Good morning ,

My name is Jessica Webber. I am very proud and honoured to accept the inaugural Keith Lutz Award as a member of Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club.

I am 15 years of age and in year 10 attending Benowa State High School. This past season I completed 57 patrolling hours nearly doubling the club average. I missed 3 patrols which I provided substitutes in my absence. My parents and younger brother are also active patrolling members at Surfers Paradise surf club. I feel proud to have exceeded the average hours and demonstrated to younger generations "how it's done" and in the spirit of parents' generations and like Keith's, where they would never let their team down in always making sure the beach was covered.

I started as a young girl in nippers and have made friendships that I’m sure will last a very long time. I completed 38 hours of water safety at nipper training sessions, and assisted them in becoming more confident in the water and on boards. Along

side my mother, I performed water safety for new members at the club who trained for their Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate. It was a very rewarding experience. I have also assisted with water safety at nipper carnivals numerous times. I enjoy providing water safety for the surf club because, like Keith Lutz who was retired, envisioned a requirement to provide his knowledge and surf skills. Unfortunately, due to compliance and insurance although Keith held his Bronze Medallion it was not current, so he was effectively unable to assist the nippers. Therefore, he joined in with the surf camp in the September school holidays of 2007. Keith trained in the classroom, and on the beach with a group of 13-16 year olds so he could qualify for his surf rescue certificate. this enabled him to take part in water safety for the juniors. Like Keith I have wanted to help and mentor our junior members.

Winner of the inaugural ‘The Lutzy’

Award: Jessica Webber

Paul Chapple, Managing Director of Astute Projects, who

sponsored the purchase of the Paddle Board which serves as the

‘Trophy’, with (last year’s) Youth Service Director Chris Thurtell.

Paul has confirmed that next year’s award will again be sponsored

by his company. Thank you!

President Simon Brook, Jessica Webber, Jan Lutz, Paul Chapple and Craig Chapman,

President of Surfers Paradise SLSC

Your Rotary moto, ‘Service Above Self’ is very fitting for the Keith Lutz Award because of his involvement in both your club and Surfers Paradise surf club. As life savers, we provide a safe surf environment. Surfers Paradise is the heart of the Gold Coast always with many national and international tourists who do not necessarily come from a beach and swimming background.

I was surprised and excited to be nominated and then chosen for the Keith Lutz Award and enjoyed meeting Jan Lutz at our surf club annual dinner recently. Jan must be very proud of the work her husband has achieved for both clubs. It is fitting that the award has been named after Keith Lutz.

I look forward to continuing with surf life saving for many years and congratulate Surfers Sunrise Rotary for their involvement with our surf club. Also thank you to Astute Projects. Thank you for this Award and for the board. I am going to have a great time using it in the surf for training sessions, mentoring and enjoyment.

Some men, they know the art of living

And others, they keep simply giving.

Some men can always keep quite calm,

If hotheads argue, spread some balm,

They keep the mad dogs pacified

And keep the air detoxified.

Then some, for children in despair

Build from old bikes a new wheelchair

Get recognized by friend and peer:

A PHF (1).

“’ll have a beer

With my good mates in celebration!”

He says. Don’t need the adolation.

(1) Paul Harris Fellowship - a high Rotary recognition

Some men, intent on saving lives

Ensure a drowning man survives.

Some run all day around in speedos

And then at night wear white Tuxedos.

Some men are perfect gentlemen.

It’s not coincidental when

He dances light as butterflies.

A gleam comes in his lady’s eyes

When he escorts her to the ball.

Quite rarely, one man has it all.

The world and I commiserate:

Just lost a picture-perfect mate.

Franz Huber.