Dwyer accepted the Nipper Program Volunteer Award at Surf Lifesaving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence at The Pullman in Albert Park on Saturday night. 

“It was good to be selected as a finalist but I never went thinking that Nippers at Port Fairy would win a major award with some of the bigger clubs in Victoria,” Dwyer said.  

“It was a massive surprise on the night but on reflection after I sat down I thought ‘I’ve got this award and I’m super proud I’ve actually won it now’.”

The patrolling member of 18 years took on the co-ordinator role in October 2016 after helping out during daughter Lexie's sessions.

When the role became vacant she thought she’d “have a crack at it” and that she did, implementing a number of changes which led to dramatic increase in Nipper numbers from 220 to 480 in two seasons. She introduced colour age caps, with corresponding flags on the beach and designated age managers and assistants for each age group.

She organised an age managers course and visited neighbouring and interstate clubs to see their programs and for ideas to introduce at Port Fairy.

Dwyer organised a mini Australia Day carnival for south-west clubs and was recognised for lifting the club’s profile and for making it a welcoming and inclusive environment. She also fundraised to ensure each Nipper received a bag and drink bottle upon registering.

Dwyer communicates with parents and arranged a junior coach to allow talented children to participate at a higher level and improve their skills. To top off a great year, she was awarded life membership at the Port Fairy club’s annual general meeting on Sunday and received the president's award at a club presentation in May.

She said learning to swim in the sea was a lifelong skill, including children from farms who were used to pools and dams. “They’ve got to contend with a lot more variables in the ocean with reading the surf and rips and holes in the sand. It’s a life skill to be able to navigate the ocean because it’s mother nature and you never know what it’s going to throw up so if you can get in and train the kids early it’s very important in life.” 

She is reliant on 70 helpers and volunteers to run the weekly sessions and thanked the parents, families, Nippers and volunteers for giving their time to make it a great program. “Once I commit to something I definitely give it 110 per cent and I will never go back on my word. I’ll put everything I can into it.”