Wednesday 28 October 2026
S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:32): Today, I would like to acknowledge two office holders from the Somerton Surf Life Saving Club who have recently finished their terms: Louise Lawson as secretary and Brad Keighran as president.
Community organisations like the Somerton Surf Life Saving Club rely on dedicated volunteers who are willing to give up their time and take on responsibilities behind the scenes. Since joining the club in 2013, Lou has been one of those people, working hard to ensure the club has the resources, support and opportunities it needs to thrive. During her time as secretary, Lou played an important role in securing grants and funding to support the club. She has led funding initiatives that have helped the club secure resources for equipment, programs and day-to-day operations.
This work was particularly important during COVID, when external funding helped maintain the club's financial viability and ensured it could keep supporting its members and our wider community. That work takes persistence, time and a great deal of effort, but it makes a real difference to what a volunteer organisation is able to deliver for its members and our broader community.
One particularly important achievement was Lou's work to secure the state government's Power of Her grant, which supports the delivery of the Her Wave program at the club. This program aims to increase female participation in surf sport, giving women and girls the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence and become involved in club activities.
Lou's service has also been recognised through a number of awards, including the Somerton Surf Life Saving Club Most Outstanding Service Award on two occasions, the Warwick Holland Award for her commitment to the junior program, the club's 10-year Long Service Award, and Surf Life Saving Australia's five-year National Patrol Service Award. These honours reflect the breadth of her contribution, from supporting junior members to helping ensure the club is well managed and equipped to continue its work.
While Louise has now stepped down as secretary, I am pleased she will continue to contribute in her role as the club's grants officer. This means Somerton can continue to benefit from her knowledge, experience and ability to identify funding opportunities that support the club's development. Her ongoing involvement is a testament to her commitment to the club and its members. Although she has handed over the responsibilities of secretary, she clearly has plenty still to offer the club in addition to her patrolling duties.
I would also like to acknowledge former club president Brad Keighran, whose nearly two decades of service to Somerton Surf Life Saving Club have made a lasting contribution. From his early work as an age manager and patrol member through to his time as club president over the last three seasons, Brad has supported members at every level, particularly junior and youth members.
While Brad does not live locally, he has been a strong advocate for our community. During the algal bloom, he met with me to discuss the need for additional support for the club, as new members were reluctant to join, particularly as nippers, which meant not only a drop in membership in that year but one that may be enduring. He advocated for additional funding and ensured all surf lifesaving clubs had the support they needed to continue operating safely. His willingness to speak up for our coastal communities and work towards practical solutions reflects a commitment that extends well beyond his formal roles, and I thank him for the time and effort he has given to Somerton.
I would also like to welcome Duncan into the role of secretary and Troy into the role of president. I thank Duncan and Troy for stepping forward to take on these important positions and I wish them all the best as they work with the club's members and volunteers. They are both active members with the club and well respected, and I look forward to supporting them however I am able.
Strong community clubs depend on people being prepared to contribute in different ways. The willingness of people like Duncan, Troy, Lou and Brad taking on these roles in organisations like the Somerton Surf Life Saving Club means they can continue their important work ensuring that our coastal communities are safe and all visitors to our beaches are also safe. Thank you particularly to Louise and Brad for being key to unlocking opportunities for young people in our community.
