PETER AGNEW AM ESM – NEW SLSA PRESIDENT

Date

04.11.25

The Club is thrilled to congratulate one of our Life Members, Peter Agnew AM ESM on being elected as the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) President at the SLSA AGM on 31 October 2025.

Peter joined North Bondi in the early 1980s as a nipper. He went on to achieve his SRC and Bronze Medallion, along with many other awards, including IRB Driver. Peter has worn many hats, often simultaneously, including Club Captain, IRB driver, surf sports official, in education as a trainer, assessor, and facilitator, as well as jet rescue & offshore rescue boat services, along with RWC, radio control room, and emergency service coordination.

Peter was recognised for his club contributions with Life Membership in 2005, and later for his immense contributions to the organisation with Sydney Branch and SLSNSW Life Membership. He was awarded the Emergency Service Medal (ESM) and then in 2024, as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to Surf Life Saving.

Throughout Club, Branch, State, and National senior leadership roles, he has assisted in shaping Surf Life Saving through the transformation of education accreditation, nationalising information technology, and moving the organisation from a community and sporting organisation into the emergency services domain. Peter’s election as SLSA President continues a lifetime of volunteer roles, including most recently as SLSNSW President.

In an organisation where recognition of service and ability is often in the form or medals, Peter, stands among the highest achievers. As a second generation member, we know Bruce, Peter’s father who was a great competitor over many decades for our club and indeed his whole family who have contributed in many ways to our success over the years will share in this truly historic occasion in the almost 120 years history of our Club!

The Club congratulates Peter on his election and looks forward to supporting him in his new role as SLSA President.

We would also like to also recognise that this elevation to SLSA President comes after the sudden passing of John “JB” Baker AM ESM in early August of this year. We know Peter will continue the great work of John and keep his memory and legacy alive.