Lonnie SLSC “lifeblood” receives Australia Day honour

POINT Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club’s (SLSC) “lifeblood” has received an award in the Australia Day Honours List for his dedication and long service to the club.

Esteemed life member and former president Matthew Ponsford was awarded the Emergency Services Medal, and Point Lonsdale SLSC president Charlie Pitney said there was no one more deserving.

“Matthew is a worthy recipient of this honour,” he said.

“He is a valued and dedicated volunteer who has committed his life to conspicuous service to our club and to the lifesaving movement, more broadly.”

Ponsford began patrolling at the club during the 1987/88 season, and continued his patrolling duties until 2000.

During this stretch, Ponsford was patrol captain for more than five years and a patrol vice captain for a year.

He has also served in leadership roles at Point Lonsdale SLSC for more than 20 years, serving as president from 2015-2019, secretary from 2003-2010 and club captain from 1992 – 1993.

Since 2019, Ponsford has held a variety of non-committee roles, including COVID-Safety Oofficer, assurance officer and lifesaving emergency response team captain.

“Matthew is a tireless and ever-reliable volunteer who gives and gives, including serving as our president from 2015 – 2019. In my opinion, he is the lifeblood of our Club,” Mr Pitney said.

“His knowledge and expertise are extremely valued and his unwavering commitment to keeping the community safe both on and off our beaches make him an extremely worth recipient of this honour.

“Matthew’s greatest legacy as president is the instrumental role he played in our new clubhouse project.

“Mathew worked tirelessly to negotiate government funding, fundraise, and engage in stakeholder management for this project.

“He continues to serve today on our Back Beach Base Building Committee.”

In 2009, Ponsford was also awarded the Premier’s Community Volunteering Award for his contributions throughout the community.