NATIONAL EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT FUND 2008/09
As you may be aware the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund 2008/09 funding round (EMA grants) has been announced and further details can be found at http://www.ema.gov.au/. In past years many branches & clubs have been successful in obtaining these grants and it is a great opportunity to gain funds for special projects to a maximum of $50,000. This year the application process has changed with all applications to be endorsed by the relevant State parent body that will then be responsible to lodge same with the Department by the required date. In addition the Department requires a Hard Copy of the application signed by the relevant required officer together with an Electronic Copy of the application. This will necessitate a change to the process of clubs & branches lodgment of applications, with all applications to be forwarded to the attention of Peter James at SLSNSW. Applications close 22 February 2008.

VOLUNTEER, SURF LIFESAVER, CLUB, LIFEGUARD, ATHLETE, COACH AND OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR - NOMINATIONS CLOSE SOON
Nominations are being called for the 2008 State and National Recognition Awards, recognising the Volunteer, Surf Lifesaver, Club, Lifeguard, Athlete, Coach and Official of the Year. This is an opportune time for Clubs and Branches to recognise members who have provided an exceptional service to Clubs, Branches and the community in the 2007/08 season. Applications are due at Branch Offices on Friday 1 February 2008. Application process and further information is detailed in SLSNSW Circular 3038. For more information please contact Kim Rando, Member Services Officer on 02 9984 7188.

DECEMBER PATROL HOURS AND STATISTICS SHOULD NOW BE ENTERED IN SURFGUARD
As per the SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures, all clubs and support operation entities are reminded that, “All Patrol Hours and Patrol Statistics must be entered into SurfGuard off the patrol logs within seven days following the last days of the month.” This means that if your club is yet to enter this data into SurfGuard it is important that you do so ASAP. This will be monitored regularly by Branch Directors of Lifesaving and SLSNSW Support Officers throughout the season as it is extremely important to ensure the community's high expectations of are maintained.

NEW CONTACT DETAILS FOR YAMBA SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
Yamba SLSC has a new website which contains full details of the club's centenary program. Visit http://www.yambaslsc.com.au/ for more details.

GEAR & EQUIPMENT TRANSPORT TO AUSSIES 2008 - SCARBOROUGH BEACH, PERTH
Dylmart Pty Ltd has strong affiliation with major linehaul providers and through its collective volume is able to offer competitive rates for gear and equipment transport to Aussies 2008 at Scarborough Beach, Perth WA. Dylmart was the largest supplier of transport containers to Aussies 2007 and has set up a website to help clubs. Visit http://www.sendmygear.com.au/ for more information and to download the flyer.

SUPER SUMMER RAFFLE
The second Super Summer Raffle is underway, and SLSNSW is inviting clubs to take part in selling raffle tickets. The main focus is that your club receives a percentage of the funds made and deposits the remaining to SLSNSW. If you are interested in participating please email Samantha Dalton who will send your club more information and tickets. The Raffle started on Monday 17 December 2007 and closes Friday 29 February 2008, so we would like to send you your tickets ASAP. Raffle #11 was drawn on Wednesday 19 December, with the winning ticket number #284996.

2008 WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY PROHIBITED LIST
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) updates its Prohibited List prior to the commencement of each calendar year. Please ensure that your members are up to date with the 2008 WADA Prohibited List, and the Summary of Modifications to the 2008 WADA Prohibited List (in particular please note that intravenous infusions have been made a Prohibited Method - see Section M2 of the List - the use of intravenous infusions is therefore banned at all times unless the subject of a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Remember to check your medication with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency Hotline on 1800 020 506 if you have any queries.

Lifeguards - 2007/08 Season Lifeguards required for the following Council areas:
Clarence Valley (Minnie Water /Wooli), Greater Taree, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley.
** Applications for the Pittwater Council Trainee (Rookie) Program close Friday 7 December 2007. (Applicants must be 16-17 years of age, have the SLSA Bronze Medallion and be an active patrolling member of a Pittwater Council SLSC. Applicants must be able to swim 400m in less than seven minutes.)
** Lifeguards are also required for the NSW Summer school holidays in the Port Stephens, Great Lakes, Kempsey, Nambucca and Bellingen Council areas. Click here for Lifeguard Supervisor contacts and application forms. Applicant must have the SLSA Gold Medallion or be able to obtain this award before starting work. (Casual pay rates are from $20.55 to $23.79 per hour.)

 Positions Vacant Section on SLSNSW Website