Kingston Beach SLSC’s Matilda Dalco named Surf Lifesaver of the Year at SLST Awards of Excellence
Carlton Park SLSC’s Jayde Richardson crossing the line in first place for the Coolangatta Dash.
Thursday 22 October 2026
Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Matilda Dalco has been recognised for her dedication to lifesaving, community inclusion and developing the next generation of surf lifesavers, taking home the Surf Lifesaver of the Year award at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Tasmania Awards of Excellence.
Dalco said she was grateful and surprised to receive the award, particularly among a group of nominees she holds in high regard.
“I feel very grateful that I get to be a part of the surf world, and definitely surprised, especially among the group of people that were nominated up with me,” she said.
One of Dalco’s highlights over the past 12 months has been stepping into the role of patrol captain for the first time, leading a diverse group of members with different levels of experience and backgrounds in surf lifesaving.
She said the opportunity to bring people together on the beach had been particularly rewarding, with her role allowing her to learn from experienced members while supporting those newer to the surf.
A standout moment came when Dalco and her fellow club members helped a family of four generations experience the beach together for the first time. With the family’s nan using a wheelchair, the club’s beach wheelchairs and accessible beach matting made it possible for the entire family to reach the sand and water together.
“Being able to see this family of four generations come to the beach for the first time, with us on patrol, was something they wouldn't have been able to do with their nan because she was in a wheelchair,” Dalco said.
“Being able to use our beach wheelchairs and our beach matting, which is an awesome initiative that's been driven by amazing people at our club, was amazing.
“Seeing the joy on their faces as they got to go down to the beach, asking us for photos and splashing in the water with all of their family, was amazing.”
The experience highlighted the importance of making the beach accessible to everyone and the meaningful difference surf lifesavers can make beyond their traditional patrol duties.
Having been involved with Kingston Beach SLSC her entire life, Dalco said the club and its close-knit community had played a significant role in shaping her journey, providing her with mentors who had helped develop her knowledge and confidence.
Now, through her work with Nippers and her responsibilities as a patrol captain, she hopes to pass that support on to younger members finding their place in the surf lifesaving community.
“I've been involved in the club my whole life, and the community there is basically a family,” she said.
“I've been so lucky to have amazing mentors that I got to look up to, and now I hope in my Nippers and in my patrol captain role, maybe I can act as a bit of a mentor for the younger ones coming through.”
Dalco said it was often when younger members approached her with questions that she recognised how much knowledge she had gained over the years, strengthening her desire to share that experience and help others develop.
Despite the individual recognition, she was quick to acknowledge the wider surf lifesaving community, believing the award reflected the dedication of countless members who contributed to the movement.
“There's so many amazing people involved in surf, not just the people up for nomination. I reckon most of the people here tonight, and most of the people in surf, all deserve this award,” she said.
For Dalco, the recognition is a reminder of the value of the Kingston Beach SLSC community that has supported her throughout her life, and the opportunity she now has to help others build their own connection to surf lifesaving.
The award has also earned Dalco a nomination for Surf Lifesaver of the Year at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence, with winners set to be announced on Saturday 7 November 2026.