Published 26 January 2022
WATER SAFETY AND DUSTY ROADS: FLOSS ROBERTS AWARDED AM
The Executive Director of Royal Life Saving Society - Northern Territory Annette ‘Floss’ Roberts has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her dedication to lifesaving and water safety.
The award recognises Ms Roberts’s service to Royal Life Saving, the Northern Territory Water Safety Advisory Council and AUSTSWIM.
Long-standing Northern Territory volunteer Daphne Read AO said under Ms Roberts’s administration Royal Life Saving NT has grown immensely, and NT communities far and wide have experienced Ms Robert’s deep commitment to helping them enjoy the water safely.
“Floss works tirelessly and inspires her staff to do the same. She is accepted as a trusted leader by all rural and remote Territorians,” Ms Read said.
Ms Roberts thanked the team at Royal Life Saving for their inspiration and support.
“I love what we do, how we do it and most importantly making people’s lives better by helping them become confident and capable around the water,” Ms Roberts said.
“Our Remote Swim, Survive and Strive program in 26 remote communities is so rewarding to be part of. There is still a lot of work to do in this space to help keep our 22 remote pools open.
“Volunteering with Pool Lifesaving is always a highlight as you get to meet so many wonderful people who just love lifesaving and our sport is amazing.”
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) acknowledged the strength and diversity of those receiving awards this year.
“It has been a challenging couple of years and the recipients announced today are a reminder and reflection of the richness of spirit, selflessness and good in our community,” His Excellency said,
“To the individuals being celebrated today; thank you for your contribution to Australia and congratulations on being recognised by your peers and your nation.”
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr said Floss was deeply committed to ensuring all Territorians have access to water safety education, skills and training.
“Her contribution to the development and provision of lifesaving, drowning prevention and water safety across the NT community has been substantial, impressive and in many respects peerless,” Mr Scarr said.
“Floss has worked successfully with communities, Government and many other stakeholders. In fact, Ms Roberts may have travelled further, on dusty roads, than anyone else in the name of lifesaving.
“Floss’s advocacy efforts have contributed to and sustained leading child drowning prevention programs, secured resources for remote indigenous swimming pools, and grown the teaching of swimming and water safety.
“Her leadership is highly principled, dedicated and delivered with unquestioned integrity. Her energy is infectious.”
