Earlier this year, on January 25, Patrick Manning passed away. Pat was a valued community member - particularly well-known in Maroubra. If you're a regular at the Des Renford Leisure Centre or were involved in the Surf Life Saving Club, you'd know of Patrick Manning.

Pat was an accomplished sportsman - he captained the Australian Surf Life Saving Team at the International Surf Life Saving Carnival during the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. Plus, he was the Australian Beach Sprint champion in both 1956 and 1957.

Yet, what makes a true champion is their commitment to giving back. For Pat, being part of something bigger was what motivated and inspired him to be such an involved member of the community. He was incredibly community-minded and he cared for people in a way that made their lives richer - what a remarkable legacy to leave behind.

Not only was Pat a member of the Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club for many years, he was also a coach, mentor and President. In 2009, he received an Order of Australia for his service to the Surf Life Saving Club. A well-deserved honour after decades of volunteering.

Pat was a regular at Des Renford Aquatic Centre, now known as DRLC. In 1999 when Des Renford passed away, Pat took over the famous “coffee club” for many more years. The Coffee Club is geared towards senior citizens and consists of two parts - the first part is fitness and exercise using the pool. The second, equally important part, is drinking coffee and socialising. Pat was always looking to recruit new members to the club and grow the group.

To remember this great man, the community gathered on Monday 14 December to officially name the DRLC Competition Pool Grandstand after Pat and unveil the plaque. He spent many years at the pool, correcting strokes, coaching and mentoring and being a good friend and now his name will forever be alongside the pool and people he loved so much.