2018 Awards of Excellence Winner Profile: Liam Burke

Being the youngest in a family of lifesavers, Liam grew up around the sun, sand and surf down at Fremantle SLSC, joining Nippers as an Under 8.

Fast forward to now, and Liam is one of our two AGL Lifesavers of the Year for 2018. He’s a true leader and mentor, with a passion for creating pathways for young surf lifesavers and for ensuring that lifesaving services continuously adapt and improve.

Winner Name: Liam Burke
Club: Fremantle SLSC
Category: AGL Lifesaver of the Year
What year did you join Surf Life Saving:  Joined as a Nipper in 2000
Achievements:

• Completed a commerce degree and now undertaking a project management degree
• Implementing procedures with Fremantle SLSC to improve patrols
• 10 years National Patrol Service in 2017

1. Tell us something interesting about yourself!
I was born down south in Denmark and enjoy creating new meals in the kitchen.

2. Did you grow up with the beach? If so, where was your home beach?
I grew up at Leighton Beach with family holidays always being along the WA coast.

3. When you’re not down at the beach, what keeps you busy?
When I’m not down the beach I work full time with the Bank of Queensland, I am studying Project Management online, frequently attend the gym, I also compete in surf boats and enjoy watching footy and basketball.

4. What does Surf Life Saving mean to you?
To me it is all about community. It is about providing a service to the public, growing a network of friends and enabling members to develop lifelong skills, all whilst enjoying the shared community resource of the beach. 

5. What is the best thing about your Surf Life Saving Club?
The people and the culture. Freo truly is a family club where everyone contributes in some way, people care about each other, people are encouraged without pressure, and people enjoy themselves around the club.

6. What is your most memorable – whether it be funny, happy, tear-jerking or exciting – moment you’ve had during your time with surf life saving?
Breaking a long drought by winning an open medal in surf boats for Freo is one the best memories along with the endless entertaining stories by our boat captain following carnivals over a few drinks. There is never a day on patrol when you don’t have a laugh.

7. How has Surf Life Saving shaped who you are today?
Nothing has shaped me more than surf life saving. My parents and siblings all excelled in individual ways in surf which has inspired me to become more involved and give back, whether that be by listening, teaching or putting procedures in place to make club life better for all.

Through surf life saving I’ve made a great network of friends at the club and across the country who share the common passion for lifesaving.

8. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in joining Surf Life Saving?
Do it! There is a place and a role in surf for everyone no matter your skills, background or swimming ability. Clubs and patrols thrive from the diversity of its members.