Clovelly SLSC Archives - Clovelly News

Clovelly SLSC Volunteer Dominic Winkle Recognised With NSW Honour

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

Clovelly SLSC Volunteer Caroline Smith Recognised With National Medal

Photo Credit: Clovelly Surf Lifesaving Club/Facebook

Caroline Smith from Clovelly SLSC has been recognised with a National Medal after completing 15 years of active surf lifesaving service, reflecting sustained patrol and safety work at Clovelly Beach and nearby waters.

Community Service Recognised

The recognition places Clovelly SLSC among clubs represented in the latest national honours round announced by Surf Life Saving Australia. The award acknowledges long service carried out in roles involving personal risk, including beach patrols, rescues, first aid, and preventative actions.

*Photo Credit: Clovelly Surf Lifesaving Club/Facebook*

Smith is the only member from Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club listed among the 212 recipients recognised nationwide in this award batch.

What The National Medal Represents

The Commonwealth established the National Medal in 1975 as part of Australia’s official honours system. Commonwealth regulation sets eligibility, not Surf Life Saving Australia, with strict rules on service length and patrol commitment.

To qualify, members must complete a minimum of 15 full years of operational service, record at least 30 patrol or lifeguard hours each season, and remain proficient throughout their service. All service must be active, verified, and completed before an application is accepted.

Clovelly SLSC In Context

Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club has operated as a volunteer organisation since 1906. The club patrols Clovelly Beach and nearby coastal areas. In the most recent season, members logged thousands of patrol hours and carried out dozens of rescues and hundreds of first aid and preventative actions.

Training outcomes included new Bronze Medallion holders, rescue qualifications, and CPR updates, reflecting the steady work that supports beach safety across the local community.

Recognition At Club Level

National Medals are presented at club or service level to keep recognition grounded in local communities. In Clovelly, Smith’s award reflects sustained commitment over many seasons rather than a single incident.

The recognition links a national honour to the beach where the service occurred. It highlights the role long-serving volunteers play in keeping residents and visitors safe year after year.

Published 31-December-2025