Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club has claimed the nation’s most prestigious surf lifesaving award, becoming only the second Tasmanian club in history to win the honour.
The club was named DHL Club of the Year at Surf Life Saving Australia’s Awards of Excellence on Saturday night, capping off a remarkable 50th anniversary year.
Life member and former president Christine Gaby said the win was a huge honour for the club.
“I cannot wait to get home for us to be able to celebrate it with everybody because it’s been a fabulous year,” she said.
“We had a great celebration for [our 50th birthday]. It’ll be wonderful to celebrate this award with everybody.”
The club’s more than 400 members – including 166 Nippers and 105 patrolling lifesavers – contributed nearly 3,000 volunteer hours this season through patrols, water safety, training and community programs.
Carlton Park has also been leading the way on child safety, setting the benchmark for implementing new requirements for Nippers and becoming a standout example of best practice across Tasmanian sport.
Gaby said the club’s lifesaving performance had been particularly impressive this season.
“One of the key aspects for us was our lifesaving this year,” she said.
“We had a huge improvement that SLST was saying our numbers were so good, they had to keep running them because they thought it can’t be true. That’s pretty impressive.”
The club has also shown a strong commitment to inclusivity, welcoming groups such as Lifesavers with Pride and the Disabled Surfers Association of Tasmania.
Tasmanian flood and swift water rescuers Adrian Petrie and Nate Welch were also recognised on the night, receiving Surf Life Saving Australia’s highest honour for their bravery during last year’s Franklin River rescue.
The pair were awarded the Certificate of Merit with Silver Medallion inset, alongside Tasmania Police, Ambulance Tasmania and Rotor Lift.
Petrie said receiving the award was humbling.
“The teamwork that evolved was instrumental from all agencies,” he said.
“It showed that the collaboration we have together within Tassie and working with multi-agencies allowed for a seamless type of outcome.”
“Everyone’s to be commended and everyone had a pivotal role within that incident.”
