Cudgen Headland Surf Lifesaving Club is set to win as much as $5,000 in a new competition launched by Nikon.
The “Nikon Clubbie of the Year” award is a way of not only raising money for surf clubs but also raising the profile of usually unsung heroes.
At Cudgen it was Brian Lewis who was nominated for all the work he does behind the scenes both patrolling and helping to restore the club’s financial stability.
Brian has made it through to the final of the inaugural ‘Nikon Clubbie of the Year’ award, designed to recognise the selfless commitment by clubbies across the country.
He is an all-rounder, actively patrolling the beach and training members of the community on water safety to restoring the clubs financial stability.
Brian is one of 34 NSW surf lifesavers in the final. Every vote for Brian means Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club will receive a $10 credit for Nikon gear, redeemable for equipment such as binoculars which will help members perform their lifesaving duties – so every vote really does count!
A member of the Cudgen club since 1999, Brian manages to juggle his club commitments, with his business and with his role with the Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce. He is also on the FNC Branch committee as director of education looking after our four Tweed Coast Club.
Brian said he was honoured (if not a little embarrassed) to be nominated, seeing it as another way to get much needed equipment. He said it was such a good opportunity that he urged the region’s other clubs to come on board and nominate their members next year.
As someone who knows just how vital Clubbies are to the Australian way of life and how much hard work and commitment is involved, Australian Ironman legend Trevor Hendy is urging everyone to get behind their local clubbie and vote:
“Surf Life Saving was and still is a huge part of my life, ever since I started as a nipper all those years ago. Being Australian I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our clubbies and the commitment they make every day to keeping our families safe. They are an iconic symbol of Australian life and deserve recognition for all the times they go above and beyond so we can enjoy our beach days without worry.
“I am so excited to get on board and support this amazing award, which Nikon developed as a way of recognising the huge commitment Clubbies across Australia make all year round. The funds raised will make a huge difference to clubs at grassroots level, with the $10 per vote going directly to local clubs.
“Brian makes a huge difference to the Cudgen Headland community so I really hope everyone gets behind him!.”
During the public voting stage, every vote a Clubbie receives through the ‘Nikon Clubbie of the Year’ Award earns their club Nikon gear credits and gives them a better chance of winning this prestigious title along with $5,000 cash for them and $5,000 for their club.
To vote for Brian visit nikonclubbieoftheyear.com.au. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday, October 2. The six finalists with the most votes will be flown to the Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence on October 8 where Trevor Hendy will announce and present this ‘People’s Choice’ award in front of their peers.
In addition to the prize money and Nikon gear credits, all six finalists will receive the new Nikon COOLPIX AW 100 shockproof, freezeproof and waterproof camera. Nikon is also making a $10 contribution to Surf Life Saving for every AW100 sold (for a limited time).
