Two of the Far North Coast’s brightest young surf life saving talents have been announced as the Newcastle Permanent Junior Surf Life Savers of the Year for 2024.
Abigail Matthews from Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club was named the female winner, while Kayden Muller from Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC took out the male award.
Joining in the Under 6’s, Abigail has excelled at surf sports medalling at local and state events as an individual and in teams. She particularly enjoys assisting with water safety for the younger nippers, where her passion for community education and surf safety is on display.
Abigail follows in the footsteps of her brother, Jayden, who received this accolade in 2022.
Kayden also joined in the Under 6’s and is now Junior Club Captain for Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore, where he’s joined his parents on patrol and already accrued 68 career hours.
A keen competitor, Kayden attended the Australian titles in Perth last season but equally enjoys contributing to his home club through events such as the Raising of the Flags and increasing community awareness of surf safety.
Strong field
Surf Life Saving Far North Coast Director of Member Services Robyn Wonson said there was a strong field of contenders for the awards.
‘Each of our local clubs puts forward a female and male nominee, who are required to participate in the Newcastle Permanent Branch Championships and also sit for an interview with a panel of judges,’ said Ms Wonson.
‘It’s not easy, but Abigail and Kayden really rose to the challenge and both impressed the panel with their work ethic, passion for the sport, and dedication to the community. Abigail and Kayden are both wonderful role medals for the peers, and will no doubt go on to achieve great things.
‘Newcastle Permanent has supported us for over 15 years, which helps keep events like this one running, our nippers in the water and our beachgoers safe.’
Impressed by talent
Newcastle Permanent Lismore Assistant Branch Manager Jonathon Miller said he was very impressed by the talent of the Far North Coast branch’s young members.
All of the candidates for the Newcastle Permanent Junior Life Saver of the Year are phenomenal and demonstrate a dedication to their local communities like no other, so for Abigail and Kayden to come out on top is a huge achievement,’ said Mr Miller said.
‘Along with their beach safety knowledge and water skills, it’s wonderful to see that they are giving back to their community at such a young age. Witnessing the development of young leaders like Abigail and Kayden makes all of us at Newcastle Permanent feel exceptionally proud of our partnership with Far North Coast Surf Life Saving.
‘It’s clear that Abigail and Kayden have very bright futures ahead!’
The Far North Coast branch of Surf Life Saving NSW has 10 clubs, patrolling beaches from Fingal Head to Yamba.
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