SLS FNC Branch

07/07/2026

With gratitude and great respect, we congratulate Raymond John 'Wato' Watson on this well-deserved recognition!
Seventy years of dedication to surf lifesaving is an extraordinary achievement and a true reflection of John's commitment to helping others and serving the Far North Coast Surf Lifesaving community. John's contribution has touched countless lives and created a lasting legacy. It’s wonderful to see his remarkable service acknowledged — congratulations on this outstanding milestone and thank you for everything you have given to the community.
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/lismoretimes/print-editions/full-digital-edition-july-3/
Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc.
Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club
Cudgen Headland Surf Club
Salt Surf Life Saving Club
Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Brunswick SLSC
Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast - Support Operations
Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving Australia

04/07/2026

A Marine Wind Warning and Hazardous Surf warning is in place for much of the East coast over the next few days with swell also expected to reach 4-5 meters in some locations.

✅ Check SLSNSW Beach Safe App https://beachsafe.org.au for information on patrol status and hazards in your area.

Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club
Cudgen Headland SLSC
Salt Surf Life Saving Club
Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Brunswick SLSC
Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc.
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast - Support Operations

18/06/2026

A wonderful evening hosted at Brunswick SLSC of our 2026 Season Newcastle Permanent Awards of Excellence.
A great celebration with members, guests and supporters recognizing the dedication and contributions of our clubs and their commitment to their communities.
Congratulations to the following Award recipients -
🏆Junior Lifesaver of the Year: Male - Abe Patricks (Yamba SLSC)
🏆Junior Lifesaver of the Year; Female - Miliani Tighe (Lennox Head Alstonville SLSC)
🏆Trainer of the Year - Christine Warren (Evans Head - Casino SLSC)
🏆Assessor of the Year - Jill Ennever (Yamba SLSC)
🏆Facilitator of the Year - David Field (Cudgen Headland SLSC)
🏆Jacob Lollback Interbranch trophy - Amy Roberts (Lennox Head Alstonville SLSC)
🏆Rookie Official of the Year - Peter Fitzgerald (Cabarita SLSC)
🏆Official of the Year - Rebecca St John (Yamba SLSC)
🏆Youth Athlete of the Year - Isabella Arghyros (Cudgen Headland SLSC)
🏆Athlete of the Year - Hayley Smith (Cudgen Headland SLSC)
🏆Masters Athlete of the Year - Alan Dunne (Yamba SLSC)
🏆Surf Sports Team - U13 Male Surf Team (Yamba SLSC)
🏆Coach of the Year - Stephen George (Cudgen Headland SLSC)
🏆Patrol Captain of the Year - Craig Reid (Brunswick SLSC)
🏆Support Operations Member of the Year - Rob Slade (Cudgen Headland SLSC)
🏆Services Team of the Year - BBQ Squad (Fingal Rovers SLSC)
🏆Administrator of the Year - Karen Perris (Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC)
🏆Young Volunteer of the Year - Matilda Langtry (Brunswick SLSC)
🏆Volunteer of the Year - Christine Warren (Evans Head - Casino SLSC)
🏆Young Lifesaver of the Year - Logan Miltiadou (Yamba SLSC)
🏆Surf Lifesaver of the Year - Aiden Yourell (Evans Head - Casino SLSC)
🏆Presidents Award - Joe Dougherty (President Yamba SLSC)
🏆Junior Club of the Year -
🥇Yamba SLSC
🥈Byron Bay SLSC
🥉Cudgen Headland SLSC
🏆Surf Sports Club of the Year -
🥇Cudgen Headland SLSC
🥈Yamba SLSC
🥉Byron Bay SLSC
🏆Administrative Club of the Year -
🥇Cudgen Headland SLSC
🥈Evans Head - Casino SLSC
🥉Yamba SLSC
🏆Education Club of the Year -
🥇Cudgen Headland SLSC
🥈Byron Bay SLSC
🥉Yamba SLSC
🏆Lifesaving Club of the Year -
🥇Cudgen Headland SLSC
🥈Yamba SLSC
🥉Byron Bay SLSC
🏆Overall Club of the Year
🥇Cudgen Headland SLSC
🥈Yamba SLSC
🥉Byron Bay SLSC

11/06/2026

On Saturday afternoon Far North Coast Branch will celebrate the achievements of our dedicated volunteer members.

Congratulations to all members nominated for this season 2025/26

11/06/2026

With great pride and appreciation of his service, SLSFNC Branch congratulates DAVID ROPE for recognition in the King's Birthday 2026 Honours List (Meritorious Awards).

Awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.

"Mr David Rope is a distinguished individual with over three decades of service and well over 4,000 frontline patrolling hours. His surf lifesaving (SLS) journey is characterised by integrity, leadership, and unwavering service to the community. He has been instrumental in shaping lifesaving operations in the Far North Coast
(FNC) Branch of Surf Life Saving NSW, where he served as branch secretary and director of lifesaving for many terms. Through his leadership, Mr Rope has spearheaded regional lifesaving initiatives, managed operational developments, mentored numerous volunteers, and enhanced interagency coordination,
elevating the region's lifesaving capabilities.
Renowned for his operational expertise and calm demeanour during emergencies, Mr Rope has led the FNC Rescue Services team to consistently respond to incidents in a structured, methodical, safety-focused manner while also fostering a culture of learning and accountability. As a SLS duty officer, he plays a crucial
role in responding to coastal incidents and is a respected figure in both the SLS community and broader emergency services sector.
During March 2022, northern NSW experienced extreme weather and devastating floods. In the role of forward commander, Mr Rope coordinated hundreds of deployed members, integrating resources, equipment and supplies to local needs and liaising with multiple emergency service agencies to coordinate
rescues and enhance decision-making and support. He was an integral part of the disaster response, and his local knowledge, exceptional leadership and consistent sharp decision-making during the disaster ensured that countless lives were saved.
Mr Rope’s outstanding contributions to public safety across multiple emergency service domains, his enduring commitment to safeguarding lives and his exemplary service record epitomises the values of service, leadership, and community spirit."

09/06/2026

// Thank a First Responder Day because recognition for the selfless service of helping others is important.

Our surf lifesaving first responders face unpredictable, high-pressure environments every day to protect their communities.

Our volunteer patrolling members, Rescue Services Personnel including our Duty Officers, RWC Operators, UAV Teams, as well as our Club Emergency Call Out Teams – THANK YOU. ❤️💛❤️💛

Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club
Cudgen Headland SLSC
Salt Surf Life Saving Club
Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Brunswick SLSC
Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc.
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast - Support Operations
Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving Australia

26/05/2026

Byron Bay Police are seeking public assistance to locate the owner of a Marin brand stand-up paddle board located on Tyagarah Beach, Brunswick Heads, on Tuesday 26 May 2026.
If you have any information, please contact Byron Bay Police Station on (02) 6685 9499 and quote reference E88663739 and X0005137315.

Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club
Cudgen Headland SLSC
Salt Surf Life Saving Club
Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Brunswick SLSC
Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc.
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast - Support Operations

Byron Bay Police are seeking public assistance to locate the owner of a Marlin brand stand-up paddle board located on Tyagarah Beach, Brunswick Heads, on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

If you have any information, please contact Byron Bay Police Station on (02) 6685 9499 and quote reference E88663739 and X0005137315.

20/05/2026

RSVP: https://form.jotform.com/261297727104863
Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club
Cudgen Headland SLSC
Salt Surf Life Saving Club
Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Brunswick SLSC
Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc.
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast - Support Operations

14/05/2026

The next FNC Branch RWC Operator Course commences Sunday 14 June 2026.

Expressions of Interest Close Sunday 17 May 2026.

For all of the information required and to apply follow this link;https://www.slsfnc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SLSFNC-RWC-Operators-EOI-Application-09042026.pdf

Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club
Cudgen Headland Surf Club
Salt Surf Life Saving Club
Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Brunswick SLSC
Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc.
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast - Support Operations

14/04/2026

The next FNC Branch RWC Operator Course commences Sunday 14 June 2026.

Expressions of Interest Close Sunday 17 May 2026
For all of the information required and to apply follow this link;https://www.slsfnc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SLSFNC-RWC-Operators-EOI-Application-09042026.pdf

Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club
Cudgen Headland SLSC
Salt Surf Life Saving Club
Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Brunswick SLSC
Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc.
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Far North Coast - Support Operations