Life Saving Chaplaincy Australia’s leader Russ Harmon has been in recovery after a recent heart operation. “According to my surgeon, I am a lucky man to be alive.” adding, “We all know that luck had nothing to do with my survival, God is in control.”

Russ has had a speedy and strong recovery, with very little pain. “I only had the use of 75% of my heart; now I have 100% use so I can look forward to having more energy!”

Meanwhile our Aussie Life Saving Chaplains stormed into the Gold Coast during Aussie Nationals in March.

2017 Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles

The Queensland and Australian Surf Life Saving Titles took place at North Kirra with Life Saving Chaplaincy Australia (LSCA) having their Chaplaincy tent set up for the 2 weeks of competitions. 12 chaplains served in the tent at various times having quality time with competing club members. Russ said, “It’s great to see our Chaplains ‘doing life’ with their communities.”

During the Nationals LSCA held a luncheon for their chaplains, ambassadors and patrons at the North Kirra Surf Club. LSCA Ambassadors were presented with a LSCA Jacket and acknowledged for their commitment and passion for chaplaincy in Life Saving.

Thank you to former LSCA Chariman Rex Campbell

Russ Harmon with Davina Strauss Ambassador

Russ with National Patron Greg Allum

Russ with Ambassador Peter Stapleton

Ambassador Mark Fife with Russ

Russ with Ambassador Sandy Penman

LSCA Chaplaincy Update

Russ reported 6 new chaplains appointed. Including, Rev. Keith McPherson appointed to Sawtell SLSC NSW; Pastor Martin Nezval appointed to Bondi SLSC NSW; Mr. Gary Lord appointed to Cudgen/Kingscliff SLSC NSW; Mrs. Helen O’Neil appointed to Cooks Hill SLSC NSW; Pastor Stephen Hinks appointed to Killcare SLSC NSW; Rev. Arthur Pearce appointed to Umina SLSC NSW.

These 6 new Chaplains bring the number of Chaplains to 47. Russ said, “Unfortunately we also had 3 Chaplains drop out for one reason or another, otherwise we would have broken the “50” barrier! Two of the 3 Chaplains were from WA so we only have one Chaplain serving in the west.”

Jenny and Russ Harmon will be traveling to WA next year networking with the local churches to find suitable Chaplains. “With the Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles being held in Perth next year, we will be spending an extended time in WA inviting the remaining 28 clubs of the value of having chaplains.”

From left to right starting with the back row: Cam Butler (SCA), Peter Stapleton AM (Ambassador), Alan Whelpton AO (ILSF Life Governor), Terry Legg (LSCA/Chaplain), Rex Campbell (LSCA/Chaplain), Noel Kolkka (Chaplain), Gary Lord (Chaplain) Gary Olive (Chaplain), Thomas Schmid (Chaplain), Ian Grant OAM (Chaplain), Mark Gilbert (Chaplain), Jaye Newton (LSCA). Jo Briody (LSCA), Dale Penman (Chaplain), Ian Bargh (Chaplain), Davina Strauss (Ambassador), Bandy Edwards (Chaplain), Greg Perren (LSCA), Russ Harmon (LSCA/Chaplain), Greg Allum OAM (Patron/Grand Knight Order of Life Saving) Mark Fife OAM (Ambassador), Maureen Legg, Gwen Welford (LM RLSSA), Ann Donnelly-Marshall (LSCA) Sandy Penman (Ambassador).