Rick Dzopalic is a long-serving pillar of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club, earning his Bronze Medallion in the 1977/78 season and dedicating nearly three decades of active voluntary service to beach safety, club administration, and surf sports.
Patrol Service & On-Beach Commitment
Over 29 years of active membership, Rick established an exemplary patrol record. He achieved an outstanding streak of 17 consecutive seasons of 100% patrol attendance spanning from 1988 through 2005. A member of the club's winning patrol team in 1981/82, Rick took on leadership responsibilities on the beach as a Patrol Captain across multiple seasons, including 1988/89, 1993/94, and 1997/98.
His frontline dedication was formally recognized through cumulative service milestones, including the 10 Year Patrol Award (1991/92), 20 Year Patrol Award (1998/99), and 25 Year Patrol Award (2002/03). He was also named Patrol Member of the Year for the 1983/84 season.
Club Leadership & Administration
Rick contributed extensively to the operational governance and maintenance of the club across a variety of committee positions. He served as Vice Boat Captain for two years (1981–1983) and Vice Captain for four years (1984–1988), during which he stepped into the role of Club Captain for six months during the 1987/88 season.
Furthering his practical stewardship, Rick acted as Gear Steward for four years (1988–1993) and managed competition logistics as Competition Organiser for seven years (1997–2004). In recognition of his broad contribution to club life, he was awarded Club Member of the Year in 1987/88.
Qualifications & Life Membership Recognition
Throughout his tenure, Rick continually upgraded his awards to support instruction and rescue operations. He qualified for his Instructors Certificate (1983/84), IRB Crewman Award (1985/86), IRB Drivers Award (1985/86), and ARC Instructors Award (1986/87).
On April 15, 2006, Rick was nominated for Life Membership by Scott Boyle and seconded by Graeme Cassidy. The Life Membership Committee—comprising President Mark Thompson, Club Captain Mathew White, and Life Members Harley Dreghorn and Evan Griffiths—met on June 4, 2006, and unanimously recommended his nomination to the general membership in honor of his distinguished 28+ years of voluntary service.
Awards & Qualifications Received
- Bronze Medallion: Awarded 1977/78 season.
- Instructors Certificate: Awarded 1983/84.
- IRB Crewman & Drivers Awards: Awarded 1985/86.
- ARC Instructors Award: Awarded 1986/87.
- Patrol Milestone Recognitions: 10 Year Patrol Award (1991/92), 20 Year Patrol Award (1998/99), 25 Year Patrol Award (2002/03).
- 100% Patrol Attendance Record: 17 consecutive years (1988–2005).
- Major Club Awards: Patrol Member of the Year (1983/84), Club Member of the Year (1987/88), Whingers Award (1983/84, 1987/88).
- Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC Life Membership: Nominated April 2006 & recommended June 2006.
Service Record Breakdown
| Area of Service | Role & Detailed Contribution | Duration / Period |
|---|---|---|
| Patrol & Lifesaving Operations | ||
| Active Patrol Service | Active patrolling lifesaver (29 years total) | 1977 – 2006 |
| 100% Patrol Attendance | 17 consecutive seasons of perfect patrol attendance | 1988 – 2005 |
| Patrol Leadership | Patrol Captain across multiple seasons; member of winning patrol (1981/82) | 1981/82, 1988/89, 1993/94, 1997/98 |
| Governance & Club Positions | ||
| Vice Boat Captain | Management of surf boat section and logistics (2 years) | 1981 – 1983 |
| Vice Captain & Club Captain | Vice Captain (4 years) and Acting Club Captain (6 months in 1987/88) | 1984 – 1988 |
| Gear Steward | Maintenance and oversight of club equipment and gear (4 years) | 1988 – 1993 |
| Competition Organiser | Coordination and organization of surf sports competition activities (7 years) | 1997 – 2004 |
"Demonstrating extraordinary commitment with 17 consecutive years of 100% patrol attendance and 29 years of active service, Rick Dzopalic's leadership across captaincy, gear stewardship, and competition organization stands as a model of volunteer dedication to Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC."
