When did you join Surf Life Saving and why?
I joined Toowoon Bay SLSC in 1991 for my children to start Nippers. Tell us about your time in Surf Life Saving and what roles you have undertaken. I have had many roles ,including being an official, age manager, march past trainer, water coach, chaperone, secretary and being part of teams that are needed to make a club run and be great.
Being a Director of Administration, you’re known as the back-bone of the club. What would you say to other members who might end upbeing in your position?
This is a huge role that is often done behind the scenes so it is unmeasurable to many people. I think that the advent of the Quality Club Program has been very helpful and there is now lots of help out there for this role, however the hours needed are on the increase. This is a role that needs organisation, a great team to support you and my swan song ‘compliancy’.
It must be pleasing to see your kids go through Surf Life Saving and now your grandkids.
It is awesome to have my kids and grandchildren in the movement again. We joined so that we could do something together back in the 1990s and this was something that was not gender defined and we were able to patrol the beach together, learn new skills, gain friendships and be part of a great community.
What do you enjoy about being U7 Age Manager at your club?
This is so much fun to see our group each week enjoy learning about surf in a very friendly and fun environment. It is great to have a huge rapport with these kids and their parents who help along the way. At present we have a huge group that we need to keep involved and busy all the time. Interestingly, my son (Keaton) and I are now into our second season with this group and to see their confidence grow each week is amazing and the interaction not only between the kids but the parents.
What are the key lessons that you’ve learnt from your time in Surf Life Saving?
Team work, dedication, passion, compliance, the importance of communication, goal setting, inclusion, engagement, leadership and resilience.
We’re just over a month into the 2016-17 patrolling season, what have you enjoyed the most so far?
To be back as part of our patrol team and continue to support each other in this. We have been able to as a team refresh our needed skill set and welcome a new group of rookie lifesavers that are part of the future of surf life saving.
What are your goals within Surf Life Saving?
Member and youth retention, to continue to hold up the brand of Surf Life Saving, to continue to deliver fun competition and education, to continue to provide a safe environment for everyone and have a great community at Shelly Beach.
What has been your best memory so far as a surf lifesaver?
To put on the red and yellow is a privilege and I have many memories and it is too hard to define a single one. I love that some of our younger members have the initiative off duty to be responsible and watch out for people and are willing to put their hands up despite not being on patrol. I also remember the team effort at Shelly Beach SLSC over the last few years where we have had several major rescues that have resulted in no loss of lives.
Tell us about your club Shelly Beach SLSC.
Shelly Beach is a great club formed in the late 1950s that has seen some huge changes in the movement and in our facilities. Shelly Beach boasts a new club house and has a huge variety of members that offer different skill sets in a challenging volunteer organisation. Shelly Beach boasts a strong team ethic and this is shown in the dedication of many of our members. We are striving to make Shelly Beach the best that it can be to offer a safe environment for all, providing training, education, Nippers, competition and a unique community that everyone can be part of.
Who is someone you admire in the Surf Life Saving movement and why?
Trevor Hendy - his approach and time in the movement, his knowledge and his skill set that he is still sharing despite his retirement from competition. Trevor continues to be a great coach and runs successful life skills programs open to anyone.
Favourite beach that isn’t yours?
Stockton Beach - needs no explanation!
Friday 28 October 2016