<![CDATA[COOGEE SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB - Latest News]]>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:21:11 +1000Weebly<![CDATA[Coogee Community Swim]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:20:19 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/coogee-community-swim
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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
]]><![CDATA[Annual Dinner 2025/2026]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/annual-dinner-20252026
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The 2025/2026 Annual Dinner was a fabulous evening, with a sold-out Ocean Room celebrating another successful season. 
​The night recognised our Australian Champions and the many Members who have contributed to the Club throughout the year. Congratulations to Ben Heenan, who was awarded the Honour Blazer; Aimee Charles, recipient of the Australian Mutual Bank Scholarship; Emma Askham, recipient of Patrol Person of the Year; and Michael Ly, recipient of the Singer-Yeo Rookie of the Year.
]]><![CDATA[Awards Presentation Photos]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/awards-presentation-photosClick here to view photos from the Awards Presentation night, held on 8 May 2026.
]]><![CDATA[Vale Sheryl Sporle-Fahey]]>Sun, 17 May 2026 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/vale-sheryl-sporle-fahey
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​On 17 May 2026, Club Member Sheryl Sporle-Fahey passed away. Sheryl was an inaugural member of the first all-female bronze squad in 1981, which included Felicity Breene, Julie Andrews, and Marita Campbell. This was momentous in Coogee SLSC’s history with it opening to female membership on 26 July 1981. 
As a child Sheryl witnessed a rescue on her home beach Fitzroy in New Zealand. From that day all she wanted to do was surf lifesaving, and when given the opportunity, she did.

When she joined, there were no female competition events, so the opportunities lay in lifesaving and education. During her time in the Club, Sheryl contributed through obtaining a vast array of awards that demonstrated a clear pathway for females wishing to join the Club to emulate.

In 1983, Sheryl became Assistant Chief Instructor, then Chief Instructor for 1984/1985 season. She joined Sydney Branch Board of Control and was an instructor, assessor, and examiner. In 1985, Sheryl was elected as a Club Council Member, which was her greatest highlight as “I felt recognised and valued for my contribution, commitment and results”.

Sheryl moved back to New Zealand in 1987 but always remained close to Coogee through friends like Gary Daly, Matt Scanlon, Peter Carney and reading the Club’s True Blue Weekly newsletter. She flew over for the 40 Years of Women in Surf Life Saving lunch in 2022 and was interviewed regarding those early years: “The future of the Club is in opportunity and inclusivity – providing a safe environment for people of all backgrounds to learn and grow skills to save lives on the beach”.

​Her impact on Coogee SLSC will be felt forever and she will be missed. RIP Sheryl.
]]><![CDATA[Competition Awards 25/26]]>Sun, 10 May 2026 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/competition-awards-2526
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​Held on Friday 8 May 2026, read on for the full list of winners.
ANONYMOUS DONORS
Open: Ronan Sheppard
U15: Carter Codd
U17/U19: Ari Swan
Masters (M): Matt Larkin
Masters (F): Kate Richman
Team: Alex Duncan & Rebecca Waugh
PRESIDENT'S CUP & ROSE SHIELD
Ashton Habler (C)
Nick Giannicouris
Olli Hartcher
Luca Holdcroft
Joe Macassey
Talin Opai
Roman Szabo
CLUB CHAMPIONS - JUNIOR
Female: Courtney Codd
Male: Roman Szabo
CLUB CHAMPIONS - MASTERS
Female: Nicola Logan
Male: Matt Larkin
CLUB CHAMPIONS
Female: Ava Szabo
Male: Kai Stuetz
SURF SPORTS WATER SAFETY OF THE YEAR
Raul Flores Veloz
COACH OF THE YEAR
David Smith
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Andrew Bloxsom
]]><![CDATA[100% Patrol Service Awards 25/26]]>Sat, 09 May 2026 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/100-patrol-service-awards-2526Congratulations to those Members who achieved 100% Patrol Attendance.
​Read on for the full listing.
100% Patrol Service: 15 YEARS
​
KEN SLEVIN

100% Patrol Service: 10 YEARS
​
STEPHEN BONSER
ANDREW GARDINER
​
​100% Patrol Service: 5 YEARS

KAY CHUA
SAMUEL CUTTING
JOSH FERNANDEZ
RAUL FLORES VELOZ
MICHELA MORELLI
PAUL NELSON
KALI OGLE
​
2025/2026 100% Patrol Attendance
GIORGIA AIELLO
KYLE ALP
ANDREW ANDERSON
ALYCIA ASHCROFT
EDWARD ASHCROFT
NICOLE ASHCROFT
EMMA ASKHAM
MONTY AULD
SUZANNA AZEVEDO
MADELEINE BALD
FREDERICK BALDOW
KATRIN BALDOW
MICHAEL BARNES
LOUISE BARRETT
LYNNE BARRY
WIGS BATEMAN
DANNY BEAL
JULIA BECK
​DREW BEER
JESSICA BERGMAN
JERRY BEROWNE
TAHLI BLICBLAU
DEVAN BLOCH
MILLIE BLOXSOM
STEPHEN BONSER
ZAHRA BOUHOUTSOS
ALEX BOWEN
ROBIN BOWLEY
PETER BRANTON
LAUREN BRENNAN
SIMON BROOKS
AMY BROWN
CHRISTOPHER BROWN
STEVEN BROWN
KAREN BUCKLEY
ALTIN BUNAJ
CLAIRE BURDETT
REBECCA CAMENZULI
BEN CAMPBELL
JAMES CAMPBELL
SOPHIE CAMPBELL
ALVARO CARPIO COLON
BRUCE CARTWRIGHT
SCOTT CHAPMAN
AIMEE CHARLES
WILLIAM CHARLES
PAUL CHILCOTT
KAY (EDMUND) CHUA
TIM CLIFFORD
STUART COMINO
SHERIDAN CONNON
FINN COWPAR
CHRISTINA COX
JEREMY CRUMBLIN
BRIAN CUDDIHY
BASIL CUNNINGHAM
SAMUEL CUTTING
SOPHIA D'AGORD
DONATO D'AGROSA
JASPER DANIELS
WILLIAM DAVISON
REBECCA DAWSON
HELEN DEAS
CIARA DEERING
THOMAS DERMODY
BRIAN DI FRANCESCO
TECLA DI FRANCESCO
BRONTE DICKSON
MARK DOEPEL
MARGUERITE DONALDSON
REKA DONATH
STEFANIE EERIKAINEN
ROSIE ELLIS
HUGH FARMER
PAUL FARRUGIA
JOSHUA FERNANDEZ
FELIPE FERRI DE BARROS
GABRIEL FERRI DE BARROS
ADAM FLETCHER
ANNE-LAURE FLORES
RAUL FLORES VELOZ
SARAH FLYNN
SEAN FLYNN
DIANA JANE FREEMAN
ALENA FREIHEIT
ANNIKA FREIHEIT
STEPHEN BARRY FUJIWARA
CHRISTINE GAN
PATRICK GARCIA
RACHEL GARCIA
ANDREW GARDINER
LUKE GARDINER
ZACHARY GATT
ROBIN GEORGE
ROB GIBELLINI
GRACIE GILHAM
ZACHARY GILTINAN
LAUREN GLEECHER
BENJAMIN GLOVER
MARGOT GODFREY
DEBORAH GRAHAM
ELISE GRAHAM
MADDISON GRISDALE
ONAN GUNOZ
PAUL HAES
ANNE-LEE HAKKENNES
ANNABELLE HANKIN
JOSHUA HANKIN
ED HARDY
XANTHE HARDY
CHRISTINE HARWIN
JACK HAWKES
DOUG HAWKINS
HEATHER HAWKINS
BRIAN HEATH
BENJAMIN HEENAN
JACK HERFORD
DARRAGH HOGAN
PARAIC HOGAN
ANGELA HOLSTEIN
RICHARD HOLSTEIN
PETER HOOKER
SIMON HORAN
TARA HOWARD
CRAIG HOWIE
MELANIE HOWLETT
EMILY HUGGINS
KOBY HUME
LACHLAN HUME
HAYDON ILLINGWORTH
TOM INATEY
JAMES INGHAM
LARA JACQUES
SAMANTHA JAEGER
CHLOE JAVERZAC
MONICA JOVANOV
MARTIN JUCKER
ZOE KANDER
MINKUSH KANSAL
KRISTIAN KAUTER
ZARA KAUTER
DANIEL KAVANAGH
ELOISE KAVANAGH
PATRICK KAVANAGH
​ADAM KING
SAMUEL KING
CATHERINE KRUGER
CATE KYLING
VICTOR LAKER
LOREN LANE
HUDSON LANGAN-STARK
PETRA LANGAN-STARK
MATTHEW LARKIN
DANIEL LAVERY
​AMELIE LEARY
BRENDAN LEE
CAITLYN LEE
RUBY LEO-ABOOD
GEOFFREY LEONG
MICHAEL LETTE
RHYS LETTE
SAMARA LICHAA
​SHIRLEEN LORENS
JAMES LOW
BENJAMIN LOWE
CATHERINE LUFF
JOANNA LUKASZEWICZ-PLUTA
ALEX LUMSDEN
PATRICK LYONS
ASTRID MACASSEY
JOHN MACLEAY
COLIN MAGEE
CONOR MAGEE
JULIA MALLAM
CAMILLE MANCE
ROSLYN MANUEL
GEORGE MARGIN
CONOR MARTIN
KAYLA MARTIN
BENJAMIN MASTERS
CHRISTINE MATHIES
MADDISON MCCOY
ABBEY MCDONALD
FINN MCGHEE
JOHN MCGHEE
JAKE MCNALLY
JOZEF MCPHERSON
ADRIANA MELIM
MATTHEW MENDOZA-CICCIARELLI
GEORGE MESSITER
EMILY MIERS
ALEX MILBURN
RYAN MILLAR
REBECCA MISTER
BRAD MITCHELL
EDIE MOLESWORTH
FABIEN MOMOT
MICHELA MORELLI
BRETT MORGAN
HANNAH MORGAN
HELEN MURPHY
AONGHUS MURRAY
NICOLA MUSGROVE
INGRID NEILSON
PAUL NELSON
OLIVER NICHOLSON
ALEC NETHERY
BELA NIMRICH
CAROLIN NIMRICH
CHARLOTTE OCALLAGHAN
MARIANNE O'DONOGHUE
KALI OGLE
BRIGID O'LEARY
NIALL O'ROURKE
MARIA LUISE OSSIMITZ
MATTHEW OVERTON
SCOTT A PARKER
ATHENIA PASCOE
DAVID PAYNE
JAMES PEATE
WAYNE PENN
ALEXANDRE PESHEVSKI
JULIETTE PESHEVSKI
ASHLEY PLAYFORD-BROWNE
FILIP PLUTA
LUKE PORTER-DALY
ANTHONY PRESHAW
MARY RADIN
MADHAV RAMAN
JOHN RAYMENT
GEORGINA REES
GERARD REITER
HAYDEN REITER
MELANIE REITER
ALICE RENTON
JOSHUA RICAMARA
PERRIN RICHARDSON
KATE RICHMAN
LORENZA RIGOTTI
DANIEL RILEY
JOHN RITCHIE
ALLISON ROBERTS
PAULA ROGERS
BESS RUFF
DUNCAN RUTISHAUSER
STEPHEN RUTTER
TANYA SARINA
JULIANNE SARNO
MADELEINE SARNO
CHRISTOPHER SASSONE
BELINDA SCANLAN-HOPPE
AMANDINE SCHAEFFER
ANDREAS SCHILLING
MARC SCHMANDIN
ANDREA SCHMIDT
ALEXANDRA SCOTT
MICHAEL SCOTT
NINA SHEA
GLEN SHELDON
RONAN SHEPPARD
MATTHEW SIMPSON
NOELLE SIMPSON
ISAAC SLEATH
KEN SLEVIN
SOPHIE SMITH
PAUL SMYTH
ADAM SOOKDEO
LISA SPINELLI
ANTHONY STEFANAC
KARL STEWART
LARA STOCK
PETER STOCK
RUBEN STOCK
KAI STUETZ
SARIKA SUD
CATHERINE SULLIVAN
DOMINIC SULLIVAN
ERIN SULLIVAN
MATILDA SWEENEY
JULIAN SYKES-ROSE
AVA SZABO
ELNAZ TALEBI
JANINE TAN
BEATRICE TAPP
MAGGIE TAYLOR
PHILIP TEN BROEKE
JOHN TESORIERO
JULIE THORNTON
ANDREW TOOHER
MELINDA TOOMEY
ADAM TREHARNE
JULIEN VAN DEN BERG
MICHAEL VAN DEN HOVEN
FLORIAN WAGNER
ANTHONY WALLER
MEAGAN WALSH
PHOEBE WELLER
ALEX WERFEL
JULIAN WEST
GABRIEL WHITE
REBECCA WILKINSON
DIETER WINKLER
AMELIE YACHI-LIM
KENNETH YARDY
DEBBIE ZONICH
]]><![CDATA[Lifesaving Awards 25/26]]>Fri, 08 May 2026 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/lifesaving-awards-2526
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Held on Friday 8 May 2026, read on for the full list of winners.
Patrol Captain of the Year: MADELEINE BALD
Patrol of the Year: PATROL 11
Junior Lifesaver of the Year: JAMES PEATE

Most Outstanding 18+: PAUL NELSON
Most Improved 18+: STEPHEN RUTTER
18+ Patrol Service Award: MICHELA MORELLI

Most Outstanding Junior: GABRIEL CAMARGO FERRI DE BARROS
Most Improved Junior: THOMAS INGHAM
Junior Patrol Service Award: PEPPER BANKI

Most Outstanding Cadet: RION GEORGE
Most Improved Cadet: CASH BRADBURY
Cadet Patrol Service Award: SARA BOTTE

IRB Person of the Year: FELIPE FERRI DE BARROS
Junior IRB Person of the Year: ZAHRA BOUHOUTSOS

Trainer of the Year: SARAH FLYNN

Patrol Participation Award
Patrol 1: CHARLOTTE O'CALLAGHAN
Patrol 2: DEVON BLOCH
Patrol 3: ZAHRA BOUHOUTSOS
Patrol 4: TANYA SARINA
Patrol 5: EDWARD ASHCROFT
Patrol 6: ALEX PESHEVSKI
Patrol 7: PEPPER BANKI
Patrol 8: MEAGAN WALSH
Patrol 9: ELNAZ TALEBI
Patrol 10: MEGAN KENNEDY
Patrol 11: LEVI CHARLES
Patrol 12: HUGH FARMER
Patrol 13: SOPHIA D'AGORD
Patrol 14: CONOR MARTIN
Patrol 15: WILL DAVISON
Patrol 16: EMILY HUGGINS
​Patrol 17: BELA NIMRICH
]]><![CDATA[Aussies 2026 Results]]>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:38:35 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/aussies-2026-results
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Aussies 2026 are officially over with 137 Coogee athletes competed for 9 hard days of competition between Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th March over North Kirra, Bilinga and Tugun beaches on the Gold Coast. 
​316 Surf Clubs come together to compete, providing more than 7000 competitors in more than 550 beach and ocean events, that saw Coogee walk away with a sensational 33 medals – 14 Gold, 9 Silver & 10 Bronze.
Our competitors were presented with every type of conditions with heat, wind, cold, rain and surf that was constantly changing to levels that saw events moved beaches and/or held over for 2 days due to safety concerns.
Highlights would have to be:
  • Coogee R&R Team taking out 4 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze medals, 2 x 4th places and crowned no. 1 Club in Australia (again) enabling us to retain the Ron Sandstrom Trophy
  • Coogee Surfing Team won 6 medals and crowned no. 3 Club in Australia
  • Beach team won 4 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze medals – 3 individual and 5 team finalists
  • Youth Water Team coached by Cam Habler won 1 gold and 2 silver medals and competed in 20 finals across all disciplines - amazingly every member made a final!
  • The Boats took away 9 x Crews (entered into 10 events), won a Bronze in Masters women and made it out of rounds for 7 of the other crews including 2 x u23 Female, U19 Female, Open Female and Reserve Men all making it to the Semi finals
 
Thank you to the Management & Competition committees, officials, sponsors, water safety, trailer towers, parents, supporters and especially the passionate coaches who made this the success it was for the Two Blues!
​               
YOUTH MEDALS
EVENT
PLACE
ATHLETE
U13 Female Surf Race
GOLD
Sophie R
U14 Female Beach Sprint
GOLD
Marnie L
U14 Female Beach Relay
GOLD
Harper D, Mollie H, Marnie L & Maya M
U15 Male Beach Relay
GOLD
Nicholas G, Luca H, Alexandar P & Talin O
U13 Female Beach Relay
SILVER
Lara B, Annalise D, Aoife H & Sophia L
U13 Female Cameron Relay
SILVER
Hailey A, Annalise D, Sophia L & Sophie R
U13 Ironwoman
SILVER
Sophie R
U13/U14 Mixed 2 Person R&R
SILVER
Matilda W & Adelaide Z
U13-U15 Mixed 5 Person R&R
BRONZE
Isabella B, Eloise R, Isolde T, Matilda W & Adelaide Z
U14 Female Beach Flags
BRONZE
Marnie L

MASTERS MEDALS
EVENT
PLACE
AHTLETE
230 yrs min Female Beach Relay
GOLD
Donna C, Sharon D, Helen D & Linda W
50-59 yrs Female Longboard
GOLD
Michelle D
50-59 yrs Female Shortboard
GOLD
Michelle D
60-64 yrs Female 1km Beach Run
GOLD
Donna C
30-39 yrs Male Champion Lifesaver
SILVER
Ben H
45-49 yrs Female Ocean Swim
SILVER
Nicola L
180 yrs min Female Surf Boat
BRONZE
Coogee Overwavers:
​Terrena K, Gemma L, Tracey-Lee M, Katie V & Rod C (Sweep)
200 yrs min Female Beach Relay
BRONZE
Nicola L, Tracey-Lee M, Julie T & Katie V
200+ Mixed Beach Relay
BRONZE
Sharon D, Helen D, Martin J & Simon S
40-44 yrs Female 2km Beach Run
BRONZE
Rona M
40-44 yrs Male Beach Sprint
BRONZE
Martin J
55-59 yrs Female Beach Flags
BRONZE
Helen D
55-59 yrs Female Beach Sprint
BRONZE
Helen D

OPEN MEDALS
EVENT
PLACE
ATHLETE
U17 Male Shortboard
GOLD
George M
U17 Mixed 5 Person R&R
GOLD
Sofia H, Amelie L, Max S, Matilda S & Sophie Z
Open Female 5 Person R&R
GOLD
Chiara H, Elouisa H, Jasmine M, Michayla P & Charlotte S
Open Male 5 Person R&R
GOLD
Jay C, Drew H, Grant H, Patrick K & Luke R
Open Male Longboard
GOLD
Finn W
Open Mixed 5 Person R&R
GOLD
Rebecca D, Elouisa H, Drew H, Grant H & Daniel K
U19 Mixed 5 Person R&R
SILVER
Sofia H, Amelie L, Kylie N, Max S & Matilda S
Curlewis Open Mixed 6 Person R&R
SILVER
Jay C, Drew H, Grant H, Daniel K, Patrick K & Luke R
Open Male Shortboard
SILVER
Finn W
Open Male Shortboard
BRONZE
George M
]]><![CDATA[DMA Reunion 14 March 2026]]>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/dma-reunion-14-march-2026
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The "Dads and Mums Army" of Coogee SLSC held an amazing 25 Year Reunion last Saturday night at the Club, and what a night of celebration it was.
205 DMA Members had a "Party for the Ages" with many people catching up after many seasons of their DMA squad going through. From members of the original BM Squad in 2001-2002, to DMA XXX who graduated that morning, the event was certainly an impressive celebration. The night had some great presentations of members sharing their own personal stories, and the life changing event that was their DMA journey. 
The event was supported by our Sponsors Vital Dental and CA-CIB, and the LOCOS certainly made the dance floor jump with some amazing sets.

All in all a great celebration of 25 Seasons, 720+ Lifesavers trained, and so many friendships and years of service to Coogee Minnows and Coogee SLSC.

Well done DMA 👏  👏  👏 
]]><![CDATA[Penguins Winter Swimming Club]]>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/latest-news/penguins-winter-swimming-club
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Coogee SLSC’s Penguins Winter Swimming Club’s season wrapped up on 23 November 2025 with the AGM and prize presentation.
We crowned King and Queen Penguins for fastest swimmers Julian McDowall and Kate Halls. Murray Welstead and David McDowall were awarded 100% swim prizes, and trophies and prizes were presented to winners of our regular events, including to relay teams Baldies and Dolphins who tied for first. Outside of the Ross Jones Memorial Pool, Penguins represented at the Winter Weakies Annual Swim Challenge at Des Renford, Sydney Invitational Championships at Bondi Icebergs and Australian Winter Swimming Championships in Maroochydore. A number of members volunteered at a fundraising Bunnings BBQ in Alexandria, and relay teams each hosted an enjoyable BBQ for members in the Ocean Room. Congratulations to all prize winners, and thank you to members, volunteers, the committee and donors the Spot Therapy Hub. Season 2026 kicks off the first Sunday of May at 10am – see you then! 
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