Anthony (Tony) Haven AM – South Narrabeen SLSC
Tony joined South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club in 1964 – his involvement in the movement stretches back to 1964, it includes an unbroken period of 58 years with the South Narrabeen club.
Tony was awarded his Bronze Medallion on 18/3/65, it took a whole summer to train for your Bronze in those days; the training was the same as today’s R&R competition you see at carnivals.
Tony has held the roles of Club Secretary, Club Captain, Chief Instructor, Deputy President, Club President in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989 and 2000. In addition to this he held the position of SNB Branch President from 2002 to 2007 and was the President to Surf Life Saving NSW from 2008 to 2016.
Tony has been honoured with many awards – Life Membership of South Narrabeen SLSC in 1979, SLSSNB Distinguished Service in 2001, Australian Sports Medal in 2000, Club person of South Narrabeen in 1969,1979 and 1989.
In January 2016 he was recognised on the Australian Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia, he believes the award is more about his family and mentors more than any of his own achievements.
Tony noted “When I joined when I was 16 I did not realise what surf clubs did was for the community. The lesson I have learnt, is it important that we as community members give a little time back to our local community.
It has given me a great deal of pride that my family is part of South Narrabeen. We as a family have provided over 100 seasons of patrols at South Narrabeen.
Our family is now entering an era where my granddaughter, Ruby, has joined Nippers – the 4th generation of the Haven family at South Narrabeen SLSC.
Tony was awarded SNB Life Membership in 2005.
