Nipper volunteer Peter Gray earns Statewide recognition for Albany Surf Life Saving Club

Playing an important role in delivering the Woodside Nippers Program to children at Albany Surf Life Saving Club has earned Peter Gray Statewide recognition.

Gray was announced the winner of the Woodside Nippers Program Volunteer of the Year at the SLSWA Awards of Excellence last Friday, after his dedication to his position as under-7 age group manager at the ASLSC.

He was one of four ASLSC members that were finalists in the SLSWA awards, which were live-streamed after the traditional gala dinner was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Jeff Medcalf was a finalist in the Trainer of the Year award, Molly Bowles was a finalist in the Young Volunteer of the Year and Perdita Beebe was a finalist in the AGL Volunteer of the Year as well for the Albany club.

A father of three boys who are now part of the ASLSC, Gray said volunteering was a great way to give back to his club. “It was nice to just be nominated,” Gray said.

“I was notified afterwards that I had won which was a real honour.

“This is probably my third year as age-group manager and I have three young boys aged nine, seven and five and that’s why I got back involved.

“I was a nipper 20-odd years ago and I’ve been involved a long time and love surf lifesaving. Albany is a fantastic club and it’s just nice to give back.”

Gray is also the sweep of an Albany ladies surf boat crew which won a bronze medal at the 2018 world championships.

He said the nippers program was a great way for children to become familiar with the ocean.

“It is an interesting time with the seawall being constructed but the kids don’t seem to care,” he said.