New South Wales’ 2024 Lifesaving Conference in July saw over 400 surf club changemakers come together to map out a new vision for the surf lifesaving movement.
The conference focused on ways to attract and keep volunteers while delivering more effective services to local communities.
Both internal and external presenters encouraged embracing change and the sharing of new ideas amongst the group.
Top innovation trainer Jason Clarke fired up the crowd while Gus Balbontin, former executive director of Lonely Planet, discussed how to involve clubs in discussing new ideas and suggestions.
SLSNSW President, Peter Agnew AM, said he was inspired to see “so many young faces” amongst attendees and enjoyed the energy created by the conference.
“As the largest volunteer emergency service in NSW, it’s really important and quite exciting to get so many of our members in one place to network and discuss what’s coming up in the lifesaving space,” he said.
The weekend’s most popular breakout sessions covered a range of topics, including how coastal insights are informing approaches to lifesaving service agreements; an in-depth look at Surf Lifesaving NSW’s work beyond the yellow and red flags, and how surf lifesaving can support member wellbeing and mental health in better ways.
“I can’t wait to see how our clubs take inspiration from the presentations at this conference and put it into action on our front lines,” Agnew continued.
One Victorian Surf Lifesaving club has already implemented such actions.
Almost two years ago, work began on upgrading the Black Rock Life Saving Club after a need to accommodate a growing membership and increase in visitors became urgent.
The $7,400,000 redevelopment now boasts viewing areas with increased visibility, improved amenities and greater accessibility and inclusivity.
Bayside City Council officially opened the site by unveiling a plaque to commemorate the changes.
Fiona Stitfold, Mayor for Bayside, spoke of the importance of the club’s role within the community, thanking the support from the club, Life Saving Victoria and the Victorian Government for contributing to the cost of the build.
Cath McGrath, vice president of Black Rock Life Saving Club, spoke of looking forward to hosting community events, and the committee’s pride in the new ‘off the lip’ facility, riding the Bayside wave and reaching for the sky.
“We worked with Council to ensure the building met operational needs while creating an accessible space for all. This has been achieved, and our members are looking forward to summer,” McGrath said.
