Surf Life Saving NSW has welcomed two new Directors, including a new President, and the re-election of a third Director on 6 May 2023.
Peter Agnew ESM, has been elected President of Surf Life Saving NSW. A member of North Bondi SLSC for almost 40 years, Peter has been the President of Sydney Branch since 2019.
Dr Dean Dudley, from Bulli SLSC, has been elected a Director. Dean previously served on the SLSNSW Board from 2012-2017.
Don van Keimpema OAM from Shelly Beach SLSC has been re-elected to serve as a Director for another term.
The SLSNSW State Council, comprising the Presidents from the 11 branches in NSW, voted on behalf of their clubs and members through an online process. The primary role of the volunteer Board is to drive the organisation forward to achieve the objectives of the strategic plan by working with clubs and branches, with support from the staff of Surf Life Saving NSW.
CEO Steve Pearce acknowledged and thanked outgoing President, George Shales OAM for his diligent and dedicated service during his tenure as SLSNSW President. George led the organisation through many challenging periods during his term, including the COVID pandemic, the response to the catastrophic 2020 bushfires and most recently the devastating NSW floods.
Peter Agnew has thanked the membership for their trust and support and says he will embark on the role with a focus on open communication, consultation and volunteer involvement.
“Surf Life Saving is an amazing organisation that is made up of many talented and passionate people. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, Branch Presidents, the staff and members on the many opportunities and challenges faced by the organisation,” said Peter.
“Leading into this election, I have intently listened to the voice and thoughts of the members on what areas I should first focus on and I’m looking forward to leaning in and working with the team over the next few months to indicate action on this feedback. I look forward to bringing my inclusive and open style of leadership to the role.”
Congratulations to all three volunteers on their successful election.
Surf Life Saving NSW Board
Peter Agnew ESM – President
John Restuccia OAM – Deputy President
Joel Wiseman – Director of Lifesaving
Dr Dean Dudley – Director
Paul Bolton – Director
Don van Keimpema OAM – Director
Kerry Clancy – Director
Profile – Peter Agnew ESM
Peter gained his Bronze Medallion in 1985 at North Bondi SLSC at age 15. He has extensive experience in Surf Life Saving, at both the volunteer and professional level. He is a Life Member of North Bondi SLSC, Surf Life Saving Sydney and Surf Life Saving NSW and was SLSA’s National Lifesaving Manager from 2000-2005 and General Manager Operations from 2005-2010.
As a lifesaver, Peter has held virtually every position within his club and branch and has competed, officiated and trained members in almost every award. His involvement in a range of committees and panels at all levels of Surf Life Saving spans more than 34 years.
Peter holds several post-graduate qualifications, including a Masters of Business Administration and has specialised in major research work in the area of Leader Behaviour. Peter has worked as a consultant and development facilitator for the Australian Institute of Management and as an MBA lecturer in corporate communications, change management and interpersonal relations.
Peter is currently a business owner and consultant, helping teams and leaders within the corporate, government and non-for-profit sectors through executive coaching, development of high-performance teams and interpersonal management.
Peter’s expertise and service in the area of emergency management was recognised by the award of an Emergency Service Medal. He has served as President of Surf Life Saving Sydney since 2019, a position he will now resign to take up the NSW President role.
Profile – Dr Dean Dudley
Dean has been an active surf lifesaver with Bulli SLSC for 20 years and has held numerous roles including Deputy President of Bulli SLSC and Deputy President of Surf Life Saving Illawarra. He previously served on the SLSNSW Board as Director of Education from 2012-2017 and as the SLSA Chair of Learning and Development from 2016-2018.
Dean brings to the Board extensive experience in volunteering, management and research, combined with advanced leadership and communication skills.
Dean is an Associate Professor specialising in education and he has a particular passion for, and expertise in, the study of physical literacy, which he brings to the research of drowning prevention through his roles with various national and international sport and water safety advisory bodies.
As an RWC operator, Dean was a crucial part of the team of lifesavers from Bulli who won the 2022 Rescue of the Year for successfully rescuing and resuscitating a group of people from a capsized vessel.
Wednesday 10 May 2023