Surf Life Saving SA congratulates John Baker AM on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours.
The Order of Australia formally recognises and celebrates Australians from 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.
Individuals are appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.
Awards are made by the Governor-General, on the nomination of the responsible minister in each state or territory, and at the federal level.
John Baker (AM) – Order of Australia Member for Services to Surf Life Saving
John, better known as JB, has had a tremendous impact on Surf Life Saving from grassroots levels through to the development of national strategy and policy. First joining in 1977, John has dedicated over 40 years to the movement at club, state, and national levels.
John has been an active member of Brighton Surf Life Saving Club as a patrolling member, competitor, and office-bearer. John was awarded Life Membership in 2016 and has performed over 2,500 patrol hours – the third highest on record for the club. He held the position of Patrol Captain for 10 years and has been involved in numerous rescues. He has also served on the Senior and Junior Management Committees for a combined period of 13 years.
John joined the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in 1994 and is one of the longest serving crew members in Australia. Over the past 26 years, John has competed over 1,000 operational hours and has performed countless rescues, searches and first aid cases. As Senior Crewman and Training Officer, he has been responsible for training many of the new crew over the last seven seasons. As a member of the Crew Executive, he has also been involved in the development of training manuals and resources for helicopter rescue operations.
John has served on the SLSSA Board for 15 years, including stints as State President, an Independent Director, and Director of Lifesaving Services. He also held the role of Surf Life Saving SA CEO for an impressive 28 years before retiring in 2014. In 2021, John made history with his appointment as National President – the first to be elected outside of New South Wales and Queensland.
John’s incredible passion, commitment and leadership within the movement has resulted in a list of accolades, including:
· The 2011 South Australian Emergency Services Medal in recognition of distinguished and meritorious service,
· 2017 Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian emergency service,
· 2018 International Lifesaving Citation of Merit for distinguished service,
· 2019 Ministerial Commendation for sustained service with the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service,
· 2021 SLSSA Hall of Fame appointment,
· The National Medal and 30 Years Patrol Service Award,
John’s services to Australian Red Cross have also been recognised by the following awards:
· Long Service Medal
· Divisional Service Award Merit
· Recognition Award – International Humanitarian Law Committee
The Surf Life Saving SA community is incredibly proud of John’s appointment, which is well-deserved after a lifetime of commitment to protecting the community and saving lives.
