A Private Members Statement delivered on 10 October, 2023, by the Member for Keira, the Hon. Ryan Park MP.
Mr RYAN PARK (Keira) (18:59): As days get longer and the water gets warmer—hopefully—it is more important than ever that we ensure the safety of the community at our local beaches. In the electorate of Keira, we are very fortunate to live in a region that comes alive during the summertime. Thousands of families will head down to the beach to enjoy the sun, relax and create long-lasting memories. However, this would not be possible without the dedicated work of our local surf lifesaving members, who take on a vital role during this time to keep our community safe.
It gives me great pride to recognise in the Chamber the outstanding efforts of our local surf lifesaving members, who are already working tirelessly to ensure that the community is safe in and around the water. I am honoured to represent a region that values its surf lifesaving members and celebrates their outstanding accomplishments in protecting the community and our beaches. I specifically recognise the exceptional work of the Bellambi Surf Life Saving Club, which was recently recognised at the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence. The awards celebrated the impact of the club, its incredible members and, most importantly, its work for our local community.
The Bellambi Surf Life Saving Club was the most recognised Illawarra surf lifesaving club, leading the way with four category wins. Clubman Brody Robertson was recognised as the Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year, and Halle Bone was recognised as the Youth Volunteer of the Year. The club's call‑out team was named the Services Team of the Year, and Jaclyn Percy received the Trainer of the Year award. I congratulate not only the award recipients but also the Bellambi Surf Life Saving Club and all the clubs in the Illawarra region, as without them my community would not be able to enjoy the amazing benefits of the region's coastal beaches in a safe way.
I am honoured to recognise the outstanding efforts of our emergency service community volunteers, who have aided and will continue to aid the community in its most distressing times. Our emergency personnel constantly put themselves in the line of danger, and it takes a special kind of individual to selflessly devote their time to helping the community in this way. I take extreme pride in knowing that one of our own from the Illawarra, Morgan Clarke, has been recognised at the Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards as the Overall Officer of the Year in a Volunteer Capacity. Morgan has been a member of the mighty Woonona Surf Life Saving Club since age 16, and during this time has contributed greatly to assisting our community through her tireless hours of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
Morgan has been recognised not only in her capacity as a volunteer but also as the Woonona Surf Life Saving Club captain. These are both remarkable achievements and a true testament to Morgan's character and passion for her community. As one of three female duty officers in the Illawarra for the upcoming surf lifesaving season, Morgan is committed to improving youth involvement and enhancing female engagement throughout the Illawarra. I thank Morgan for her continued work in the community and across the Illawarra. This summer it is important that people remember to stay safe when they are in the water, and to thank the surf lifesaving volunteers the next time they head down to the beach. I thank all the volunteers as well as the paid lifesaving professionals across our coastline who work very hard to keep all of us safe, and who will continue to do so over the summer months.
