11/09/25 Lifesavers Win Big at Awards of Excellence

Volunteer lifesavers from across Victoria received high accolades at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence. 

The annual event celebrates the outstanding achievements of those who keep the Victorian community safe in the water. 

Awards recognise LSV volunteers who have excelled in all facets of lifesaving including emergency response, training, education, Nippers, sport, officiating and club administration.

Paid lifeguards, aquatic industry professionals, water safety educators and organisations that contribute to keeping the Victorian community safe were also commended at the awards. 

Winners included Open Athlete of the Year Julia Phillips from Anglesea SLSC, Education Instructor of the Year Connor Brooks, Official of the Year Mary Collins from South Melbourne LSC and Administrator of the Year Daniel Rosendahl from Mildura LSC. 

Lorne Surf Life Saving Club Nippers Program took out the Nipper Program Achievement of the Year and Mornington Life Saving Club won the Community Education Achievement Award for their schools water safety education program. 

More than 500 people attended the Sofitel Grand Ballroom in Melbourne’s CBD for the awards presentation. 

As well as recognising awards recipients, the event is an opportunity for LSV to show its appreciation to all of our volunteers who make an invaluable contribution to keeping Victoria’s beaches and waterways safe.