Matilda Shirley has capped off her time in Nippers by winning the NSW Junior Life Saver of the Year award in Sydney at Easter.
Matilda is from the Byron Bay SLSC and was awarded the prize after impressing the judges during a week-long development program at the Collaroy Learning Centre.
In a very close competition Matilda shared first place with Elliott Prasad from the Narrabeen Beach SLSC.
The duo were among 22 U/14 finalists from the 11 branches nominated to take part in the annual leadership and development program.
‘When they announced the winners, I was very surprised and it was totally unexpected. I’m just so honoured to represent my club and branch and to do everyone proud who I hold dear. It’s just an amazing moment,’ Matilda said.
‘I moved from Broome to Brisbane and I really loved Surf Life Saving and I couldn’t give it up so my dad once again drove me to Kurrawa SLSC every single Sunday and I stuck with it before I joined Byron Bay two years ago and it’s a massive part of my life and I will never give it up,’ Matilda said.
During the program the young life savers participated in a variety of workshops as well as recreational activities all designed to develop the leadership potential of the life savers and show the opportunities in surf life saving.
‘Of course I want to continue on to obtain my Bronze Medallion and stay highly involved in Byron Bay Surf Club, and just do whatever I can to give back to my club and community who have done so much for me,’ said Matilda.
Both Matilda and Elliott will be honoured as part of the annual NSW Awards of Excellence to be held on Saturday August 5, at Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney.
Byron Bay SLSC’s Matilda is the proud holder of the Junior Life Saver of the Year Award for 2017. Photo Contributed
