Surf Life Saving Australia congratulates 2025 Australia Day honourees

Surf Life Saving Australia has congratulated 12 surf lifesavers honoured on Australia Day 2025 and announced by the Governor General in Canberra.

With almost 200,000 members, surf lifesavers represent Australia’s largest volunteer movement. The vital role they play in providing preventative actions and positive contributions on our beaches and in our communities cannot be understated.

Surf Life Saving Australia President, John Baker, celebrated those associated with the movement both past and present, who were  honoured for their commitment to saving lives and providing an exceptional level of service both on our beaches and out in our communities. 

Baker shared “on behalf of Surf Life Saving Australia, I would like to congratulate all those associated with our movement who were today honoured for their outstanding community service as part of the Australia Day Honours List.

“We are proud that the commitment of so many of our volunteers has been recognised at a national level by the Governor General and all Australians.

“Among the incredible surf lifesavers recognised is The Honourable James Edelman (North Cottesloe SLSC), who has been award with a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

“Each year, surf lifesavers dedicate more than 1.4 million volunteer hours patrolling our Australian beaches and coastlines, but more than that, they contribute to local communities through training and educating our young people, providing aid in times of emergency, fundraising and so much more.

“Our organisation and all of Australia is fortunate to have people of this quality associated with our movement. We are stronger thanks to their commitment, involvement and invaluable contributions over the years.”

Congratulations to the below Surf Life Saving Australia Day recipients:

COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

• The Honourable James Edelman, North Cottesloe SLSC

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

• Mr Michael Byrne, Elouera SLSC

• Professor Julie Redfern, Terrigal SLSC

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

• Mr Callum Simpson, Alexandra Headland SLSC

• Mrs Lani Pallister, Alexandra Headland SLSC

• Dr Karen Douglas-Make, Avoca Beach SLSC

• Ms Peta Freeman, Fremantle SLSC

• The Late Mr Robert Lynch, Black Head SLSC 

Meritorious Awards – Emergency Services Medal (ESM)

• Mr Michael Wasley, Mona Vale SLSC

• Mrs Julie Wilcox, Forster SLSC

• Dr Anthony Hodder, Point Lonsdale SLSC

• Mr Mark Regel, Fremantle SLSC