Following a strong year, which saw surf life saving membership in WA reach its highest number ever, multiple WA representatives were recognised in the country’s top surf life saving honours as they gathered in Sydney on Saturday night for the annual Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence.
More than 400 guests came together to recognise national finalists across the areas of lifesaving, sport, and education, and outstanding service to their communities.
Of the 14 categories awarded on the evening, Western Australia claimed an amazing six category wins, an outstanding result and testament to the hard work and achievements of WA members.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists who represented WA proudly!
DHL Volunteer of the Year – Leesa Equid, Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC, WA
Leesa’s dedication to Surf Life Saving and making a difference is exceptional. A Life Member of Swanbourne-Nedlands SLSC, her contribution spans club, state, national and international levels, where she consistently gives her time, expertise and leadership to improve the member experience, strengthen lifesaving capability and enhance public safety.
Throughout the past season, Leesa played a significant role in the national implementation of Lifesaving CPR, helping drive improvements in education, clinical governance and evidence-based practice across the movement. At the same time, she continued to make a substantial impact at club level, improving the delivery of skills maintenance, mentoring members and supporting the development of future leaders.
Leesa holds numerous leadership roles, including as a member of the Surf Life Saving Western Australia Board, and is widely respected for her expertise, generosity and collaborative approach. With member wellbeing and creating positive experiences for volunteers at the forefront of her commitment, she continues to strengthen Surf Life Saving, leaving a lasting impact on members and communities across Australia.
Young Volunteer of the Year – Amrit Jessy, Fremantle SLSC, WA
Amrit’s innovative, inclusive, and thoughtful leadership has shone at both club and state level. A Patrol Officer, trainer, assessor, coach and committee member at Fremantle SLSC, he is driven by a genuine passion for developing people, strengthening club culture and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, Amrit contributed 80 patrol hours, delivered more than 70 hours of training and provided countless hours mentoring members and coaching the Fremantle SLSC IRB Racing Team. As Patrol Officer, he has played a key role in strengthening the club’s youth patrol culture through an inclusive and empathetic approach to leadership.
Amrit has also spearheaded innovative IT initiatives that have reduced administrative burden on members and volunteers, while revitalising the club’s social media presence. Beyond Fremantle SLSC, he has made a significant contribution to SLSWA IRB initiatives, delivering training and assessment to regional and remote clubs across Western Australia.
Amrit’s trailblazing and inclusive leadership sets a strong example for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Through his commitment to innovation, member development and service, he is helping build a stronger and more capable Surf Life Saving movement.
DHL Lifeguard of the Year – Noah Boldy, SLSWA Lifeguard Service, WA
Noah Boldy has established himself as an exceptional lifeguard whose professionalism, composure and commitment to public safety make a profound impact across the SLSWA Lifeguard Service. A professional lifeguard with North Cottesloe SLSC and SLSWA, he is respected not only for his operational excellence but also for the support and guidance he provides to those around him.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, Noah demonstrated outstanding judgement and capability in challenging environments, consistently delivering high-quality lifesaving services and helping keep beachgoers safe. His calm and measured approach, combined with a strong focus on prevention, enables him to respond effectively when it matters most.
Noah’s contribution extends beyond frontline operations. He plays an active role in capability trials, inductions, training and debriefing processes, helping build the confidence and skills of fellow lifeguards. His leadership has also been evident during significant emergency responses, where his teamwork, clinical skills and dedication have demonstrated the highest standards of professional lifeguarding.
Through his exceptional leadership, technical expertise and commitment to service, Noah continues to elevate the standards of professional lifeguarding and deliver a lasting contribution to Surf Life Saving.
Assessor of the Year – David Reid, Trigg Island SLSC, WA
David has made an outstanding contribution to Surf Life Saving education through his leadership in assessment, medical education and member capability development. Combining professional expertise with an unwavering commitment to Surf Life Saving, he has helped strengthen resuscitation training and assessment standards across Western Australia while contributing to best-practice education nationally.
Throughout the season, David assessed more than 300 members through Lifesaving CPR training and played a pivotal role in implementing the program across the state. His assessment approach extends beyond technical competency, focusing on teamwork, leadership and real-world decision making to ensure members are prepared to respond confidently and effectively during critical incidents.
David’s influence extends well beyond the assessment environment. He has mentored trainers and assessors, contributed to national curriculum development and supported research that continues to shape evidence-based resuscitation education. Through these efforts, he has strengthened educator capability, enhanced member outcomes and helped build a culture of continuous improvement across the movement.
Surf Sport Coach of the Year – David Hunt, North Cottesloe, WA
Delivering outstanding results both as a coach and sweep, David Hunt of North Cottesloe SLSC has led one of the most successful surf boat programs in the country throughout the 2025/26 season. His achievements included guiding the U23 Women’s crew to a clean sweep of four major championships, while also leading the U23 Men’s and Open Men’s crews to Australian and WA State Championship success. Under his leadership, North Cottesloe SLSC secured multiple Australian Championship medals and finished as the highest point-scoring surf boat club in Australia.
Beyond competition results, David has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to athlete and coach development through his role as Chair of the WA Surf Boat Panel, mentoring developing sweeps as an S4 assessor, and implementing structured rowing, fitness and strength programs that support athletes from junior through to open ranks.
His collaborative leadership and long-term approach have strengthened crew stability, nurtured emerging talent and contributed significantly to the ongoing success of surf boat rowing. David’s achievements reflect not only his ability to develop high-performing crews, but also his lasting contribution to the growth and future of surf sports.
Widely respected for his integrity, professionalism and competitor-focused approach, Peter’s contribution extends well beyond individual events. His commitment to developing others and maintaining safe, consistent and fair competition reflects the highest standards of officiating in Surf Life Saving.
Surf Sport Team of the Year – City of Perth Female Open Beach Relay (Gabrielle Murphy, Sacha Pallis, Holly Fraser, Imogen Herrington), City of Perth SLSC WA
The 2025/26 season was one of remarkable success for City of Perth SLSC’s Female Open Beach Relay Team, with Holly Fraser, Imogen Herrington, Gabrielle Murphy and Sacha Pallis claiming gold medals at both the SLSWA State Championships and the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Their back-to-back state and national titles highlighted their exceptional talent, teamwork and ability to perform under pressure at the highest level of competition.
Beyond their sporting achievements, the team exemplifies the values of Surf Life Saving through their leadership, resilience and commitment to developing the next generation of athletes. Through coaching, mentoring, Nipper clinics and broader club involvement, they have made a significant contribution to the growth and success of their club community.
Their dedication also extends to active patrol service, supporting fellow competitors and consistently demonstrating respect, encouragement and sportsmanship. Through their achievements and service, the team exemplifies how competitive excellence can be combined with a strong commitment to Surf Life Saving and the club community. Their state and national success, together with their leadership, service and contribution to club life, reflects the very best of Surf Life Saving and highlights their positive impact both on and off the sand.
