Albany’s Angus Bowles recognised by Surf Life Saving WA for ongoing dedication to volunteering

Angus Bowles’ volunteering efforts at the Albany Surf Life Saving Club have been recognised at a high level for the second time in six months after being named Surf Life Saving WA’s young volunteer of the year. Mr Bowles beat four other nominees to be presented the award at the SLSWA’s annual awards night on July 1. He said the award and recognition at the State level meant a lot to him, as did the fact ASLSC had nominated him. “I’ve been a part of the club for over a decade now and through that time I’ve had countless opportunities provided to me by the efforts of volunteers week in and week out,” he said. “Just about everything at the club needs volunteers to step up to keep the club functioning. “Volunteers are what made my experience at the club over the years so great and so I feel it’s only right that I should give back to the club by volunteering myself and trying to make others’ experiences as good as mine.” The citation for Mr Bowles’ award said he was a great role model who showed dynamic leadership at ASLSC. “He has been instrumental in delivering a club-based, youth-led officials program to support the delivery of the Woodside Nippers Program each Sunday, while during the week he has committed his time to coach nippers in a range of surf sports disciplines,” the citation said. “As a patrolling lifesaver, Angus demonstrates maturity and professionalism and is well respected by his peers and trusted by the public.” ASLSC president Carl Richardson said Angus had been involved in the club for a long time and had always been ready to put his hand up to help out. “We’re very proud of Angus and believe he is very worthy of being named SLSWA’s young volunteer of the year,” he said. “He’s a very fine young man who has always displayed very strong leadership characteristics around the club.” In January, Mr Bowles was also named the City of Albany’s young citizen of the year based on his strong commitment to ASLSC. He encouraged other young people to put their hands up to volunteer wherever possible because he found it “incredibly rewarding”. “Volunteering provides opportunities for young people to develop valuable leadership, communication, and team skills, all while meeting new people and having a positive impact on their club and community,” he said. Angus has moved away from Albany for his year of university this year but said he “certainly” wanted to remain involved at ASLSC and he planned on making himself available for lifeguard duty over the summer months later in the year.