Community Update
Coolum Beach SLSC
IN THE SPIRIT of our recent annual award celebrations, we would like to share some background on some of our perpetual trophy recipients who were recognised for their long-time commitments to the club and efforts over the 2023-2024 season.
Recipient of the prestigious ‘Sting Zillman Award’ which recognises long-term contributions to surf sports went to Bruce Dunne.
Bruce is a Life Member and multiple-time board riding captain. He has amassed an impressive collection of board-riding medals at both state and national levels of competition. His dedication is so remarkable, that he could build a surfboard with his medals!
Bruce is always at competitions, encouraging participation across all age groups in both short and long-board events, and always bringing a positive and competitive spirit. Thanks for your years of commitment and enthusiasm, Bruce!
Introducing our second perpetual trophy winner following our annual awards dinner for the 2023-2024 season – congratulations Jarrod Sweetman who was awarded the prestigious Dick Lugge Award.
This award is presented to a club member who prioritises beach safety and upholds the ethos of lifesaving.
Jarrod joined in 2011 and has completed over 960 hours on the beach, including 190 hours of water safety. He is a Patrol Captain, Trainer, former Junior Activities Chair, and Member Officer. He first received the Training Officer Award in 2013 and is also a keen masters competitor.
Jarrod and his entire family are dedicated volunteers at our club, contributing through patrols, nippers, first aid, and training, and have received multiple awards for their service. As a Patrol Captain, Jarrod proactively encourages his patrol members to upskill with additional awards to keep their patrol strong.
Thanks for your time, commitment and knowledge that helps keep our club excelling and providing a safer beach.
Our final perpetual trophy winner following our 2023-2024 season annual awards dinner was Riccardo Cornacchia who received the David Cush Meritorious Trophy.
This award recognises a member who goes above and beyond for their club over a sustained period and is the ultimate award to aspire to, being named after the club’s Life Governor.
Riccardo is one of the nicest guys you would ever meet, and he embodies the meaning behind the Dave Cush award.
He began his lifesaving journey over 15 years ago in the Nippers program, where he was heavily involved and stayed on for many years, guiding his two children, Lola and Hugo, through Nippers.
After nippers, Riccardo had a smooth transition to the senior club, and his achievements to date are as follows: Patrol Captain for 11 years, Vice Club Captain for two years, Trainer, Masters Competitor with many medals, and winner of this year’s club’s Kennedy Cup – showing how strong an athlete he is.
Thanks for your time and commitment over the years and continuing into the next season as our new surf sports officer.