Duo pick of the bunch

TWO of the Illawarra’s finest young surf life-savers have been recognised for their contributions to the movement by receiving region’s highest accolade for juniors.

Beau Wheeler from Bulli Surf Life Saving Club and Madeleine Green from North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club have been named the male and female winners of the 2008 McDonald’s Junior Life Saver of The Year.

Both Beau and Madeleine are now in contention for the title of New South Wales Junior Life Saver of The Year, which will be announced at The New South Wales Age Championship held at Swansea-Belmont in late February.

Madeleine, who is one of North Wollongong’s finest competitors, said “I didn’t expect to win the award, all the nominees do great things for their clubs and just to be nominated was good enough for me”.

Beau, 13, is one of the most active junior members in his club and said “This means a lot to me, I love everything that being involved in surf life saving offers, I can’t think of a better thing to do, helping others while spending time at the beach with all my friends.”

All nominees were interviewed by a panel of life savers, on categories such as contribution to surf life saving, leadership, awards and community involvement.

“Beau and Madeleine have shown a dedicated and on-going contribution to the community,” Surf Life Saving Illawarra’s Mandy Scott said.