Local hero is nominated

Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club member Dave Thompson has been nominated in a competition which could win the club $1000.

Surf clubs within the Central Coast have nominated a member as their Surf Life Saving Hero and stand the chance to win $1000 for their club.

The competition is open to lifesavers, supporters and fundraisers.

"Dave has been a member of the Umina Beach surf life saving club since 1977," according to the nomination.

"Since this time, he has quickly moved up the ranks from club captain to president and is now currently the national director of surf sports.

"In addition to this, he is also a member of the Australian Organising Committee, International Lifesaving Committee, has put his hand up to chair the opening of the new surf club, rewriting the club constitution, chairing the local organising committee for all the branch titles, officiates at local nipper carnivals, is a club patrol judge - all while he works for Telstra Country Wide in Erina.

"Whenever there is something to be done or co-ordinated, Dave is always there to help out."

The Heroes of the Club competition is being run by Telstra.

Telstra general manager for Central Coast Mr Phil Lammert said: "There are truly some inspirational people that have been nominated as their club's hero.

"It's certainly going to be a tough call.

"While the nominated heroes have each made a unique contribution to their clubs, the one thing they all have in common is an obvious passion for keeping our beaches safe."

The 2008 Telstra Surf Life Saving Hero nominees will be narrowed down to three.

Online voting is available until 11.59pm on February 29.

Once the voting is closed they will then be announced as finalists for their SLSA region on March 10.

The finalists will then be judged to determine the winner for each Telstra area.

Mr Lammert said the support of the community was integral to local success in the Search for the 2008 Surf Life Saving Hero.

"With so many great people to vote for, it's really important that local communities rally behind their nominated 'Hero' to give them the best chance of moving through to the next round of voting." Mr Lammert said.

Voting takes place at www.telstraheroesoftheclub.com.au.

Press release, 19 Feb 2008 Mitch Watson, Telstra Country Wide