Keith Caldwell has been the heart and soul of Bulli Surf Life Saving Club for almost 40 years.
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During the last 10 years that Caldwell has been club president, Bulli SLSC has become one of NSW’s best in terms of administration and lifesaving education and surf sports.
In fact for eight years straight from 2006 to 20014, Bulli was awarded Illawarra ‘Champion Surf Sports Club’. In four of the past 10 years Bulli was also named Illawarra Club of the Year, and in 2007 was a finalist in the NSW Surf Life Saving Club of the Year.
The 54-year-old Caldwell has been at the forefront of these achievements and has been suitably recognised with life membership of Bulli SLSC in 2008 and Surf Life Saving Illawarra in 2014.
Earlier in November Caldwell’s efforts at a club, branch, state and national level were recognised with elevation to Life Member of Surf Life Saving NSW.
Caldwell said he was honoured to receive the award.
‘’I must thank my club for supporting me over many years as president,’’ he said.
‘’My wife Maria, two kids Jamie and Natalie have grown up in surf life saving and it is a wonderful movement to be in, a real family friendly environment, you meet friends for life and it is a great voluntary organisation to be involved in.
‘’I have been lucky enough to travel most of Australia with surf carnivals, plus also to different parts of the world including USA, Italy, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and France with Bulli and Australian teams.
‘’Personally I enjoy seeing the satisfaction that others gain, whether it’s through mastering the surf as a nipper right through to masters, people taking on roles within the club or those that achieve their own personal goals.
‘’There is a part of surf life saving that suits any given person in the community. You don’t have to be an elite sportsperson. Right through from being an age manager at nippers, helping with water safety, cooking barbecues, being part of the education or life saving team doing patrols, competing at surf carnivals and of course the important part of administration of the club.’’
Caldwell’s journey began in 1976 when he joined the Bulli club as a cadet lifesaver.
During his career as a surf sports athlete Caldwell won 26 gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze medals for Illawarra.
He also won six gold, four silver and as many bronze medals for NSW and two gold, one silver and one bronze medal for Australia in surf, craft, beach, pool rescue and belt in individual and team events.
As a coach and team manager Caldwell has represented Illawarra (9 teams), NSW (four) and Australian (8) teams touring New Zealand, Japan and South Africa.
On the last two occasions he was manager of the Australian Open Team at Rescue 2012 & 2014.
Caldwell still does patrols to show younger members the value of commitment.
