Our northern heroes in the running to win

Two locals have been pitted against each other for the chance of being named the 2008 Surf Life Saving Hero.

Charles Heygi from Towradgi SLSC and Emma Greene from Bulli SLSC are the award’s two northern suburb nominees, joining the Illawarra’s third contender Tom Letters, from Nowra Culburra SLSC.

A round of online voting is intended to narrow down the nominees from each region to three, meaning all the local contenders can be confident about making it to the next round.

From there they will be assessed by judges before a winner is announced for each area.

Nominated ‘heroes’ include a mix of life savers, supporters, fundraisers and others who have shown exceptional commitment to Surf Life Saving.

Ms Greene, who was nominated for her work running classes on surf safety said it felt surreal to have her picture and story on the internet.

The 17-year-old 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, placing her in charge of organising all the youth events for young Surf Life Savers.

Ms Greene said she was surprised to be nominated as a ‘hero’, but thinks a win in the competition would be a great achievement to have under her belt.

Charles Heygi is the Chief Instructor for the Towradgi SLSC and dedicates two nights a week to teaching life saving theory.

Every Sunday Mr Heygi teaches the young life savers board skills in preparation for their SLS certificates.

Voting in the 2008 Surf Life Saving Hero award - across all regions - is open until February 29.

To vote for your favourite and read about the local nominees visit www.telstraheroesoftheclub.com.au.