MARCOOLA Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating one of its strongest years yet, claiming a record 20th Buhk Wilkes Memorial Trophy while also recognising one of its longest-serving members with Life Membership.

The Buhk Wilkes Memorial Trophy is awarded annually by Surf Life Saving Sunshine Coast to the club that demonstrates the highest overall standard in patrol proficiency, administration and operational performance.

Marcoola’s 20th title is a significant milestone and reinforces the club’s standing as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most successful surf lifesaving organisations.

Club president Ben Allsopp said the award belonged to everyone involved with the club.

“Winning the Buhk Wilkes Memorial Trophy for the 20th time is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the hard work and passion shown by our team over many years,” Ben said.

The victory highlights the depth of talent within Marcoola’s membership and the club’s ongoing commitment to excellence both on and off the sand. The achievement also honours the legacy of the Buhk Wilkes Memorial Trophy and the values of dedication, sportsmanship, and teamwork that underpin surf lifesaving.

With two decades of trophy success now secured, Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club looks
ahead with pride and ambition, continuing to inspire future generations of surf lifesavers.

At the recent annual meeting, the club honoured Sebastien De Paula, who was awarded Life Membership in recognition of his outstanding service to the club.

A former nipper, Mr De Paula has devoted years to Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club, contributing an impressive 1,587 patrol hours while also mentoring members, delivering training and supporting surf lifesaving operations across Queensland.

He has served in a wide range of leadership roles including Club Captain, Patrol Captain, Vice Patrol Captain, Youth Development Committee member and Junior Activities Water Safety Officer.

Away from the beach, he has also worked as a Trainer, Assessor and Facilitator, helping develop the next generation of lifesavers, while volunteering with Surf Life Saving Queensland Operational Support Services as both a Duty Officer and SurfCom Operator.

Mr Allsopp said Mr De Paula had made a lasting contribution to the club.

“Sebastien has devoted an extraordinary amount of time and energy to supporting our members, our operations and our community.

“He has consistently led by example and has made a lasting impact on countless members throughout his time at the club. Life Membership is a fitting recognition of his outstanding service.”

The meeting also saw the appointment of the club’s 2026-27 Board of Directors, with experienced members joined by several new faces. Jill Hamilton, Richard Phillips and Kylie McNamara will take up board positions for the first time.

Mr Allsopp said the mix of experience and fresh ideas would help guide the club as it continued to grow alongside the North Shore community.

“We’re fortunate to have such a passionate and capable group of volunteers stepping into leadership roles,” Ben said.

“On behalf of the club, I thank all Board members for their willingness to serve and support Marcoola SLSC, our members and our community.”

MARCOOLA SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB BOARD 2026/27 
President: Ben Allsopp
Deputy President: David McLean ESM
Director of Lifesaving: Rob Jenkins
Director of Administration: Lyn Mathison
Director of Finance: Craig Hunter-Smith
Director of Operations Support: Jill Hamilton
Director (Life Member): Richard Phillips
Director of Junior Activities: Kylie McNamara
Supporters Club President: Rob McGregor