Mr Hayden Kenny OAM is a well-known identity here on the Sunshine Coast, and is recognised for his tireless dedication to surf lifesaving and surf rescue. He is also a businessman who started out crafting surfboards which morphed into the manufacture of surf-skis under the name “Hayden”. The Hayden brand is now recognised worldwide.

Mr Kenny has devoted his life to the safety of others and as a community volunteer helped launch the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Service Limited in 1979. This was the first community-based service of its kind in south-east Queensland and has grown to be part of Emergency Management Queensland. The service is now world-class and has conducted more than 15,000 missions since 1979. In addition to these contributions, Mr Kenny has an outstanding record of sporting achievement and continues to be a passionate ambassador for the Sunshine Coast region.