Avalon Beach Surf Lifesavers Honoured with National Medal for Dedication to Service

National Medal
Photo credit: Avalon Beach SLSC/Facebook

Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its members who have been recognised with the prestigious National Medal, First Clasps, and Second Clasps for their unwavering commitment to surf lifesaving.


Read: Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club Marks 100 Years of Community Service


The National Medal, awarded on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated long and diligent service in organisations dedicated to protecting life and property. Originally established as a military recognition in 1975, it has since become one of Australia’s highest civilian honours.

Photo credit: Avalon Beach SLSC/Facebook

Leading the honours for Avalon Beach SLSC is Warren Young OAM, who has been awarded the National Medal – First Clasp in recognition of 25 years of service. Several other dedicated club members have received the National Medal for 15 years of service, highlighting their commitment to keeping beachgoers safe. These recipients include:

  • Robert Hopton
  • Richard Cole
  • Geoffrey Ward
  • Peter Brennan
  • Jeffrey Nesbitt
  • William Elliott
  • Colin Campbell
  • Nicholas Wood
  • Michael Stanley-Jones
  • Roland Luke
  • Tim Hixson
  • Mark Heffernan
  • Jason Brown

Bilgola SLSC Awardees Recognised

National Medal
Photo credit: Nina Beilby/Google Maps

Several members of Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club have also been honoured with the National Medal for their dedication to surf lifesaving. The following individuals have been recognised for 15 years of service:

  • Romilly Madew
  • Peter Fenley
  • Levi Broughton-Rouse
  • Robert Farr
  • Andrea Whittet
  • Bruce Scheffers
  • Geoff Raper
  • Craig Poppleton
  • John Lawson
  • David Gillard
  • Greg Franks
  • Louise Edgley
  • David Edgley
  • Nigel Penn

Read: Avalon Youth Hub Rebrands and Expands as “Beaches Youth Hub”


The honours received by Avalon Beach and Bilgola SLSC members highlight their dedication, selflessness, and years of service in protecting the lives of beachgoers. Their commitment plays a crucial role in maintaining surf lifesaving as an essential part of the Australian coastal community.

Published 28-February-2025

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