The Mid North Coast Member Services team have had a busy but successful summer as they work to deliver the best experience possible for all lifesavers throughout their local area.

Consisting of Garry Hawkins, Joanne Hawkins and Leanne Grogin this small but extremely dedicated team provided a great range of programs and events throughout the 2016/17 season.



Like other Branches they are all too aware of the challenge of engaging and retaining members especially in the younger age groups and to that end have worked on promoting the many exciting opportunities and pathways within the movement.



Some of their highlights this season included conducting a youth trip to Sydney, a junior and youth development camp at Scott’s Head with over 50 young lifesavers between 12 and 19, running age manager courses and engaging with Lifeline and Headspace to ensure that best practice is maintained when dealing with the critical issue of the welfare of our members.



Very early on the team recognised that in order to be successful in their work that they had to have strong communication skills and to bring the clubs along with their vision, and to do that they increased emphasis on recognising the achievements and efforts of members throughout the season.



“It’s been a huge season we’ve had great support from everyone at the branch, all the clubs and of course the Member Services team.



“The team has worked together so well to help achieve what Member Services is all about. We’ve got the biggest portfolio, we do a lot of work that other portfolios don’t but at the end of the day it’s the team that makes us work,” said Gary Hawkins.



Hawkins like the other members of the team became involved because of the chance to make a difference within his area.



"It involves not only juniors but member welfare which is where we are starting on at the moment. Member Services does so much not only for the clubs but for the Branches and Surf Life Saving in NSW," he said.



The 2017 SLSNSW Awards of Excellence are proudly presented by Stramit Building Products. Over 300 of Surf Life Saving’s most outstanding lifesavers, athletes, educators, coaches, and administrators from around the state gathered at Sydney’s iconic The Hilton Hotel to celebrate the season that was.



 



Wednesday 9 August 2017