Kiama Councillor Matt Brown is proud and enormously grateful after being awarded The National Medal by Surf Life Saving Australia.
A prestigious part of the lifesaving movement's honours system since 1975, the medal celebrates individuals who have shown "sustained and diligent service while protecting the community during emergencies and natural disasters".
Cr Brown first started patrolling local beaches as a 19-year-old and 35 years later, he is still an active member of Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.
He received his medal from Kiama MP Katelin McInerney at the club's end-of-season awards night last weekend.
"I'm very humbled by this honour and I want to thank the club for my nomination," he said.
"It really came out of the blue and I'm still a bit shocked that I'm a recipient of this medal. I don't know who nominated me because no one will tell me.
"Volunteering is really important to me and my family. We do it because it helps bring the community together and we know that organisations such as Surf Life Saving couldn't exist without volunteers.
"I encourage anyone in the community thinking about joining Surf Life Saving or any other organisation to give it a go.
"My favourite award on the night was for those volunteers who got 100% attendance for their patrols - they're the real heroes that make sure our beaches are adequately patrolled every weekend and public holiday, including Christmas Day.
"It was lovely to receive the medal with my partner, mother, son and daughter there on the night, and I'd like to thank Katelin McInerney for presenting the award."
The National Medal has also been awarded to Evan Westlake from Kiama SLSC, as well as Kiama Downs duo Thomas Daly and Kylie Strong, and Gerringong's David Cox, Andrew Depree, David McCallum and Glenn Steele.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Cr Brown and the other local recipients deserve enormous praise for helping to keep our beaches safe.
"On behalf of Council and our local community, I'd like to congratulate Cr Brown and all National Medal recipients," Mayor McDonald said.
"We take great pride in the way in which our local surf clubs offer this voluntary service which is very much appreciated by local residents and the many visitors who flock to our region each year to enjoy our beautiful beaches."
