Published 13 June 2023
Ms Frances Evans OAM was awarded Order of Merit, by His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC (Retd) in King’s Birthday Honours and Awards.
Frances has made an outstanding contribution to lifesaving missions at three levels: in her community, at state and national levels, and internationally across executive management, and as a volunteer in sport and community lifesaving.
She has demonstrated this commitment with integrity, leadership, and good humour. She is well respected by her many peers, including staff and volunteer members of the local, state and national organisation.
Her career in lifesaving started at South Melbourne Life Saving Club in the early 1970s. She volunteers to assist the club at club fundraising events, officiating at pool and beach carnivals. She has acted as the clubs returns officer at successive annual general meetings and assisting with club administration. She was a volunteer with Royal Life Saving Society – Victoria Branch, before taking on a role in Administration. Her volunteer roles included being the Examiner and Metropolitan District Liaison Officer 1979-83.
Frances was employed by Royal Life Saving Society – Victorian Branch, and later at Life Saving Victoria for more than 25 years, in various roles including as Manager for Lifesaving and Sport, and Executive Assistant. During this period, she contributed to centenary celebrations for RLSS-V, numerous events organising committees, and provided tireless assistance to successive Presidents and Chief Executive Officers.
Frances is passionate about lifesaving sport, particularly the volunteer official component where she is much loved and respected by her peers across Victoria, Australia and internationally. Ms Evans has volunteered at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships, including making valuable contributions to event management and planning. She held the role of CPR coordinator (2009-13) and took her passion for pool lifesaving sport to the World Lifesaving Championship Pool Competitions in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, and as a technical judge, and initiative judge at Royal Life Saving Commonwealth Championship level.
Her contributions and achievements are commendable in an organisation that relies heavily on the contributions of committed staff and community volunteers. She is very well respected by colleagues both in Australia, and internationally.
Please join us in congratulating Frances on receiving this well-earned Australian Honour.
