​At the 2026 AGM, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club proudly endorsed and elected Matt Scanlon as our new Governor. Matt’s appointment recognises more than three decades of dedicated service, quiet leadership and unwavering commitment to the Club and its members.

​Matt’s connection to Coogee began in childhood, joining the Minnows at age seven and progressing into the senior ranks by thirteen. Since then, he has contributed across every facet of Club life—on patrol, in competition, in education, and in the essential behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps Coogee running smoothly.
Across his long involvement, Matt has served in numerous Executive and Management roles, including President, Vice President, Deputy President and committee leadership across lifesaving, competition, carnivals and building works. His steady guidance and practical leadership were instrumental in the Club’s multi‑stage redevelopment, where he played a central role from planning through to delivery.
Matt is known for his measured approach, deep institutional knowledge and willingness to quietly step in wherever help is needed. He has always been one of the Club’s most reliable contributors—working on maintenance, supporting events, assisting with gear, and offering thoughtful advice without seeking recognition.
As Governor, Matt now takes on a role that reflects his experience and his long stewardship of Coogee’s values and traditions. He will serve as a trusted advisor, a custodian of the Club’s legacy and culture, and a steady voice supporting the Executive and Management teams as Coogee continues to grow.
We warmly welcome Governor Matt Scanlon to his new role and thank him for the extraordinary contribution he continues to make to Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.

Fifty years of patrolling is rare. Fifty years of patrolling with distinction is extraordinary.
Some interesting facts: From the 1975/76 season, Tony completed 25 consecutive seasons of 100% patrol attendance, a feat recognised in the Club’s 94th Annual Report and achieved by only one other member at the time. In an era when patrol commitments totalled 50 hours per season, Tony contributed 1,250 hours across those 25 years — every hour accounted for, every duty fulfilled. 

In 1984/85, Tony expanded his service beyond the beach, joining the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter crew. For 42 years, he has patrolled the coastline from above, providing critical aerial surveillance and rescue capability.

Tony reached his 50‑year milestone in the 2025/26 season. Fifty years of vigilance. Fifty years of service. Fifty years of showing up — for his Club, his community, and the countless people whose safety depended on the watchful eyes of surf lifesavers amongst his many other emergency services commitments.

His award reflects a career defined not by accolades, but by consistency, reliability, and an unshakeable sense of duty.

Today, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club proudly honours Governor Anthony “Tony” Waller OAM — a man whose dedication has safeguarded our beach, strengthened our Club, and inspired generations. His legacy will endure as long as the waves roll into Coogee.

Joe had a very interesting life, escaping from his home in Hungary, after the Soviets took over the country in 1956. He made it to Vienna, Austria, then onto Australia and worked for both the merchant and Australian Navies as a technical officer.
This is where he met Life Member, John ’Sodgie’ Sorrel, who persuaded him to join Coogee Surf Club some 51 years ago. Joe was involved with the Minnows as an associate and stayed in that category till his passing.
He was very well liked at the Coffee Club with his books, photos from his working days with the Navy, and his harmonica (not so well liked). Joe entertained us with his many stories and his love of the sea where he was involved with Souths Juniors fishing club as master of their boat.
At this time we think of his family, Rhonda, his wife, and sons Andrew and Dean, along with Joe’s extended family.
Joseph you will be truly missed by all your family and many friends. A good man and may you RIP.

Another good news story from Club Member, Tom Walker. Congratulations Tom!

​This season Coogee SLSC welcomed its “Partners in Sport” Coogee Board Riders Club (CBRC) to compete in the Annual Seddon Shield surfing competition. This strengthened numbers & ensured high performance levels across all divisions.

Coogee surfers are very used to adversity when it comes to wind, weather, waves & whales! For this comp, it was a Total Fire ban declared in the Royal National Park, which saw 32 surfers (& supporters) undergo a long & sweaty trek from Garie to Burning Palms Beach. On arrival, we were rewarded with perfect surf in the 2-3ft range all day with beautiful weather & favourable offshore winds. So stoked.

The first final of the day saw the combined Female & Masters battle it out. Michelle Donoghue, as usual, impressed the judges to take out the win with daughter Frankie 2nd & Charlotte Cantarella 3rd. Masters was a head-to-head battle with Steve Callaghan surfing into 1st place & Todd Mison 2nd.

The Under 19 groms battled it out for their name on the Perpetual Seddon Shield. In a classy final, we saw our multiple Aussie Champion Jimmy “Nimmy” Azar shredding his way to immortality & a deserved winner. Up & coming junior surfers Freddie Baldow & Jasper Wilkie surfed great for 2nd & 3rd placings.

The final event was the Open Male final - packed with talent. After 20 minutes of radical manoeuvres, spray flying & 360’s landed, we saw Finn Wilkie declared an agonisingly close winner from legend Monty Tait & “Coogee Joe” Mison 3rd. Other worthy finalists were Khava Black &  Clay Cantarella, just missing out on trophies & Kel Gollan, Joe Beale & Ben Daniels also surfing unreal. All other surf clubs would be jealous of our depth of talent.

The amazing day finished with the presentation & BBQ at Burning Palms SLSC with many surfers celebrating & staying overnight. Everyone enjoyed the adventure & can’t wait for next year.

Special thanks must go to;
* generous supporters Jeanette Sayle & the Jeffery Leonard Sayle Foundation & David “Luna” Park for providing all prize vouchers
* Coogee SLSC for supporting the sumptuous BBQ & trophy update.
* Burning Palms Life Member Gary Daly for his hospitality & hosting
* hard working CBRC President Clay Cantarella &
* Greg Smart for his always legendary photography.

​We received the sad news that Kerry “Ha Ha” McGrath passed away yesterday morning, Thursday the 20th. Kerry was affectionately known as Ha Ha to his mates and was a strong ski competitor as well as a highly regarded Gear Steward.

​Kerry was a 50‑year Long Service Member who retired to Narrawallee near Mollymook. He originally joined the club as a cadet in 1955, and many funny stories have been shared about him over the years before his move to the South Coast.
One favourite tale was Kerry heading off to weekend carnivals saying he packed “one piece of underwear and a 10‑bob note—and didn’t change either.” He often took younger blokes away in his van, always with a shared cost, and always with plenty of laughs. That was Kerry: a lovable character, always good for a yarn, a joke, and a smile. Although he didn’t attend our 50‑year functions, he was always invited.
We’re sure Kerry will keep that big beach in the sky in immaculate condition, just as he did as the club’s Gear Steward.
Thanks, Kerry. A true surf club character of his era. As we share the many funny stories you’ve left us, you can now rest in peace.

Historic Milestone for Coogee SLSC: Sharon Deans Elected First Female President
COOGEE, NSW.
In a landmark moment for one of Australia’s oldest surf life saving clubs, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has elected Sharon Deans as its new President at the recent Annual General Meeting. Sharon's appointment marks the first time a woman has held the top leadership position in the club’s 119 year history.

Sharon takes the helm during a pivotal time for the club, bringing with her an extensive background in surf life saving and community leadership. In the last 12 months the club has voted in their first female life member and taken out the Sydney Branch Club of the Year and Community Engagement of the Year. 
Having been an active member of Coogee SLSC for 17 years, Sharon has previously served in vital roles including Vice President, Assistant Director of Competition and Beach Captain and is still actively patrolling, receiving her 15 year National Patrol Service award in 2024.
Sharon is a champion for youth and an advocate for evolution and inclusion across the movement including her role at SLSA as their Participation Coordinator and as a 
qualified SLSA Performance Coach and Technical Official.
"It is an incredible honour to be elected President of Coogee SLSC, a club that has been a second home to me for many years," Deans said. "While I am proud to be the first woman in this role, my focus is firmly on the future of our entire membership. 
"This season and beyond I aim to strengthen patrolling member capabilities on the 
sand; continue to innovate in everything we do; upgrade of training and education 
facilities and support the Nipper program to be the best it can be for our young people". Outgoing President for the previous 3 seasons, Ben Heenan expressed strong support for the new leadership. "Sharon has been a wonderful Vice President of the Club over the past three years and I have no doubt she will step into the President's role with enthusiasm, skill and the best interests of all our members in the forefront of her mind."
Coogee SLSC, founded in 1907, has a long and proud history of patrolling one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches. Sharon's election reflects the evolving nature of surf life saving and the growing presence of female leaders across the movement. Sharon officially assumes her duties immediately as the club prepares for the upcoming summer patrol season.
The club would like to also thank our four outgoing executive members in President (Ben Heenan), Club Captain (Alexandra Scott), Secretary (Emily Miers) and Treasurer (Matthew Larkin) for their dedication and service over the last three seasons.

​To Ben and everyone at Coogee Surf Life Saving Club,

I wanted to say a big thank you for the Community Swim and the BBQ. I am currently dictating this from hospital but I’ve seen videos of the day, and couldn’t get over how many people were there in support.

This has been the hardest month of my life, and of my family’s. But the outpouring of love and support from the Coogee community has helped us through it. Knowing that the community I love is behind us has made a frightening time feel a lot less lonely.

Seven of my family members have taken time off work to care for me, and my daughter and the support from the community has given us much needed assistance to focus on my recovery and looking after August. I’m making good progress, and I have no doubt all the love and good wishes coming our way has something to do with it.

Thank you also for the open invitation to drop in. One I’m recovered I’d love to come down and say a huge thank you face to face.

With all my love and gratitude,
Leah Stewart

More than 1,000 swimmers and community members gathered at Coogee Beach in a remarkable show of support for Leah Stewart and her family, demonstrating the resilience, compassion and spirit that defines the Coogee community.

Organised by Coogee Surf Life Saving Club in partnership with Randwick City Council, the Coogee Community Swim provided an opportunity for the community to come together, support one another and take the important step of returning to the water following the tragic events of the previous week.

The turnout was extraordinary, with participants of all ages joining the event. A significant water safety operation involving lifeguards, surf lifesavers, paddleboarders, jet skis, rescue boats and drone surveillance helped provide reassurance for those entering the ocean.

Prior to the swim, a message from Leah's family was shared with participants, thanking the community for its overwhelming support during what continues to be a difficult time. The family described Leah as a survivor and reflected on the strength she draws from the love and care surrounding her.

The event highlighted the unique bond that exists within the Coogee community and the important role the ocean plays in the lives of so many local residents. 

Following the swim, participants gathered on the beach for a community BBQ and bake sale, with all proceeds going to support Leah and her family.

The success of the morning reflected an extraordinary collaborative effort involving Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, Randwick City Council, Surf Life Saving Sydney, Surf Life Saving NSW, neighbouring surf lifesaving clubs, council lifeguards, volunteers and the broader community.

Coogee Surf Life Saving Club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the day, whether through water safety, event organisation, volunteering, photography, fundraising or simply by turning up to show their support. Most importantly, the morning demonstrated the strength, resilience and spirit of the Coogee community.

Our thoughts remain with Leah, her family and friends as she continues her recovery.

Donate to Support Leah Stewart, victim of shark attack in Coogee