Our Emma outshines the pack

Emma Greene from Bulli Surf Life Saving Club has been voted the 2008 Surf Life Saving Hero for the Illawarra.

Ms Greene, at just 17 years of age, beat a number of more senior Surf Life Savers to win the prestigious award; including fellow local Charles Heygi from Towradgi SLSC and Tom Letters from Nowra Culburra SLSC, who has previously won an award for bravery.

Ms Greene was nominated for her work running classes on surf safety.

She became involved in the classes after hip problems meant she could no longer compete in Surf Life Saving competitions.

This year she is also the Youth Advisor for Surf Life Saving Illawarra, meaning she is in charge of organising all the youth events for young Surf Life Savers in the area.

Ms Greene said she was surprised when she got the call about a month ago, telling her she had won.

“I was actually quite shocked,” she said.

“I wasn’t expecting it because there were lots of older people in the running as well, so I was very shocked to hear it.”

Ms Greene said she sees the award as a very high achievement and an honour she will never forget.

She was officially presented with the accolade last Friday

As well as a trophy showing her achievement the dedicated young Surf Life Saver secured a $1000 prize for her club.

Ms Greene said the money may be put toward a rookie development camp for young club members.

The awards are sponsored by Telstra and Telstra General Manager for the Illawarra Pat Nolan said they are an important way to recognise the efforts of a valuable group of volunteers.

“There were truly some inspirational people that had been nominated as their club’s ‘Hero’ and it was great to see the community’s involvement and support by voting for them,” he said.

“The search was about recognising people who live, love and breathe Surf Life Saving and really go that extra step.”