Life Saving Victoria celebrated its Awards of Excellence 2024 evening at the Sofitel in Melbourne on August 10 with a contingent of Life Saving Lakes Entrance attending and winning prestigious awards.
President Wally Van Dam, secretary Kris Cordery, life member Cameron King, Eden McMillan, Tanner McMillan, Lachlan Chester, Jamieson Chester, Carolyn Taylor, Jessica Taylor and Pip Treasure represented the club which had finalists in six categories.
There are 58 clubs in Victoria who have the opportunity to nominate their best for these awards, Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance nominated six members.
“The nominees did an interview process with the Honours Committee, and we are extremely proud that all our members that were nominated went through to be finalists in their categories,” Mrs Cordery said.
Finalists were Lachlan Chester in the Volunteer Trainer of the Year, SLSLE Rescue of the Year, Wally Van Dam in the Graeme Long Memorial Medal Volunteer of the Year and Jessica Taylor in Junior Lifesaver of the Year 14-17 years.
A dedicated member of SLSLE, Jessica Woodward received the Volunteer Assessor of the Year Award, which recognises the assessor who has made a significant contribution to the assessment of lifesaving awards across Victoria.
Jess joined the SLSLE as a seven-year-old Nipper and is incredibly proud of this award.
“The award is a credit to the training and assessment team at Lakes,” she said.
“It is a large team delivering quality courses to members. This knowledge and skill set translates to positive outcomes on the beach and within the Gippsland Lakes.”
Jessica thanked the SLSLE for its ongoing support, particularly co-chief instructor Lachlan Chester and club captain Eden McMillan.
“Their contribution to lifesaving operations at Lakes and the Gippsland region is outstanding,” Jess said.
Eden McMillan won the Youth Lifesaver of the Year, 18 to 21 years, in recognition of outstanding contribution to the delivery of frontline patrolling services. It is aimed at an active youth lifesaver undertaking lifesaving duties and who can be identified as an ambassador for Life Saving Victoria.
Eden said being at the awards was such an amazing feeling.
“To be in a room with so many people who truly understood our aim and our love of volunteering on our Victorian Beaches was amazing,” she said.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to represent our community at SLSLE which is a community full of leaders who have guided me to where I am today. They allowed me to grow and achieve this award.
“Under eight Nippers all the way to today has been a big journey for sure. A big thank you to all those people who have mentored and lead me here,” Eden said.
President Wally Van Dam said he was proud of our region and club for the quality of nominations put forward.
“It was a fantastic night, a gala event, which showcased all recipients and nominees. Great for our region and great for our club,” Wally said.
