Surf Life Saving SA was proud to award Life Membership to Chris Parsons, Kylie Ellison, Ron Harwood and Raelene Donnell at the 2024 Awards of Excellence.
To find out more about the 2024 Awards of Excellence winners, click here.
To find out more about the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, click here.
Raelene Donnell - Semaphore SLSC
Raelene a selfless and compassionate surf lifesaver who boasts an incredible 59-year career. First joining Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club in 1965, she’s celebrated key milestones in surf lifesaving history, from the introduction of Nippers in the late 60s to the official recognition of female surf life saver in the 1980s.
She is a fixture at every event on the sporting calendar, not only officiating on the beach but tirelessly working behind-the-scenes at Surf Central each week to prepare for upcoming competitions and ensure smooth operations. Whether it’s sorting medals, organising uniform packs, preparing paperwork or washing officials vests, she does it all without a complaint.
While her contributions extend across various areas of surf lifesaving, her true passion lies in Rescue and Resuscitation. She has dedicated countless hours to coaching, education, and support, not only for Semaphore's youth but also for neighbouring clubs. Her expertise has led her to officiate at club, state, and national levels, earning recognition such as the prestigious Bob Woodger Trophy for Aussies R&R Official of the Year in 2011.
Finally, proving that it’s never too late to don the red and yellow, she also completed her first patrol at 72 years old in 2022.
Raelene has found every opportunity to grow our movement and pave the way for women and future generations of surf life savers. She is a role model, she is the first female president at Semaphore, she is a surf lifesaving superwoman.
Chris Parsons - Brighton SLSC
Chris is a highly dedicated, accomplished and long-service member of Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and the State Emergency Operations Group.
The red and yellow runs thick in his veins, having obtained a wealth of qualifications since joining the movement 33 years ago as a nipper.
While currently most renowned for his role as Crew Chief with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter service, Chris have also played a key role in the Jet Rescue Boat, Jet Ski and Inflatable Rescue Boat service. First obtaining his bronze medallion in 1995, Chris has since accumulated over 4000 patrol hours and 900 flying hours.
Chris has held many positions at Brighton SLSC, including President, Vice President, Patrol Captain, Security manager, IT Manager, Bar Manager amongst many others.
He has received various accolades, including the 2015 South Australian Emergency Service Medal, 2016 National Medal, and 2022 SLSA Meritorious Award. In addition, he has obtained his Gold Medallion – the highest award in Surf Life Saving.
His impact is felt strongly across the broader South Australian community, having served on the Lifesaving Advisory Committee for seven years while being involved in community outreach, school landings, fundraisers, shows, and the iconic Brighton Jetty Classic.
Kylie Ellison - Semaphore SLSC, Brighton SLSC
Kylie has been a respected and highly dependable member at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club since 1997 and Brighton Surf Life Saving Club since 2014. Her dedication is exemplified by over 4000 patrol hours.
For nearly a quarter-century, she has been an integral part of the State Emergency Operations Group, making significant contributions to the Jet Rescue Boat service and serving as a Duty Officer. She’s also excelled as a trainer and assessor in various areas such as Bronze and ARTC, while facilitating SMAR courses and aiding in Jet Boat training.
Her involvement extends to surf sports at state and national levels, having previously served as a carnival safety officer, Powercraft Coordinator at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships, and an official at the Australian IRB Championships. Notably, she even held the role of medical Coordinator at the 2018 World Lifesaving Championships.
But of course, Kylie doesn’t like missing a second of the action, and also spent many years competing with the Brighton IRB racing crew.
Her unwavering passion, enthusiasm and versatility in service duties are the hallmarks of a remarkable surf lifesaver, which is why it’s no surprise she is a three-time SLSSA Awards of Excellence winner, previously being named Assessor of the Year in 2006, Surf Life Saver of the Year in 2013, and Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Her contributions have also received national recognition with awards like the National Service Medal in 2015, 20-Year National Patrol Service award in 2018, and South Australian Emergency Services Medal in 2020.
Ronald Harwood - Christies Beach SLSC, Somerton SLSC
Ron joined the movement in 1967 and today celebrates a 56-year membership spanning across Semaphore, South Port, North Haven, Henley, Somerton, and most notably, Christies Beach.
In Surf Sports he has excelled as a Surf Boat Sweep, nurturing talent and guiding multiple clubs to success through coaching and sweep development. He’s represented South Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia on numerous occasions, most notably winning Gold in the 2017 Reserve Women’s ASRL and 120yrs Open Women’s races. He’s also claimed over 20 SA State Championship medals as the sweep of several Junior, Open and Masters male and female crews between 1970 and 2023.
In addition to his many surf sport accolades, Ron holds 38 awards, including a 15 Year Patrol Service Award and a 25 Year Long Service Award. At state level he’s held several important administrative positions, including state council, board member, chairperson and club president. He was also instrumental in the rebuild of Christies Beach Surf Life Saving Club, working tirelessly to create the foundations of the Mid Coast Surf Life Saving Clubs Group for the development, stability and financial benefit of the five surf clubs within the City of Onkaparinga.
