Riding the waves of dedication

BYRON Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s director of surf sports, Troy Eady, has earned life membership of Surf Life Saving Australia, recognising his 52 years of dedication to the organisation

“I am life member number 314 in an organisation that has 180,000 members and has been around for more than 100 years,” Eady said.

“For those in surf lifesaving, it’s a really special award, so I feel very fortunate to be recognised in this way.”

Eady joined the movement as a nipper at age five and received the prestigious honour at the Surf Life Saving Australia National Awards of Excellence in Sydney.

Throughout his career, Eady has held numerous roles, including patrol captain, club captain, and junior activities coordinator at Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

He has also served as team physiotherapist for the Surf Life Saving NSW representative team and coordinated services for major events, including the Australian Championships and the Coolangatta Gold.

Eady grew up in Harrington on the mid-north coast and began his surf lifesaving journey at Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club.

He later joined Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club when he moved to Sydney for university, following in the footsteps of his father, who is also a life member.

In 2009, Eady relocated to Byron Bay with his family to be closer to the Gold Coast, where he worked as a physiotherapist for the Australian Life Saving team.

Eady said his involvement in surf lifesaving has provided him with lifelong friendships and valuable skills.

“I think volunteering is something everyone should do, and sitting on the beach is not a bad place to do that volunteering,” he said.