Surf Life Saving SA congratulates Janet Duhne OAM on receiving the Order Of Australia Medal and John Baker and Shane Daw on receiving the Emergency Services Medal in the 2017 Australia Day Honours.
The Order of Australia formally recognises Australians form all walks of life who, every day, make outstanding contributions to our communities and our nation. It is one of Australia's most prestigious national honours.
The Emergency Services Medal (ESM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian emergency service, and people who are involved in emergency management, training or education. The medal was introduced in 1999, and recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "ESM".
Awards are made by the Governor-General, on the nomination of the responsible minister in each state or territory, and at the federal level.
Janet Mary Duhne (OAM) - Order of Australia Medal for Services to Surf Life Saving
Jan became one of the first women in South Australia and was the first female Henley Surf Life Saving Club Member to attain her Bronze Medallion qualification during the 1980-1981 season.
She served as chair of the Ladies Auxiliary at Henley Surf Life Saving Club from 1978-1980 and was a member for 11 years. She was also the Co-Founder and Chair of the Ladies Auxiliary for Surf Life Saving South Australia from 1978-1984 raising significant amounts of money to support the works and progress of the Surf Life Saving movement in South Australia.
Jan made significant contributions to the training of Nippers at Henley Surf Life Saving Club from 1980-1985. Jan was also been a Member at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club from 1992-2001 where she contributed as a Nipper and Junior March Past Coach.
JOHN BAKER - ESM
John has had a significant impact on Surf Life Saving from the grass roots level through to the development of national strategy and policy. Over nearly 40 years he has been a patrolling member, competitor and office bearer at club, state and national levels.
John is currently serving as Surf Life Saving Australia’s Vice President and Surf Life Saving SA’s State president. He has served on national boards for a total of 8 years, the Board of Surf Life Saving SA for 12 years and at his local club Brighton he is a Life Member.
As a volunteer lifesaver he has performed 2,000 patrol hours with the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, where he has performed countless rescues, searches and first aid cases. John is one of the longest serving helicopter crewmen in a career that spans 23 years.
In 2011 he was awarded the South Australian Emergency Services Medal in recognition of distinguished and meritorious service. He has also been awarded the National Medal and his 30 year Patrol Service Award.
John is a former State Director of Lifesaving Services and he is currently in his 6th year as State President. Under his leadership Surf Life Saving SA has expanded as an emergency service and we are now protecting more South Australians in more locations than ever before.
He has developed a strong strategic plan with the Board, which will see SLSSA continue to innovate and expand as the State’s peak water safety authority.
SHANE DAW – ESM
Shane spent many years within Surf Life Saving South Australia and through his involvement has directly and indirectly contributed to the safety and welfare of the general public. Having joined the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club (Glenelg SLSC) as a seven year old in 1970 he has provided over 46 years of service devoting thousands of volunteer hours to beach patrols.
Shane has performed over 1500 hours of voluntary patrol and holds 140 Surf Life Saving Awards.
Shane has been a member of the Westpac Lifesaver rescue Helicopter crew for 27 years and served as Helicopter Crew Chief for 6 years and Aerial Services Manager for another 6 years.
Shane was a member of the Rescue Water Craft Service for 10 years. He has performed more than 150 patrol hours in a season 5 times and has received an Emergency Service Medal, A State Lifesaving Service Award and a National Medal for his contributions in Surf Life Saving. He is also a Surf Life Saving SA Life Member.
He has served on a range of committees and in executive roles with the Glenelg SLSC including as Club President for 12 years, as Deputy President for three years, and as Emergency Services Officer for 28 years.