An Aussies 2026 finish to be proud of
The 2026 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, known as the Aussies, saw Victoria achieve one of its best national results ever. Victorian lifesavers competed against more than 7,000 athletes from 316 clubs and brought home 72 medals: 26 gold, 25 silver, and 21 bronze, across beach, ocean, surf sports, lifesaving, surfboats and adaptive events. But more than just numbers, this campaign showed the depth, diversity, and strong club culture across the state, from experienced Masters and rising youth stars to adaptive athletes who are changing what’s possible in lifesaving sport.
Leading the charge
Anglesea stood out as one of Victoria’s top clubs, thanks to its young talent, adaptive athletes, and strong endurance performances. The club won several gold medals, including two from Louis D'Andrea, who took first place in both the Under 15 Male Beach Sprint and Beach Flags.
Anglesea’s medal count grew even more with great performances from Bonnie McCarrol and Jeremy Dalli in adaptive events, showing the club’s commitment to inclusive competition.
A First For Everything
Not many clubs matched the size and energy of Mordialloc’s Aussies 2026 campaign. Behind the medals was a record-breaking team effort, built on months of winter training, early mornings, and a strong team spirit.
Mordialloc had a standout year, with 65 athletes competing at the Aussies, the largest group the club has ever sent.
However, it was the many record-breaking firsts that truly defined their campaign.
Mordialloc celebrated its first Masters team event medal, its youngest surf boat crew ever to compete at the Aussies, and a breakthrough silver in the Open Ocean 2km swim. The club also earned its first podium finish in the 2 x 1km relay and its first Under 19 gold medal, showing progress for both youth and senior athletes.
From medal winners to first-time national competitors, every athlete who wore the red, white, and blue cap played a part in a club performance built on versatility, trust, and shared pride.
Shared pride on the podium
One of the standout stories from Aussies 2026 came from Warrnambool, where a father and son caught national attention. Thirteen-year-old Will Kerr had a breakout performance, winning gold in the Under 14 Male Board Race. His father, Stephen Kerr, followed with gold in the 40–44 Male Board Race and bronze in the Ironman just days later. Steve and Will’s journey in lifesaving is built on years of service, steady dedication, and a club culture that keeps producing top athletes from Victoria’s southwest.
Watching both of them stand on the podium at the Aussies was a proud moment for the Kerr family, Warrnambool, and the whole Victorian community.
Adaptive athletes setting the standard
A key highlight of Victoria’s campaign was the strength shown by its adaptive athletes.
Victorian clubs enjoyed several podium finishes in both youth and open adaptive events. One of the most impressive performances came from Seaspray SLSC’s Mackenzie Gibbs, who won five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals across surf, wade, board, and sprint events. This was an outstanding show of versatility and endurance throughout the championships.
Every competitive team relies on a skilled support crew of officials, team managers, coaches, and trainers. These people are the backbone of our athletes, giving their time and energy to help them succeed at the Aussies.
Thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part.