Matthew Ponsford is a life member of Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club and has been involved since 1987.7
He was awarded an Emergency Services Medal this week as part of the Australia Day honours.
Mathew’s legacy to the club will be for his tireless work to negotiate government funding, fundraise and engage in stakeholder management for the club’s new clubhouse project. He continues to serve today on the Back Beach Base Building Committee.
“My brother was involved in the club and he invited me to a bronze camp over summer,” he said.
“I didn’t know much about it at that stage. You get a lot of satisfaction from volunteering and helping the community and meeting lots of different people from different backgrounds.”
Matthew has also served in leadership roles at Point Lonsdale SLSC for more than 20 years.
He served as president from 2015-19, secretary from 2003-10 and club captain from 1992-93.
“I’ve always liked the vibe of helping the community and having social activities,” he said.
“Like a lot of organisations there are lots of different ways you can get involved. You get out of it what you put in. It has its challenges but you get a lot out of it as well.”
Matthew said he was proud of the award, but that there were many more who are involved that are just as deserving.
“There are a lot of people who do go unrecognised,” he said.
“It’s as much for the families and friends who support you.”
