It is with enormous pride and gratitude that we announced Julie Matkovic as the very first recipient of Life Membership at Redlands Amateur Platform & Springboard Diving Club (RAPS) at our Club Meeting on Saturday.

Some people join a club, and some people become part of its very fabric. For RAPS, that person is Julie.

Long before she stepped into the role of President, Julie was already a part of the lifeblood of our club – Over the years, she has filled many roles; as a diver, a coach, volunteer, mentor and, for many of our divers, their "other mum." For countless families, Julie has been a constant source of encouragement, support and care, celebrating successes, helping through disappointments and making sure everyone feels like they belong.

It was particularly lovely on Saturday to hear so many of our members reflecting on their memories of Julie. While every story was different, the common theme was her remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether greeting a nervous new diver, supporting a family at their first competition, or simply checking in on someone having a tough day.

For the past five years, Julie has led RAPS as President, but her contribution has never been confined to a title. Alongside guiding the club through countless decisions and challenges, she has continued coaching, mentoring, advocating and taking care of the many unseen tasks that keep a community club alive. The early mornings, late nights, endless emails, competition entries, fundraising efforts and behind-the-scenes problem solving are rarely noticed, but they have helped create a club where divers and families feel welcome, supported and able to thrive.

Community sport simply does not happen without people like Julie, under her leadership, RAPS has grown into much more than a diving club. It has become a community that teaches resilience, confidence, sportsmanship and courage. She has championed opportunities for divers of all abilities, encouraged parents to become involved, supported coaches and volunteers, and worked tirelessly to create an environment where young people can thrive both in and out of the water. Through her warmth and inclusiveness, Julie has helped foster not only better divers, but a club where families connect, friendships flourish and everyone feels they belong.

Life Membership is reserved for those whose contribution leaves a lasting legacy, and there is no more fitting person to receive this honour for the very first time. Julie's dedication has helped shape the club we are today and laid the foundations for what RAPS will become in the future.

Julie, thank you for your leadership, your generosity, your unwavering belief in our divers and your commitment to our club. Your impact will be felt for many years to come, and we are incredibly proud to recognise you as RAPS' first Official Life Member.

Congratulations, Julie, and thank you for everything you have given to our diving family.