Churaki, saltwater hero

Surf bathing, Greenmount Beach, C.1900. Photographer Robert Warbrooke. TRM Collection 35285.

The Tweed’s first unofficial lifesaver was Joe Churaki, a Goodjinburra man from the Tweed coast.

In 1911, as summer was ending, a visitor from Brisbane was walking out toward the surf at Greenmount when he plunged into a deep channel. He couldn’t swim and quickly sank. His plight was noticed by Churaki, who had been keeping an eye on bathers from the hill at Greenmount. He recovered the swimmer’s lifeless body from the lagoon, dragging him back to shore.

Churaki ran to alert members of the Tweed Heads Surf Lifesaving Club. Members of the club commenced resuscitation and the visitor recovered enough to be removed from the beach. Joe was recognised by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia in July 1911 with a certificate of commendation. The hill at Greenmount was known as Churaki Hill for many years. This was undoubtedly not the first time Joe Churaki had assisted swimmers and sailors in distress.

Churaki was remembered for being a very skilled fisherman and during the 1890s, took tourists on fishing trips up and down the river. Around the same time he was also recorded as helping new European settlers to the area by providing them with fish, crabs and wild honey.

Joe Churaki died in 1913 at 40 years of age. A surfing contest is held in his honour annually. Churaki’s story is closely linked with the sea; his story embodies the essence of generosity, strength and love of saltwater country.

Churaki’s certificate

This is a copy of the Certificate issued to Joe Churaki in 1911 by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia. It states:

…It was resolved that the courage and humanity displayed by Mr Churaki Caomi of Coolangatta (Q) an Australian Aboriginal, who risked his life, in rescuing Mr McGongile from drowning at Coolangatta beach in March 1911. Our Directors feel that your promptitude resulted in the saving of a life, and you are entitled to have your name included in the roll of those who have received the commendation of this society.

It has been said that on his death bed, Churaki requested to be buried with all his papers and documents, which is where the original of this certificate is thought to be. All that remains above ground are copies, this one is held by the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club.