At a recent gala dinner at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre held in honour of the Surf Life Saving Queensland’s 2021 Surf Woman Of The Year entrants, Coolum entrant Jessica Appel was announced as runner up at the gala dinner on Saturday May 15.
It was also announced on the night that Jess was the highest fundraiser generating an incredible $48,071.51, which will directly benefit lifesaving services and member development at Coolum Surf Club.
Eliza Dreves from Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC was announced winner of Surf Life Saving Queensland’s 2021 Surf Woman of the Year.
Over the past year, 18 of SLSQ’s most outstanding women undertook a range of judging elements in the hope of being named winner of the iconic Surf Woman of the Year program.
The annual program, now in its 57th year, is open to members who undertake a range of activities to develop their leadership, lifesaving, community education, networking and fundraising skills over a period of up to 12 months.
The program has now raised more than $17 million since its inception in 1964.
SLSQ Community Awareness Manager Helen Hallett described the contribution of all entrants as nothing short of spectacular.
“It has been fantastic to have 18 dedicated and passionate women involved in the Surf Woman of the Year program.
“They have each developed lifesaving, leadership and communication skills which will benefit them for years to come both within and outside of surf lifesaving.”
The 2021 program was judged by SLSA Board Member and accomplished businesswoman Toni Bache, 2020 State and National Volunteer of the Year Belinda Doman, 2019 Surf Girl Winner Sophie Gerry, TV Personality and SLSQ Ambassador Liz Cantor and CEO of The Star Gold Coast Jessica Mellor.
Entries are now open to female surf lifesavers for the 2022 Surf Woman of the Year program, to find out what is involved head to https://lifesaving.com.au/
*More than $280,000 raised by Surf Woman of the Year entrants
*Overall Winner – Eliza Dreves from Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC
*Runner Up – Jessica Appel from Coolum Beach SLSC
*Highest Fundraiser – Jessica Appel from Coolum Beach SLSC
*Innovation Award – Claudia Fien from Point Danger Branch
*Internship Recipient – Georgia Martin from Elliot Heads SLSC