I am honoured to be asked to speak about someone who became known as a legend in Surf Life Saving and someone who was respected by us all.
Maurie Webb OAM was associated with SLS since he joined the Palm Beach SLSC in the late 1940s. During a period spanning more than 57 years Maurie gave an exceptional contribution to many aspects of the association and played a major role in shaping SLS in Qld for the 21st century
Over this long period Maurie continuously filled positions at club, branch and state level. His involvement covered all aspects of SLS, from the core business of surf rescue to the excitement of surf sports, and of course the more mundane but time consuming administration. He was a champion in sport and outstanding in all other aspects of surf life saving.
Maurie's sustained contribution saw him honoured with life membership of the Palm Beach SLSC, SLSQ (1972) and SLSA (1978).
His major involvement with the state association was during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He held the position of state president for 6 years and was also secretary of SLSQ for a 6 year period. This era was widely regarded as the dawn of SLS in Qld for it was during this time that SLSQ became a world leader in off shore rescue and aquatic activities.
SLS consumed much of Maurie's life. Only 2 things mattered to Maurie - his family and his SLS. Without the contribution and personal sacrifice this man made SLSQ, the Point Danger Branch and the Palm Beach SLSC would not be held in such esteem today.
Maurie was a pioneer of surf competition commentary and led SLSQ through an era that saw the development of EAR, CPR and oxygen administration introduced. His was awarded the OAM for his services to SLS and he even was an Olympic torch carrier for the 1956 Olympic Games.
Maurie continued to be actively involved in SLS throughout his life and towards the end as least as much as his health would allow. His rapport with fellow clubbies and members of the community saw Maurie held in high regard by all.
Maurie Webb was a perfect example of a volunteer surf life saver, dedicated to improving SLS and had the vision and determination to make dreams become a reality. Many of Maurie's dreams are now a reality, as is evidenced on Qld beaches and other beaches throughout Australia.
Maurie was a man of integrity with determination and courage and his long fight against his illness exemplifies the courage of the man. 2 years ago he called me to see if I would attend the 75th celebrations for the Palm Beach SLSC. I asked him at the time, knowing of his deteriorating health, if he was going to be at the dinner in 2005, and he replied yes. So I said mate, I will be there too.
I attended the dinner and witnessed first hand how thrilled Maurie was to be able to be at this important event in his club's history.
He will be remembered for being pedantic about detail, determined about getting it right and passionate about making a difference. He did all these things and did them well.
He will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered by many fellow SLS.
I have been asked by members of the organisation all around the country to pass on their very sincere condolences to Joy and the family and on behalf of all in SLS can I thank you Joy, Kerry, Pam and family for sharing your great husband, father and grandfather with us over the past 57 years.
Joy I know he's gone to that famous SLSC in the sky and I'm sure he will have already started organising the place and maybe even started to write a new constitution. SLS acknowledges and I salute Maurie Webb OAM for the contributions he made an as individual and an Australian volunteer Surf Life Saver.
Ron Rankin AM
President
Surf Life Saving Australia