Nipper and Youth member’s achievements celebrated

More than 120 outstanding young members from across WA were recognised for their achievements at Surf Life Saving WA’s (SLSWA) annual Nipper & Youth Awards, presented by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA, on Saturday afternoon.

Over 300 guests, including SLSWA Chief Patron, His Excellency, the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, gathered at this year’s event to recognise and celebrate the achievements across various areas, including lifesaving, surf sports competition, and volunteering.

Chairman of SLSWA partner, the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA, George Rogers, said the organisation was proud of its longstanding partnership providing support to SLSWA’s youth programs, which were integral to helping build future leaders, not only in Surf Life Saving but in their local communities.

Amongst those recognised on the day was Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club’s Brady Fulcher, named U14/U15 Lifesaver of the Year in recognition of his service patrolling local beaches. Brady proved himself a dedicated and proactive team member, performing over 120 patrol hours over the past season, including abalone patrols, and his leadership and professionalism were praised by a member of the public during a recent Search & Rescue activity in which he was involved.

Brady also achieved Gold Level in SLSWA’s Youth Leaders Program, having volunteered more than 230 hours during his time as a youth member.

Recognised as an exceptional leader who embodies the spirit of community engagement and lifesaving competition, Sorrento’s Emma Gibbs was named Youth of the Year. From completing over 24 hours of patrol service and attaining multiple lifesaving qualifications to excelling as a surf sports competitor and youth trainer, Emma’s contributions span every corner of club life, and her infectious enthusiasm lifts those around her.

City of Bunbury’s George Cowan was named Nipper of the Year in recognition of not only his commitment to surf awareness, lifesaving skills, and surf sports training but also for his kindness and sportsmanship, which have left a lasting impression on his club.

In her third season of officiating, City of Perth’s Florence Shaw took out Youth Official of the Year. Possessing a deep knowledge of the sport, which she uses to make fair and reliable decisions, she has developed a fantastic rapport with competitors and other officials and is a positive role model to her peers, eagerly embracing new roles and seeking guidance when needed.

In surf sports, Trigg Island’s Oliver Browne was named U14/15 Athlete of the Year. After an incredibly successful Fuel To Go & Play WA Surf Life Saving Championships, where he took individual gold in the U15 Ironman and Surf Race and contributed to five team golds, he went on to win gold at the Australian Championships in the U15 Surf Race, as well as, for the third consecutive year, gold in the 2km swim.

Oliver also represented SLSWA in the WA Pathways Interstate Team, where, as co-captain, he achieved gold in both the Ironman and Surf Race and, alongside his teammates, secured bronze medals in the Swim Teams and Cameron Relay.

North Cottesloe’s Edward Wallis took out Nipper Athlete of the Year for his exceptional performance on the sand. Edward had a fantastic season, walking away from the Fuel To Go & Play WA Nipper Championships with gold in the U13 Male Sprint and silver in the U13 Male Flags.

At the Australian Championships, he achieved individual silver in the sprints and flags and was an integral member of the North Cottesloe U13 Beach Relay team, which won gold.

Twenty-three outstanding individuals were also recognised for attaining Gold Level in SLSWA’s Youth Leaders’ Program. This required them to have accumulated more than 230 volunteer hours as a youth member, demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication across multiple seasons.

Check out the full list of winners here.