Three dedicated volunteers from Bronte Surf Life Saving Club—James Lawrence, Robert McLellan, and Nick Seale—were among 107 lifesavers across the country recently recognised with prestigious National Medals for their long and diligent service to community safety.
NSW Volunteers Dominate Awards
The latest round of honours, announced as SLSA National Medal Batch 53, saw a remarkable showing from New South Wales volunteers. Of the 107 medals awarded nationwide, 70 were presented to members of NSW surf clubs, highlighting the state’s immense contribution to protecting Australian coastlines. Volunteers from clubs across the state, from the Far North Coast to the South Coast, were acknowledged for their sustained commitment.
Key Members of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club: Lawrence, McLellan, and Seale
James Lawrence is a dedicated patrol leader at Bronte SLSC. For the upcoming 2024/2025 season, Mr. Lawrence is listed as a Vice Captain, a key leadership role on the beach responsible for overseeing patrol operations and ensuring the safety of swimmers. His involvement with the club extends back several years, with records indicating he also contributed his photography skills for a club event in 2014.
Robert McLellan has been involved in the governance of the club. The 2021/2022 Annual Report for Bronte SLSC lists a “Robert McLellan” as a member of the Board of Management, highlighting his contribution to the strategic direction and administration of the club during that period.
Nick Seale served as a Vice-Captain of Patrol 11 for at least two consecutive seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23. In this role, he was part of the leadership team for his patrol, working alongside the Patrol Captain and other Vice-Captain to ensure the safety of beachgoers at Bronte. During the 2021/22 season, his fellow members on Patrol 11 included Jem Knight (Vice-Captain), Martin Lynch, Therese Powell, Richard Melki, Rene Kesler, Damien Cave, Robert Watt, Stuart Ryan, Sofia Jenson, and Chris Bell. The patrol was praised for its teamwork and spirit.
Recognising Decades of Dedication
The National Medal is part of the Australian honours system, awarded for long and diligent service to organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. The recent batch of awards recognised lifesavers who have reached significant milestones.
Ninety-five volunteers, including the trio from Bronte, received the National Medal for 15 years of service. A further 11 members were awarded their 1st Clasp for an impressive 25 years of service. A special mention went to Stephen Leahy OAM from Fingal Beach SLSC in NSW, who received his 2nd Clasp, marking an extraordinary 35 years with the Surf Life Saving movement.
Acknowledgement from Leadership
In a statement, Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker AM ESM congratulated all 107 recipients on their outstanding service. He said that each volunteer should be very proud of the incredible impact they have made on the lives of many through their long-standing commitment.
Mr Baker added that the entire Surf Life Saving movement relies on the commitment of its many dedicated volunteers. He expressed that it is people like those honoured in this batch of medals who make the movement possible, and he thanked them for their many years of service keeping Australian communities safe.
Published Date 16-July-2025
