A DEDICATED surf life saving administrator who describes herself as a "cog in the wheel" of the sport has been rewarded for her efforts.
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Tacking Point Surf Club's Joanne Hawkins took out the 2014/15 Administrator of the Year award on Saturday night.
Hawkins was stunned when her name was read out at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.
She was honoured to meet seven time world surfing champion Layne Beachley, who was the emcee on the night.
"It was great," Hawkins said.
"She was lovely."
Hawkins has a long history with Tacking Point. She got involved back in 2005 when her son Lachlan joined as a nipper.
She did her surf rescue certificate and bronze, and became a patrolling member at the club in 2009.
Hawkins was the junior recorder at the club from 2008-2013, as well as junior and youth program development co-ordinator.
Her branch commitments are extraordinary.
Hawkins has been the director of administration for four years. In the past, she's served as junior branch secretary, assistant junior secretary and delegate.
There are eight clubs in the North Coast branch, which stretches from Camden Haven in the south to Scotts Head in the north. Hawkins said she was a small part of the operation.
"I'm like a cog in a big wheel, supporting the eight clubs," she said.
A big part of the role involves communication.
"Getting the relevant information out to all the clubs," Hawkins said.
The humble Hawkins was thrilled by the award.
"I'm very pleased," she said.
"I'm very honoured to receive recognition for the voluntary hours we all do for surf life saving."
The North Coast branch sent 20 nominees and supporters to Sydney for the night.
Ray McDonagh is another branch member to come home with an award on the weekend.
McDonagh, from the South West Rocks club, was awarded Surf Life Saving Official of the Year.
More than 300 people were in attendance on the night.
