SLSQ announces four new Life Members
Surf Life Saving Queensland has recognised four members for their outstanding contribution to the movement by awarding them SLSQ Life Membership at the 2019/20 Annual General Meeting held on Friday 30 October 2020.
SLSQ President Mark Fife congratulated the members on their achievement.
“I would like to congratulate those honoured with Life Membership and thank them for their dedication over the years,” he said.
“Life Membership is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a member who is considered to have rendered special service to the organisation.”
Charles Melloy joined North Burleigh SLSC in 1964 and has gone on to devote countless years of service to the organisation. Charles has a strong passion for surf sports, having been initially involved in Junior and Open Boat crews since the 1960’s. He has gone on to serve 20 years of continuous service as a Surf Sports Official at all levels, even officiating at World Championships across the globe.
Charles has held various roles across a range of committees including Chairman of the State Surf Sports Committee, Officials and Assessors Finance Committee, State Selection Committee and State Surf Sports Meritorious Awards Selection Panel.
The 2019/20 Season marks the 30th year as an active patrol member for John Thorpe at Kawana Waters SLSC. In addition to being a Patrol Captain, John has also played an integral role in the clubs training of new and existing members to ensure patrol obligations are met.
John served as Sunshine Coast Branch President for 12 years before retiring and stepping into the role as Deputy President. He has also been an engaged and hard-working member of the State Council, steering SLSQ with strength and integrity.
Ken Clark has been involved in surf lifesaving since 1982 originally obtaining his Bronze at Ellis Beach. He fulfilled roles at Ellis Beach SLSC including Chief Training Officer and Club Captain. He has also been Director of Lifesaving for Point Danger Branch and sat on the State Lifesaving Committee. Ken was awarded the 2012/13 Clive Hammond OAM Gold Medal and continues to actively patrol at Pacific SLSC as a Patrol Captain.
Ken has assisted in training and assessing at various clubs and branches, also travelling to Korea and Japan to provided training to lifeguards. Ken has mentored and developed a number of trainers and assessors which has ensured there have been no shortfall for courses.
Melinda Jackson has been a member of Ellis Beach SLSC since 1981 and more recently Kurrawa SLSC and Northcliffe SLSC. She has contributed to all aspects of the organisation from surf sports to junior activities and lifesaving.
She has fulfilled roles including North Queensland Director of Junior Activities, Deputy Director of Lifesaving and Deputy Director of Surf Sports. She currently is Director of Surf Sports for South Coast Branch. Melinda is the Team Manager for various Branch, State and Australian teams and also coaches pool rescue.
Melinda has actively trained and assessed various awards, being recognised for more than 20 years of Assessor Service. She has also contributed to member development by coordinating and presenting at various lifesaving and youth camps.