LONG serving volunteer lifesavers, Jan and Tony Logue, have both been awarded the Lions Club Citizen of the Year this Australia Day, in acknowledgement of their 40 years service to the community.

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The Award Ceremony was safely conducted at the newly renovated Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC).

Proceedings commenced with long serving SLSC member and Educator, Debbie Booth, stating, “We are many, but we are one, sharing backgrounds, ages, place, stories, histories and a future. Australia Day is a time to reflect and celebrate and these awards demonstrate that our values of vigilance and service are flourishing.”

The Lions Club President, Peter Webb, awarded the honour as a surprise to Jan and Tony, stating, “Each year the Lions Club of Tea Gardens hosts Australia Day Celebrations at which we present an award to honour a local Citizen of the Year.

“The Lions motto is ‘We Serve’ and when choosing the Citizen of the Year we look for someone who has unselfishly served our community.

“This year we received a nomination for a couple who have served the SLSC for over 40 years.

“Jan and Tony have an amazing number of Surf Lifesaving Awards.

“They foster and train youth in the surf lifesaving movement.

“Jan is an inspiration to all members, particularly women and girls, assisting them to achieve their goals by providing advice, encouragement, and support.

“Jan received her Bronze Medallion in 1988, making her one of the first women to receive this award in Australia, a pioneer.

“In the 1990s, Tony and Jan helped raise over $10,000 for a young boy with brain cancer. The money went towards his medical costs enabling him to be treated by Dr Charlie Teo.

“The young boy also had a dream of winning a gold medal at a SLS championship, but due to his medical condition this was not possible.

“That same year, the Logues went to the World SLS Championships in Europe and competed. Tony became a triple world champion and Jan a world champion.

“On his return, Tony presented his gold medals to this young boy without telling a single soul.

“Jan and Tony’s commitment to the SLSC and our community is a huge achievement, worthy of recognition and thanks from our community.”

President Nicole Young told NOTA, “We are honoured to share this award with them today as a club and with our life members present. Thank you to the Lions members for this award.”

By Sandra MURRAY