Surf Life Saving NSW's Awards of Excellence saw its network of volunteers celebrated in an online event that honoured the efforts of tireless volunteers across the state.
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Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club's Mick Lang was named Coach of the Year.
Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club's Ian Latham took out the Administrator of the Year honour.
Umina SLSC's Paul Sharpe, surf life saver of the year; and Harold Marshall, volunteer of the year, took out two of the night's top honours, following hot on the heels of a group of The Lakes SLSC nippers and off duty members who claimed the Rescue of the Year accolade for their club - the third major award for Central Coast branch.
While part of the spectacle of the annual event was put on hold as COVID-19 restrictions limited the ability to bring the Surf Life Saving community together, a stunning Facebook premiere on Saturday night (August 28) looked back with great affection and appreciation on the efforts of the past year.
Members and clubs from the Mid North Coast joined others from across the state to tune in to see who would take home the coveted state awards.
President of Surf Life Saving NSW George Shales OAM said the nominees were outstanding this year and that judging panels had their work cut out for them.
"With a membership of more than 75,000 in NSW, we have no shortage of amazing volunteers we need to recognise and it is extremely difficult to choose just a handful of people who have gone above and beyond in the last season," said George Shales.
Mr Shales said the virtual awards presentation was a great success and, while a number of worthy winners were announced, it was a great occasion to recognise the collective efforts of volunteers across the state.
"There's no doubt we've had a tough season," he said.
"What tonight articulated though, is the success despite the difficulty of the pandemic.
"Having the ability to provide the public with the opportunity to visit the beaches throughout last summer was a great success, and when I look at the results achieved by Surf Life Saving NSW, I'm really proud."
Many of the NSW award winners will now proceed through as finalists for national recognition at the Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence in November.