LONG time Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club member Georgie Wettenhall has been recognised with an Emergency Services Medal (ESM) as part of the King’s Birthday awards.
Ms Wettenhall has been dedicated to the club for decades helping save numerous lives, holding key roles and supporting the next generation.
Starting off as a nipper, her passion flowed from there leading her to become a role model and respected leader.
She was one of the founders of the now state-wide initiative Pink Patrol, an all-women-led patrol, celebrating the past and present contribution of women in lifesaving and showcasing their operational capabilities.
When speaking with the Sentinel-Times, she was extremely humble in receiving the award stating there were more deserving people and had feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’.
But not many people can say they’ve literally helped save someone’s life.
In 1997, she was awarded the Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) - Darren Adams Memorial Award for Most Courageous Rescue, in recognition of a complex and challenging rescue she and her fellow lifesavers performed at Colonnades Beach, saving the lives of two patients under extremely difficult conditions.
“There were two brothers who were playing soccer and got into trouble in the water,” she said.
“That was one of the first times when I realised this was serious (lifesaving).”
She has also held leadership roles at both Woolamai and Gunnamatta Beach clubs and state levels across training, patrols, and lifesaving services as president and as a director.
But overall, she’s loved the close friendships that have been made over the years.
While she doesn’t have an official role at the moment, she is still heavily involved helping out with nippers and other activities.
She also loves seeing the next generation develop and all the things that many of their members go on to achieve.
The Governor-General today announced Honours and Awards for 737 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service.
“I would like to congratulate all those recognised in today’s Honours List. Some names are well-known, but the vast majority are not – they are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community,” the Governor-General said.
“Through today’s recognition we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make. On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition.”
In addition to the 493 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (six AC, 15 AO, 131 AM and 341 OAM), today’s Honours list includes:
• 25 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (three AO, seven AM and 15 OAM)
• 162 Meritorious awards
• 57 Conspicuous awards
This list also includes 34 Australians recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amongst those also honoured in our region is Mrs Dianne Spark (Medal of the Order of Australia) in recognition of her service to the community of French Island.
Mrs Spark is a life member of the French Island Cricket Club where she has served as secretary since 1978 and scorer since 1965.
She is also a member and former secretary of the French Island Community Association, secretary of the French Island Hall Committee since 1976, and served as secretary of the French Island Country Fire Authority, 1980-1985, school president of Perseverance Primary School, 1991-1999, and is a foundation member of French Island Landcare Group, 1989.
