SLSWA President recognised for service in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Congratulations to our President Craig Smith-Gander, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in this week’s Queen’s Birthday Honours, for significant service to surf lifesaving, to transport logistics and to the community.

“I was extremely proud to be recognised in this week’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List with the award of an AM. I’ve reflected on the many years I’ve been involved in Surf Life Saving and realised that this great organisation has been central to my development as a person,” said Mr Smith-Gander AM.

“The many great people that I have had the honour to be involved with since I first joined in 1974, have shaped my attitudes to community and volunteering. Whilst the award is also a recognition of my voluntary work in other fields as well, Surf Life Saving is central to it.”

“My late father John, himself a state champion beach sprinter from Swanbourne Nedlands, sent me down to North Cottesloe in 1974. He knew it would be good for me, and he was right”.

Craig has been President of Surf Life Saving WA and a Board Member of Surf Life Saving Australia since 2014, in addition to terms as President, Vice President, Club Captain and a host of other roles at North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club, where, after decades of service, he was awarded life membership in 2011.

Well earned recognition for many years of service to our wonderful movement