AMBER Pellen has taken out the Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Club's Nipper of the Year award for her leadership skills.
The 12-year-old was also awarded annual carnival points champion and was one of the club's president's award winner alongside Wayne Castro.
Club president Carl Thurgood said Amber's dedication and enthusiasm for helping out as a volunteer and improving her own personal best in competition were truly inspiring.
"Sunday morning, she arrives with a smile from ear to ear excited for the day ahead, after asking how she can help," he said.
"You will see her setting up the flags with a patrol group, packing away Nipper's gear, practising her board skills for hours on end outside of Nippers.
"New to competition over the past two seasons, I have seen her go from her first carnival, to first iron person and now to striving to continue to improve every time she is in the water."
The Senior club person went to Matt Worrell, who worked tirelessly during the floods helping to deliver people, food and medical supplies to Crescent Head.
"Matt found himself at the centre of many incidents, including many out of hours while keeping the club running with maintaining equipment, patrol rosters and providing water safety supervision and teaching during nippers, Sunday sports sessions along with assisting at club functions," Thurgood said.
"Although not rostered on, Matt can be seen here every Sunday, ensuring there is support for all patrols.
"It's not uncommon to see him providing support and encouragement to younger and new members, repairing boards, maintaining boat motors, cleaning equipment or providing training and assistance to all aspects of our club.
"Without his support and efforts during the flood, the community would not have recovered and functioned as well during this time.
"We, as a club, would also not be in the position we are now - attracting new members and holding an even higher regard within our community."
The carnival champion was presented to Taylah Moffitt, who was awarded the NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year earlier this year.
Tully Chaffey was awarded the most improved nipper that was selected by a committee including age managers and water safety.
"We see kids improve out of sight each year. It may be their attitude, their confidence in the group, their skills and abilities or more often than not a mix of them all," Nippers' president Steve Pellen said.
"As the year progressed, Tully's confidence grew and grew to the point the swim was completed with a smile on her face."
Other Awards
Under 6: Age Manager Award Hannah Rowsell, Age Champion Hughe Lyttle
Under 7: Age Manager Award Evie Lecciones, Age Champion Milla Nelson
Under 8: Age Manager Award Phoenix Berrigan, Age Champion Maizey Townsend
Under 9: Age Manager Award TJ Fitzgerald, Age Champion Rylah Hopper-Buckland
Under 10: Age Manager Award Summer Atkins, Age Champion Benjamin Hiscock
Under 11: Age Manager Award Zayden Dimmock, Age Champion Levi Henry
Under 12: Age Manager Award Amber Pellen, Age Champion Cruz Lecciones
Under 13: Age Managers Award Flinders Bean, Age Champion Jimmy Buls
Under 14: Age Managers Award Taylah Moffitt, Age Champion Joaquin Lecciones
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