The 2025 Annual General Meeting was a special one as we welcomed two (2) new Life Members and celebrated the outstanding achievements of the 2024-2025 season.
Chris Gibbs Stewart, President and Chair of the AGM, noted it was a successful 118th season at North Steyne SLSC, with once again, no lives lost whilst on patrol. This is a record that everyone should be very proud of and it takes leadership, teamwork and dedication to maintain this impressive result.
Chris mentioned the many highlights of the season including co-hosting the very successful 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, all the special events and carnivals held at North Steyne and the impressive results across the Club in local carnivals, branch, state and Aussies.
She also highlighted the improvements to the clubhouse including the change rooms, IRB shed and the grant secured to undertake critical repairs, much needed painting and general improvements to the building.
Anthony Kwan, Treasurer, spoke to the good financial results and better than expected positive bottom line achieved for the season. He noted the better than budgeted revenue due to an insurance payout, and increased bar, clothing sales and function hire.
Patron James Griffin MP spoke about North Steyne’s contribution to the community and read his Community Recognition Statement which he delivered to the NSW Parliament on 25 June 2025. You can find this statement here.
We welcomed 2 new Life Members, Jo Copper and Maxine Peacock-Smith. This is always very exciting as it is the pinnacle of recognition at North Steyne, and it is great to have 2 females join this esteemed group of members.
Jo Cooper was awarded Life Membership given her extraordinary and sustained service to the Club and the surf lifesaving movement over the past 21 years (20 years as a patrolling member). Jo’s contribution is not only reflected in the 1400+ volunteer patrol hours she has dedicated to surf lifesaving over two decades, but also in the depth and breadth of her involvement across every facet of the Club. Her sustained commitment has consistently embodied some of the highest ideals of surf lifesaving—service, leadership, inclusion, and community.
Maxine Peacock-Smith’s leadership, commitment, and service over more than 20 years have made a significant and lasting difference to our Club, making her a deserving Life Member. Her contributions go well beyond patrolling and lifesaving duties—she has helped build a stronger, more connected club community. Maxine has been a steady and positive influence during both good times and more challenging periods, always supporting members and encouraging participation. Maxine has guided many members through training, development, and personal growth, helping them feel confident and valued. Her efforts have helped shape North Steyne into the inclusive, high-performing, and community-minded Club it is today.
Congratulations as well to Sarah Lally for receiving an Outstanding Service Award. This recognises Sarah’s outstanding contribution as the Surf Sports Director, the work she puts into training and competition, and all her terrific work with the Life Saving Team, which has achieved very impressive results under her enthusiastic leadership.
The Board was also confirmed as well as the Panels. You can see the results here.
The Patrons were thanked for their support including James Griffin MP, Zali Stegall MP OAM, Sydney Northern Beaches Major Sue Heins, President, Balgowlah RSL Graeme Stone, Balgowlah RSL Director Des McAteer, and Greg Bennett, Bennett Surfboards.
The 2024-2025 Annual Report, including the audited financial statements, can be found here, or stop by the Club to pick up a printed copy.
Thank you once again to all our members and supporters for your contribution to such a successful season!
