Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (15:38): It has been a privilege over the past few weeks to attend presentation nights for the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, Barwon Heads 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club. They are three different clubs in three different communities, but one thing that was very clear was the incredible commitment of the people who gave their time to keep our beaches safe and support the next generation of lifesavers. These nights are opportunities to celebrate and recognise milestones. But it is also an important reminder of those who sit behind each patrol, each training session and each Nippers program. It is our volunteers, the lifeguards, coaches, trainers, committee members, officials, parents and first aiders – all the people working behind the scenes – that make these clubs what they are. It is about more than just beach patrols. It builds confidence, resilience, friendship and leadership. It gives young people a place to belong. I want to say a very sincere thankyou to every volunteer across the clubs, but I would also like to make a special mention to Huw Joyce, who was recognised with a national medal for 15 years of voluntary service to Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club. He started when he was seven in Nippers, encouraged by his dad Alan, and went on to complete a surf rescue certificate and bronze medallion, along with training rescue boats. But what is incredible and stands out the most is the number of young lifesavers that Huw has helped along the way. He has mentored close to a thousand young lifesavers. This is an extraordinary contribution. To Huw: congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. And to Alan, his dad: I know you are very proud. To everyone who volunteers: thank you; our community is safer, stronger and better because of you.