22/05/2026
On 17 May 2026, Club Member Sheryl Sporle-Fahey passed away. Sheryl was an inaugural member of the first all-female bronze squad in 1981, which included Felicity Breene, Julie Andrews, and Marita Campbell. This was momentous in Coogee SLSC’s history with it opening to female membership on 26 July 1981.
As a child Sheryl witnessed a rescue on her home beach Fitzroy in New Zealand. From that day all she wanted to do was surf lifesaving, and when given the opportunity, she did.
When she joined, there were no female competition events, so the opportunities lay in lifesaving and education. During her time in the Club, Sheryl contributed through obtaining a vast array of awards that demonstrated a clear pathway for females wishing to join the Club to emulate.
In 1983, Sheryl became Assistant Chief Instructor, then Chief Instructor for 1984/1985 season. She joined Sydney Branch Board of Control and was an instructor, assessor, and examiner. In 1985, Sheryl was elected as a Club Council Member, which was her greatest highlight as “I felt recognised and valued for my contribution, commitment and results”.
Sheryl moved back to New Zealand in 1987 but always remained close to Coogee through friends like Gary Daly, Matt Scanlon, Peter Carney and reading the Club’s True Blue Weekly newsletter. She flew over for the 40 Years of Women in Surf Life Saving lunch in 2022 and was interviewed regarding those early years: “The future of the Club is in opportunity and inclusivity – providing a safe environment for people of all backgrounds to learn and grow skills to save lives on the beach”.
Her impact on Coogee SLSC will be felt forever and she will be missed. RIP Sheryl.
