Surf Life Saving Queensland
Celebration of 100th Anniversary of the First Recorded Rescue on a Queensland Beach
21 February 2009
Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, MP
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport, Judy Spence, MP
Members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly,
Mr Steve Ciobo, MP, Federal Member for Moncrieff,
His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ron Carke MBE, Gold Coast City Council,
Her Worship the Mayor, Councillor Joan van Lieshout, Tweed Shire Council,
President of Surf Life Saving Australia, Mr Ron Rankin, AM
Mr Ken Bird, OAM, Chairman of Surf Life Saving Queensland,
Executive and Members of Surf Life Saving Queensland,
Surf Life Savers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Girls and boys.
In the spirit of reconciliation that we wish to see fully expressed in our State, so that we may enjoy true harmony in our communities, I acknowledge, with respect, the traditional custodians of the land on which we are gathered, the Yugambeh peoples and their descendants.
This is a wonderful occasion.
As Patron of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), I congratulate everyone involved with this remarkable re-enactment of the first recorded surf rescue on a Queensland beach and the organisation of today's historic celebration.
What those of us who were privileged to be here today have just seen was a vivid and compelling reminder to us all of what the Surf Life Saving movement in Australia and in Queensland gives to our community and has given now for over a century.
As we watched the colourful parade of proud men and women, in their iconic caps and colours, I am sure many among us recalled childhood memories of the sense of security and assurance we felt for ourselves - or for our children - knowing that those wonderful lifesavers were patrolling the beaches, putting out the flags, ever vigilant, at the ready to race to the rescue, help with a blue-bottle sting or sound the shark alert.
We all owe an enormous debt to this army of volunteers, who put their lives on the line, day-in, day-out, weekends and holidays, to assure our safety.
Their service to the community - to our State and our country - is often taken for granted; yet it is, quite simply, heroic: involving an enormous effort by thousands of people, which has created a unique institution famed the world over - one which sets the benchmark for aquatic safety - and for selfless service to others.
On behalf of all Queenslanders, I say thank you to the SLSQ - to the hundreds and thousands of men and women, girls and boys, who have over ten decades written the history of surf life saving and created such an enduring legacy for successive generations. You can be immensely proud of your record - of no lives ever having been lost between the flags, of having saved literally thousands of lives, and of what you contribute, on an ongoing basis - in so many ways - to making our State a safer and healthier place.
Of special importance in this regard are the education and training activities, the ‘nipper' programs and the many activities to encourage young boys and girls across Queensland to become involved. The benefits to our community extend well beyond beach safety - they instill values, encourage fitness and help develop vital skills.
A few moments ago, we saw an impressive display of just what these skills can achieve when a swimmer's life is at risk. While the technology now applied to the science of surf life saving is light years from where it was a century ago, what has not changed is the need for strong swimmers with big hearts who are willing to put their own lives on the line to save others.
Again, I thank you and I express my admiration for all you do - and I know will continue to do in the future, as you inspire the next generation of young heroes to follow your example, so that all Queenslanders may feel safe and may be able to enjoy fully the magnificent beaches that are such an important part of our Australian, and especially of our Queensland, way of life.
Thank you for your attention and have a wonderful day.