Ian Latham, Mick Lang: Pair proudly honoured in NSW Surf Life Saving award ceremony

Two Mid-North Coast lifesavers have hoisted their club colours high after receiving honours at this year’s NSW awards of excellence.

The Mid-North Coast’s reputation as a breeding ground for some of the best open water athletes across the state has been recognised once again at the NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence.

Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) member Mick Lang and Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC’s Ian Latham received their respective Coach and Administrator of the Year awards in Covid-restricted fashion after the event was hosted online this year.

It is yet another feather in the cap of the competence, skills and abilities of Mid-North Coast lifesavers following Kempsey-Crescent Head member Taylah Moffitt’s recognition as the Junior Lifesaver of the Year at this year’s state competition held in Sydney.

The honours serve as a just reward for a year of tireless effort and significant progress at both Tacking Point and Wauchope Bonny Hills clubs.

Ian Latham Administrator of the Year – Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC.

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“There are so many very good coaches out there, but it’s nice to be recognised by Surf Life Saving NSW from a very small country club,” Mr Lang said.

“It’s the young kids out there who can see that we’re getting recognised, then they want to come back to train and improve.

“A lot of the bigger clubs might have more opportunities, but it’s nice to know that there is recognition out there for the collective efforts of the smaller clubs.”

Mr Lang’s commitment to Tacking Point SLSC and his Branch is evidenced by his determination to give his time every weekend on the sand and in the ocean.

Taylah Moffitt Kempsey Crescent Head SLSC

Having noted a lack of training and coaching Branch-wide, Mr Lang took on the role of Branch Coaching Coordinator and was instrumental in overhauling the existing regimen. He helped create a structure from which the Branch can now be more competitive and stronger in all levels of competition.

His Saturday morning ‘Club coaching and training’ sessions are extremely popular, where those looking to hone their board and surf skills, no matter their age, are encouraged to come and learn.

“I just like to see the improvement of the members that I coach,” he said.

“When you see some of the young kids, you’re coaching them one year, then you don’t see them in the off season, but they come back and they’re keen to improve, it’s what we do it for.

“I’d also like to say a lot of the bigger clubs in Sydney have helped where they can, I run ideas by a lot of the bigger clubs.

“We’re all in this together to help each other.”

Following his retirement from his career in education, fellow award winner Ian Latham has proven an asset to the Wauchope Bonny Hills club – shaping the strategic direction, ensuring financial, social and structural visibility, and always being the first to roll up his sleeves and offer help above and beyond his remit.

Speaking prior to claiming the award on Saturday night, Mr Latham acknowledged that while he has put in countless hours and effort to help grow his club, there is a very welcome reward every weekend over the summer.

“To see young people turning up for their first Nipper session and the joy and pride they get putting on their gear and running down to the water, the parents gushing over their kids, the teenagers who go on to their first patrol, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

A link to the full awards ceremony, which was streamed online this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, can be accessed here.