Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last week the Sunshine Coast surf lifesaving community lost one of its own, 18-year-old Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club member, Joe Tolano.

Joe disappeared in the surf at Buddina beach while in the water with friends before a training session on Wednesday 4 March. What followed was an enormous search effort involving police divers, rescue helicopters, jet skis, coastguard vessels and surf lifesavers from across the region. Tragically, Joe's body was found two days later.

He was a passionate young surf lifesaver and a clubbie who had grown up through the Nippers program and was chasing his dream of becoming an ironman. For the Sunshine Coast surf lifesaving community, this loss has been deeply personal. Joe was one of our own.

I speak about this not only as the federal member for Fisher but as someone who has served in surf lifesaving for 18 years. Conditions can change in minutes. Even strong swimmers and experienced surfers can get into trouble. That's why the red and yellow flags matter so much.

My thoughts are with Joe's family, his friends and the entire surf lifesaving community. Joe loved the ocean. He served his community, and he'll never be forgotten.

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