FAREWELLING AN ICON

Surfers form a guard of honour around the iconic Rip Curl Pro trophy to farewell local surf and community legend Joe Sweeney at Torquay point on Friday, as Joe’s children Kim and Jeff carry his ashes to the water.

Mr Sweeney was remembered by hundreds at a memorial service at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club that preceded the guard of honour and paddle out, which surfers ready themselves for, far right. Mr Sweeney passed away aged 82 in January and was remembered as a family man, surfer, Bells pioneer, Rip Curl Pro trophy craftsman, teacher, Olympic wrestler, surf club founder, volunteer fireman, and a cheeky mate who had a significant influence on the town he loved.