Community
27 May, 2026
Volunteers recognised at awards night
PORT Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) wrapped up its 2025-2026 season by celebrating the enormous contribution of its members at the annual awards dinner on Saturday, May 16.
More than 100 people attended the night, including junior and senior members, special guests mayor councillor Kate Makin, councillor Jamie Vogels, Corangamire Shire Council and Beach Energy community relations adviser Kieran Keane and representatives from other local emergency services including Victoria Police, State Emergency Service (SES), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Parks Victoria.
President Darcy Tribe said the evening was a fitting way to finish the season and recognise the individual and collective contributions of members.
“It was another great night to celebrate a successful 2025-2026 season,” he said.
“Thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters for making it possible.
“This season was one of our busiest on record with a collective 3235 volunteer hours dedicated to water safety and patrols.
“There are so many members playing their role across so many different areas we offer, whether it’s through the nippers, emergency response, patrols, training and assessment, competition, administration and social and special events.
“It truly is a huge team effort.”
Mr Tribe said the club was fortunate to have so many passionate members.
“It’s great to have so many emerging leaders coming through,” he said.
“Ben Matthews, Alysa Hibburt and Susanna Ryan are all leading that new wave coming through and were recognised on the night with the David and Marie McKenzie Lifesaver of the Year and Ross and Andrew Powell Achievement respectively.”
Awards included the Peter O’Rourke Training and Assessment Award which went to Jim and Cath Matthews, the Nipper All Rounder Award which went to Pippa Paterson, Senior Competition of the Year which went to the Open Male Surfboat Crew of Jack Matthews, Ben Matthews, Mitch Gristede, Cam McKenzie and Andrew Vogels and the John Younis Best Junior Club Person which went to John McKenzie.
Additional awards included the Bill Pope Patrol Team of the Year which went to Holly McKenzie, Rob Matthews, Claire McAuliffe, Cam McKenzie, Lauren McDougall and Olivia Halliday, the David and Marie McKenzie Lifesaver of the Year Award which went to Alysa Hibburt and Ben Matthews, the Dunny Seat Award which went to Scott McKenzie, the Ross and Andrew Powell Achievement Award which went to Susanna Ryan, the Stewart Meek Most Passionate Club Person which went to Darcy Tribe and the long service awards which went to David McKenzie, Marg O’Toole, Lynda McKenzie, Cath Matthews, Simon Trotter and Andrew Wilson.
Port Campbell SLSC also held its annual general meeting on Sunday, May 17, with Darcy Tribe elected president, Matt Bowker as vice-president, Taya McLeish as administration officer and Sim Hayes as treasurer.
Port Campbell is the only safely patrolled beach along 120 kilometres of coastline between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool.
Port Campbell SLSC was founded in 1963 and has a proud history of service.
Read More: Port Campbell