A stalwart of the Gippsland coastline has been recognised on the national stage, with Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club’s Murray Colvin named in the prestigious 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Mr Colvin has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM), an official component of Australia’s National Honours system that recognises “distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.”
The accolade celebrates a remarkable, multi-decade career spanning more than 50 years of continuous contribution to the lifesaving movement and the state’s broader emergency services network.
Mr Colvin began his volunteering journey in the 1970s. Over the next five decades, his dedication saw him operate across an extraordinary array of high-pressure fields, including frontline surf lifesaving, helicopter rescue operations, paramedicine, and major multi-agency emergency responses.
Locally, he is highly regarded as a dedicated patrolling member and skilled Rescue Water Craft (jet ski) Operator. Beyond the beach, Mr Colvin has carved out an illustrious professional career as a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic. Known as both a mentor and an innovator within the emergency sector, he has also been instrumental in advancing training methodologies and response protocols — including making key contributions to regional aerial firefighting operations.
Today, he continues to protect the region as Life Saving Victoria’s Lifesaving Operations Officer for Gippsland. In this critical role, he commands local emergency management, coordinates intricate search and rescue operations, and provides vital operational support to volunteer lifesaving clubs across the district during active emergencies.
Community members seeking further information on the honours or the recipients can contact the Life Saving Victoria media team.
