Community
29 November, 2025
Legend’s final surf patrol
NEARLY 50 years of surf lifesaving ends this Sunday with the retirement of a legend of the movement.
Colin Sparkes has been a lifelong volunteer, whose commitment to surf lifesaving has shaped and strengthened the movement across North Queensland for 49 years.
A proud and dedicated member of Cairns Surf Life Saving Club, he first earned his bronze medallion on the beaches of North Queensland.
This Sunday, fittingly the final day of patrol for many of North Queensland clubs, he will take his noddy cap off for the final time.
In 2024, Mr Sparkes was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), acknowledging his significant contribution to surf lifesaving and his unwavering dedication to keeping communities safe.
He served as NQB branch president for more than eight seasons, he is a life member of Cairns Surf Life Saving Club, North Queensland branch and Surf Life Saving Queensland. He also dedicated five years as the North Queensland regional manager from 2013.
