Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club celebrated their members’ contributions from one of the busiest and most significant summer seasons at their annual presentation night recently. 

With the completion of their new clubhouse and a season marked by five major incidents, the club’s 500 members had more than a few reasons to reflect. 

Club president Gary George said it was the perfect moment to pause and celebrate.

“It was the first annual awards night held in our new clubhouse - a fantastic way to mark the end of a long and demanding season,” said George.

“Everyone's invited, and it’s a chance to look back on the highlights and acknowledge the people who keep the club running all year round.”

More than 100 attendees joined the celebrations, including Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, and Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce.

Yasmin Tatrai, Gary George, Fiona Phillips, Cameron McDonald and Steven Pearce at the Presentation Night. Photos provided.

George described how intense the season had been for patrolling members, with some contributing up to 100 hours over the summer.

One of the most significant categories on the night was Outstanding Rescues, reflecting the five major incidents that occurred along Gerringong’s stretch of coast - each of them outside of regular patrol hours.

“Two of those were broken leg rescues,” George explained. “Tragically, a woman drowned despite the efforts of Mason Ring and Hudson Alchin, who found her while surfing and brought her back to shore where CPR was performed. Sadly, we couldn’t revive her.”

Another tragedy struck at Werri Lagoon, where a young boy drowned. Members of the Werri Boardriders were first on the scene.

“And then there was the dramatic rescue in three-metre-plus swell,” said George. 

“Simon Sadler and Mark Booth went out in the dark, in massive surf, to locate a surfer who’d been swept out. These were all emergency call-outs - beyond patrolling hours.”

Two major awards closed the evening: Club Person of the Year, awarded to Gary George himself, and Junior Club Person of the Year, awarded to Harry Wicks.

“Harry was involved in nearly every one of our major rescues this year. He’s just always there - ready to help when it’s needed,” said George.

As for his own award, George was humble.

“I feel incredibly honoured, but any of the other eight nominees would’ve been just as deserving. What matters most is the culture of the club. Everyone pitches in. It’s a team effort - and really, the whole club deserves recognition.”

2025 Gerringong SLSC Presentation Night Award Winners

• Club Person of the Year: Gary George
• Junior Club Person of the Year: Harry Wicks
• Outstanding Club Service: Wendy Quinn
• Senior Patrol Person: Cameron Steel
• Junior Patrol Person: Zac Gillet
• Rowers Rowlock: Bec Hamilton
• Cow Cup: The Naps
• Outstanding Rescues: Mason Ring, Hudson Alchin, Harry Wicks, Mark Booth, Simon Sadler
• Special Recognition: Rose Leamon, Sam Papesch