Cadet award launched for youth surf life savers

TWO local clubs have joined in an effort to recognise the region’s youth, with the official launch of the Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch Cadet Award at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHN SLSC) on Sunday 23 November.

The award will specifically recognise efforts by youth members of the surf club, and will be awarded for the first time at a presentation evening at the end of the season in May 2026.

“The award provides initiative for the youth to strive to build on their education, surf skills and community and club participation,” TGHN SLSC President Rebecca Curtis said.

The aim of the new award is to help recognise surf club members aged 13-18 who are no longer Nippers, but not yet able to join as full adult members of the SLSC.

“While there are awards for Nippers and for life savers, the youth had no special award, so we talked with the RSL about how to fill in that gap, and focus on rewarding leadership, participation, skills and teamwork,” SLSC Registrar Kerrie Moore told NOTA.

“We’ve got 17 Cadet members now and all are increasing their surf skills.

“If they are 15 they can be preparing for their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), or if closer to 18 they are working towards their Bronze Medallion, with weekly training at the local beaches.

“[They are] also helping the Nippers out with their training.”

It is not the first time the two community clubs have combined.

Every year the youth of the TGHN SLSC carry flags and help lead other contingents of the Anzac Day march down Marine Drive in Tea Gardens, and both clubs have committed to seeking opportunities to build on this connection.

Last Sunday’s ceremony was conducted entirely by the youth members of the Club, and featured Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch President Mal Motum and Secretary/Treasurer Terry Munright, along with other members of the sub-Branch.

Mr Motum provided an informative address outlining the vast connections the Australian Defence Force has had over many years with surf life saving organisations.

He highlighted Sir Adrian Curlewis from Palm Beach SLSC, known as the ‘Father of Surf Life Saving’, who served with distinction, and introduced life saving training to fellow captives at the infamous war prison in Changi, Singapore.

“To maintain morale and a sense of identity, Australian Army amenities officers organised surf carnivals for troops stationed overseas; perhaps the best example is the establishment of the Vung Tau Surf Lifesaving Club at the ‘Australian Beach’ in Vung Tau, South Vietnam, where Australian Army personnel formed a club to provide safety and recreation for troops on rest days,” Mr Motum explained.

By Thomas O’KEEFE