TEA Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHN SLSC) members have been honoured for their efforts in the 2024-25 season, with several nominated at the recent Hunter Branch Excellence Awards.
Local nominees included Luke Rochester for Life Saver of the Year, Jack Alterator for Youth Life Saver of the Year, Anna Fortunaso for Junior Life Saver of the Year, and David Lau for Volunteer of the Year.
The local Nippers Swimming Program, a partnership with Tea Gardens Pool and the Boomerang Bags group, was also named as a community program of distinction.
Additionally the patrol team involved in the rescue of 13 people from a flash rip on Bennetts Beach in December 2024 were recognised with a citation for teamwork and coordination.
“We are so proud of our nominees, and realise that no other surf club was recognised for a rescue,” TGHN SLSC Secretary Kerrie Morre told NOTA.
Part of that December rescue team was Luke Rochester, who was awarded TGHN SLSC Life Saver of the Year for the 2024-25 season, despite only joining the club in 2023.
“Over the past two years, Luke has become an integral member of the surf club, gaining many awards and certificates to build his life saving skills and knowledge,” Kerrie said.
“This past season Luke has gained over 83 hours of active patrol hours on Bennetts Beach.
“He was on two patrols and often volunteered when other patrols were short.”
Luke is also a member of the club’s Emergency Call Out Team, assisting with three callouts in the past season.
“It is always comforting to know that a member with Luke’s skills is available to assist,” Kerrie said.
He has also stepped up as a member of Fingal Beach SLSC’s Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) team, competing in Hunter, NSW and national surf life saving competitions.
In other club news, major works are currently under way at the Bennetts Beach clubhouse, with a freshly renovated first aid room and volunteers’ kitchen being installed, under the watchful and experienced eye of volunteer David Lau.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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