SLSA launches book to recognise those who served

The names of more than 8,000 surf lifesavers who have served in wars and conflicts have been recognised in a book commissioned by Surf Life Saving Australia.

Those Who Served: Lifesavers At War was officially launched by the Governor of NSW, David Hurley at a moving function in Sydney.

Launching the book, Governor Hurley (pictured below) stated “the title Those Who Served I think is very important because it’s all about service, it’s all about putting community first and I think that’s really the essence of the Australian spirit.”

Among the guest speakers were Peter and Marie Robinson, the parents of Cudgen Head SLSC member Rowan Robinson who was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2011.

Peter Robinson explained that his son “epitomised the image of the bronzed Aussie, 6’4” tall and 95kg of lean, hard tanned muscle, a mop of blonde hair, a cheeky big smile and a wicked sense of humour.

“It was no surprise when Rowan was co-opted into the ranks of the boaties in his late teens.

“It is not difficult to draw comparisons between soldiers and surf lifesavers. Both are extremely fit, well trained and motivated. Both have complete faith in the person beside them.”

The book took more than three years to complete, under the guidance of author Stan Vesper and his SLSA history committee.

It features profiles on a number of prominent surf lifesavers, including the oldest living SLSA Life Member Harold ‘Binni’ Wilson who served in the Royal Australian Navy during the 1940s.

Sadly, the book also documents the names of more than 700 surf lifesavers who were killed while on active service.

SLSA President Graham Ford concluded “Surf Life Saving and the military are closely bound in Australian society and the contribution of our members is something we are extremely proud of.”

Click here to view a YouTube video with highlights of the launch of Those Who Served: Lifesavers At War.

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