The 2025 Surf Life Saving WA Awards of Excellence was held on Saturday, 14 June 2025.
Read more about the night here.
2025 Awards of Excellence Winners
Surf Lifesaver of the Year
Awarded to: Patrick Rivers (Coogee Beach SLSC)
Patrick’s contribution this season has been instrumental in improving patrol efficiency and supporting frontline patrol operations through his development of automated systems and process refinements, including the creation of an AI program.
One of his key roles this season included Water Safety Coordinator, where he put in place robust risk management systems for multiple large-scale community events.
Patrick volunteers for abalone patrols and for Christmas Day patrols, and also undertakes comprehensive gear and equipment audits.
His reach extends beyond just his club through his role as the WA representative on the National Lifesaving Systems Advisory Group.
His leadership and passion for continual improvement for Surf Life Saving will continue to have a great impact.
Young Surf Lifesaver of the Year
Awarded to: Kai Libricky (Busselton SLSC)
Taking on the roles of Lifesaving Officer, Patrol Captain, and Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) crew member for numerous events, Kai also completed an impressive 161 patrolling hours this past season.
He has revamped Patrol Captain resources, resulting in zero cancelled patrols, developed craft operating protocols, and significantly improved lifesaving service provision through an overhaul of his club’s patrol roster system.
Kai’s contributions have led to the improvement in usage of the operations app and understanding of the surf risk rating functionality, making his club’s patrols more inclusive and inviting.
He actively liaises with other clubs, has put himself forward for work experience with Surf Life Saving WA, assisted as a patient and crew member for jet ski courses, and works alongside the volunteer marine rescue teams in the south west.
Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to: Grant Trew (City of Perth SLSC)
This season, Grant took on the role of coordinating significant major events for his club, where his thorough planning, attention to detail and sound communication skills ensured the success of each.
He is also the club’s Surf Sports Director, where he has broken down barriers within the club and provided members with opportunities to get involved, as well as spending significant time developing and growing surf boats at the club, as a Boat Captain, Sweep and Coach.
Grant has demonstrated commitment through the selfless provision of his time and expertise to the benefit of other club members and the broader Surf Life Saving community, making him a worthy recipient.
Coach of the Year
Awarded to: James Duncan (City of Bunbury SLSC)
James, a long-time member of the City of Bunbury SLSC, had outstanding success with his athletes this year, including Anna Lockley, who was named 2025 Young Athlete of the Year.
His ski squad, although small in number, was extremely successful, winning numerous state, masters and country championship titles, and under his coaching, City of Bunbury has continued dominating the WA Country Championships.
James played a vital role in the development of other coaches within his club and is always looking at ways of developing his own skills, through attending clinics and communicating with coaches up and down the coast.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to: Jordana Broomhall (Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC)
Jordana exemplifies the spirit of Surf Life Saving through her extraordinary leadership, dedication, and service.
As development manager, trainer, assessor, and Patrol Captain, the 22-year-old has delivered outstanding contributions across club development, youth engagement, and education.
Her initiatives, including the Swanny Youth Camp, Nipper Sleepover, and Pink Patrol, have significantly strengthened member pathways and inclusion.
She inspires confidence and growth in members of all ages, fostering a welcoming and connected community.
Lavan Club of the Year
Awarded to: Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club
Sorrento has developed a culture that encourages every member to contribute, lead and thrive. Not only do they offer a range of programs to youth members so they can all find an area of interest, their community programs, Dolphin and Silver Salties, are seen as important to the fabric of their membership.
The club motto of ‘win as a team’ spreads across all areas of the club. Winning a total of four awards overall at the 2025 Awards of Excellence.
Last year, Sorrento SLSC were Runners-Up for the Lavan Club of the Year award, and most recently won it in 2022.
2nd – City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club
3rd – Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club
Patrol Club of the Year
Awarded to: Fremantle SLSC
Fremantle has continued to demonstrate its commitment to providing outstanding lifesaving services to the local community, responding to needs and introducing initiatives to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
The club has continued to deliver its successful community programs and collaborations with emergency services, working closely with them to provide improved outcomes for the public during incidents.
They have placed a strong focus on increasing the capabilities of members by introducing novel and engaging ways to improve first aid skills and response preparedness, and have strived to improve beach readiness with a range of initiatives such as early engagement with patrol leaders, promoting use of the Surf Risk Rating app, introducing an emergency response board in the patrol trailer, and improving the recording of statistics to better inform their decision making in response to community need.
Trainer of the Year
Awarded to: Chris Kuster (Scarboro SLSC)
Chris has been an invaluable member of the Scarboro education team, and his extensive knowledge, experience, and ability are reflected in the quality of his training, where he plays a pivotal role in nurturing and developing trainers within Scarboro.
This season, he was part of the inaugural Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue course in WA and was instrumental in the roll out of the award in the northern area, organising and running courses and mentoring new trainers.
He has also played a key role in the development and delivery of the Silver Medallion Patrol Captains Course in the central metro area and has taken on the role of senior trainer for all watercraft awards at Scarboro.
Assessor of the Year
Awarded to: Jacqueline McGregor (Mullaloo SLSC)
Jacqui has been an active and vital assessor and facilitator across multiple northern clubs.
Her passion lies particularly with Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) education, where she leads by example through dedication to both developing candidates and mentoring new Trainers and Assessors.
This season she has been especially active with the roll out of the new IRB Driver and Crew syllabus, organising and running multi-club upskill sessions for IRB Trainers, Assessors, and Facilitators and championing inter-club cooperation.
Support Operations Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to: Lawson Rimmer (Sorrento SLSC)
Lawson is the current Lifesaving Director for the Sorrento Surf Life Saving club, and his contributions to abalone patrols have been significant.
During the abalone season, he served as the Powercraft Coordinator for the Metropolitan Zone, a role that included coordinating the powercraft crew and liaising with both the Zone Coordinator and Volunteer Marine Rescue.
In preparation for the season, Lawson coordinated joint training for the powercraft crew and marine rescue to develop safe and efficient procedures for transferring critical patients from powercraft to marine rescue vessels.
This training proved invaluable when, during a major incident on the first abalone session, a patient was successfully recovered.
Official of the Year
Awarded to: Justin Meldrum (Trigg Island SLSC)
Justin is one of WA’s best senior surf sports officials and is the epitome of an engaged volunteer.
He is always willing to help through the mentorship and training of new officials, and his calm demeanour and experience create an atmosphere of ease amongst competitors and team managers.
Refereeing at championship events, Justin is a key member of the officials’ community.
Young Athlete of the Year
Awarded to: Anna Lockley (City of Bunbury/City of Perth SLSC)
Hailing from Bunbury, Anna had a fantastic season, kicking it off with selection in WA’s Western Suns U17 Ocean Beach Team to contest the interstate championships, where she took silver in the U17 Female Single Ski event.
Also selected for WA’s Broome Pearlers in the national Super Surf Teams League, Anna was instrumental in helping them take home a bronze medal in the competition.
At the Fuel to Go & Play WA Championships, she claimed gold in the U17 Female Single Ski and continued her run through to the Australian Championships, where she backed it up with gold and the Australian title.
Athlete of the Year
Awarded to: Patrick Eley (Sorrento SLSC)
Patrick had an outstanding 2024/25 season, starting off with a sensational World Lifesaving Championships where he won the Open Male Surf Ski, competing against the best the world can offer, including Olympic medallists & former world & Australian champions.
He followed that up by dominating the local racing scene, culminating with a win in the Open Male Single Ski, the Open Male Board and the iconic Open Male Ironman at the 2025 Fuel to Go & Play WA Surf Life Saving Championships.
He then teamed up with his fellow club members to win the Open Male Ski Relay, Open Male Double Ski & the Open Male Taplin Relay at those Championships.
Patrick then turned his attention to the Australian Championships, where he took fourth place in the Open Male Single Ski along with a team bronze in the Open Male Ski Relay.
Surf Sports Team of the Year
Awarded to: Open Female 2 x 1km Beach Run Team from Cottesloe | Sienna Hanikeri & Isabella Neervoort
This year’s Team of the Year comprises Sienna Hanikeri & Isabella Neervoort, who won the Open Female two by one kilometre (2×1 km) Beach Run event at the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
Having medalled in their respective Individual events the pair came together to form an outstanding team that went on to take the Australian title.
Community Education Program of the Year
Awarded to: Sea Lions Program (North Cottesloe SLSC)
The Sea Lions program has worked hard to create an engaged and inclusive community for teens with disabilities in Surf Life Saving.
This season, the program soared to new highs, teaching participants the ins and outs of surf boats, Inflatable Rescue Boats and Jet Skis, as well as ocean swimming and board paddling.
Throughout the season, participants and their families engaged in beach activities in a safe and enjoyable environment, enhanced their skills and built valuable connections with dedicated club mentors.
Age Manager of the Year
Awarded to: Kate Carbone (North Cottesloe SLSC)
Kate’s dedication to the U13 age group at North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club has been nothing short of outstanding. As an Age Group Manager, coach, Junior Committee member, and fundraising coordinator, Kate has played a pivotal role in planning and delivering a successful Nipper season.
Known for her energetic leadership, surf skills, and unwavering support, Kate has created an environment that is fun, inclusive, and focused on personal growth, and her efforts have seen high participation rates and exceptional competition results.
Woodside Nippers Club of the Year
Awarded to: City of Bunbury SLSC
The City of Bunbury has been recognised for its outstanding delivery of a safe, inclusive, and dynamic Nipper program that fosters future lifesavers.
With a 10% growth in its Nipper numbers, the club has demonstrated exceptional planning, leadership, and innovation across the key areas.
Their season highlights include targeted coaching pathways, high retention, adaptive training structures, and the successful hosting of state events, which saw an increase in the number of club Nippers involved at this level.
Through a strong community culture and inclusive learning experiences, the club has set a benchmark in development and surf education, ensuring every Nipper is supported to thrive.
Woodside Nippers Program Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to: Brad Woodruff (Denmark SLSC)
Brad has exemplified leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment as Denmark’s Woodside Nippers Coordinator.
With the Club’s facilities unavailable and programs relocated 31km away to Parry’s Beach, Brad’s determination ensured the delivery of a safe, structured, and community-focused Nipper program.
From negotiating a new venue and securing vital logistics to setting up each session, mentoring volunteers, and preserving the club’s social traditions, Brad’s hands-on leadership ensured continuity and connection.
His tireless efforts extended into weekday coordination, training initiatives, and carnival success, leaving a lasting impact and powerful example.
Bernie Kelly Medal
Awarded to: Patrick Eley (Sorrento SLSC)
Patrick was a dominating force this season with three individual gold medals, including the prestigious Open Male Ironman, the Single Ski & the Board Race.
He then teamed up with his fellow club members to add a further three gold medals to his collection in the Open Male Taplin Relay, Single Ski Relay & Double Ski.
