Vale Peter Court OAM

Peter Court OAM (1936–2026) was a long-serving and highly respected member of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and was awarded Coogee Surf Life Saving Club’s prestigious 1907 Foundation Medal in 2020 in recognition of his exceptional service.

Surf lifesaving has been a defining thread through successive generations of the Court family. Peter’s grandfather served as Vice-President of Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club, while his father was a member of both Coogee and Clovelly Surf Life Saving Clubs. Four generations of the Court family have served at Coogee SLSC, and five generations have contributed to the broader surf lifesaving movement.
Peter joined Coogee SLSC in 1978, with Peter Carney as his instructor, and served as a fully qualified senior active patrolling surf lifesaver throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
Prior to that, in 1971, at the invitation of Joe Seddon, Peter was appointed Honorary Solicitor of Coogee SLSC—a role he fulfilled with distinction for more than four decades. During this period, the Club relied extensively on Peter’s legal expertise across a wide range of complex and strategic matters. These included significant constitutional reforms, property acquisition, advice on loan structures and administration, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and compliance with requirements associated with the club’s charitable status.
Peter oversaw three major rule changes and played a pivotal role in the incorporation of the Club. He also provided leadership through the reform of committee structures and remained a trusted adviser on the day-to-day legal matters essential to the Club’s operations. All of this work was undertaken on a wholly voluntary basis. The cumulative value of Peter’s professional legal contribution to the Club over more than 40 years would be considerable and cannot be overstated.
Beyond surf lifesaving, Peter was also a long-serving member of the Randwick and Coogee Amateur Swimming Club. He served as President of the Club for 15 years, continuing another family tradition—his grandfather having also served multiple terms as President. Peter also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Army. He was a life member of Randwick Rugby Club. 
​Peter’s passing will be keenly felt by his friends at the surf club and throughout the wider community.