Members celebrated at 2019 AGM
Royal Life Saving Society WA’s 110th Annual General Meeting was held last night at our headquarters in Mount Claremont. The night was a great time of celebration, reflecting on the successes of the past year, and long-time service of several faithful members.
As part of the evening we welcomed the re-election of current board members, Carol Harper, Colin Hassell, Kathleen Lowry and Vaughan Davies. These members share a range of experience in the aquatic, corporate and government sectors which is invaluable to the organisation and we continue our work across Western Australia and strategically plan for the future.
The night was also an opportunity to share the success of 2018-19, which were highlighted in our Annual Report. Some of the highlight’s included the inaugural Pilbara Water Safety Forum, the continued growth of our work in multicultural and indigenous communities across the state, and the increased participation in our swimming, water safety and drowning prevention programs.
The report can be downloaded at the link below.
Each year the Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Royal Life Saving WA present honours awards to actively recognise volunteers, members and staff who have made an important contribution to the work of Royal Life Saving. We took the opportunity at last night’s AGM to recognise several members who had been successfully nominated for awards in recent months.
Our Honours Awards program is sponsored by Beyond Bank, and we’re grateful for their support which enables us to celebrate the work of the many people who contribute to our organisation. It was great to have Beyond Bank’s Georgie Nicholas join RLSSWA President Colin Hassell in presenting these awards last night.
The award winners are detailed below.
Jamie Back
Jamie completed his first Royal Life Saving qualification as an AUSTSWIM teacher in 1997. He became a Pool Lifeguard in 2000 and a Bronze Examiner in 2008. Jamie delivers Bronze Medallions and resuscitation courses in Albany. Albany residents are lucky to have someone like Jamie in their area to provide these services and upskill their community in these important lifesaving skills. Last night Jamie received the Western Australian Long Service Order award for his great work delivering courses for over 10 years on behalf of Royal Life Saving WA.
Wendy Quint
Wendy obtained her Bronze examiner qualification in 2006 and her First Aid Trainer Certificate in 2009. Since then she has been delivering Provide First Aid, CPR and Bronze Medallion courses to the students and teachers at Corpus Christi College. Wendy is now a Royal Life Saving WA employee and delivers our First Aid and Aquatic programs across the metro area. Last night Wendy received the Western Australian Long Service Order as a thank you for the outstanding commitment she has maintained over the last 10 years.
Catherine Cruttenden
Catherine obtained her first Swimming Instructor Rescue Award in 2002. She became a Bronze Examiner in 2009 and since that time has delivered Bronze Medallion and Resuscitation awards in the metro area. We would like to recognise Catherine for her great effort and commitment in teaching lifesaving skills and volunteering her time to deliver Royal Life Saving programs. Last night we recognised Catherine with the Western Australian Fellow Award.
Lesley Ayres
Lesley obtained her first Resuscitation award in 2001 and in 2006 she became a Bronze Examiner. Over the last 13 years, she has delivered Bronze Medallion, resuscitation courses and the VacSwim program in the metro area. Last night Lesley received the Western Australian Companion Award in recognition of her service in delivering Royal Life Saving courses and supporting our organisation.
Sandra Rawlings
Sandra obtained her first Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion award in 2001 and in 2003 she became a Bronze Examiner. Since then she has delivered Bronze Medallion, resuscitation awards and VacSwim programs in the metro area. Last night we recognised Sandra for her ongoing work with Royal Life Saving WA, teaching lifesaving skills for more than 15 years. She received the Western Australian Meritorious Service Order award.
Nicole Durrant
Nicole attained her first Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion Award in 2012 and became an Aquatic Trainer in the same year. She later attained her First Aid trainer qualification and is also an AUSTSWIM presenter and VacSwim trainer.
Nicole has been constantly involved with Royal Life Saving since first becoming a trainer. Along with delivering Bronze Medallion and Aquatic Rescue courses, she has delivered many community programs including Inland Waterways courses, Kids First Aid courses, and school Water Safety and First Aid talks.
Nicole is also an active member of the Volunteer Community Trainer Committee and has volunteered her time to contribute to the development of new training course materials and resources. In recognition of her commitment to Royal Life Saving, Nicole last night received an Australian Associate Award.