President of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving Club, Stephen Howell has been nominated for a community volunteer award for 12 years of work with the club which is now in the running to win $5000.

Club secretary, Maxine Cook said Mr Howell put in endless hours of volunteer lifesaving beach patrols and was always ready to help in all aspects of club activity. For the past six years he has served as club president.

“Stephen is always ready to jump in and help with training, gear and club maintenance, mentoring (young and not so young members), counselling after major incidents, social activities and fund raising,” Mrs Cook said.

“Stephen makes himself available to all members 24-seven and really deserves some recognition for his efforts.”

NRMA director, Kyle Loades said the awards were launched in 2005 to shine a light on volunteers who rarely receive recognition for their important community work.

“Mr Howell’s work in the community is an inspiring example of helping others and I encourage people to nominate a volunteer they know who also does amazing work,” Mr Loades said.

There are four award categories open including the community volunteer award (age 25 – 59), senior volunteer award (age 60+), young volunteer award (age 16 – 24) and the environmental volunteer award (age 25+).

Nominations close Friday July 16.