Awards for Surf Life Saving WA young stars

Perth Now

28-05-2025

More than 120 outstanding young members from across WA were recognised for their achievements at Surf Life Saving WA's annual Nipper and Youth Awards.
The awards were presented by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA on May 17 in front of more than 300 guests.
Among those recognised on the day was Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club's Brady Fulcher, named U14/U15 lifesaver of the year in recognition of his service patrolling local beaches over the season.
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Brady also achieved Gold Level in SLSWA's Youth Leaders Program after volunteering more than 230 hours during his time as a youth member.
He has carried out more than 120 patrol hours over the past season, including the high-risk abalone patrols, and his leadership and professionalism were praised by a member of the public during a recent search and rescue activity.
Sorrento's Emma Gibbs was named youth of the year, while City of Perth's Florence Shaw took out youth official of the year.
Emma supports her club's Dolphins program for special needs inclusion, mentors younger members and also earned State podium finishes in surf boats, rescue and resuscitation, first aid, and champion patrol. Emma Gibbs was named youth of the year. Credit: SLSWA
She has also completed more than 24 hours of patrol service and attained multiple lifesaving qualifications.
Florence has been officiating for three seasons and awards judges said she had developed a 'fantastic rapport' with competitors and other officials alike. Florence Shaw receives her award from WA Governor Chris Dawson. Credit: Sports Imagery
'Florence possesses a deep knowledge of the sport, which she uses to make fair and reliable decisions, and her kind and welcoming nature contributes to the overall atmosphere of the event,' they said.
In surf sports, Trigg Island's Oliver Browne was named U14/15 athlete of the year after successful State and national championships, as well as co-captaining the WA Pathways Interstate Team.
He won an individual gold and five team golds at the championships before going on to win gold in the U15 surf race as well as in the 2km swim for the third time a row at the Australian Championships.
Oliver also represented SLSWA in the WA Pathways Interstate Team, where, as co-captain, he achieved gold in both the ironman and surf race and, alongside his teammates, secured bronze medals in the swim teams and cameron relay.
North Cottesloe's Edward Wallis was awarded nipper athlete of the year for his exceptional performance on the sand.
He won gold in the U13 male sprint and silver in the U13 male flags in Fuel To Go & Play WA Surf Life Saving Nipper Championships.
At the Australian Championships on the Gold Coast, Edward won silver in the sprints and flags events and was a member of the North Cottesloe U13 beach relay team, which won gold.
Twenty-three people who had accumulated more than 230 volunteer hours during their time as a youth member were also recognised for reaching the gold level in SLSWA's Youth Leaders Program.
Foundation chairman George Rogers said the SLSWA's youth programs were integral to helping build future leaders, not only in surf life saving but in their local communities.