Ian "Spook" Everingham awarded Surf Life Saving New South Wales life membership

Well known along the Mid North Coast and Australia wide for decades of volunteering in the organisation, their contributions to Surf Life Saving are immeasurable.

Ian Everingham or "Spook", as he is fondly known around the Macleay, has been a member of the South West Rocks club since 2002, but started in Surf Life Saving as a foundation Nipper in 1963 at Taree-Old Bar.

Throughout his decades of service in Surf Life Saving, he has held various committee positions, including vice president, IRB captain, club captain, boat captain, gear steward and chief training officer.

In his current role as chief training officer, Everingham has trained and assessed hundreds of members across the Mid North Coast, with his speciality being all things IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat).

He has seen many changes over the years but the one constant has been his unwavering support of the Surf Life Saving organisation.

"Surf Life Saving is a great volunteer organisation that has something for everyone," Everingham said.

"I've met a lot of good people over the years and formed lifelong friendships; it's easy to do what you love doing.

"Thank you to the team for nominating me; I join some very big names."

Mick Lang has also made an enormous contribution to Surf Life Saving for more than two decades.

Lang has been an official at branch, country, state and national championship events while also building a resume as a successful coach, a role that saw him awarded Coach of the Year at the 2021 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence.

He has also been instrumental in building the profile of the Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving Branch for many years.

"I am surprised and very honoured to be recognised as a life member of Surf Life Saving New South Wales," Lang said.

"I have been involved in surf lifesaving in Sydney and Port Macquarie all of my adult life, and I have always had a passion for surfboats and this will never change.

"Nor will my love of Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club which has been my home for the past twenty years.

"There are many good people who have assisted me over the years and I have never and will never forget their advice and guidance that they have provided me."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: