central coast Branch Awards of excellence 2026

What a night for Avoca Beach SLSC at the 2026 Central Coast Branch Awards of Excellence on Saturday 13 June!

A huge congratulations to all of our members who were nominated. Being recognised at Branch level is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the dedication, passion and commitment you bring to our club.

You can view the full list of nominees here: https://slscc.com.au/slsccaoe2026/

We are very proud of our members who took home awards on the night. Avoca had an outstanding evening, winning multiple awards and being named Central Coast Branch Club of the Year!

Our award winners:

• Club of the Year

• Surf Sports Overall Point Score

  
  

• President's Award - Harold Marshall

  
  

• Rescue of the Year - NYE Rescue

• Athlete of the Year - Jett Green

In his debut season as an Open athlete, Jett made an exceptional transition, building on a standout 2024/25 campaign through a rigorous pre-season and outstanding performances throughout 2025/26. His dedication and elite ability earned him selection in the Surf Life Saving New South Wales Open State Representative Team, recognising him among the state’s top surf sports athletes.

Jett delivered phenomenal performances at championship level, playing a key role in helping the NSW team secure the prestigious SLSA Interstate Championship title. His consistency, composure and competitive leadership were instrumental to the team’s success and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure on the national stage.

Beyond competition, Jett is a highly respected senior member of the craft squad and an outstanding role model within the club. He consistently demonstrates professionalism, leadership and inclusivity, ensuring younger athletes feel supported and valued. Jett also established a successful weekly run club, strengthening squad culture and encouraging participation across all age groups.

Holding his Bronze Medallion, First Aid Certificate and Development Coach qualifications, Jett actively mentors and coaches’ younger members, helping develop the next generation of lifesavers. His positive attitude, strong communication skills and commitment to club culture make him an exceptional ambassador for surf lifesaving.

• Young Volunteer of the Year - Lucy Marshall

A strong young leader and role model in SLS, Lucy makes a significant impact through her dedication to surf sports, lifesaving, and junior development. As an U17 member, Lucy is an active competitor who regularly attends training sessions and carnivals, including State and Australian Championships, while also completing patrol duties across both Avoca Beach and Umina SLSC.

Lucy’s greatest contribution is her commitment to mentoring younger members. As Assistant Age Manager for the U12 Girls, she consistently supports Sunday Nippers and steps into leadership roles at major carnivals. She brings energy, positivity, and structure, helping foster both strong performance and a fun, inclusive team environment.

Lucy plays a key role in junior development through board coaching, particularly with younger and less confident nippers. Her engaging approach builds confidence, improves skills, and encourages long-term participation. Always willing to help, she contributes to fundraising, youth development programs, and patrol mentoring. Her leadership, enthusiasm, and genuine care for others create lasting impact, that inspiring younger members.

• Official of the Year - Skye Marshall

Skye Marshall is an exceptional Technical Official whose leadership, expertise and innovation have made a significant impact across all levels of Surf Life Saving throughout the 2025/26 season. With more than ten years of officiating experience across both Junior and Open competition, Skye combines outstanding technical knowledge with a calm, professional leadership style that has earned widespread respect throughout the surf sports community.

This season, Skye attained her Senior Official qualification and was personally requested to serve as Chief Judge at the 2026 Surf Life Saving New South Wales Championships, recognising her outstanding professionalism and expertise. She officiated at Club, Branch, State and National level events, including the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships and World Ocean Series competitions. Her appointment as the inaugural female Branch Carnival Referee at the Central Coast Junior Championships marked a significant milestone for gender representation within surf sports officiating.

As a recognised “Liveheats Super User,” Skye has also transformed event operations by improving results processing, communication and carnival efficiency through innovative digital solutions. Beyond her technical expertise, she actively mentors’ new officials and volunteers, fostering an inclusive and supportive officiating culture.

Skye’s unwavering commitment to integrity, fairness and continuous improvement has elevated officiating standards across the Central Coast and established her as a highly respected leader and role model within Surf Life Saving.

• Surf Sports Team of the Year - U17 Male Taplin Relay Team

The U17 Male Taplin Relay Team, comprising swimmer Bodi Bone, board paddler Zac McKay and ski paddler Tor Manser, enjoyed an exceptional 2025/26 season, establishing themselves as one of the premier youth teams in Surf Life Saving.

Their success was highlighted by Gold Medals at both the SLSCC Branch Championships and SLSNSW State Championships, before securing a Silver Medal at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. These outstanding results reflect the team's commitment, work ethic, consistency and ability to perform under pressure at the highest levels of competition.

While the team did not compete together as a Branch, State or National representative team, each member earned selection in various representative squads throughout the season, further demonstrating their individual talent and dedication.

Beyond their competitive achievements, the team has been an outstanding example of sportsmanship, leadership and service. Zac McKay has volunteered as an Age Manager for the U10 Boys, while Bodi Bone has supported developing athletes through board and surf skills coaching. Tor Manser has dedicated his time to mentoring younger paddlers at his local kayak club, helping build confidence and skills in the water.

Together, they actively support younger members, contribute to broader lifesaving activities and foster a positive, inclusive culture. Their leadership, humility and commitment make them exceptional ambassadors for Surf Life Saving.

• Coach of the Year - Trevor Gee

Trevor Gee is an exceptional high-performance coach whose leadership and expertise have driven remarkable success for Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club throughout the 2025/26 season. As Head Coach, Trevor has transformed the club’s competitive program through his athlete-centred philosophy, fostering a culture of excellence, resilience and continuous improvement across both junior and open divisions.

Under Trevor’s guidance, Avoca Beach dominated at Branch level, again surpassing 1000 points, while also achieving an outstanding 5th overall at the Surf Life Saving New South Wales State Championships. Nationally, the club celebrated multiple finals appearances and medal-winning performances at the Australian Championships, including gold medals in the U15 Male Ironperson, Surf Race, 2km Ocean Swim, Board Rescue and Cameron Relay events. Trevor also served as Co-Head Coach of the Central Coast Interbranch Team, helping secure its best result in years with a 2nd place finish.

Beyond results, Trevor has made a significant impact developing future coaches, mentoring emerging leaders and refining the club’s “Avoca Coaching Blueprint.” His holistic approach integrates athlete wellbeing, mindset training and leadership development, creating a supportive “one club” culture that inspires athletes and coaches alike. Trevor’s innovation, professionalism and commitment to Surf Life Saving make him a highly respected leader and role model within the wider community.

• Administrator of the Year - Stuart Harvey

Stuart has demonstrated exceptional leadership as President of Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club, now in his fourth year in the role. A club Life Member, his long- standing commitment is evident in his hands-on approach and dedication to both governance and community. Stuart leads a nine-member Board with professionalism, introducing BoardPro to improve reporting, transparency, and accountability across club operations.

Under his leadership, membership has grown by over 23% in four years, including an 8% increase this season, reflecting a strong, inclusive, and engaged club culture. He maintains clear communication with members and stakeholders through regular updates and community engagement. He works closely with senior staff on recruitment, performance, and operational planning, ensuring strong outcomes across all areas of the club. He also represents the club by liaising with Council, lifeguards, and community groups, which strengthens key relationships.

Stuart actively patrols, trains members, and supports events. His commitment, vision, and leadership continue to drive the club’s success and community impact.

We are incredibly proud of these results and of everyone who represents our club. Thank you to all of our members, volunteers, staff, coaches, officials, patrol members and supporters who contribute so much to our club every day. Your hard work, dedication and community spirit are what make Avoca Beach SLSC such a special place.