An Australian Government grant for the Mudjimba Surf Lifesaving Club has been welcomed by three recently gonged life-saving heroes.
“It’s a reminder of the importance of our Surf Lifesaving Clubs,” said Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien who delivered $13,555 for the growing club.
In a visit to the club, Mr O’Brien was met by club heroes Caleb Teague, Rhys Connerty and Rob O’Neil who received the Excellence in Surf Lifesaving award at the Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships recently.
The accolade was presented to the Mudjimba Surf Lifesavers for a daring rescue they performed in October 2020 where they successfully dragged a drowning family of five from the water somewhere between Mudjimba and Twin Waters.
Youth members Caleb (15) and Ryce (14) had only recently achieved their Surf Rescue Certificate prior to the rescue and were forced to learn under pressure as they performed the life altering rescue.
“An entire family are alive and well today because of the brave and decisive actions of Caleb, Rhys and Rob,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It’s stories like this that make you realise just how critical these services are.”
“That’s why I’m delighted to have announced a $13,555 Federal Government grant to support this growing local club.”
President of the Mudjimba Surf Lifesaving Club, Darrin Edwards said that the club was incredibly proud of the team’s achievements.
“We are so delighted that these young guys have been officially acknowledged for their incredible display of skills and courage and also of the quality of training provided to ensure Rob, Caleb and Ryce were able to perform these rescues,” Mr Edwards said.
“It’s cases like this that highlight the fact that supporting your local Surf Life Saving Club really can be a matter of life and death.”
The funding was used to purchase new roller doors, entertainment equipment and contributed to the club’s recent refurbishment.
If you want to support the Mudjimba Surf Life Saving Club please head here: https://www.mudjimbasurf.com.au/