Johnson and Thornton honoured for 50 years at Warrnambool Surf

Ben Johnson, a Presbyterian minister who arrived in Warrnambool in 2008, has become a life member of the local surf lifesaving club. So has Xavier Thornton. Together they have given 50 years to rescuing swimmers and coaching paddlers.

Why it mattersCommunity lifesavers give countless volunteer hours to keep beaches safe. These awards show the quiet work that saves lives and stops drowning.

AustraliaWarrnambool and other Australian beach communities depend on unpaid volunteers for summer water safety. The club brings together generations around ocean recreation and rescue skills.

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