Life Member - Peter Hopley

Published: March 15, 2023 Last Updated: March 15, 2023

Newly announced Life Member - Peter Hopley

• Joined SLSA January 2000
• Bronze Medallion gained 23/01/2000
• 21 years of service
• 957.5 patrol hours
• 7 committee positions
- President (2 years)
- Deputy President
- Treasurer
- Junior Activities Chair (3 years)

 

A snippet of Peter's lifesaving story with Coolum Beach SLSC is as follows:

 

Before stepping down recently from active duty, Peter was an effective, dedicated Patrol Captain whose team featured in a number of crucial rescues.

Peter was named his patrol team's best member 2006-7.

He took that dedication to the club's advancement into the administrative heart of the club, with commendable staying power.

 

In the 2001-2002 season, Peter served as the Junior Activities Officer.

Peter again was Junior Activities Chair for the 2002-03 season overseeing the junior development with 125 active Nippers with around 20 nippers in active training twice a week.

The then club president, David Lange, in his annual report noted that Peter and his wife Julie "had the juniors extremely well organised".

"Peter and his committee worked very hard throughout the year to ensure that every opportunity was given to our young members to realise their personal goals".

Peter was awarded the Sting Zillman Award for meritorious service to the club for his dedication to youth enhancement in 2009-2010.

 

The successful local businessman volunteered to carry out the club's often under-appreciated Senior Vice-President role in 2007-08, 2008-09, 09-10.

In 2008-09 he led a very ambitious and highy successful club building committee to overhaul the club facilities as part of a $2 million plus expansion.

In the 2010-11 season Peter stepped up to fill the very large shoes left vacant by outgoing long-serving president Dave Cush as the Active Club President.

His stated goal in the annual report was: "To take over from Dave and try to keep the club moving forward in a harmonious manner, so all members can enjoy our core duty of patrolling our beautiful beach."

The next season Peter ushered in a strong period of club consolidation built around the new strategic plan and the club's eye-catching new “wave" logo.

Peter over a sustained period of time dedicated his energies to fostering the success and good governance of the Coolum Beach SLSC and to raising its standards in all areas.

He worked in closely with the Coolum Beach Supporter's Club to see the club become the benchmark for surf clubs on the beach and in the community.

As PC of Patrol 11 in 2018, Peter during one patrol watch, cooly oversaw emergency responses to a dislocated shoulder, a nearby serious cliff fall and a spinal injury in the surf.

Peter has provided effective and dependable leadership as well as engaging in, and enhancing, the social fabric of the Coolum Beach SLSC.