BUNBURY man Mike Smith has been recognised for his unrelenting commitment to surf life saving with Australia’s highest award for the sport – a life membership with Surf Life Saving Australia.
Surf Life Saving WA’s chief executive officer Paul Andrew said in the organisation’s 104 year history, no one had been directly involved in the formation of more new clubs than Mr Smith.
Beginning when he was elected the Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club’s president in 1995, Mr Smith has been involved with the Binningup, Dongara-Denison, Champion Bay, Smith’s Beach, Port Bouvard, Capel and Dalyellup clubs and the re-formation of the Busselton club.
Mr Andrew said country-based surf lifesaving had been dramatically expanded through Mr Smith’s tireless dedication.
“All of this has been achieved since 1995, including his years as a board member of Surf Life-Saving WA and later president,” Mr Andrew said.
“Since his retirement from the latter position he has continued to work continuously as a mentor and assessor for the Dalyellup, Smith’s Beach and Busselton clubs, as well as helping to co-ordinate rescue services throughout WA’s South West”.
As the first country-based president of the state, Mr Smith was responsible for breaking the 80-year stranglehold metropolitan clubs have had on this position.
“Mike Smith has made a unique contribution to WA surf lifesaving, one of undoubted distinction, and therefore worthy of Surf Life Saving Australia’s highest award.”