Baker, Mr J.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (16:49): I move:

That this council—

1. Notes with great sadness the sudden passing of Mr John Baker AM ESM, President of Surf Life Saving Australia, and extends condolences to his wife Jo, family, friends, and the surf lifesaving community;

2. Acknowledges his more than 40 years of dedicated service to surf lifesaving, beginning in 1977 with Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, where he was a life member and active patrolling volunteer;

3. Recognises his leadership as President of Surf Life Saving South Australia for 10 years and Surf Life Saving Australia for five years, alongside long service on both state and national boards;

4. Commends his operational contribution as one of the longest serving crew members of the South Australian Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service since 1994, and the honours awarded to him, including the Emergency Services Medal, International Life Saving Citation of Merit, and appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia; and

5. Honours his legacy as a leader, mentor, and passionate advocate for water safety whose work has saved lives and will continue to inspire future generations.

When we celebrate the life of Mr John Baker AM ESM, we are reminded to celebrate the lives of those South Australians who may not be alive today if not for his tireless efforts in surf lifesaving. As President of Surf Life Saving Australia, John built on a lifelong commitment to ensuring the ongoing safety of swimmers and beachgoers all around the country. His sudden passing earlier this month is a loss felt not just in South Australia but across the nation.

He was President of Surf Life Saving South Australia for 10 years before taking on the national role in 2021. A respected businessman who was executive director of advertising company KWP and Partners, John always made the time to support his community and his love for surf lifesaving. John was also deeply committed on the frontline. He was an active patrolling volunteer at his home base in Brighton and served for three decades as a volunteer crew member of the South Australian Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service. He took part in countless rescues and patrols to protect our coastline.

His exceptional service was rightly well recognised. He received the Emergency Services Medal in 2017, the International Life Saving Federation's Citation of Merit in 2018, was inducted into the Surf Life Saving SA Hall of Fame in 2021 and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024. John Baker inspired younger members, supported his peers and worked tirelessly to advocate for water safety across Australia and internationally as Vice-President of Asia-Pacific for the International Life Saving Federation. We have lost a true leader, a mentor and a friend. His legacy will live on in the lives saved, the skills shared and the movement strengthened by his vision. I commend the motion to the council.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon I.K. Hunter.