Dominic Winkle’s work across leadership, training and patrol support at Clovelly SLSC has earned state recognition, with the Club Captain named the 2026 NSW Surf Life Saver of the Year.
Supporting Volunteers at Clovelly SLSC
Winkle serves as Club Captain as well as a trainer and assessor, with his contribution extending across several parts of the club’s lifesaving work.
He has been recognised for improving communication between patrol members and strengthening the management of lifesaving equipment. His work has also created opportunities for fellow members to build experience at different beaches and in varying conditions.
Surf Life Saving NSW credited his supportive and adaptable leadership with helping develop lifesaving capability at club, branch and state levels.
The roles place Winkle across both the operational and training sides of Clovelly SLSC, with his recognition centred on the work carried out alongside other volunteers.
A First for the Clovelly Club
Winkle received the award at the 2026 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence in Darling Harbour on 22 August.
More than 650 volunteer lifesavers and supporters attended the event, with members from all 11 NSW branches represented across categories spanning youth, membership, education, lifesaving and surf sports.
For Clovelly SLSC, the result marked the first time one of its members had been named NSW Surf Life Saver of the Year.
It also made Winkle the club’s third NSW Awards of Excellence winner overall. Imogen Barham was named Youth Volunteer of the Year in 2021, while Clovelly SLSC received Club of the Year in 2010.
Winkle was among five Sydney Branch winners recognised during the evening, and the Surf Life Saver of the Year honour was the final award announced after 21 other category winners.
Recognition Continues Beyond NSW
The NSW Awards of Excellence recognise contributions made by Surf Life Saving members, clubs and branches across the organisation’s core activities.
Surf Life Saver of the Year is among the categories recognised at both state and national level.
Following his NSW win, Winkle has been nominated for the corresponding category at the Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence, extending the recognition of his volunteer work at Clovelly SLSC to the national awards stage.
Published 25-August-2026
