Ashlee wins gold award

Umina Surf Club has made a special presentation to club member Ashlee Langford for gaining her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award at the club's awards night on May 15.

Ms Langford had to complete the bronze and silver levels to get through to gold, which only 1 in 24 in the awards scheme achieve.

The year 12 student from Brisbane Water Secondary College had to dedicate many hours to community service, learn new skills participate in a sport as well as in survival camping expeditions.

Ashlee was accompanied by team leader Tom Magurren and sister Leah in a three-day trek 80km near Alice Springs last August in day temperatures of over 27 degrees and night time temperatures of minus nine.

The party had to be self-sufficient and carry enough food and water for three days as well as camping equipment.

Part of Ashlee's 250 hours of community service was spent assisting Umina Surf club on patrols, and volunteering to help at the after hours preschool and holiday care at the Peninsula Recreation Centre.

Ms Langford also volunteered her services at the Peninsula Nursing Home in Umina, where she so impressed the staff with her dedication and skills that they offered her a placement to study for aged care nursing.

For the sport component of the award, Ashlee competed with Woy Woy's under-18s women's soccer team and as well as with Umina Surf Club.

Umina Surf Club instigated the Duke of Edinburgh program in the club three years ago.

Group leader Tom Magurren has supervised 25 members from the age of 14 years in attaining the bronze award.

Since then, seven have gone on to gain their silver award.

Ashlee is the first to achieve gold.

Press release, May 26 Phil Harding, Umina Surf Club