Sport
14 December, 2025
Top award for surf lifesaver
ETTY Bay Surf Lifesaving Club member Blaise Cini has been honoured with the prestigious Clive Hammond OAM medal at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Excellence awards in Brisbane.
She was recognised for her outstanding service, dedication and commitment to keeping the community safe.
The medal honours Clive Hammond, a lifelong supporter of surf lifesaving who died in 1999 and left a lasting financial legacy to Surf Life Saving Queensland.
“There were five other worthy recipients in my category, so I felt truly humbled to be recognised with this highest accolade in the state,” Ms Cini said.
“It is such a privilege to be part of Etty Bay, a small club run entirely by volunteers which exemplifies community spirit.”
A life-long lifesaver, Ms Cini first joined as a nipper in the late 1980s, earned her bronze medal in 1992 and became a patrol captain at the age of only 17.
Since she rejoined the club 15 years ago, she has remained a dedicated patrol member, surf sports competitor and coach, as well as Miss Etty Bay Surf Girl entrant in 1998.
Since 2023 she has served as the club’s director of finance, adding surf sports director to her portfolio in 2024.
She is also an active age manager, junior coach and JAAO, supporting junior beach activities and is one of the officials at North Queensland branch carnivals.
Last season, Ms Cini clocked up 83 patrol hours and 27 water safety hours.
She said she especially enjoyed coaching the nippers, as it was extremely rewarding to watch their confidence in the ocean grow and development of vital skills, all while helping inspire the club’s next generation.
Ms Cini has played a key role in securing vital funding through a QFES Sustainability Grant to purchase a new Thundercat GEN III IRB and jet ski, as well as funds for clubhouse maintenance. Alongside her husband and club president Shayne Cini, she has worked tirelessly to strengthen the club’s resources.
Her impressive record of roles and achievements include silver IRB driver medallion, silver beach management accreditation, junior surf sports coach, winner of the Andy Frizzell OAM, OBE state award winner, national recognition for 10 years of service, as well as age and managers 10 years’ service. She has also joined the North Queensland branch emergency response team and is ready to assist first responders during the upcoming wet season.
Etty Bay’s strength was further highlighted with three other nominations for awards: Beau Westcott (youth surf lifesaver of the year, Mark Nucifora (Andy Frizzell award for service to junior activities) and Shayne Cini (lifesaver of the year).