Fifteen lifesavers from North Entrance, Toowoon Bay and Shelly Beach Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSC) have been honoured with the National Medal or clasps for their National Medal, for their dedication and commitment to surf lifesaving.
Six received First Clasp honours for 25 years of service, while the nine others received the National Medal for 15 years or more of service to surf life saving.
Among these lifesavers is Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Life Member and stalwart of North Entrance SLSC, 78-year-old Col Laing.
He has been actively patrolling and part of surf life saving for more than 60 years and is the first surf lifesaver in SLSA’s history to reach this milestone.
Laing’s sons, Heath and Scott, have received the National Medal for their 15 years of service.
These 15 surf lifesavers are among 72 from around Australia who have been awarded with the National Medal and First Clasps for their sustained service and commitment to surf life saving.
Established in 1975 as a military recognition award, the National Medal has since branched out into government and voluntary organisations and is now Australia’s most awarded civil medal.
The National Medal is awarded to individuals on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), and recognises long and diligent service in organisations that are dedicated to protecting life and property at a degree of risk to their members.
Local recipients of the National Medal – First Clasp (25 years’ service) are: North Entrance SLSC – Campbell Black, Luke Byatt, Colin Laing, Janet Lindsay, Ken Lupton and, Toowoon Bay SLSC – Mark Shearan.
Local recipients of the National Medal (15 years’ service) are: North Entrance SLSC – Steve Allan, Boyd Barriskill, Campbell Black, David Blow, Luke Byatt, David Chaffer. Peter Cooper, John Dring, Colin Laing, Heath Laing, Scott Laing, Janet Lindsay, Ken Lupton and, Shelly Beach SLSC – John Dosanjh.
Source:
Media release, May 24
Surf Life Saving Australia