BY SIOBHAN HARVEY
Two of the regions most promising volunteers have been awarded the title of 'Newcastle Permanent Hunter Junior Lifesavers of the Year' over the weekend at the Hunter Branch Age Championships.
The winners were 14-year-old Briella Gyler-Dial from Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club and 13-year-old Taj Horadam from Redhead SLSC.
Monique Ramplin from Merewether SLSC was given a special mention and awarded a High Distinction for her efforts.
Hunter Surf Life Saving president Henry Scruton said that local surf life saving clubs are about saving lives and building stronger communities and that the 2022 winners are the perfect candidates.
"These young people are so impressive and are an asset to the surf life saving movement and to the beach safety of our community," Mr Scruton said.
"The future of surf life saving will be in really good hands, these young ones have come in, had their interviews and have done extremely well."
Mr Scruton said it is clear that the winners aspire to continue their work in surf life saving and keeping the community safe.
"They want to become IRB operators, drivers and patrol captains, they are really enthusiastic about the surf lifesaving movement which has thrilled us."
Briella is working to inspire the next generation of lifesavers and advocate the importance of surf life saving.
"Surf life saving is so important because lifesavers help prevent people drowning at beaches," she said.
The awards at the championship were presented by Newcastle permanent's Swansea branch manager Brett Freebody.
Newcastle permanent has had a long standing relationship with Hunter Surf Life Saving for over four decades and has just extended their support for the movement for another three years.
"We have worked so well together because we are both committed to supporting our community," said Mr Freebody.
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| Source: Hunter Surf Life Saving |
