Marangio receives top lifesaving honour

CAPE Paterson Surf Life Saving Club’s Liam Marangio took out Life Saving Victoria’s coveted Graeme Long Memorial Medal for Volunteer of the Year at the Awards of Excellence 2023.

The Graeme Long Memorial Medal – named in memory of the contributions of former Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club member Graeme Long – is presented annually to the member whose contribution significantly benefitted their club or enhanced the development of Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) mission and values.

Mr Marangio said he was incredibly proud to be named Victoria’s lifesaving volunteer of the year.

“It is an absolute honour and incredibly humbling to take home the Graeme Long Memorial Medal, especially in the 20-year anniversary of the Awards of Excellence,” he said. 

“I have been a proud member at Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) since 2008, when I started as an U6 nipper, and I am proud to be part of a movement that prevents drowning and enables visitors and locals to return home from their day at the beach safely.”

Inverloch SLSC’s Jackson Comrie was named Youth Lifesaver of the Year for the 14 to 17 year old category.

“I’m very proud to be named Youth Lifesaver of the Year for the 14-17 years category,” he said.

“Inverloch SLSC, and lifesaving in general, is a great place for young people to gain valuable lifesaving and leadership skills and make great friends for life.

“I look forward to continuing to gain more lifesaving certifications and someday be an LSV state duty officer.”

LSV president Paul James ASM congratulated the Bass Coast winners for their outstanding commitment across the 360 degrees of lifesaving.

“I could not be more proud of our Awards of Excellence winners for their well deserved recognition after another incredible season of lifesaving,” he said.

“Liam and Jackson exemplify what it means to be part of our movement, being dedicated club patrollers, leaders and mentors to the next generation of lifesavers.

“Congratulations to everyone who was a nominee, finalist or winner at our 20-year anniversary Awards of Excellence.”