did a great job running the night. We are all very proud of the job they do and a great example of the positive impact that surf lifesaving has on its members. Thank you to those members who provided the catering for the night it was greatly appreciated.

Saturday saw members assist with water safety and providing the barbecue for the NSW Triathlon Club Championships. Thank you to all the members who were able to assist.