Cronulla RSL Nominated for ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards
Cronulla RSL are proud to be nominated for a ClubsNSW Community Award (Education). Our commitment to water safety and lifesaving initiatives has earned us this honour. Together, with Surfers Rescue 24/7, we're making waves in our community and empowering locals to learn vital lifesaving skills.
Cronulla RSL has been nominated for a ClubsNSW Community Award in the education category. This nomination stems from the club's dedication to enhancing water safety through education and training initiatives, particularly in response to a series of tragic incidents that occurred during the 2022/2023 summer.
The summer of 2022/2023 brought with it moments of joy and camaraderie but also instances of heartbreak. Several incidents, including drownings and near-drownings, served as stark reminders of the risks associated with ocean activities, especially on unpatrolled beaches and after-hours.
Cronulla RSL uncovered alarming statistics regarding coastal drownings, and embarked on a mission to empower locals with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively in water-related emergencies.
One pivotal initiative undertaken by Cronulla RSL was partnering with Surfers Rescue 24/7, an organisation dedicated to providing free CPR and board rescue training to the surfing community. By facilitating board rescue and CPR courses for local board riders, Cronulla RSL equipped participants with essential lifesaving techniques endorsed by lifeguarding authorities and elite surfers alike.
Furthermore, the club extended its support to Surfers Rescue 24/7 by donating funds for local board riders to participate in a one-of-a kind trauma training course, provided by TacMed Australia.
This nomination will be the second for the Club, with the Club being awarded the ClubsNSW Club & Community Awards ‘Heart of the Community’ in 2023. The Club was recongised for its awareness and fundraising efforts, to support local Military Working Dog Manic and animals impacted by War through the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation. Read more.
Submissions for the 2024 awards have been reviewed by an independent panel of judges. The panel has developed a list of finalists and ultimately will determine the winners in each of the community value categories. Included on the panel, is Gemma Rygate (CEO, The Centre for Volunteering), Nathan Hindmarsh (ClubsNSW Ambassador), Louise Roberts (National Editor, 360 Commercial for News Corp Aust), Steven Pearce (CEO, Surf Life Saving NSW) & Luke Harrison (National Partnership Manager, Keno).
Award winners will be announced on the 6th June, in Sydney.
Kathy Walton (Surfers Rescue 24/7), Sue McNeill (Cronulla RSL, CEO), Natalie Hawkins (Community Projects Manager), Matt Lawson (Surfing NSW, Head of Programs & Community) & Brad Whittaker (local boardrider). Photo John Veage.
Local boardriders participate in the TacMed Australia Trauma Course, on Cronulla Beach.
Local boardriders participate in the Surfers Rescue 24/7 Boardrescue & CPR course, Gunnamatta Bay
TacMed Trauma Course, on Cronulla Beach
Cronulla RSL is home to a Surfers Rescue 24/7 Trauma Kit
Surfing Sutherland Shire members participate in a CPR course, at Cronulla RSL. Photo John Veage.