Top honour for surf club

THEY have been operating out of shipping containers, but that hasn't stopped the Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Surf Life Saving Club winning the Surf Life Saving Australia's Club of the Year award.

The award, which follows the club's State gong, was presented in Sydney last weekend.

And two of the club's members, Steve McNabb and Rhys Balkin, were awarded a Surf Life Saving Australia Meritorious Award on the night for their rescue of an individual in distress off the Ballina bar in February this year.

President Kris Beavis is currently overseas, but said the national accolade "is recognition for our members who have worked tirelessly".

The honour recognises achievements and excellence across a number of areas including club governance, development and recognition of members, achievements in the lifesaving and training and education arenas, and success in delivering new lifesaving facilities for members and the community.