It was a night to remember for Forster’s Laura Thurtell at the 2016 NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence who was crowned Masters Athlete of the Year at a gala ceremony in Sydney on Saturday.
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Often one of only a handful of athletes representing clubs from the lower North Coast at surf carnivals the spotlight shone brightly on the talented competitor who has just completed a stellar season in both surf and pool.
In 2015-16 she won six medals at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships including gold in the surf, tube, ironwoman, and ski relay race.
At the Aussies she wrapped up her season with two gold and two silver medals, while also winning a further four gold medals at The Australian Pool Rescue Championships.
“It’s awesome to win the award, Paul Lemmon (Terrigal) normally wins it every year so I’m stoked to be crown this year’s Masters Athlete of the Year,” Laura said.
“Winning the ironwoman at the Australian championships this year for my age group was the highlight for me.”
While her results are clearly outstanding, it’s her efforts coaching and mentoring the next generation of juniors at club and branch level that earned her widespread respect within the Surf Life Saving family.
One of her highlights has been her involvement in the development of the Koori Surf Rescue Certificate Course for indigenous teens at the local high school.
Laura undertook her own training assessment course in order to achieve the qualifications needed to run the eight week course.
Six participants achieved their SRC and will take on patrolling duties at the club, while one of the class who is a talented board rider will travel to the upcoming board championships representing Forster SLSC.
“I was approached by the local high school to run a group for Koori kids to teach them about surf awareness and then progressed to the kids doing their Surf Rescue Certificate,” Laura said.
“This season, six of the children obtained their SRC and they’ve come into the Surf Club and we have one competing in few weeks at the State Board Riding Championships at Soldiers Beach on the Central Coast.”
Clearly Laura Thurtell is not only a great competitor, but is making a difference in her community ensuring that the next generation are ready to enter the lifesaving family.
