Andrew Edwards and his service to our community

Today, we recognise our very own Club Patrol Captain Andrew Edwards for his nominations for a 2023 Service to Community Award in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and a 2023 Citizen of the Year Award in the City of Charles Sturt Australia Day Awards.

The awards allow local Councils to recognise and appreciate the service, commitment, effort and achievements of individuals and organisations to enhance community spirit and pride in our City.

Ex-President, Paul Breden wrote in his nomination for Andrew:

“Andrew was nominated for the awards due to his tireless support of our community through life saving services (Semaphore SLSC). Andrew joined Semaphore in 2010, patrolled for 10 years and has lead our Semaphore SLSC patrol team for the last 4 years, using his professionalism and good character to protect and keep our community safe.

Andrew’s service to the community is incredible with his lead by example approach to surf patrols and working with and supporting our life savers. His commitment is part of what makes our beaches and community a safer place. He has worked especially hard to champion recognition of members, ensuring club awards are up to date (i.e patrol hours milestone, service awards etc), and instilling a feeling of belonging and worth for many of our club members. Everyone has a role to play and Andrew is great at finding what that is and encouraging others to participate.

He arranges club events to keep members motivated and happy, BBQs, workshops, activities, even held a sleep over for youth members to encourage comradery (but definitely not sleep). Andrew sees all facets of volunteering and harnesses them, service, commitment, reliability, respect, friendship and fun. This has grown our patrolling numbers and also seen members lost to the club return and find their passion again in surf.

Andrew has also raised the professionalism of our operations with his leadership and vision for our Rescue Ready Facility. The facility is genuinely state of the art and would rival any emergency service (professional or volunteer) for its layout, safety and efficiency. Semaphore is able to deploy Vehicles, Inshore Rescue Boats and other rescue water craft in under 5 minutes (from unlocking the door) 24/7 proving our facility is living up to its
name.

He has worked with our Chief Instructor and Trainers to ensure all patrolling members are appropriately supported with training, and given the opportunity to learn new skills and fill specific roles on patrols, this has increased flexibility and will longer term take pressure of specialised operators such as IRB drivers.

As mentioned, Andrew takes his role as Club Captain and Board Member very seriously. He is a role model for all members (young and old) joining the club, leads by example and empowers people to do their roles and be better, he is an example of everything our movement is about. Even since his own children have moved out of the Surf Lifesaving Community he has continued to contribute, going from strength to strength with a passion and commitment second to none.”

Unfortunately Andrew missed out on receiving the City of Port Adelaide’s 2023 Service to Community Award  on Monday, fingers crossed he is successful today at the City of Charles Sturt Australia Day Awards for the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award. Good luck Drewie, we are all very proud of you! Thank you also to Alli Bampton and Paul Breden for the nominations in the first place!