Goolwa Surf Lifesaving Club’s Matt Burrage took out the top honour at  the Surf Life Saving Australia National Awards of Excellence last week.

The nation’s top surf lifesavers were recognised for their dedication and commitment to their communities and Matt Burrage, who is also Goolwa club president, was named Surf Lifesaver of the Year. 

With travel restrictions in place across the country, SLSA members came together virtually to celebrate and present 13 awards across the lifesaving, sport and education categories, with the event live streamed into surf clubs right around Australia. 

“The annual Awards of Excellence is a fantastic opportunity to come together as a movement to recognise and honour those members who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to surf lifesaving and their communities,” Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker says. 

“Our members’ contributions extend beyond the beach, and in another year that has presented many challenges through COVID-19, it has been humbling and inspiring to see our members remain dedicated in the pursuit of safety in their communities.    

“On behalf of Surf Life Saving I would like to congratulate all our Award winners as well as the finalists from across the country and say thank you for your service and dedication.”   

Goolwa Surf Lifesaving Club’s Tom Breen was also nominated for Youth surf life saver of the year. 

The club is South Australia’s youngest Surf Lifesaving Club.

2021 Winners List 

DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Matthew Burrage, Goolwa SLSC, SA

DHL Volunteer of the Year – Tea-Rose Passon, Port Melbourne LSC, VIC

DHL Club of the Year – Trigg Island SLSC, WA

DHL Lifeguard of the Year – Isaac Smith – Sunshine Coast Lifeguards, QLD

Youth Lifesaver of the Year – Dylan Chapman, Miami Beach SLSC, QLD

Trainer of the Year – Garry Williams, Secret Harbour – WA

Community Education Program of the Year – Welcome to the Beach, Cooks Hill SLSC, NSW

Innovation of the Year – Sisters in Surf, Boat Harbour Beach SLSC , TAS

Assessor of the Year – Ingrid Cobiac, Brighton SLSC, SA

Surf Sports Athlete of the Year – Georgia Miller, BMD Northcliffe SLSC, QLD

Surf Sports Youth Athlete of the Year – Emma Woods, Alexandra Headland SLSC, QLD

Surf Sports Official of the Year – Kylie Innes, BMD Northcliffe SLSC, QLD

Surf Sports Coach of the Year – Charles Sheffield, Grange SLSC, SA