General News
19 June, 2024
Decades of service acknowledged
PORT Campbell Surf Life Saving Club’s David McKenzie has been recognised for 61 years of service to the community.
He was awarded the Emergency Services Medal to recognise his six-decadelong contribution to Victoria’s lifesaving movement.
A founding member of Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club, Mr McKenzie became a lifesaver in 1963 and was a key figure in developing the lifesaving emergency response capability in the greater western region of Victoria.
He has held multiple leadership roles and he continues to be an active patrolling member at Port Campbell.
Training new volunteer lifesavers has been a major part of Mr McKenzie’s efforts to support lifesaving.
He holds more than 90 lifesaving related training awards and continues to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills and serve their community.
His work has helped build Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club and volunteer lifesaving in the greater western region of Victoria into a strong, highly capable operation that provides a vital and high quality service to the community.
The Emergency Services Medal was awarded to Mr McKenzie as part of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
The medal was created in 1999 to recognise those who have served with distinction within an Australian emergency service, professionally and voluntarily.
The medal also recognises those who have made a significant contribution to emergency management, training and education.
Mr McKenzie said he was feeling “pretty chuffed” about the accolade.
“It was unexpected, but very rewarding,” he said.
“I’m a person that believes I’m one part of a team; this award is for all members at the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club – we are a team.”
Mr McKenzie said a highlight of his career volunteering was seeing younger members of the club progress right through Nippers to patrolling in later years.
“Watching the youth come through the club is very rewarding,” he said.
“That’s the highlight of my career. Another is when ladies were able to join the club, it became a family oriented club.”
