Surf Life Saving Queensland Annual Report 2016/17 by Surf Life Saving Queensland

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 016/17 S U R F L I F E S AV I N G Q U E E N S L A N D

SLSQ SNAPSHOT

CONTENTS Our Commitment to Saving Lives

Education 39

Patron’s and Premier’s Message

Fundraising 43

Board Biography

Corporate Governance

Patrons and Honours

Human Resources

President’s and CEO’s Report

Media and Public Affairs

Lifesaving Services

Marketing and Partnerships

Australian Lifeguard Service Queensland

Our Partners

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service

SLSQ Committees and Panels

Community Awareness

SLSQ Life Members

Membership Development

Award Winners

Surf Sports

Statistics, Sporting Results and Financials

Surf Life Saving Clubs

Operations Support

North Queensland Branch

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service Rescue water craft service Jet rescue boat service Offshore rescue boat service SurfCom communications centres Duty Officer program Coastalwatch cameras Brisbane Lifesaving Service Remote coastal beacons Emergency response groups Gold Coast dawn patrol

Port Douglas Ellis Beach Cairns Etty Bay Mission Beach North Barrier Branch Forrest Beach Arcadian Townsville Picnic Bay Ayr Bowen Eimeo Mackay Sarina Wide Bay Capricorn Branch Yeppoon Emu Park Tannum Sands Agnes Water Moore Park Bundaberg Elliott Heads Hervey Bay Sunshine Coast Branch Rainbow Beach Noosa Heads Sunshine Beach Coolum Beach Marcoola Mudjimba

Maroochydore Alexandra Headland Mooloolaba Kawana Waters Dicky Beach Metropolitan Caloundra Bribie Island Redcliffe Peninsula South Coast Branch Point Lookout Coochiemudlo Island Southport Surfers Paradise Northcliffe Broadbeach Kurrawa Mermaid Beach Nobbys Beach Miami Beach North Burleigh Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park

Australian Lifeguard Service Servicing: Brisbane City Council Bundaberg Regional Council Burdekin Shire Council Cairns Regional Council Cassowary Coast Regional Council City of Gold Coast City Parkland Services Pty Ltd The Department of National Parks, Sport, and Racing

Point Danger Branch Tallebudgera Pacific Palm Beach Currumbin Tugun Bilinga North Kirra Kirra Coolangatta Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Rainbow Bay

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

Douglas Shire Council Fraser Coast Regional Council Gladstone Regional Council Gympie Regional Council Hinchinbrook Shire Council Livingstone Shire Council Mackay Regional Council Moreton Bay Regional Council Noosa Shire Council Redland City Council Sunshine Coast Council Townsville Regional Council

Registered office of SLSQ – “Surf Rescue House” 18 Manning Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101

Notice of SLSQ Annual General Meeting The 2016/17 Annual Report will be presented at the 87th Annual General Meeting of Surf Life Saving Queensland, to be held at Surf Rescue House in South Brisbane on Friday 25 August 2017 at 6pm.

Surf Life Saving Queensland 18 Manning Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101 P: 07 3846 8000 F: 07 3846 8008 E: slsq@lifesaving.com.au W: lifesaving.com.au

2 0 1 6 – 17

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAVING LIVES Who we are

Unfortunately, despite significant advances in technology, techniques and knowledge, people still drown on Queensland beaches.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is the state’s leading authority on aquatic safety and surf rescue, and one of the largest volunteer-based community service organisations in Australia.

SLSQ aims to set the benchmark in lifesaving service provision, rescue practices, emergency care and training and education as we strive to make our stunning coastline safer for everyone who uses it. A commitment to continuous improvement across all areas of our operation ensures we are highly regarded across Australia and around the world.

From humble beginnings, when the first official rescue was recorded on a Queensland beach in 1909, SLSQ has developed into a groundbreaking and highly innovative organisation encompassing 58 clubs and more than 31,000 men, women and children across the state.

We are leaders in our industry, and are committed to maintaining this stance to ensure we are equipped for the future.

Since its inception, SLSQ’s volunteer surf lifesavers and lifeguards have directly saved the lives of more than 130,000 people through in-water rescues, and educated in excess of 10 million people about surf and aquatic safety through targeted and grassroots community awareness programs.

Our vision Zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters.

SLSQ is directly affiliated with, and is part of, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and the International Life Saving Federation (ILS).

Our mission

As a not-for-profit organisation, SLSQ relies heavily on community support and donations to continue our vital work both on and off Queensland’s beaches. It is the generous support of Queenslanders that enables us to help keep beachgoers safe.

SLSQ will operate as a proactive and effective peak body, leading the way in lifesaving service provision, education, sport, beach safety advocacy and community leadership.

Our strategic imperatives

Why we exist

Committed To Our Community: To advocate water safety management and continue to enhance the reputation of SLSQ as the peak body.

SLSQ is built on a fundamental principle: to save lives. Our organisation encompasses several diverse arms – lifesaving and lifeguarding services, community education, membership services, surf sports, fundraising, commercial training and member training – all supporting one overarching purpose.

Connected To Our People: To recruit and retain the best people through support and development of their skills and knowledge. Effective In Our Business: To plan and execute our day-to-day operations to an outstanding level of efficiency, with continuous improvement always in mind.

Queensland’s mainland coastline is extensive, stretching more than 6,000 kilometres from the Gulf of Carpentaria in the west and Cape York in the north to Point Danger in the southeast. With more than 700 accessible beaches along this expanse, the state boasts some of the world’s most popular sandy stretches, attracting approximately 20 million visitors to our beaches every year.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

Sustainable For Our Future: To ensure SLSQ is equipped for the future through continuous growth, strong financial management and sound governance.

2 0 1 6 – 17

PATRON’S MESSAGE

His Excellency

Paul de Jersey AC Governor of Queensland It gives me great pleasure as Governor and Patron of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) to congratulate the Board, partners, staff, and volunteers of this wonderfully uplifting Queensland institution on another successful year.

SLSQ were kept busy off the beach as well, with personnel lending a hand in the lead up to, and in the aftermath of, Tropical Cyclone Debbie, and the continuation of beneficial outreach and community education programs.

Few places in the world can claim the beauty of our Queensland beaches, and I express enormous gratitude to the volunteer surf lifesavers and professional lifeguards whose tireless work contributes every day to keeping our beaches safe.

It would be truly difficult to imagine the beach and community landscape without SLSQ. Queenslanders the length and breadth of the state, and our visitors, owe their thanks – and sometimes their lives – to the brave men and women of SLSQ.

‘Swim between the flags’ is a familiar mantra on our Queensland beaches, thanks to the continuing role that SLSQ plays in the education of Aussies and visitors alike. This summer, that mantra, alongside targeted initiatives to eliminate drownings, kept over eight million beachgoers safe.

Governor of Queensland

His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC

PREMIER’S MESSAGE

Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier of Queensland Minister for the Arts For generations, our surf lifesavers have helped keep Queenslanders safe as we enjoy our state’s beautiful beaches. We all recognise the iconic red and yellow flags and the role that surf lifesavers play in our communities up and down the coast – but Surf Life Saving Queensland’s (SLSQ) efforts also extend beyond the coastline.

SLSQ’s generous and selfless volunteers are at the heart of this community organisation. In performing 648,479 preventative actions and saving 2,561 beachgoers in our state in 2016/17, SLSQ has clearly demonstrated the benefits it provides to both Queenslanders and holidaymakers alike.

This year, SLSQ’s lifeguards and surf lifesavers assisted the people and communities in need during Tropical Cyclone Debbie, and in the immediate aftermath. They provided their valuable skills, experience and resources to help Queenslanders affected by this natural disaster. The incredible work performed by SLSQ in the wake of Cyclone Debbie is testament to the commitment of our surf lifesavers to helping Queenslanders – and saving lives.

It is wonderful that members of SLSQ will also be involved with a range of initiatives to support the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, as we welcome visitors, athletes and officials from 70 nations and territories to Queensland. On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank SLSQ and its volunteers for their incredible efforts on our beaches and in our communities during the past summer and our state’s recent natural disaster

In recognition of the important services provided by our surf lifesavers and lifeguards, my Government is providing SLSQ with $17 million over three years to continue its great work ensuring the public’s safety on Queensland’s beaches.

Annastacia Palaszczuk MP

SLSQ is also part my Government’s new Emergency Volunteers Advisory Forum, which aims to support and strengthen our state’s emergency services volunteer network. With over 31,000 members,

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

Premier of Queensland Minister for the Arts

2 0 1 6 – 17

BOARD BIOGRAPHY Michael White

Mark Fife OAM President

Director

Since joining Surf Life Saving in 1975, Mark has become the epitome of the iconic Aussie surf lifesaver. Mark is a former Club and Branch President, was the Australian Director of Lifesaving for five years, and is the only person to have been recognised as both the Australian Surf Lifesaver of the Year and Australian Volunteer of the Year. He is a Life Member of Broadbeach SLSC, South Coast Branch, SLSQ, and SLSA. In 2013 he received an OAM for his contributions to surf lifesaving and was inducted into SLSA’s National Hall of Fame in 2015.

Michael has been involved in the surf lifesaving movement for more than 20 years. He is a former Director and Secretary of Alexandra Headland SLSC, and a former member of SLSQ’s Judiciary. He has been a patrol captain for 10 years and a helicopter rescue crewman for six years. An accomplished athlete, Michael has competed at the international level and has won 24 medals on the national stage. He is a barrister at the Sunshine Coast Barristers Chambers, and has also acted as an Independent Director to a number of community association boards.

Laurie Murphy

Darren Woodward

Deputy President

Director

Laurie joined the movement as a nipper in 1971 before completing his Bronze Medallion at Mooloolaba in 1974. While most of his seasons have been spent at Maroochydore SLSC, he has been a member of a numerous clubs in Queensland and New South Wales, holding a variety of positions including Secretary, Captain, and Boat Captain. Outside of Surf Life Saving, he is the chief executive officer of a large privatelyowned group of companies operating across Australia and internationally.

Darren joined Point Lookout SLSC as a nipper in 1974 and is currently a Long Service Member. He has previously held a number of club roles including President, Deputy President, and Vice Captain. He joined the South Coast Branch Board of Examiners in 1987 and has since held the positions of Director and Deputy Director of Junior Activities. Darren returned to the SLSQ Board of Directors in August 2016, having previously served on the Board from 2010-2014. Away from Surf Life Saving, Darren has held senior management positions with a number of large organisations operating extensively within the mining and resource industries.

Darrin Bragg Director of Finance

Warwick Agnew

Darrin joined the surf lifesaving movement in 1974 as a nipper at Mackay SLSC. He is currently President of Townsville Picnic Bay SLSC. Darrin chairs SLSQ’s Audit, Finance and Compliance Committee, and is President of the Cairns SLSC Supporters Club. He is a Life Member of North Barrier Branch and is principal of his own accounting and taxation practice.

Independent Director Warwick is currently a Deputy Under Treasurer at Queensland Treasury. Warwick has commercial experience in both public and private sectors. Over the past 20 years, his experience includes senior leadership positions in Queensland Treasury (including Queensland Treasury Corporation), Macquarie Capital, and Transfield Services. Warwick has a background in surf lifesaving and recently returned as a nipper parent at Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC in 2015.

Kaitlyn Akers Director Kaitlyn joined Mudjimba SLSC in 2001 and has since held a number of senior roles within Surf Life Saving at State, Branch, and Club level. In 2010/11 she was named the Queensland Surf Lifesaver of the Year. Off the beach, Kaitlyn is contracted to leading people strategy and operations for a private Allied Health organisation nationally and managing a project on cultural shift for an NDS services provider. She holds an Executive MBA, is a Fellow of AIM, and has completed a postgraduate certificate in Strategic Talent Management from Stanford University along with Strategic Innovation and Sustainability Reporting at Harvard Business School.

Christina Sutherland Independent Director Christina is a senior lawyer and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1989. Christina is also a director of Powerlink Queensland and is Chairperson of Powerlink’s Audit and Compliance Committee. Through her legal knowledge and practical experience, Christina provides advice and guidance on issues relating to business, employment, workplace health and safety and corporate governance.

Tanya O’Shea Director Tanya has been a member of Bundaberg SLSC since 2005, initially joining as a nipper parent before being elected as the Junior Activities Chair. As the CEO of IMPACT Community Services, she balances a strong academic and practical background in business management and mental health, applying sound business principles to the governance and strategic vision of an organisation that delivers a diverse and innovative suite of programs to some of the most vulnerable within the community. Tanya is continually seeking opportunities to grow, diversify, innovate, and improve the sustainability and financial viability of ‘for purpose’ organisations.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

PATRONS AND HONOURS Vale

Life Members 2016/17*

SLSQ offers its deepest respect and sympathy to the friends and family of members who have passed away this year. In particular, condolences are extended to the loved ones of our Life Members who passed away during the 2016/17 season, Robert (Bob) Holden, Ron Tallon OAM, and Ron Davidson OAM.

Marcia Fife Peter Lucas Andrew McNeilly Jeff Paskin * A full list of SLSQ’s Life Members can be found on page 53.

Condolences are also extended to the members of Surf Life Saving who have suffered bereavements in their families.

Patron

Australian Honours

His Excellency the Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC.

Awarded Queen’s Birthday 2016:

Vice Patrons

Mr Noel Christmas AM – Officially made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the real estate and property development sectors, and to tourism, local government, youth and sporting groups. This includes extensive service and contribution to Surfers Paradise SLSC.

Hon Curtis Pitt MP Hon Cameron Dick MP Hon Shannon Fentiman MP Hon Kate Jones MP

Mrs Tina Patane OAM – Awarded a Medal (OAM) in the General Division for service to both performing arts and to the community, including significant contributions to Etty Bay SLSC and Surf Life Saving North Queensland.

Hon Dr Steven Miles MP

Mr Ashley Robinson OAM – Awarded a Medal (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community of the Sunshine Coast, including significant contributions to Alexandra Headland SLSC.

Mayor Allan Sutherland

Mr Eric Cullen OAM – Awarded a Medal (OAM) in the General Division for service to both swimming and to the community, including significant contributions to Moore Park SLSC.

Mayor Jenny Hill

Awarded Australia Day 2017:

Mayor Mick Curran

Mr Glynn Topfer OAM - Awarded a Medal (OAM) in the General Division for service to surf lifesaving.

Mayor Tom Tate

Commissioner Ian Stewart Commissioner Katarina Carroll Lord Mayor Graham Quirk Mayor Bill Ludwig Mayor Bob Manning OAM Mayor Karen Williams Mayor Mark Jamieson

Mr Daniel Gschwind Mr Stephen Maitland OAM RFD

Mr David McLean ESM – Awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for service as a volunteer surf lifesaver and long-term commitment to coastal and public safety.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

Mr Mick Power AM Mr Jim McGowan AM

2 0 1 6 – 17

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Mark Fife OAM President

It has been an honour to have served as President of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) for the past 12 months. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the SLSQ Board, Council, and all staff members for their support and hard work throughout the season. It has been a pleasure to have worked alongside such a dedicated group of people, all striving collectively towards the common goal of saving lives.

As President, it is a genuine privilege to represent SLSQ’s diverse membership base, and I can assure them that the Board will continue to work hard to progress the organisation for the benefit of all. Importantly, there have been a number of positive developments across the past 12 months, with the introduction of LIMSOC technology into patrols and the transition across to the State Operations Communications Centre high amongst them. In addition, we have implemented programs to develop leaders within the lifesaving movement while achieving positive state-wide membership growth.

I also wish to acknowledge the tireless work of our volunteer members who continue to serve our organisation so proudly. Whether it’s raising the red and yellow flags as a patrolling surf lifesaver, or helping their clubs behind the scenes, every individual within SLSQ has a vital and valued role to play when it comes to protecting Queensland’s coastline. Our members are the lifeblood of our organisation and, based on what I’ve seen this season alone, we are certainly in safe hands moving forward.

Meanwhile, the Board has continued to investigate the feasibility of developing a Lifesaving Centre of Excellence in Cleveland. If this project comes to fruition, it would represent a significant and exciting step forward for SLSQ, providing our members with state-of-the-art training facilities and a dedicated search and rescue hub in the state’s south east.

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of presenting a Lifesaving Excellence Award to Jayke Menefy, a young nipper from Mermaid Beach. On Easter Sunday Jayke and his family were driving home from a family trip to the Sunshine Coast when they noticed a man caught in a rip at an unpatrolled stretch of beach, desperately struggling to keep his head above water. At just 12 years of age, Jayke immediately sprung into action, grabbing a surf board and navigating the tricky conditions to paddle out and stabilise the patient before further help could arrive. It was an incredibly brave effort from the young lifesaver, and one which allowed a father to return home safely to his wife and two children. Jayke’s efforts were further recognised when he was honoured with Surf Life Saving Australia’s award for the National Rescue of the Month.

It has certainly been a historic year for SLSQ and the future looks brighter than ever. On a personal note, I would like to recognise the efforts of Chris Donnelly and Phil Chipman who will be stepping down as the Presidents of the Wide Bay Capricorn and South Coast Branches respectively. Their contributions to surf lifesaving within these roles have been nothing short of outstanding, and I thank them both for their commitment and efforts.

As remarkable as Jayke’s story is, it’s also worth nothing that it is just one of almost 3,000 rescues successfully carried out by our highlyskilled surf lifesavers and lifeguards across the state this year alone. The enormity of this figure should never be underestimated. These are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, husbands, and wives who are all still alive today thanks to the outstanding efforts of the brave men and women who raise the flags and patrol our beaches each year.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

Mark Fife OAM President - Surf Life Saving Queensland

2 0 1 6 – 17

CEO’S REPORT

John Brennan OAM Chief Executive Officer

Effective in our business

On behalf of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) I am proud to bring you our Annual Report for 2016/17.

We continue to implement innovative strategies to enhance our operations at all levels. The past season saw a significant change in the way SLSQ collects coastal data, with the launch of the Lifesaving Incident Management System and Operational Console. This sees patrols equipped with smart device technology to log rescues, incidents, and real-time beach conditions into a central database, providing them with unprecedented access to a live stream of information from all patrolled beaches.

It has been another historic year for SLSQ as we continued to experience strong growth, both on and off the beach. It is important to acknowledge the collective achievements of our organisation during the past season have only been made possible through the hard work of many people working tirelessly behind the scenes. With that in mind, I wish to formally thank SLSQ president Mark Fife OAM and the Board of Directors, along with our staff members for their outstanding contributions. I also wish to thank our volunteer members who have proven time and time again to be lifesavers in every sense of the word.

Meanwhile, SLSQ’s professional lifeguard arm, the Australian Lifeguard Service Queensland, continues to solidify its reputation as a global leader. This was evident in 2016/17 when the service secured contract extensions with South Bank Parklands, and Sunshine Coast and Noosa Regional Councils. Meanwhile, SLSQ’s lifeguards also celebrated 25 years of partnership with Burdekin Shire, Livingstone Shire, Gladstone Regional, and Bundaberg Regional Councils.

SLSQ’s overarching vision is supported through the four strategic imperatives outlined below.

Committed to our community: The surf lifesaving movement in Queensland can be traced all the way back to 1909, when the first official rescue was successfully performed at Greenmount Beach. A lot has changed in the years since, but one thing that remains the same is our unwavering commitment to saving lives.

The past season also saw SLSQ celebrate two significant milestones, with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service and Surf Communications Centre both notching 40 years of saving lives. As an organisation, we owe a great deal of gratitude to the founding members of each service, along with the volunteers and staff whose efforts have taken them from strength to strength in the years since.

This was reflected by the actions of our men and women on patrol this season. In 2016/17, SLSQ’s volunteer surf lifesavers and professional lifeguards combined to perform 648,479 preventative actions, treat 74,370 first aid patients, and save the lives of 2,561 people through in-water rescues. Even a quick glance at these figures highlights the importance of SLSQ’s lifesavers and lifeguards to the Queensland community and its expanding tourism market.

Sustainable for our future Our overarching vision as an organisation is ‘Zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters’ and, importantly, that continues to form the crux of every decision made, both on and off the beach. While there’s no doubt this is an ambitious vision, I am confident that the programs and structures we have established in SLSQ’s 2020 Strategic Plan have positioned us well to meet any challenges head on as we move into the next season and beyond.

Moving forward, we will continue to look for opportunities to build upon our service delivery in a bid to increase protection for Queensland communities and, ultimately, eliminate drowning deaths.

Connected to our people:

In 2016/17 we continued to take innovative and progressive steps towards increasing our reach along Queensland’s coastline and boosting safety at all public waterways across the state. This was made possible thanks to vital support from the Queensland Government and a raft of passionate corporate supporters. In the past 12 months we continued to strengthen these relationships, which will no doubt deliver significant flow-on benefits to SLSQ and all Queenslanders.

During the past 12 months, SLSQ continued to look for opportunities to engage with our volunteers and staff members, while providing them with tangible development and progression opportunities. In 2016, hundreds of surf lifesavers and lifeguards attended SLSQ’s State Conference on the Sunshine Coast. Held across three days, the Conference incorporated all key business and operational areas, providing a unique opportunity for our members to upskill.

It is an exciting time for SLSQ as we move into the future, and I look forward to working with you once again to save lives and reduce drowning deaths across all waters in Queensland.

In the sporting arena, SLSQ continued to build upon its championship events which attracted strong competitor numbers. Time and time again our athletes have proven themselves to be amongst the best in Australia and across the world. We will continue to look for opportunities to enhance our sporting programs for the benefit of all members. Our efforts to engage with members continue to pay dividends, most notably when it comes to recruitment and retention. In 2016/17 SLSQ recorded a healthy 3.1 per cent growth in membership. This is a wonderful result and a reflection of the hard work being done behind the scenes to provide our members with a diverse range of leadership and development programs.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

John Brennan OAM Chief Executive Officer - Surf Life Saving Queensland

2 0 1 6 – 17

VOLUNTEER PATROL HOURS

24,751 FIRST AID TREATMENTS BY VOLUNTEER SURF LIFESAVERS

1,125

RESCUES BY VOLUNTEER SURF LIFESAVERS

L IF E S AV ING SERVI CES

343,084

LIFESAVING OPERATIONS The past season proved to be one of extremes for Queensland’s surf lifesavers and lifeguards, with sustained and unseasonably warm temperatures attracting record crowds of beachgoers. The 12 months from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 saw more than 20.7 million people visit Queensland’s beaches, representing an increase of 11.6 per cent when compared to the year before. When coupled with unpredictable surf conditions, this led to numerous instances where lifesavers and lifeguards combined to rescue more than 50 people in a day. In addition, Queensland’s ‘red and yellow army’ were also required to contend with periods of heavy swell, king tides and, at times, challenging coastal conditions. In March 2017, Tropical Cyclone Debbie created dangerous surf across much of the state, with lifesavers and lifeguards working directly with councils and key stakeholders to close beaches and protect communities in and around the coastline. A number of factors including, amongst others, sustained northerly winds and warm water temperatures also saw a significant influx in the number of bluebottles across the state this season. In total, surf lifesavers and lifeguards treated 57,769 minor stings in 2016/17, up from just 11,645 in 2015/16. Despite these challenges, the efforts of SLSQ’s lifesavers and lifeguards continued to shine through. Collectively they performed 648,479 preventative actions, treated 74,370 first aid patients, and directly saved the lives of 2,561 people via in-water rescues. Importantly, this helped ensure there were zero drownings recorded on Queensland beaches during the peak holiday months of December and January, and just two drownings in 2016/17. While this is a significant drop when compared to 11 drownings the year before, it is still two too many as far as SLSQ is concerned. The past season saw a number of regional and state-wide initiatives introduced across the season as SLSQ worked towards achieving its vision of ‘Zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters.’ Importantly, moving forward, the organisation will continue to implement proactive and positive strategies to improve operations and widen our reach in a bid to break the drowning cycle along Queensland’s coastline and in all waterways across the state.

INCIDENT ANALYSIS In total there were two beach-related coastal drowning deaths recorded across Queensland in 2016/17. This represents a significant decrease when compared to 11 drownings in 2015/16, and is also the lowest number of annual drownings recorded on Queensland beaches since SLSQ began tracking coastal statistics. There was one drowning recorded on Green Island in North Queensland, involving a male Asian tourist, and one drowning was recorded at Currimundi on the Sunshine Coast involving an elderly Australian male.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

BLACKSPOT INITIATIVES

Gold Coast – Marina Mirage to Southport Spit • Increased roving patrols were conducted by Waverunners 5 and 6 to monitor beach usage and protect swimmers;

Each year SLSQ reviews data related to coastal drownings, rescues, and key incidents along Queensland’s coastline to identify particular ‘high-risk’ coastal blackspots. In September 2016 SLSQ identified six locations as coastal blackspots for 2016/17, including two on the Gold Coast, two on the Sunshine Coast, one in North Queensland, and one in Wide Bay Capricorn. The following targeted initiatives were introduced to improve safety at these locations:

Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise Tower 33-35 • Night vision camera technology was installed and rolled out at Surfers Paradise;

• Remote and proactive surveillance was conducted via SLSQ’s coastal camera; • Jet ski patrol hours were extended during peak periods; and • SLSQ provided key tourism operators with surf safety information and collateral to help educate and protect potential beachgoers.

Sunshine Coast – Discovery Beach to Point Arkwright

• Dusk patrols at Surfers Paradise were reintroduced and extended during the Christmas and Easter holiday periods, with lifesavers positioned on-site through to 10:30pm on weekends and public holidays. This service directly saved the lives of two swimmers, rescued after dark by lifesavers;

• The lifeguard service at Discovery Beach was increased to 365 days a year; • Roving jet ski patrols were conducted during the peak September, Christmas, and Easter holiday periods to proactively protect beachgoers; and

• Local airlines, hotels, and tourism agencies were provided with surf safety information and collateral in a bid to educate potential beachgoers; • Surf safety posters and coasters were provided to pubs, clubs, and cafes to help educate potential beachgoers about the dangers of drinking and swimming; and

• SLSQ continued its welcoming service at Sunshine Coast Airport during peak periods to greet inbound travellers and provide them with vital surf safety information.

Wide Bay Capricorn – Fraser Island (ocean side)

• Surf safety clinics were rolled out during peak periods at key locations.

• SLSQ conducted a signage audit on the western side of Fraser Island and at the Rainbow Beach barge site; • Dedicated surf safety collateral was developed and, moving forward, will be included with vehicle and camping permits; and

North Queensland – Green Island • Following an aquatic safety audit of Green Island, Australian Standard safety signage was implemented at 23 sites to help beachgoers identify potential hazards;

• SLSQ’s Westpac Helicopter conducted a number of surveillance patrols during the peak holiday periods to gather further information on visitation and beach usage.

• SLSQ met biannually with key stakeholders with regards to incidents and regulations on Green Island;

Sunshine Coast – Noosa River to Rainbow Beach Tower

• SLSQ attended a Queensland Government-led roundtable discussion on snorkeller safety alongside other key industry representatives; • Seabob technology was introduced to assist lifeguards with search, rescue, and patrol activities; • SLSQ continued its welcoming service at Cairns Airport during peak periods to greet inbound travellers and provide them with vital surf safety information; and • Lifeguards continued to trial the use of the multilingual SurfSpeak booklet to help communicate with international tourists.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

• SLSQ’s Westpac Helicopter conducted a number of surveillance patrols during the Christmas and New Year holiday periods to gather further information on visitation and beach usage; and • Dedicated surf safety collateral was developed and distributed to educate beachgoers and campers, providing them with surf safety information and warning them about the dangers of rips.

2 0 1 6 – 17

I got into surf lifesaving after my daughter joined Nippers when she was eight. For the first year I mainly watched and helped a little with the under-9 age group at carnivals, and was then persuaded to do my Bronze Medallion so I could do water safety while my husband became an Age Manager. Being named Queensland Surf Lifesaver of the Year was very humbling, and it means a great deal to both myself and the club to have our efforts recognised. But, outside of the award, my greatest achievement was obtaining my Bronze Medallion. This involved considerable work, coming to the movement later in life and, particularly, having grown up away from the coast and having to learn surf skills from scratch. My favourite thing about surf lifesaving is the family atmosphere and friendships. Surf lifesaving provides you with life skills, the opportunity to give back to your community, and to be part of a family. Kirsty Glithero - Yeppoon SLSC 2015/16 Queensland Surf Lifesaver of the Year

OPERATIONAL INITIATIVES

• Lifesaving and lifeguard services from Mackay to Port Douglas successfully transitioned from analog to digital radios, ensuring that all clubs and patrols across the state are linked into SLSQ’s communications network;

The past 12 months have seen SLSQ introduce a number of key services and initiatives in a bid to extend our reach along Queensland’s coastline and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of patrolling members. Importantly, these initiatives have been developed with one overarching objective in mind: to save lives.

• Roving patrols at Moreton Island were rolled out during the Christmas and Easter holidays, with a particular focus on Tangalooma and North Point; • Waverunner 18 patrols were implemented as an ongoing service within the Noosa region following successful trials in 2015/16;

LIMSOC Launched in July 2016, the Lifesaving Incident Management System Operational Console (LIMSOC) has led to significant improvements in the way SLSQ records and responds to coastal incidents. The LIMSOC system now sees all patrol services equipped with smart device technology to log rescues, incidents, beach usage, and conditions in real-time, into a central database monitored by SurfCom. This provides SLSQ with unprecedented access to a live stream of data from all patrolled beaches, ensuring that lifesavers and lifeguards can respond to incidents more effectively and efficiently than ever before.

State Operations and Communications Centre SLSQ’s State Operations and Communications Centre (SOCC) officially opened its doors in January 2017. Located at Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, the SOCC operates 365 days of the year, providing patrols and other services with a centralised facility for state-wide support and radio communications. Meanwhile, SurfCom continues to operate on the Sunshine Coast on weekends and public holidays during the patrol season.

Other key initiatives

• Lifeguard services continued at Tallebudgera Creek, Southport Broadwater, and Paradise Point during peak holiday periods; • Aerial patrols via SLSQ’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service were increased during peak periods, including regular patrols both during and after Tropical Cyclone Debbie; • SLSQ’s annual Coast Safe Report was released in September 2016 to analyse aquatic safety and drowning trends on Queensland beaches and, for the first time, inland waterways; • Night operations training was regularly conducted on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in conjunction with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service and the Queensland Water Police; • Dawn patrol services on the Gold Coast continued to operate 365 days of the year; • SLSQ continued to utilise its network of coastal surveillance cameras, now totalling 34, at high-risk locations across the state;

SLSQ continues to pursue innovative surf safety strategies in a bid to eliminate drownings across the state. In addition to specific and targeted blackspot strategies, the past season also saw a number of other key initiatives rolled out across the state, including: • SLSQ significantly built upon its media presence and strategy to increase surf warnings and safety messaging; • SLSQ implemented roving patrols at Noosa North Shore, spanning from Rainbow Beach to Noosa River mouth;

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

• SLSQ implemented RWC patrols at Elliott Heads and Hervey Bay on weekends and public holidays during the Christmas school holidays, continuing through to the end of season;

• Once again, SLSQ worked closely with both local and state governments via its seat on the Local Disaster Management Group and State Disaster Coordination Group; and • SLSQ continued to operate a dedicated phone number, available 24/7, for emergency service agencies to seek urgent assistance with coastal and/or aquatic emergencies.

2 0 1 6 – 17

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

SLSQ’s emergency response groups (ERGs) continue to strengthen and now operate in all regions across the state. The ERGs are designed to be an after-hours callout service to support other emergency agencies through the provision of skills and equipment during times of need.

SLSQ continues to trial new equipment and technology in a bid to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. Trials across 2016/17 included the following: • SLSQ continued trials into the viability of the Seabob, a portable electronic watercraft, following its integration into lifeguard patrols on Green and North Stradbroke Islands; and

A number of these ERGs were activated in March 2017 when SLSQ provided emergency relief and care to communities in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Debbie. With the state’s south reeling from some of the worst flooding seen in years, SLSQ deployed assets and personnel to assist in some of the hardest-hit regions. Working directly with the Queensland Police Service and other emergency agencies, lifesavers navigated the challenging floodwater using IRBs to assist with search and rescue missions and welfare checks. Meanwhile, as the cyclone bore down on north and central Queensland, SLSQ’s ERGs from Townsville through to Mackay were placed on standby with rescue equipment, first aid kits, and volunteers ready to respond if and when required. The Westpac Helicopter was also tasked to assist a male in his 50s who was stranded on the roof of his car in rising floodwaters near Laravale.

• Investigations continued into the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones), with SLSQ conducting trials with several operators to assess platforms and operational limitations.

PEAK BODY ADVICE As the state’s peak authority on coastal and aquatic safety, SLSQ regularly works with, and for, governments, local councils, and stakeholder groups to provide strategic advice about mitigating risk and protecting swimmers. In 2016/17, SLSQ:

SLSQ had significant engagement with emergency service agencies and Local Disaster Management Groups from Cairns through to the Gold Coast in the lead up to, during, and after Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

• Provided a formal submission to the National Senate inquiry into the efficacy and regulation of shark mitigation and deterrent measures; • Provided strategic advice to the Queensland Government about improving safety within the snorkelling industry, including revision of its pre-existing Code of Practice;

BRISBANE LIFESAVING SERVICE

• Attended a Queensland Government-led roundtable discussion focusing on snorkeller safety in NQ; • Reviewed the State Government’s Queensland Crocodile Management Plan; • Liaised with the Department of National Parks, Sport, and Racing and provided advice on best practice safety signage within Queensland national parks (including Green Island);

SLSQ’s Brisbane Lifesaving Service (BLS) continues to provide vital support to surf clubs and operations support across SEQ. In 2016/17, the service’s 99 members patrolled a number of beaches including Bilinga, Peregian, and Surfers Paradise. In total, members combined to perform in excess of 1,672 volunteer patrol hours. BLS members also contributed in excess of 311 hours to SLSQ’s operations support services.

• Provided strategic advice to the Department of National Parks, Sport, and Racing regarding best practice stinger management strategies at Fraser Island; and • Provided top-level advice to the Queensland Department of Education and Training regarding the importance of learning to swim programs in primary schools.

FUTURE PRIORITIES Every year SLSQ conducts an extensive review of its services, along with relevant coastal data, to determine the best strategies moving forward to protect swimmers and eliminate drowning deaths across the state. As a result of this review, the following priorities have been identified for 2017/18: • Increase focus on, and investments in, blackspot reduction programs to increase protection and improve water safety awareness at high-risk locations;

COASTAL RISK MANAGEMENT SLSQ conducts regular public safety risk assessments on beaches and inland waterways, using its extensive lifesaving experience to assist councils, governments, and land managers. In 2016/17 SLSQ worked in consultation with various councils and land managers to conduct a number of risk audits, with successful outcomes. This included audits at the following locations:

• Further develop LIMSOC to improve reporting capabilities and user interface;

• Fraser Island (western side)

• Increase focus on inland waterways through coastal risk and signage audits; and

• Townsville

• Continue to grow and expand Brisbane Lifesaving Service in all regions across SEQ.

• Cairns Lagoon

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

• Redland City • Green Island

2 0 1 6 – 17

DANGEROUS MARINE CREATURES

Cory Charitable Foundation Crucial funding from the Cory Charitable Foundation allowed SLSQ to purchase a number of helmets and personal flotation devices for surf life saving clubs across the state. SLSQ thanks the Cory Charitable Foundation for its support, which helps ensure that lifesavers have the resources and equipment they need to patrol Queensland’s coastline.

SLSQ continues to play a leading role in the management of dangerous marine creatures including sharks, crocodiles, and marine stingers. Each year SLSQ works closely with a range of key stakeholders including surf life saving clubs, local governments and councils, tourism operators, and the general public to educate and protect Queensland beachgoers.

John Villiers Trust With thanks to vital funding from the John Villiers Trust, SLSQ will deliver a pilot Indigenous Youth Education Program in the coming months to educate young North Queenslanders from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and equip them with the knowledge to stay safe at the beach. SLSQ is grateful for the continued support of the John Villiers Trust.

As part of this, SLSQ leads the Marine Stinger Prevention and Awareness Strategies on behalf of the Queensland Government. In addition, SLSQ also plays a key role in estuarine crocodile management, working closely with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, and sits on the North Queensland Community Advisory Group for Crocodile Management. Meanwhile, SLSQ representatives work with the Queensland Government to help protect swimmers from sharks, with the organisation an active member of the Shark Marine Advisory Group on the Gold Coast.

Other funds SLSQ is also grateful for support received through other grants across the year: • Unitywater Community Sponsorship Program to support SLSQ’s inaugural Little Lifesavers Legends program; and

LIFESAVING ASSISTANCE FUNDS

• Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s City Hall and King George Square Community Service Obligation Funding.

SLSQ LIFESAVING SERVICES QUALITY ASSURANCE

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Vital funding from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) ensures that SLSQ has the resources and capacity to protect Queensland beachgoers. This season QFES provided funding across several key areas: • Lifesaving Services Development Fund: QFES Sustainability and More Beaches Under Guard grants. These enable SLSCs and branches to make an application for lifesaving equipment to sustain and expand beach patrols; • Volunteer Marine Rescue Support Package: This includes funding for all clubs and branches to maintain current services across Queensland; • Regional Development Fund: Funding is provided to improve beach safety services for Queensland communities north of the Sunshine Coast; and

SLSQ was certified under the Australian Quality Management Standard 9001:2008 for the provision of professional lifeguard services, operations support (including, but not limited to, rescue water craft, rescue boats and communication centres), helicopter surveillance and rescue services (for SLSQ and police operations), the support of club patrol services, community awareness programs and coastal risk assessments. This provides the communities in which we operate with the assurance that services meet current and future requirements, while ensuring that lifesaving services remain a clear leader in aquatic safety and rescue services. (Certification Number – QEC22945).

• Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service: This funding helps SLSQ provide a dedicated search and rescue helicopter service in SEQ.

Federal Government Blackspot Funding In 2016/17, a number of SLSQ projects were successful in receiving Federal Government blackspot funding. This included: • An airport welcoming service was rolled out on the Sunshine Coast, with qualified lifesavers stationed at the arrivals hall to greet passengers and provide them with vital surf safety information; and • Development continued on the SurfSpeak booklet, featuring a range of translated phrases to help lifesavers and lifeguards communicate with international beachgoers in their primary language.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

FIRST AID TREATMENTS PERFORMED BY ALSQ LIFEGUARDS

572,296

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PERFORMED BY ALSQ LIFEGUARDS

1,436 RESCUES BY ALSQ LIFEGUARDS

AU ST R ALIAN LIFE GUA RD SE RVIC E QUEENS L A N D

49,619

As the professional lifeguard arm of SLSQ, the Australian Lifeguard Service Queensland (ALSQ) provides vital patrol and aquatic safety support to governments, councils, and land managers across the state.

• ALSQ introduced LIMSOC technology for aquatic and coastal data collection across all patrols; • Patrols at Discovery Beach were increased to a 365-day service, from May 2017 onwards;

In 2016/17 ALSQ patrolled at 79 beaches and waterways across the state, making it the largest provider of professional lifeguard services in Queensland. Not restricted to Queensland’s coastline, ALSQ lifeguards can also be found at lagoons, creeks, and other waterways across the state. Many of these sites are actively patrolled 365 days of the year, providing a crucial cog in SLSQ’s operations and its overarching goal of eliminating drowning deaths.

• Forty lifeguards, representing all regions across Queensland, attended SLSQ’s State Conference on the Sunshine Coast in August 2016 to upskill ahead of the peak summer season; • Lifeguards were involved in the trialling of drone technology in patrol operations on North Stradbroke Island; • A concerted effort to proactively protect swimmers saw the number of preventative actions performed by ALSQ lifeguards surpass half-a-million across the year;

A proud industry leader in aquatic safety, ALSQ continues to set a world-class benchmark through nationally-accredited training programs, highly skilled and experienced staff, and best practice in operations. This season, ALSQ was comprised of 72 permanent lifeguards (including nine supervisors), who were supported by an additional 338 casuals. Collectively, their experience is unrivalled in Queensland, with the team boasting 1,518 years of lifeguarding experience and more than 1.5 million career patrol hours.

• Seabob technology was permanently introduced at Green Island to assist lifeguards with patrols and rescue operations; • Lifeguards provided first aid and water safety services at the 2017 Queensland and Australian Surf Life Saving Championships;

In 2016/17, ALSQ lifeguards combined to perform a remarkable 572,296 preventative actions, while treating 49,619 injured first aid patients, and directly saving the lives of 1,436 beachgoers.

• ALSQ continued to provide a Safety Ambassador Service at South Bank Parklands to proactively engage with parents and encourage them to supervise their children; • ALSQ celebrated 25 years of partnership with City Parkland Services (South Bank), and a number of regional councils across the state;

Key achievements and developments From trialling new technology through to expanding existing services and upskilling lifeguards, ALSQ continues to actively pursue innovative strategies for protecting Queensland beachgoers. Some of its key developments and achievements from the past 12 months include:

• Service agreements were renewed with City Parkland Services (South Bank), Sunshine Coast Council, and Noosa Shire Council;

• Queensland lifeguards continued to solidify their reputations as some of the nation’s finest. This was evident when Sunshine Coast senior lifeguard Shane Bevan was awarded the industry’s top individual honour, named SLSA’s Australian Lifeguard of the Year in October 2016;

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

• ALSQ continued to integrate its services with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, with six lifeguards now qualified crewmembers; and • A sustained focus on upskilling saw 77 lifeguards complete their Provide Advanced First Aid unit of competencies.

2 0 1 6 – 17

COUNCIL/CORPORATION

YEARS OF SERVICE

YEAR COMMENCED

BEACHES/AREAS PATROLLED

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION LIFEGUARD SERVICES Douglas Shire Council

28 years

1989

Four Mile Beach

Cairns Regional Council

28 years

1989

Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob Beach, Ellis Beach, Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, Bramston Beach, Kewarra Beach, Green Island, Esplanade Lagoon

Cassowary Coast Regional Council

22 years

1995

Etty Bay, North Mission, Mission Beach

The Department of National Parks, Sport, and Racing

2 years (previously with Cairns Regional Council)

2015

Green Island

22 years

1995

Forrest Beach

27 years

1990

The Strand Net 1, The Strand Net 2, The Strand Water Park, Alma Bay, Picnic Bay, Horseshoe Bay

14 years

2003

Balgal Beach, Riverway Lagoon, The Strand Rock Pool

6 years

2011

Pallarenda

Burdekin Shire Council

25 years

1992

Alva Beach

Whitsunday Regional Council

9 years

2008

Horseshoe Bay (Bowen)

9 years

2008

Blue Water Lagoon

26 years

1991

Harbour Beach, Lamberts Beach, Eimeo Beach

24 years

1993

Sarina Beach

25 years

1992

Emu Park Beach, Yeppoon Beach

22 years

1995

Agnes Water Beach

25 years

1992

Tannum Sands Beach

25 years

1992

Moore Park Beach, Oaks Beach, Kelly’s Beach, Elliott Heads Beach, Mon Repos Beach, Nielsen Park Beach

25 years

2011

Woodgate

25 years

1992

Torquay Beach

NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION LIFEGUARD SERVICES Hinchinbrook Shire Council

Townsville City Council

Mackay Regional Council

WIDE BAY CAPRICORN REGION LIFEGUARD SERVICES Livingstone Shire Council Gladstone Regional Council

Bundaberg Regional Council Fraser Coast Regional Council

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND REGION LIFEGUARD SERVICES Noosa Shire Council

5 years

2012

Noosa West, Noosa, Sunshine, Sunrise, Peregian, North Peregian, Noosa North Shore (Roving)

Sunshine Coast Council

5 years

2012

Coolum North, Coolum Beach, Yaroomba, Palmer Coolum Resort, Boardwalk, Marcoola,Discovery Beach, Mudjimba, Twin Waters, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Mooloolaba Spit, Buddina, Wurtulla, Currimundi, Dicky Beach, Kings Beach, Bulcock Beach, Golden Beach, Kings Pool

Gympie Regional Council

24 years

1993

Rainbow Beach

Moreton Bay Regional Council

22 years

1995

Woorim Beach

City Parkland Services (South Bank)

25 years

1992

Streets Beach Lagoon

Redland City Council

24 years

1993

Cylinder Beach, Main Beach, Adder Rock, Wellington Point

Council of the City of Gold Coast

4 years

2013

Paradise Point, Southport Broadwater, Tallebudgera Creek

9 years

2008

Double Island Point

2 years

2015

Noosa North Shore

8 years

2009

Moreton Island

Non Local Government Areas

I started working as a lifeguard in the summer of 2004 and fell in love with it. Since then, it’s just continued to grow on me and has become a real passion of mine. I just really enjoy helping people, whether it’s tracking down a missing child or finding a missing wallet. There’s a real sense of relief there as well after rescuing someone, knowing that if a lifeguard wasn’t there, they would have drowned. It’s a good feeling to know that you’ve been able to help someone and save them. Preventative actions are always a big focus for us. If we identify someone who doesn’t look like a strong swimmer, then we don’t want them even getting close to a position where they’ll need to be rescued. It could be as simple as getting on the PA system, giving them some instructions, and helping to educate them. Shane Bevan, Sunshine Coast senior lifeguard 2015/16 Queensland and Australian Lifeguard of the Year

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

HELICOPTER SURF PATROLS

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS

LIVES SAVED

WE S TPAC LIFESAV ER RES CUE HE LI COPTER SE RVI CE

447

An iconic sight along Queensland’s coastline, SLSQ’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) has flown in excess of 10,000 missions since its inception, helping it forge a reputation as one of the world’s finest aerial search and rescue services.

• Additional and extended aerial patrols were conducted across South East Queensland to support surf lifesavers and lifeguards during peak periods; and

On 5 December 2016, the service celebrated a significant and historic milestone when it officially notched up 40 years of operation. During this time, the WLRHS has been directly responsible for saving more than 850 lives, often providing the last line of hope for exhausted swimmers struggling to keep their heads above water. The service has developed into a vital part of SLSQ’s rescue operations, and continues to play a key role in the organisation’s bid to deliver on its vision of ‘Zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters.’ Today, the WLRHS operates two helicopters from hangars on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, with its highly-trained pilots and crew on call around the clock, 365 days of the year.

• The service continues to benefit from its integration with the Australian Lifeguard Academy Queensland, with six SEQ lifeguards now qualified as rescue crew.

Heli Legends On Saturday, 24 September 2016, the WLRHS celebrated its 40th anniversary at the second annual Heli Ball on the Gold Coast. One of the evening’s highlights came when SLSQ formally honoured six individuals for their outstanding contributions to saving lives through distinguished and sustained service to the WLRHS. These men, many of whom were instrumental in creating and building the service 40 years ago, were inducted as inaugural ‘Heli Legends.’ Congratulations are extended to:

In 2016/17, the WLRHS consisted of 19 professional staff including four full-time crewmembers, eight pilots, six lifeguards, and one administration assistant. The service also encompassed 26 highlytrained volunteer surf lifesavers (including 15 rescue crew and 11 aircrew).

Heli Legend Number 1: Garth Bennett ‘GB’ Andrews OAM Heli Legend Number 2: Ron Rankin AM Heli Legend Number 3: Tom Ward DFC

Some of the key achievements across the year include:

Heli Legend Number 4: Gary ‘GT’ Terrell

• The WLRHS celebrated its 40th anniversary with a number of special events and activities across the season including its annual Heli Ball, a luncheon for current and former crewmembers, media opportunities, and a Hangar Open Day at Carrara;

Heli Legend Number 5: Daniel Hoyland OAM Heli Legend Number 6: Ian Grant OAM

• A concerted effort was made to engage with, and educate, surf life saving clubs, lifeguard services, and individual operators about drone safety;

ACTIVITY

LIFESAVER 45

LIFESAVER 46

TOTAL

Surf patrols

196

251

447

Preventative actions

• A continued focus on training and upskilling saw staff and volunteer crew successfully complete a wide range of courses including water winch, hoist, and helicopter underwater escape training. In addition, two rescue crew were trained and endorsed as aircrew;

Rescue Support

Searches

• Lifesaver 45 was placed on standby to assist in the lead up to, and immediately after, Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Crew were tasked to assist a male in his 50s who was stranded in floodwater near Laravale;

Mission hours

309

348

657

Rescues Beach surveillance

15,955

33,442

Polair

• The WLRHS continued to work closely with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the Queensland Police Service, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to provide search and rescue services during times of need; • The service’s commitment to excellence at all levels was evident through regular and extensive fitness testing for crew;

Through the WLRHS, SLSQ has successfully operated the Polair helicopters on behalf of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for the past five years. Importantly, SLSQ’s relationship with QPS continues to broaden our core service by delivering safer communities across the state. In 2016 SLSQ secured a six year extension of its existing contract with the QPS, through to June 2022.

Principal Partner

Aviation Partners

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

9 17,487

2 0 1 6 – 17

L to R: WLRHS chief pilot Paul Gibson, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, and SLSQ COO George Hill ESM.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

PEOPLE REACHED VIA COMMUNITY AWARENESS INITIATIVES

41,019 MULTICULTURAL PARTICIPANTS IN SLSQâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON THE SAME WAVE PROGRAM

39,731 SCHOOL STUDENTS EDUCATED

CO M M U NITY AWAREN ES S

464,124

Outside of its front-line patrols, SLSQ continues to advocate the importance of surf safety education and awareness as a crucial part of breaking the drowning cycle. In 2016/17, SLSQ delivered a raft of targeted community awareness programs across the state in a bid to educate beachgoers, change behaviours, and save lives. In total, these efforts have seen SLSQ engage with 464,124 people this season, equipping them with potentially lifesaving knowledge, skills, and awareness. Some of the key achievements from the past season include: • An extensive business plan was signed-off to oversee growth and development of SLSQ’s community awareness activities moving forward; • The launch of SLSQ’s Little Lifesavers Legends on the Sunshine Coast saw a tailored water-safety program offered for children with physical, social, and emotional challenges. In total 73 enthusiastic young children participated in three programs; • Surf safety iMaps were produced and distributed to all regions across Queensland, with a particular focus on identified coastal blackspots;

Little Lifesavers Since its inception in 1993, the award-winning Little Lifesavers program has developed into one of SLSQ’s most popular water safety initiatives. This year, 609 children participated in the program, learning vital skills and water safety awareness. The 2016/17 season also saw a number of firsts, with a full-time program introduced at Raby Bay and the launch of Little Lifesavers Legends for children with physical, emotional, and social challenges. Both were received extremely well and will be built on over the coming seasons. SLSQ acknowledges the support of the South Bank Corporation, Brisbane City Council, Redland City Council, Cairns Regional Council, Bundaberg Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Council, and the Council of the City of Gold Coast. SLSQ also extends its appreciation to program partner Star Outdoor for its support.

Breaka Beach to Bush

• The Little Lifesavers program was recognised as the Best School Holiday Activity, and nominated in two other categories, at the National What’s On 4 Kids Awards;

SLSQ once again partnered with Breaka Flavoured Milk to spread vital surf safety messages to remote and rural communities across Queensland. Now in its 16th season, the program continues to educate thousands of potential beachgoers every year. The 2016/17 program saw lifesavers directly engage with almost 13,000 students and, for the first time, visit Thursday Island. SLSQ extends its thanks to Breaka Flavoured Milk for its ongoing support of the Beach to Bush initiative.

• Volunteer surf lifesavers visited the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital on multiple occasions to engage with young patients;

Queensland Health Beach Safe Schools Program

• An extensive ‘Don’t Drink and Swim’ campaign was rolled out at key locations, with educational posters and coasters distributed to almost 500 pubs and nightclubs;

• The popular Little Lifesavers initiative was expanded to include a full-time program at Raby Bay;

• A rip safety campaign, ‘Don’t Risk the Rip’, was launched in consultation with SLSA;

The Beach Safe Schools Program was developed to educate primary school students about surf safety, dangerous marine creatures, and the importance of sun safety. The initiative seeks to provide students with the skills and awareness to safely manage their own risk at the beach. This season, 39,731 students in 137 schools across Queensland participated in the program. SLSQ thanks Queensland Health for its continued support of this initiative.

• The Beach Safe Seniors program was once again delivered this season; and

Gold Coast Beach Safe Program

• The Community Awareness team attended a number of key events including the Gold Coast 600, various NRL matches, festivals, and school fetes;

• SLSQ joined the Federal Government’s ‘Sporting Schools’ program to offer surf lifesaving activities to students across the state.

One of the tourism capitals of Australia, the Gold Coast attracts thousands of domestic and international travellers each and every week. With that in mind, the Gold Coast Beach Safe Program sees qualified surf lifesavers stationed at the airport arrivals gate to welcome tourists and provide them with crucial beach safety information. In 2016/17, the program reached196,947 people. Importantly, this was only made possible through the support of Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Gold Coast Airport, Gold Coast Cabs, and the Council of the City of Gold Coast.

KEY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Airport welcoming services

On The Same Wave Historically, SLSQ’s coastal statistics have indicated that international and multicultural beachgoers pose a higher risk of drowning or serious injury while swimming in the surf. With that in mind, On The Save Wave sees surf lifesavers directly engage with, and educate, migrants, refugees, international travellers, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds about how to protect themselves in and around the water. In 2016/17 the program directly engaged with 41,019 potential beachgoers.

Following the success of its Gold Coast airport program, SLSQ has expanded the initiative to include both Cairns and the Sunshine Coast. This season, surf lifesavers returned to both airports and provided arriving guests with multilingual surf safety information on patrol times, locations, and other safety messaging. Collectively, these initiatives reached a total of 80,528 potential beachgoers. SLSQ acknowledges the support of the Sunshine Coast Airport and Cairns Airport for its support of these vital programs.

SLSQ thanks the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, and The University of Queensland for their support of this program.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP

10,219 NIPPERS

9,026 ACTIVE PATROLLING MEMBERS

M EM B E RS HIP DEV ELOPMEN T

3.1%

As a volunteer movement, SLSQ can only be as strong as its members. With that in mind, 2016/17 saw SLSQ’s Membership Development team work closely with key divisions and regional staff to ensure the recruitment and retention of volunteers remained a key focus area across all facets of the organisation.

across the state were recognised at a grassroots level this season with the inaugural ‘Breaka Nipper of the Week’ awards. The awards are presented to junior members for displaying one or more of SLSQ’s core values – respect, leadership, teamwork, safety, trust, and community.

A number of programs were rolled out across the year, ensuring SLSQ recorded positive membership growth for the first time since 2014/15. In total, SLSQ’s six branches and 58 surf life saving clubs now comprise of 31,093 members from all walks of life. This represents an increase of 3.1 per cent when compared to 30,139 members the season before.

Moving forward, SLSQ will continue to provide safe, quality, and ageappropriate activities in a bid to enhance the development of its junior members. This is supported by the Junior Activities Advisory Panel, which plays an active role in providing recommendations regarding Junior Activities across Queensland.

This increase was underpinned by solid growth across junior activities (two per cent), active juniors (six per cent), active seniors (two per cent), and associate (four per cent) membership categories, amongst others. Importantly, the number of total active patrolling members also increased, recording growth of one per cent from 8,910 last season to 9,026 in 2016/17. The past season also saw SLSQ work closely with key stakeholders including clubs, branches, and committees to ensure the diverse needs of volunteers are continually met. In addition to recruitment and retention, other key focus areas across the year included membership development, member protection and welfare, sustainability, and member recognition.

KEY PROGRAMS Junior Activities The youth of today represent our surf lifesaving leaders of tomorrow. As a result, SLSQ remains committed to providing a clear, structured, and rewarding pathway for junior surf lifesavers to join and progress through the movement. In 2016/17 SLSQ recorded a two per cent growth in the number of its junior members when compared to last season, from 9,923 to 10,219, making it the highest number since 2011/12. SLSQ’s junior members currently represent 32.5 per cent of total membership, reinforcing their importance to the overall sustainability and viability of SLSQ as a leading volunteer-based organisation in Queensland. With thanks to support from Breaka Flavoured Milk, junior members

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

Pathways Officially launched last season, the Pathways project continues to provide SLSQ with a vital tool to support the recruitment and retention of volunteer members. The project, supported by a dedicated website (lifesavingpathways.com.au), provides existing and potential members with an extensive overview of the diverse opportunities and career pathways available within surf lifesaving.

MEMBER DEVELOPMENT The UQ SLSQ Leadership Excellence Program Some of the top young surf lifesavers from across the state converged on St Lucia across three days from 7-10 July 2016 for The University of Queensland (UQ) SLSQ Leadership Excellence Program. The annual program seeks to develop the communication, teamwork, and management skills of future leaders within the movement for the benefit of their clubs, branches, and SLSQ as a whole. In total, 42 lifesavers aged 18-30 participated, under the expert guidance of four leaders, two mentors, and three coordinators. SLSQ thanks UQ for its support of this key membership program.

Breaka Youth Excellence Program Held from 6-9 April 2017, the Breaka Youth Excellence Program saw 77 young lifesavers converge on Maranatha Recreation Camp in Yandina to develop their involvement, leadership, and responsibility within the movement. The program encompasses a range of activities focusing

2 0 1 6 – 17

Member welfare and protection

on team-building, communication, mentoring, and problem solving with the idea to equip them with a range of skills and knowledge for use on and off the beach. SLSQ thanks Breaka Flavoured Milk for its continued support.

The welfare and protection of members remains of upmost importance to SLSQ. To maintain compliance with government legislation and SLSA’s policies, SLSQ conducts regular reviews of its strategies, policies, and practices in a bid to safeguard all of its members regardless of age, location, gender, and ethnicity.

National Leadership College Representatives from across Queensland travelled to the University of Sydney for SLSA’s National Leadership College from 5-11 February 2017. The Queensland delegates were Jessica Simpson (Dicky Beach), Samantha Fien (Point Danger Branch), Jesse Witt (Etty Bay), James Crockatt (Mudjimba), Lauren Soars (North Burleigh), and Gemma Henricksen (Bundaberg). In addition, two young leaders returned to help lead and conduct the program, Jamie Findlay (Bundaberg) as a facilitator and Michael White (Alexandra Headland) as a mentor.

Throughout the year, SLSQ continued to advocate the Child Youth Risk Management Strategy within clubs and branches to operate in line with the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000. SLSQ is appreciative of the Point Danger Branch, for making its online Child and Youth Risk Management Strategies induction available for wider use as a alternative method for members to be inducted. SLSQ also adheres to SLSA’s Member Protection Policy, and works closely with the Public Safety Business Agency on ‘working with children’ checks (Blue Cards).

SLSA Masterclass

SLSQ’s Peer Support Program continues to provide support for members during times of need, trauma, or distress. In 2016/17 there were 48 qualified peer support officers located around the state, who assisted with a variety of incidents, both on and off the beach.

Three Queenslanders attended the SLSA Masterclass from 1-4 September 2016 at Surf House, Bondi Beach, to extend their strategic leadership capabilities alongside likeminded members from across the country. The Queensland delegates were Amanda Findlay (Bundaberg), Kathryn McKenzie (Northcliffe) and Mark Wyer (Emu Park).

MEMBERSHIP SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT In line with SLSQ’s Strategic Plan, a number of initiatives were refined this season and remain a key feature of the department’s commitment to long-term sustainability. This included: • Promotion of the Family Participation Program; • Active member management, including refinements to the Patrol Gap Calculator; and • Further development of state-wide retention data to help SLSQ manage future planning and further gauge membership dynamics.

Being named the DHL Australian Club of the Year is one of the greatest achievements a club could have, and knowing that it is our title is absolutely phenomenal. At Pacific we are such a small, family-orientated club, so all members deserve this recognition for the immense amount of hard work they put into volunteering. The club has successfully created a family culture that results in personal and team successes, not just in surf sports. Over one year our patrol hours increased to nearly 1,000 hours, as our patrol groups are getting stronger and our volunteers are dedicating more hours to keeping the beach safe. We are very proud of our high youth retention rate at Pacific. We encourage our youth through all the opportunities that surf life saving provides, in order to boost their personal and professional development. Personally, Pacific has developed my leadership capabilities, which has made me more confident to step up and make a positive difference in the surf club, the community, and in my own life. Therefore, my goal is for every youth member to have the opportunity to develop these skills also. Hayley Bowers – Pacific SLSC Pacific was named the 2015/16 Queensland and Australian Surf Life Saving Club of the Year, and Queensland Youth Development Club of the Year.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

4,764

1,546

COMPETITORS AT SLSQâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 2017 YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

918

COMPETITORS IN THE UQ SECONDARY SCHOOL SURF LEAGUE

SU R F SPORTS

ATHLETES AT SLSQ CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

QUEENSLAND CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Healthy sporting competition is one of the core foundations of the surf lifesaving movement in Queensland and, with that in mind, SLSQ remains committed to delivering a wide range of events for all members regardless of age, location, gender, and experience. Importantly, the flow-on benefits of a strong and vibrant sporting program to the wider surf lifesaving movement are numerous. In addition to providing SLSQ with a vital recruitment and retention tool, surf sport also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle choice for members. Furthermore, carnivals provide all members with a unique opportunity to refine their core lifesaving skills within a competitive setting. For these reasons, our competition continues to support SLSQ’s vision of saving lives, making it truly unique when compared to any other sporting code in the world. The past season saw thousands of surf lifesavers line up at one of SLSQ’s carnivals, reflecting a genuine thirst amongst members for quality sporting competition. In 2016/17 SLSQ facilitated and delivered a raft of competitive opportunities, from regional and branch carnivals through to prestigious state championship events. Increasing regional and junior participation, and boosting grassroots competition, remain key focus areas for SLSQ, along with fast-tracking the development of coaches and officials. SLSQ wishes to thank the Queensland Government (Sport and Recreation Services) for its continued support of our sporting programs and championship events. Furthermore, its support of all Queensland clubs via the ‘Get in the Game’ initiative is also greatly appreciated.

Queensland IRB Championships More than 270 lifesavers cast off the winter blues and lined up at Mermaid Beach from 2-3 July for the 2016 Queensland Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships. North Burleigh finished on an even 100 points to comfortably take home the overall title ahead of Point Lookout (56 points) and Kawana Waters (52 points).

Queensland Pool Rescue Championships The 2016 Queensland Pool Rescue Championships were held across two days, from 9-10 July, at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. In total, 365 competitors lined up to compete, with Maroochydore (476 points) taking the top honours ahead of Currumbin (429 points) and Northcliffe (267 points).

Queensland Endurance Championships A total of 572 competitors lined up to compete at the Queensland Endurance Championships at Mermaid Beach on 1 October 2016. Following a gruelling day of competition, Noosa Heads (195.5 points) was declared the champion club ahead of Northcliffe (181 points) and Maroochydore (169 points).

Laerdal Queensland Surf Rescue Championships The Surf Rescue Championships saw 144 competitors line up at Dicky Beach on the Sunshine Coast across three days of action from 24-26 February 2017. Sunshine Coast club Alexandra Headland (86 points) reigned supreme, ahead of Northcliffe (72 points) and Maroochydore (47 points).

Queensland Board Riding Championships The Queensland Board Riding Championships were held at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast from 13-15 January 2017. In total, 201 lifesavers lined up across the three days of action, representing a 13.5 per cent increase when compared to the previous year. Alexandra Headland (77 points) took the top honours ahead of Currumbin (63 points) and Tallebudgera (44 points).

Queensland Youth Surf Life Saving Championships The Queensland Youth Championships were held at Hervey Bay across three days from 17-19 February 2017. In total, 1,546 young lifesavers took to the surf and sand to compete in a wide range of lifesaving events. Alexandra Headland (284 points) capped off a strong performance by claiming the overall title ahead of Maroochydore (277 points) and Northcliffe (234 points). SLSQ thanks the Fraser Coast Regional Council for its vital support of this event.

Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships A total of 1,666 lifesavers lined up at the Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships at North Kirra from 10-12 March 2017. Northcliffe continued its recent dominance of the event, finishing on 509 points, to extend its winning run to 13 consecutive years ahead of Currumbin (363 points) and Alexandra Headland (294 points). Meanwhile, Alexandra Headland (370 points) reigned supreme in the masters competition ahead of Noosa Heads (308 points) and Northcliffe (253 points). SLSQ thanks the Council of the City of Gold Coast for its wonderful support of this event.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

OTHER SPORTING EVENTS

Interbranch Championships The Interbranch Championships were held on the Gold Coast across two days from 25-26 November 2016. The Sunshine Coast Branch extended its recent dominance at the event, taking out the overall honours for the ninth consecutive year ahead of the South Coast Branch, Point Danger Branch, and the Queensland Country Team.

Summer of Surf Series SLSQ again worked in consultation with Castle Media and SLSA to host two rounds of the annual Summer of Surf Series in Queensland. This year’s series featured legs at Alexandra Headland (Round 1) and Surfers Paradise (Round 6), with highlights broadcast as part of the televised series on Fox Sports.

Surf boat competition Surf boat competition continues to prove popular amongst Queensland athletes, with crews regularly competing in the Navy Surf Boat and Queensland Cup series. A number of crews also ventured interstate to compete in the ASRL Open, Ocean Thunder, and other key carnivals.

Fastest Man on Sand SLSQ’s Fastest Man on Sand series saw some of Queensland’s top beach sprinters battle it out over three rounds this summer, with legs held at Kurrawa, Mooloolaba and Coolangatta. In total, 974 athletes competed over the series, representing a 30 per cent increase when compared to the year before.

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

Interstate Championships The Interstate Championships provide Queensland athletes across all disciplines with an opportunity to represent their state in elite competition as part of the Cyclones team. A strong performance across 2015/16 saw the Queensland Cyclones secure the Alan B Whelpton AO Perpetual Shield for the second year running as the best performing state across the Interstate Championship events. In 2016/17, the Cyclones won the ocean event before finishing second in the surf boats, with IRB and pool events still to determine the overall winner.

SLSQ remains committed to enhancing competition and increasing surf sport participation across all corners of Queensland. A number of development initiatives were rolled out across 2016/17 for athletes, coaches, and officials.

Athlete development • Six-week development programs for athletes aged 15-19 were held on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, covering a range of topics from nutrition and sports psychology to training and recovery. In total, 87 emerging athletes participated;

Ocean Roar IRB Series

• A one-day development clinic was held at Kurrawa for beach athletes, with 38 participants;

SLSQ’s annual Ocean Roar IRB series continues to provide crews across Queensland with additional competitive opportunities to hone their craft over the winter months. This season, rounds were held at Burleigh, Mudjimba, Rainbow Beach, Bribie Island, and Broadbeach. Kurrawa took home the top honours on 368 points, ahead of Broadbeach (363 points) and North Burleigh (217 points). SLSQ thanks the Gympie and Moreton Bay Regional Councils for their valued support of this year’s series.

• Pool rescue development programs were held at Palm Beach, Cairns, and Kawana with 105 participants; • Forty-five competitors from the Wide Bay region attended a three-day development clinic run by SLSQ and featuring elite athletes Bonnie Hancock and Matt Bevilacqua; and • The 2017 Athlete and Coach Performance Development conference was held on 22 July, featuring a number of presenters from a range of elite sporting environments.

North Australian Championships

Coaches and officials development

Held in Mackay from 21-23 October 2016, the North Australian Championships saw 420 competitors from Port Douglas down to Hervey Bay line up across three days of racing. Cairns (1,143 points) took home the overall honours ahead of Tannum Sands (979 points) and Arcadian (647 points). In doing so, the club extended its winning streak at the event to seven consecutive years. SLSQ thanks the Mackay Regional Council for its continued support of this event.

• A series of videos were developed to provide all coaches, regardless of location, with an opportunity to develop their skillset. In total these videos were watched more than 1,500 times; and • SLSQ held two coaching and development seminars with 80 people in attendance and more than 1,300 people watching via an online video stream.

The University of Queensland Secondary School Surf League Thanks to support from The University of Queensland (UQ), SLSQ delivered the Secondary School Surf League in 2016/17. In total, 918 athletes lined up across six regional competitions throughout the season, representing a 20 per cent growth in participation when compared to last year. This culminated in the UQ Secondary Schools Surf League Championships at Coolangatta on 27 April 2017. Palm Beach Currumbin State High School took out the UQ Cup on 214 points, ahead of Marymount College (146 points) and Sunshine Beach State High School (143 points).

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

FUTURE PRIORITIES Moving forward, SLSQ will continue to provide a diverse and highquality calendar of events for all members to enjoy while, at the same time, working to identify and address any barriers impacting participation. SLSQ will also endeavour to revitalise and inject new blood into its officiating ranks, and further engage with participants across all levels of our sport.

2 0 1 6 – 17

QUEENSLAND CYCLONES TEAMS 2016 Queensland Cyclones IRB Team Andy Kelckkoven (North Burleigh) Tim Watene (North Burleigh) Jack Watson (North Burleigh) Brendon Phillips (North Burleigh) Ben MacKie (North Burleigh) Joel Di Tripani (North Burleigh) Jonathan Hagan (Point Lookout) Kane Brady (Point Lookout) Ben Domeraki (Kirra) Isaac Nation (Kirra) Shaun Capps (Dicky Beach) Kate Czerny (North Burleigh) Sarah Kiely (North Burleigh) Mikaela Rawlings (North Burleigh) Kaitlyn Brown (North Burleigh) Caitlyn Knight (Dicky Beach) Jessica Simpson (Dicky Beach) Samantha Thornton (Alexandra Headland)

Open: Samantha Lee (Northcliffe) Pamela Hendry (Maroochydore) Mariah Jones (TH&C) Alyssa Koenen (Northcliffe) Chris Dawson (Northcliffe) Matt Davis (Currumbin) Sam Bell (Maroochydore) Liam Ryan (North Burleigh)

Team Management: Head Coach – Craig Holden (Elliott Heads) Team Manager – Steven Fry (Northcliffe) Medical – Nick Marshall (Nobbys Beach)

2017 Queensland Cyclones Ocean Team Youth Team:

2016 Queensland Cyclones Pool Rescue Team

Hannah Sculley - Northcliffe Brielle Cooper - North Burleigh Megan Kreuter - Northcliffe Abigail Pugh - Kurrawa Tiarnee Massie - Maroochydore Taylor Stickler - Kurrawa Jackson Collins - North Burleigh Nicholas Sloman - Sunshine Beach Daniel Raward - Kurrawa Cooper Williams - Noosa Heads Kobe Shultz - Northcliffe Alex Innes - Met Caloundra

Under-14:

Open Team:

Lani Pallister (Alexandra Headland) Tahlia Dilkes (Kurrawa) Rory Blair (Northcliffe) Jack Sparke (Currumbin)

Alyssa Bull - Alexandra Headland Courtney Hancock - Northcliffe Maddy Dunn - Northcliffe Bonnie Hancock - Northcliffe Lana Rogers - Noosa Heads Bree Masters - Kurrawa Ben Carberry - Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Hayden White - Currumbin James Lacy - Mermaid Beach AEME Luke Cuff - Mermaid Beach AEME Tanyn Lyndon - Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Timothy Delahunty - Currumbin

Team Management: Manager – Bronwyn Champness (Alexandra Headland) Assistant Manager – Cathie Palmer (North Burleigh) Coach – Adam Barbour (North Burleigh) Patient Coordinator – Andrew McAuliffe (Kirra)

Under-15: Harmana Williams (Maroochydore) Summer Short (Maroochydore) Hayden Cotter (Maroochydore) Kurt Lorne (Maroochydore)

Under-17: Tanya Stovgaard (Northcliffe) Brielle Cooper (Kurrawa) Toby Wilson (Northcliffe) Jyah Seymour-Poyd (Noosa Heads)

Under-19: Prue Davies (Currumbin) Chelsea Gillet (Maroochydore) Jacob Hales (Currumbin) Tom Montgomery (Currumbin)

Team Management: Coach – Darren Mercer (Noosa Heads) Assistant Coach – Gavin Hill (Northcliffe) Beach Coach – Ryan Hoffman (Kurrawa) Team Manager – Bronwyn Champness (Alexandra Headland) Assistant Team Manager – Stephen Fry (Northcliffe) Physiotherapist – Nick Marshall (SurfLife Physio)

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

2017 Queensland Cyclones Surf Boat Crews Open Men – Currumbin: Lyle Clark (sweep) Glen Williams Mac Hamilton Nick Winkler Randall Martin

Open Women – Tallebudgera: Gary Williams (sweep) Lisa Webber Kirsty Morrison Kelissa Brockett Tara Dreaver-Coates

Reserve Grade Men – Maroochydore: Michael Brooks (sweep) Troy Slade Johnny Naughton Dave Hoffman Corey Stone

Reserve Grade Women – Palm Beach: Arnie Eussen (sweep) Samantha Ashe Rebecca Petersen Isabelle Gros Isabella Hardmen

Under-23 Men – Mermaid Beach: Graeme Huegill (sweep) Lachlan Weston David Moreton Elliott Creagh Zach Thompson-Smith

Under-23 Women – Burleigh Heads: Steve Purcell (sweep) Sophie Holyman Abbey Holyman Edwina Wright Teagan McFarlane

Under-19 Men – Northcliffe: Damien Clayphan (sweep) Ewan Van Rensburg Lachlan Bowman Declan Comerford Joshua Bunney

Under-19 Women – Dicky Beach: Rob Flood (sweep) Luca Sullivan Kate Morcom Victoria Barbour Natalie Dean

Team managers: Craig Williams Charles Melloy

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

42,188

13,552 PEOPLE TRAINED IN FIRST AID AND CPR

400%

INCREASE IN COMMERCIAL TRAINING SALES SINCE 2014

E DUCATION

UNITS OF COMPETENCY DELIVERED

The Australian Lifesaving Academy Queensland (ALAQ) is the trading name for SLSQ as a registered training organisation, set up to deliver emergency care and lifesaving training education to both members and the wider community.

Key highlights and developments

Through the ALAQ, SLSQ remains committed to providing world-class educational programs to increase lifesaving and emergency care knowledge and, ultimately, help reduce drowning deaths.

• The ALAQ exceeded budget to record a significant increase in net profit when compared to last year; • There was a significant increase recorded in the commercial sale of courses and the supply of valuable first aid equipment such as automated external defibrillators. Sales have now grown by more than 400 per cent in the past three years; • The ALAQ was granted reregistration of its Registered Training Organisation (RTO) status through to 2024;

PUBLIC EDUCATION

• A departmental restructure saw the appointment of a second full-time trainer for commercial work and a new part-time administration assistant based in Brisbane. An increased demand from returning clients, in addition to a high level of word-of-mouth referrals, necessitated this staffing realignment;

Through its commercial training arm, SLSQ continues to equip thousands of people each and every year with the skills, awareness, and confidence to provide basic treatment and life support following an accident or emergency situation. Like every other facet of SLSQ’s operations, the ALAQ exists for one reason and one reason only: to save lives. Its overarching purpose is to bring more than a century of lifesaving experience from the beach to the home, school, or workplace. Importantly, all trainers are highlyqualified surf lifesavers in their own right, often bringing decades of practical and hands-on experience in emergency care management to each session.

• A dedicated ALAQ website (alaq.com.au) was launched in May 2017, providing a valuable marketing tool and a central hub of information on course offerings, scheduling, and equipment available for purchase; • A concerted effort to promote ALAQ via digital and social media led to a strong increase in public awareness and engagement; • The ALAQ continued to maintain, and build on, a number of third-party agreements with surf clubs to deliver emergency care training on SLSQ’s behalf;

The ALAQ provides a range of emergency care and aquatic rescue training courses through flexible and high quality programs aimed at upskilling community members and making Queensland a safer state. In recent years ALAQ has delivered training courses to a range of industries including education, sport and recreation, mining, construction, government, and medical.

• The ALAQ continues to provide representation within key industry bodies, with a representative sitting as the secretary of the Australian Resuscitation Council Queensland Branch; and • The ALAQ was represented at the 11th International Spark of Life Conference, and the Vocational Educational and Learning Group industry conference.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

MEMBER EDUCATION In addition to offering a suite of industry-leading public training courses, the ALAQ is also tasked with delivering effective and efficient member education to upskill surf lifesavers and ensure the future viability of the movement in Queensland.

At 11.20am, on Monday 1 May 2017, a member of the public rushed into the clubhouse to advise that a man had collapsed out the front. All members rushed outside and located an elderly man aged 70 on the grass near the lifeguard tower, unconscious, unresponsive, and with no signs of life. Teamwork was in place and every member assisted each other and made a concerted effort to save the life of the patient. CPR was performed by John Hamrey (compressions) and Jamie Miller (breaths/oxygen). Further assistance was then provided by Jack Seymour (defibrillation/oxygen), Stephen Spencer (logistics), Meg Seymour (communications – Surfcom) and Michael Seymour (logistics).

Emergency Care Training Review In 2016/17, under direction from the SLSQ Board, an independent review was conducted into emergency care training in Queensland. A number of recommendations stemming from this review were subsequently endorsed by the State Lifesaving Committee in an effort to improve standards across training and assessment. Work has already commenced on the implementation of these recommendations, meeting RTO standards for registered training organisations.

CPR continued for approximately 35 minutes, with 25 cycles carried out. The patient was transported to the Gold Coast Hospital in an unconscious and unresponsive state by QAS. He was later released from the ICU and remained in hospital for several weeks for ongoing treatment and tests. It was ascertained later that he had suffered a massive cardiac arrest at Bilinga that day.

The review challenged the emergency care training system, and was supported by more than 80 per cent of key stakeholders, along with the recommendation that it be expanded into other areas of training and assessment.

Key highlights and developments: • SLSQ continued to work hard behind the scenes to improve the efficiency of courses for the benefit of its members. Participants in IRB Driver and Crew courses are now provided with pre-printed assessment portfolios in advance, helping to streamline delivery and minimise paperwork errors; • A project officer was employed (through Queensland Government QFES funding) to develop the Certificate IV TAE 40116 within the ALAQ’s scope of courses;

I was extremely proud of our members and the manner in which they performed their duties. To be faced with a confronting incident, and deal with that incident to achieve the ultimate outcome to save the life of a person is a challenge. The outcome is achieved by our ongoing training and working together as a professional team. It is what we do as lifesavers and, on the last day of the season, Bilinga SLSC stood up again and did what we do. John Hamrey - President, Bilinga SLSC

• October 2016 saw the release of SLSA’s e-learning platform for Bronze Medallion training, allowing members to participate in blended learning both at home and/or at their respective surf clubs; • The development of broader e-learning options continued to progress at a national level, with courses now made available to Queensland members; • The 2016 State Lifesaving Conference featured a number of sessions on member education, including the latest guidelines on best practice in both first aid and resuscitation. Also included within the Conference were sessions on RTO compliance, delivered by an external consultant; • SLSQ has begun delivering Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) to the general public via the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service; and • ALAQ continued to work on the development of a pool lifeguard skillset for Australian Lifeguard Service (Queensland) employees, which is set to commence in 2017/18.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

RAISED THROUGH THE SURF SAFE APPEAL

$25,000 RAISED THROUGH THE HELI BALL

$410,419 RAISED THROUGH SUMMER SURF GIRL

FU NDR A ISING

$292,224

KEY FUNDRAISING EVENTS

BENEFICIARY EVENTS

It is important to note that SLSQ’s lifesaving work would not be possible without the support of the communities in which we operate. No matter how big or small, every donation made in 2016/17 directly contributed towards saving lives, and SLSQ is appreciative of everyone who dug deep to support our cause.

Surf Safe Appeal Now in its 13th year, the Surf Safe Appeal remains one of SLSQ’s largest fundraising programs, ensuring that volunteer surf lifesavers have the resources they need to patrol Queensland’s coastline. The 2016 Appeal, which ran from 24-30 October, saw hundreds of volunteers take to the streets to raise vital funds. For the first time, their efforts were supported by a team of workplace volunteers who donated their time to raise funds and help sell special red and yellow pins.

Gold Coast 600 SLSQ’s long-standing partnership with the Gold Coast 600 continues to grow from strength to strength. In 2016 SLSQ was proud to have again been named as the event’s official charity partner and beneficiary. Held from 21-23 October 2016, the event raised crucial funds and awareness for the surf lifesaving movement in Queensland. Once again, Preston Hire Racing was outstanding in its support of our organisation. The team donated $5,000 to support volunteer surf lifesavers, and transformed its race car into a sea of red and yellow messaging to promote our cause. Team drivers and crew also donned special red and yellow shirts in support of SLSQ. In total, more than $12,000 was raised across the weekend. SLSQ thanks Supercars for its continued support, along with Charlie Schwerkolt and Preston Hire Racing.

The Queensland Government generously donated $50,000 to kick start the Appeal and this was followed by donations of money and equipment from a number of corporate partners. In total, $292,224 was raised across the week-long Appeal.

SkyPoint Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge

SLSQ would like to thank Network Ten for its media support, as well as the Queensland Government and our corporate partners including Brisbane Airport, JLT, The Star Gold Coast, and Transit Australia Group.

2016 Heli Ball The second annual Heli Ball was held at Royal Pines on Saturday, 24 September 2016. In addition to raising vital funds for SLSQ’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, the evening also helped celebrate the 40th anniversary of the service in Queensland. In total, 457 guests attended to help raise in excess of $25,000. SLSQ wishes to acknowledge the vital support of our long-term partner Westpac, in addition to the generosity of all suppliers and partners who supported the evening through the donation of prizes and auction items.

Summer Surf Girl

The SkyPoint Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge was held on 22 February 2017, with SLSQ proud to have been selected as the event’s official charity partner. In total, more than 750 people ran, walked, and crawled up 77 gruelling flights of stairs, with all proceeds going back into funding vital beach safety initiatives. In total, more than $26,500 was raised during the event. SLSQ wishes to thank SkyPoint for its show of support in selecting SLSQ as the official charity partner of its 2017 Stair Challenge.

The Surf Life Saving Foundation SLSQ continues to receive vital fundraising support from the Surf Life Saving Foundation (SLSF). In particular, the SLSF oversees a number of key programs across Queensland including Guardians of the Surf, workplace giving, bequests, lotteries, and grant seeking. SLSQ is grateful for their continued support, which plays an important role when it comes to training surf lifesavers and equipping them with the resources necessary to carry out their role.

Since its inception 53 years ago, SLSQ’s iconic Summer Surf Girl program has directly injected in excess of $16 million into clubs and lifesaving services across the state. This year’s program saw 13 qualified female lifesavers embark on a nine month campaign to spread the surf safety message and raise vital funds for their clubs. In total, $410,419.51 was raised during this year’s program. Following the final judging week in Brisbane, Palm Beach lifesaver Shelley Roberts was officially crowned the 2017 Summer Surf Girl. She also received the Innovation Award for her fundraising, development, and community awareness efforts across the past 12 months. Meanwhile, Mermaid Beach’s Monica Wilkie was named Runner Up, and Ayr’s Jo Morgan received the Highest Fundraiser award after raising an incredible $66,126.96 for her club. SLSQ wishes to acknowledge this year’s supporting partner, Zupps Mount Gravatt, for its generous donation of a Holden Spark as the program’s major prize. SLSQ also acknowledges Engine, the 2017 Summer Surf Girl uniform partner, as well as its other program supporters including Emma Marie Makeup, Rachel Jane Makeup, Hare’s Hair, Etiquette and Manners Australia, and Screen Offset Printing. Special thanks are extended to this year’s judging panel of George Hill ESM, Megan Crockford, and Lainey Loneragan.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

I joined Surf Life Saving over 20 years ago, and have been a member of Palm Beach SLSC for 18 years. Our whole family went through Nippers at Palm Beach, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so grateful to my parents for getting us involved with the surf club from a young age. Not only have I made lifelong friends, developed invaluable skills both in and out of the surf, and been able to give back to my local community; but this season, I had the opportunity to do all this and more by participating in the Summer Surf Girl program. I initially entered this program to raise funds for our club, increase our profile, and boost club morale; but soon realised there was so much more to the program. Personally, I grew as an individual, developed new skills and friendships, and experienced things I have never done before. At the club level, not only did we raise funds and boost morale, but brought our club together in so many ways. Being named the 2017 Summer Surf Girl was one of the proudest and most incredible moments of my life, especially seeing the reaction of my fellow Palm Beach members. Our club has never won this title before, and considering how much we pulled together and put into the program this season, it was really special to see it had paid off. Shelley Roberts - Palm Beach SLSC 2017 Summer Surf Girl

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Attendance

With a membership base of more than 31,000, SLSQ is one of the largest volunteer-based community organisations in Queensland. Control of SLSQ is vested in the Board of Directors, which is accountable to the State Council which, in turn, represents the members.

POSITION

MEETING ATTENDANCES

Mark Fife OAM

President

9/9

Laurie Murphy

Deputy President

9/9

The role of the State Council

Darrin Bragg

Director of Finance

8/8

The State Council comprises the SLSQ President and the six Branch Presidents. As the voting members of SLSQ, its duties include electing the Board and Life Members, and approving changes to the constitution. Representing the interests of the six branches and, ultimately the clubs, the Council met on three occasions throughout the year.

Kaitlyn Akers

Director

9/9

Tanya O’Shea

Director

9/9

Michael White

Director

7/7

Darren Woodward

Director

7/7

Christina Sutherland

Independent Director

8/9

Warwick Agnew

Independent Director

4/4

NAME

The role of the Board and Committees SLSQ’s Board and Committee structure is critical to ensuring volunteer representation in key decisions and strategic planning. The various committees outlined on page 52 were established by the Board to assist SLSQ in the operational management of the volunteer members. Where necessary, the Board can establish special purpose committees and panels to oversee the management of projects, programs or other initiatives. The primary function of the Board is to govern and provide leadership to SLSQ, members, affiliated branches and clubs in accordance with the aims and strategic objectives of SLSQ, its constitution, and the law. The Board is responsible for acting on all issues in accordance with SLSQ’s objectives. It operates for the benefit of SLSQ, its members and the wider Queensland community.

The role of Directors and management SLSQ’s CEO is tasked with managing the day-to-day business requirements of SLSQ, under the direction of the Board. The President is the nominated head of SLSQ and the SLSQ Board is responsible for the appointment of a CEO to manage and administer the organisation. The CEO is accountable to the Board and reports to the Board at each meeting. The CEO ensures the resolutions of the Board are properly and efficiently carried out, and transacts all business of SLSQ between Board meetings and general meetings of the Council.

Code of conduct Nominees for Director positions are required to agree to SLSQ’s ‘Code of Conduct’ for Directors. Candidates must sign their acceptance to comply with this code on their nomination form. The Code of Conduct is contained within the Directors’ Handbook, which is provided to all Directors upon their election at the annual general meeting.

Independence At the commencement of each Board meeting, the Chair asks for Directors to declare conflicts of interest in any agenda items. The Council may elect up to two Independent Directors each year. Nominees for these positions shall be endorsed and recommended to the Council by the Board.

Independent Advice SLSQ’s Board and management are assisted in aspects of its operations with external advice. Our auditors, BDO, conduct an annual audit, providing the Board with independent assurance and advice on financial management matters. Other consultants engaged by SLSQ in 2016/17 include: • Community Sports Management (government liaison) • GPP Consulting (strategic planning and advisory services)

Board composition

• The Grants Guru (grant applications)

SLSQ’s Board comprises the President, the Deputy President, the Director of Finance, four Directors, two Independent Directors and the CEO, who is a non-voting member. A Director must be a member of SLSQ, and Independent Directors may or may not be individual members of SLSQ.

• Ian Fullager (legal services) • Jardine Lloyd Thompson Australia Pty Ltd (insurance advice and services) • Sports Marketing Australia (sporting guidance) • WattsNext (human resources services)

Board meetings and access to management The Board meets as often as is deemed necessary in every calendar year for the dispatch of business. At any time, five Directors may ask the CEO to convene a meeting of the Board and, subject to SLSQ’s Constitution, questions at any meeting are decided by a majority of votes by the Board of Directors.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

HUMAN RESOURCES The past season was another landmark year for Human Resources (HR) at SLSQ, as the organisation continued to reap the benefits of its decision two years ago to establish the department as a standalone division in its own right. Notable achievements in 2016/17 include:

into the experience and skillset of volunteers from outside of SLSQ, while providing the community with a unique opportunity to directly contribute to saving lives.

• The introduction of a more tailored approach to sourcing top-level talent, including the use of digital marketing, profilematching, and head hunting; • Development of an annual schedule of activities, ensuring that all projects are aligned with, and supporting, SLSQ’s wider organisational needs; • Information sessions on health, wellbeing, mindfulness, and resilience made available for all SLSQ staff; • A shift in SLSQ’s Employee Assistance Program, from manager-referral to self-referral, resulting in an increase in take-up of this vital initiative;

The WVP provides vital support for SLSQ’s key programs and initiatives. This was evident in October 2016 when volunteers worked alongside surf lifesavers to collect funds during the Surf Safe Appeal, representing the first time that non-members have been actively involved in fundraising of this nature. Volunteers were also engaged to support SLSQ’s workforce through a range of programs including the Heli Ball, Q1 Stair Challenge, work experience, internships, and corporate support from clean-up days through to facilitating business improvement workshops. In total, 301 volunteers were recruited this year, collectively donating 2,450 hours of their time to support SLSQ. Development has begun on a new marketing plan for the WVP moving forward. To be rolled out in 2017/18, the ‘Volunteer Your Way’ campaign will build on the program’s existing success through the recruitment of additional volunteers.

• A greater focus on improving the effectiveness of SLSQ’s on-boarding, reducing costs and increasing the transfer-oflearning process and effectiveness of employees; • Continued application of the newly developed biannual performance reviews framework, providing managers and their employees with valuable time to engage in open and honest dialogue;

2017 Employee Engagement Survey

• Commencement on an extensive review of all SLSQ employee policies; • A greater focus on effective HR metrics and reporting, leading to improved strategic workforce planning and significantly lowering indirect costs in recruitment and training;

For the first time since 2014, an extensive Employee Engagement Survey was conducted to measure morale and feedback across a range of areas. The 2017 survey was largely consistent with the 2014 survey, allowing for valid and accurate comparison. In total, 85 per cent of the 102 employees approached for feedback participated in the survey. Key highlights are identified below:

• The successful implementation of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) / Payroll System and Employee Portal, improving efficiencies across SLSQ;

• 95 per cent of respondents indicated they were proud to work at SLSQ, a result consistent with the 2014 survey; • 85 per cent rated coming to work as a seven or higher out of ten (with ten being excellent), a 1 per cent increase on 2014;

• An extensive review conducted into casual staff numbers to ensure that all employees were actively engaged, and staff requirements were aligned with organisational needs; and

• 78 per cent indicated they would recommend SLSQ as an employer, a result consistent with 2014;

• A series of videos were produced with senior managers, focusing on SLSQ’s values, for inclusion within the onboarding process.

• 79 per cent believed their role is valued, slightly down on 2014; • 69 per cent rated staff morale as a seven or higher out of ten, slightly down on 2014;

HR Support Plan

• 90 per cent believe their managers are approachable and easy to talk to, a 3 per cent increase on 2014;

There was a large focus this year to increase the strategic and targeted approach to HR-related activities at SLSQ. This was underpinned by the development of a divisional support plan (Business Plan), providing internal stakeholders with an overarching strategy for how the HR department will add value to SLSQ’s operations moving forward.

• 54 per cent rate communication as a seven out of ten or higher, a 12 per cent increase on 2014; • 37 per cent believe there are career progression opportunities available at SLSQ, a 10 per cent decrease on 2014;

The Support Plan now sees the HR department working towards a team vision ‘To ignite a framework for a positive, passionate, and productive workplace.’

Moving forward, SLSQ’s senior managers will work closely to assess the feedback and identify key areas that can be addressed to maintain and strengthen employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

Importantly, this strategic approach is helping to streamline services, improve the recruitment, retention and on-boarding processes, and ensure that HR activities are aligned with SLSQ’s wider business objectives.

Staff snapshot

Workplace Volunteer Program Now in its second season, SLSQ’s Workplace Volunteer Program (WVP) has continued to strengthen. The program is designed to tap

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

In 2016/17, SLSQ encompassed 125 full-time staff members, 27 permanent part-time staff members, and a further 405 casuals. In addition, some 40 permanent lifeguards were employed, along with 22 permanent part-time lifeguards, and a further 281 casuals. In total, 72.35 per cent of employees this season were male, with 27.64 percent female.

2 0 1 6 – 17

MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS SLSQ’s Media and Public Affairs (MPA) unit continues to play a key role when it comes to shaping and enhancing the organisation’s public profile through the delivery of proactive and reactive messaging across the state. In 2016/17, the MPA unit continued to work closely with all divisions across SLSQ, providing communications advice and strategic media programs to assist as they worked towards their respective target achievements. A departmental restructure this season saw the MPA unit increase in size and widen its focus to providing an around-the-clock media service, seven days a week, during the patrol season. This helped build meaningful and positive relationships with key media contacts and internal stakeholders, while ensuring that surf safety messaging was proactively communicated during peak periods.

Digital media A concerted and strategic focus on building SLSQ’s social media channels paid dividends in 2016/17, with strong growth recorded across both followers and engagement. This was underpinned by a departmental restructure, which saw the appointment of a dedicated, full-time, social media officer for the first time in SLSQ’s history. Importantly, social and digital media continues to play a crucial role when it comes to supporting communication campaigns and promoting vital surf safety messaging.

Key media campaigns Surf Safe Appeal

Key developments and achievements • Off the back of increased demand and heightened communication priorities, the MPA unit increased in size and now encompasses four full-time staff members including a dedicated manager (up from three in 2015/16); • MPA shifted to seven-day coverage during the 2016/17 patrol season, with a representative stationed on the beach alongside duty officers in South East Queensland. This was designed to build stronger and more positive relationships with internal stakeholders, while maximising on-the-ground media coverage, with positive feedback from all parties including journalists; • The media team continued to build closer working relationships with key agencies and other emergency service organisations including the Queensland Police Service, Bureau of Meteorology, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority; • The second annual SLSQ Coast Safe Report was published for external stakeholders, with significant involvement from the MPA unit. The document was released via five concurrent media launches organised across the state to coincide with the start of the 2016/17 patrol season; and • SLSQ’s media team worked closely with athletes, coaches, and other key stakeholders to achieve significant media coverage for the 2017 Queensland Youth and Senior Surf Life Saving Championships. In total, SLSQ’s media activities reached an audience in excess of eight million people, while its digital campaign reached more than 511,000 people online.

SLSQ’s media unit worked to achieve considerable coverage of the 13th annual Surf Safe Appeal, held across one week in October 2016. The overarching campaign objective was to generate public awareness around the financial cost of establishing and maintaining volunteer beach patrols in Queensland, and this key messaging was incorporated into all communications activities. From a media perspective, the Appeal was kick-started with an exclusive story strategically placed in The Courier Mail, designed to generate community debate and initial awareness of the campaign. This was followed up with a number of regional stories, and supported by a dedicated social media campaign. This approach ensured the average daily value of media coverage throughout the Appeal period increased by more than 10 per cent when compared to the year before. Westpac Helicopter – 40th anniversary On 5 December 2016, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service commemorated its 40th anniversary and, to mark the occasion, SLSQ’s media unit rolled out a six month project plan to raise awareness of the service and celebrate its achievements over the years. The extensive communications campaign featured two media calls on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts to highlight the milestone, with a raft of dedicated media stories successfully pitched and set up in the months leading up to the anniversary date. The campaign was successful in elevating the public profile of SLSQ’s helicopter service, with dozens of stories achieved across regional, metropolitan, and national media outlets. End of summer media activation On 1 March 2017, the Gold Coast was awash in red and yellow of a different variety when SLSQ’s media unit laid 1,400 pairs of surf lifesaving thongs on the sand to mark the official end of summer. Each pair of thongs represented one of the rescues performed by SLSQ’s lifesavers and lifeguards over the peak season. The stunt was designed to generate mass media coverage to promote the work of SLSQ’s patrolling members, highlight the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags, and celebrate a drowning-free summer holiday period. The activation resulted in significant and widespread coverage across the state encompassing radio, television, print, and online media.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS SLSQ’s Marketing and Partnerships department is directly responsible for overseeing strategic marketing direction, brand management, fundraising initiatives, and the organisation’s suite of corporate and government partnerships. As ‘custodians of the brand’, the department also seeks to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to create a sense of value and community engagement for SLSQ and its affiliates.

• With thanks to Breaka Flavoured Milk, SLSQ launched the ‘Nipper of the Week’ program at all surf life saving clubs across the state, recognising junior members on a weekly basis across the season; • In June 2017, SLSQ welcomed a new accommodation partner, Mantra Group, which has committed to support surf lifesaving through a multi-year agreement; and • The UQ academic partnership continued to gain momentum, with the University’s research unit commencing a number of exciting programs aimed at assisting SLSQ with best practices in lifesaving operations and communication strategies.

Marketing One of the key departmental roles is to provide marketing strategy and support across the organisation to protect and grow SLSQ and its affiliated brands. The team also works to assist all other internal departments with their day-to-day marketing and design needs to deliver key messages with brand consistency and help position SLSQ as the peak authority on aquatic safety. These collective efforts help build trust, loyalty, and credibility within our membership and across the wider Queensland community. Key marketing achievements from the past season include: • An overarching Marketing and Fundraising Business Plan was drafted and signed off, providing an extensive and overarching blueprint for development across the next five years;

Events As a not-for-profit organisation, SLSQ continues to rely heavily on the generous support of the community to ensure it has the resources and capacity to save lives along Queensland’s coastline. Each year SLSQ’s marketing team develops and executes a wide range of key fundraising events and initiatives, from state-wide campaigns through to regionalised and targeted initiatives. A summary of fundraising events is outlined on page 44 and includes, amongst others, the annual Surf Safe Appeal and Summer Surf Girl program.

• An inaugural website was developed and launched for the Australian Lifesaving Academy Queensland (alaq.com. au), providing a vital marketing tool, facilitating online registrations, and promoting growth in course delivery; and • The department maintained a high level of marketing and graphic design support, producing in excess of 200 collateral projects to help position SLSQ as a leading authority.

Partnerships SLSQ’s partners are crucial to the success and survival of the surf lifesaving movement in Queensland. With that in mind, SLSQ maintains a range of partners who actively share in, and seek to align with, our core vision and values. Importantly, these partnerships ensure that SLSQ has the capacity to deliver its lifesaving services and various other youth development, member education, surf safety, and community awareness initiatives across the state. SLSQ extends its thanks to all national partners, particularly Westpac and DHL, whose continued support helps the organisation maintain its frontline operations. From a state perspective, SLSQ boasts more than 20 partners including the Queensland Government, The University of Queensland (UQ), and Breaka Flavoured Milk. SLSQ thanks all of our partners for their valued support. A full list of SLSQ’s partners can be found on page 51, with all Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service partners listed on page 22. Key partnership achievements across the past 12 months include: • SLSQ maintained support from the Queensland Government, which continues to invest in a variety of areas including frontline patrols, sporting programs, and community awareness programs; • Breaka Flavoured Milk renewed its partnership with SLSQ, reaffirming its commitment to developing and nurturing the next generation of surf lifesavers through programs such as the Youth Excellence Program, Beach to Bush, and the Under-14 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year award;

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

O U R PAR TNER S Principal

Premium

Government

Community

Media

Business

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

SLSQ COMMITTEES AND PANELS

SLSQ Council

Lifesaving Committee

M. Fife OAM (President), G. Boothe (North Queensland), G. Morgan (North Barrier), C. Donnelly (Wide Bay Capricorn), J. Thorpe (Sunshine Coast), P. Chipman (South Coast), K. Hunter (Point Danger)

C. Swanton (Chair), K. Dunn, M. Stevens, L. Johnson, L. Messer, J. Palmer, E. Thomas, M. Kearney, B. Middleton, G. Hill ESM, G. Cahill, P. Lawlor, D. Meredith (Sec)

SLSQ Board

Lifesaving IRB Advisory Panel

M. Fife OAM (President), L. Murphy, D. Bragg, K. Akers, D. Woodward, M. White, T. O’Shea, J. Noye, C. Sutherland, J. Brennan OAM (Sec)

G. Tanner (Chair), T. Carle, P. Reid, T. Burgess, J. Heaton, P. Hallett, P. Lawlor, C. Fife (Sec)

Administration and IT Committee

Meritorious Awards and Lifesaving Selection Committee

C. Williams (Chair), T. McCulloch, A. Fry, J. McDougall, T. Duncan, N. Banner, K. Barnes, B. Kelly, M. Gerry, J. Benneche, M. Williams, J. Sparkes, N. Edwards (Sec)

C. Swanton (Chair), R. Campbell, K. Phillips, N. Palmer (Sec) Membership Services Committee R. Campbell (Chair), T. Sealy, F. Grant, W. Hagan, K. Phillips, S. Morgan, B. Heaney, R. Fien, B. Lofthouse, T. Draman, N. Palmer (Sec)

Audit, Finance and Compliance Committee D. Bragg (Chair), I. Barfoot, D. Cahill, A. Lawson, E. Moffatt, C. Williams, R. Murphy (Sec)

Officials Advisory Panel Coaching Advisory Panel C. Melloy (Chair), J. Norton-Smith, M. Palmer (Sec)

C. Melloy (Chair), D. Mathison, B. Walsh, R. Bartlett, A. Seeney, W. Massey, K. Bostock, B. Cremer, R. Griffiths

Education Panel

Officials and Assessors Finance Committee

B. Middleton (Chair), K. Glithero, A. Grant, R. Morgan, T. Pade, G. Gage, R. Gibb, C. Neumann, R. Fien, C. Swanton, M. Fife, J. Campton

C. Melloy (Chair), C. Swanton, T. Tallon OAM, J. Hamrey, S. Della Bianca, P. Hall, R. Griffiths, A. Seeney, M. Buttrum, S. Crichton, K. Bostock, D. Burchill OAM, J. Paskin, J. Hamrey

Helicopter Operations Panel

Operations Support Panel

G. Hill ESM (Chair), P. Gibson, P. Bird, R. Murphy, K. Richardson, H. Gynther, A. McNeilly, S. Krantz, K. Dunn, T. Hughes, A. Watt (Sec)

K. Dunn (Chair), J. Crockatt, B. Goulding, T. Hughes, G. Ferreira, T. McClintock, G. Long, D. McLean, R. Melton, C. Swanton, G. Hill ESM, N. Fife, J. Argent (Sec)

IRB Competition Panel

R&R Competition Panel

T. Carle (Chair), M. Stevens, C. Pashalis, J. Heaton, G. Tanner, T. Burgess, P. Reid, C. Sealy, S. Stephenson, S. Urban, R. Turner, M. Palmer (Sec)

C. Melloy (Chair), Scott Byrnes Rescue Water Craft Panel

Judiciary Committee

G. Ferreira (Chair), I. Garofolo, B. Scoffell, J. Doyle, P. Rennex, W. Harrison, M. McDonald, C. Dreyer, K. Burns, S. Urban, D. James, K. Dunn, J. Argent, T. McClintock (Sec)

M. Raeburn (Chair), P. Kelly (Chair), D. Boulton OAM, R. Whitmore OAM, C. Melloy, R. Bartlett, I. Young OAM, S. Crichton, K. Bostock, C. Williams (Sec), N. Edwards (Minute Sec)

Sport Meritorious Awards Selection Panel

Junior Activities Panel R. Fien (Chair), T. Smith, C. Cameron, J. Wells, S. Paskin, A. Cordingley, D. Love, K. Schofield, N. Palmer (Sec)

C. Melloy (Chair), D. Mathison, M. Goodman, S. Della Bianca, N. Ward, S. Hogben, M. Sanagan (Sec) Sport Selection Panel

Lifeguard Advisory Panel

C. Melloy (Chair), N. Kelk OAM, W. Lee, A. Moore, M. Palmer (Sec)

G. Cahill (Chair), J. March, R. Blanchard, H. Ridland, J. Davis, A. King, R. Drury, T. Robinson, J. Campton, C. Lovitt, G. Willey, G. Hill ESM, P. Lawlor, R. Barber (Sec)

Surf Boat Panel

Life Members and Civil Honours Panel

Surf Sports Committee

M. Fife OAM (Chair), R. Tallon OAM, D. Hoyland OAM, R. Whitmore, I. Young OAM, W. Massey, R. Bartlett, S. Crichton, K. Bostock

C. Melloy (Chair), M. Goodman, J. Heery, B. Cremer, S. Della Bianca, S. Dick, D. Mathison, P. Wessel, W. McLennan, J. Norton-Smith, T. Smith, D. Abel, S. Hogben, R. Bennett, M. Palmer, M. Sanagan (Sec)

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

P. Wessel (Chair), P. Grayson, G. Williams, G. Huegil, B. Bell, J. Bean

2 0 1 6 – 17

SLSQ LIFE MEMBERS

GB Andrews OAM*, EC Avery*, JR Barlow*, R Bartlett, PJ Berigan OAM*, JJ Betts*, KC Bird OAM, D Bird*, R Blackman*, KF Bostock, DJ Boulton OAM, WJ Broadhurst*, DW Brockhurst*, RA Brumley, NF Bullpitt MBE*, DS Burchill OAM, FE Burke, RA Burrell*, RJ Butler OAM, MC Buttrum, SM Byrnes OAM, J Church*, MJ Claybourn OAM*, MA Clyde, KJ Collins*, PJ Connell, BF Coomber*, L Coomber, S Costa*, TR Cramond AO OBE*, D Crevola, SL Crichton, BJ Crichton OAM, WJ Daley*, W Darwen*, RJ Davidson OAM*, JB Dearlove MBE, RP Devlin AM QC, VA Doig OAM, AR Donaldson*, KC Dunn, T Eldridge, CG Englert*, PJ Fenner AM, M Fife, MA Fife OAM, R Findlater*, DC Foreman*, AB Frizzell OBE OAM*, JC Galea, RJ Gear AM*, JL Gordon*, IJ Grant OAM, JE Gray*, FJ Grell, AG Griffiths, RF Griffiths, BJ Guilfoyle*, R Halpin*, RJ Harding OAM, CA Hargrave*, WJ Harris, K Hart, J Hayes, NJ Heywood OBE, R Holden*, C Honey*, KF Hoskins OAM, N Howland*, D Howlett*, DP Hoyland OAM, TJ Imrie OAM, AJ Inwood, D Irvine*, H Irvine, CJ Jeanneret OAM, JM Jones OAM*, DL Johnson*, SA Johnson MBE*, NT Kelk OAM, A Kennedy OAM*, MJ Klingner*, DJ Lennox, P Lucas, PJ Madden*, MM Mahon, WJ Massey, DJ Mathison, JG McCarthy*, HF McGrath*, GD McKenzie OAM*, DM McLean ESM, W McLennan, JW McMaster AM DFC*, A McNeilly, M McNeilly MBE, RA McPherson*, JA Menico OAM, GS Merry AM, ME Mulcahy*, J Mullins*, A Nicholson OAM*, GF Nicklin*, HJ Nix*, WH Nixon OAM*, AG Nixon*, KL O’Connell, S O’Connor OAM, JD Ogilvie OAM, AB Parkyn OAM*, J Paskin, JC Paterson, FC Payne, R Pollard, CD Pratt*, GD Radel*, RE Rankin AM, CF Richards*, P Roubin*, JR Sellars*, H Silman*, CG Smith, EJ Smith AM*, C Sparkes, MD Stevens, JH Spencer*, JR Spender OBE*, JJ Stewart*, RC Tallon OAM*, JC Taylor OAM, CE Taylor*, MR Taylor*, CJ Taylor OAM*, GJ Terrell*, RJ Thomas, BR Thorne, FO Venning*, BL Walsh, MA Webb OAM*, HJ Weimer*, PJ White, RT Whitmore OAM, ST Wilcox OAM*, BF Wilkes*, CM Williams, A Williams*, BD Williamson OAM, JA Williamson AM, SW Winders MBE*, JR Winders OBE*, NS Woodroffe*, R Wyeth, IJ Young OAM, R Zillman* *denotes deceased

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

2016/17 AWARD WINNERS 2017 Summer Surf Girl

Clive Hammond OAM Silver Medal • North Queensland – Gary Williams (Ellis Beach)

• Summer Surf Girl – Shelley Roberts (Palm Beach)

• North Barrier – Darrin Bragg (Townsville Picnic Bay)

• Runner-Up – Monica Wilkie (Mermaid Beach)

• Wide Bay Capricorn – Kirsty Glithero (Yeppoon)

• Innovation Award – Shelley Roberts (Palm Beach)

• Sunshine Coast – Scott Summers (Sunshine Beach)

• Highest Fundraiser – Jo Morgan (Ayr)

• South Coast – Wayne McLennan (Broadbeach) • Point Danger – Mary Farrell (Palm Beach)

2015/16 AWARD WINNERS*

Operations Support Awards

• Breaka U14 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Chloe Boland (Surfers Paradise)

Gold Coast: • Operations Support Person of the Year – Jack McNeil

• U18 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Sandi Davis (Moore Park)

• Duty Officer of the Year – Matthew Crooks • SurfCom Operator of the Year – Bryan Durham • WaveRunner 1 – Skye Bond

• U18-25 Young Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Benjamin Ellwood (Maroochydore)

• WaveRunner 3 – Scott Gilbert

• Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Kirsty Glithero (Yeppoon)

• WaveRunner 4 – Nicolas Offroy

• Volunteer of the Year – Michael Hughes (Mudjimba)

• WaveRunner 5 – Ben Wilson

• Clive Hammond OAM Gold Medal – Kevin Schofield (Pacific)

• WaveRunner 6 – Carter De Wilde

• Lifeguard of the Year – Shane Bevan

• WaveRunner 8 – Mike Stone

• Club of the Year – Pacific • Andy Frizzell OAM, OBE Award for Services to Junior Activities – Sharon Brennan (Point Lookout)

Sunshine Coast: • Operations Support Person of the Year – Scott Summers • Duty Officer of the Year – Sebastian De Paula

• Operations Support Person of the Year – Kamen Burns (Sunshine Coast Region)

• SurfCom Operator of the Year – Tony Jackson

• Assessor of the Year – Guy Tanner (Mudjimba)

• WaveRunner 12 – Robbie Schwartz

• Trainer of the Year – Peter Gabbert (Nobbys Beach)

• WaveRunner 14 – Dion Pola

• Youth Development Club of the Year – Pacific SLSC

• WaveRunner 15 – John Lawrence

• Junior Athlete of the Year – Lani Pallister (Alexandra Headland)

• WaveRunner 16 – Andrew Owen

• Athlete of the Year – Shannon Eckstein (Northcliffe)

• WaveRunner 17 – Frank Liberato

• Coach of the Year – Ryan Hoffman (Kurrawa)

• WaveRunner 18 – Chris Vaughan

• 15-18 Youth Athlete of the Year – Nicole Kay (Kurrawa)

• WaveRunner 19 – Ricky Halket

• Masters Athlete of the Year – Lee Vrolyks (Northcliffe) • Official of the Year – Scott Byrnes (Kirra)

Sports Club Championships

• Rookie Coach of the Year – Brock Redwood (Sunshine Beach)

• 2016 Queensland IRB Championships – North Burleigh

• Rookie Official of the Year – Jesse Witt (Etty Bay)

• 2016 North Australian Championships – Cairns

• Team Manager of the Year – Jason Wells (Townsville Picnic Bay)

• 2016 Queensland Pool Rescue Championships – Maroochydore

• Team Manager of the Year – Danyelle Lipponen (Coolangatta)

• 2016 Queensland Endurance Championships – Noosa Heads

• Team of the Year – Open Patrol Competition Team (Alexandra Headland)

• 2017 Laerdal Queensland Surf Rescue Championships – Alexandra Headland

• President’s Cup – Alexandra Headland

• 2017 Queensland Board Riding Championships – Alexandra Headland

• Community Education Program of the Year – Little Lifesavers Southbank

• 2017 Queensland Youth Surf Life Saving Championships – Alexandra Headland

• Multicultural Outstanding Volunteer of the Year – Mohammad Farahani (Brisbane Lifesaving Service)

• 2017 Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships – Northcliffe

• Multicultural Outstanding Service of the Year – Brisbane Lifesaving Service

• 2007 Queensland Masters Surf Life Saving Championships – Alexandra Headland

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

* These awards were announced at SLSQ’s 2016 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner, after the 2015/16 Annual Report was produced and tabled.

2 0 1 6 – 17

Chloe Boland, 2015/16 Breaka Under-14 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

Michael Hughes, 2015/16 Queensland Volunteer of the Year

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

LIFESAVING EXCELLENCE AWARDS Each year SLSQ’s Lifesaving Excellence Awards seek to recognise the efforts of clubs, individuals, and members of the community for their bravery and/or lifesaving actions. These awards honour the individuals whose dedication and selflessness have directly saved the life or lives of others. In 2016/17, awards were presented to:

suspected spinal injuries at South Stradbroke Island on 4 March 2017; • Rachel Eddy for the outstanding rescue of two swimmers caught in a rip in unstable conditions almost 100 metres offshore in fading light at Kurrawa Beach on 4 March 2017**;

• Henry Dingle for the successful rescue of a fellow competitor during the North Australian Championships at Main Beach, Mackay, on 31 October 2015;

• Sam Archer, Connor Buhk, Lex Heilbronn, Christopher Vorbach, and Matthew Cleverly for the outstanding mass rescue of 12 people caught in a flash rip at Alexandra Headland on 5 March 2017;

• Bill Partridge for the outstanding rescue of two males, aged 68 and 70, caught in a rip at Nielson Park Beach, Bargara, on 17 August 2016;

• Nicholas Langenberg, Sarah Sammut, Jesse Mantel, and Bailie Nash for the outstanding rescue of two swimmers in dangerous surf conditions at South Gorge, North Stradbroke Island, on 11 March 2017;

• Teisha Towner for the outstanding rescue of four swimmers aged 38, 26, five and eight, caught in a rip at Oaks Beach, Burnett Heads, on 1 October 2016**; • Daren Keena for the outstanding rescue of two male swimmers, aged 15 and 31, swept 300 metres offshore at Elliott Heads River mouth on 17 October 2016;

• Ryan Weeks and Boaz Bragg for the successful rescue of a young male in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Debbie at Moneys Creek Lagoon on 31 March 2017;

• Christian Damic, Michael Gray, Fletcher Ericson, and Julie Davis for the outstanding rescue of a 31-year-old Korean male and 20-year-old German female at Elliott Heads River mouth on 18 October 2016;

• Shannon Kurz, Andrew McNeilly, and Paul Brennan for outstanding emergency care management during the evacuation of two 15-year-old tourists at North Gorge, North Stradbroke Island, on Wednesday 12 April 2017;

• Sherylea Gray for the vital assistance provided during the successful rescue of a 31-year-old Korean male and 20-year-old German female at Elliott Heads River mouth on 18 October 2016;

• Jy Taylor for the outstanding tube rescue of a 25-year-old male at Coolangatta Beach on 16 April 2017;

• Daniel Robinson, Aaron Jones, and Corey Jones for the successful resuscitation of a 65-year-old male at Happy Valley on 7 November 2016;

• Jayke Menefy for the outstanding rescue of a 38-year-old father of two at an unpatrolled stretch of beach near Teewah on Sunday 16 April 2017** (pictured bottom right);

• Matthew Crooks and Jack McNeil for outstanding bravery during the successful rescue of a male swimmer caught in a rip after dark at Surfers Paradise Beach on 24 December 2016;

• John Hamrey, Jamie Miller, Michael Seymour, Jack Seymour, Stephen Spencer, and Meaghan Seymour for the successful resuscitation of a 70-year-old male following a heart attack near Bilinga SLSC on 1 May 2017;

• Aaron Fowler for the outstanding rescue of 11 people at Tallebudgera Beach across three separate days including 27 and 31 December 2016, and 1 January 2017*; • Teresa Hartley and Matthew Scott for the outstanding rescue of a semi-conscious male who slipped on rocks, broke his leg, and was struggling to stay afloat at Point Vernon, Hervey Bay, on 29 December 2016;

• Geoffrey Wright, Garna Dowling, Tai Dowling, Leon Dunstan, and Kerri-Ann Whichello for the outstanding rescue of three swimmers caught in a rip at the unpatrolled Tugun Beach on 21 May 2017;

• Douglas Rodgers, Patrick Rodgers, Meghean Seymour, Jack Seymour, Tremayne Saxby, and John Hamrey for the outstanding rescue of an elderly male swimmer caught in a rip at Bilinga Beach on 31 December 2016;

• Sunshine Coast Airport in appreciation of its outstanding support for SLSQ’s vision of saving lives; • Cairns Airport in appreciation of its outstanding support for SLSQ’s vision of saving lives;

• Tallebudgera SLSC Patrol Group Nine for the outstanding rescue of a male swimmer in difficult surf conditions on 31 December 2016;

• Peter Bird for distinguished service to SLSQ, through its Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, and for outstanding professionalism and bravery across 19 years of aerial surveillance, search, and rescue operations;

• Hayden Phelan for outstanding leadership under extraordinary circumstances at Main Beach, Emu Park, on 19 January 2017; • Connor O’Sullivan for his exceptional vigilance on patrol, assisting multiple tourists to shore on an extremely busy day at Green Island on 17 February 2017*;

• Kevin Dunn for outstanding leadership and commitment to SLSQ while serving as Operational Support Officer from 2002 to 2017;

• Declan Ebzery and Damian Ebzery for the successful rescue of a 15-year-old male at North Burleigh Beach on 4 February 2017;

• Karen Morris in appreciation of her support of SLSQ’s ‘On The Same Wave’ program; and

• Kimberly Rase, Gemma Price, and Laurien Grondona-Paz for the outstanding rescue of a 45-year-old fisherman at North Gorge, North Stradbroke Island, on 18 February 2017; • Nathan Long and Grahame Long for the outstanding first aid treatment and care provided to a 27-year-old male with

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

• Charlie Schwerkolt for loyal and dedicated support of SLSQ and our surf safety message to ‘Always swim between the flags’. * Denotes Queensland Rescue of the Month winners ** Denotes Queensland and Australian Rescue of the Month winners

2 0 1 6 – 17

Top: Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk at SLSQ’s Little Lifesavers program. Bottom: Nipper Jayke Menefy meets Christian Nunez, the man he rescued.

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 – 17

S TATIS TICS, R ES ULT S A N D FINANCIA L S

General

Honorary

Leave/ Restricted

Life Member

Long Service

Non-Member

Past Active

Probationary

Reserve Active

Total per Club

38 37 31 39 41 54 20 32 25 22 339

8 4 10 5 14 12 5 8 2 68

2 1 3 4 18 10 6 8 4 3 59

11 12 26 15 51 30 17 13 9 7 191

18 33 19 32 17 22 2 2 145

6 5 5 4 4 10 5 9 2 5 55

1 1 25 28 55

3 2 13 7 13 2 5 1 1 2 49

1 1 8 1 11

2 2

1 1 2

11 9 1 7 2 14 13 57

4 1 2 1 8

97 105 113 110 175 145 83 100 57 56

13 16 46 53 47 49 20 18 63 47 19 25 28 25 469

3 1 4 5 14 15 3 5 8 7 7 3 7 82

1 1 8 5 11 9 4 5 5 4 3 8 4 5 73

18 13 39 24 24 20 39 24 18 14 29 18 7 8 295

3 10 15 26 35 49 9 19 34 50 29 27 11 22 339

1 1 1 1 1 1 3 9

1 1

2 7 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 20

1 1 2

5 4 16 3 17 2 11 3 1 5 3 18 3 12 8 111

4 5 5 1 1 16

1 1 1 3

1 1 1 1 2 1 1 8

1 1 1 1 1 5

44 45 137 117 157 146 84 72 8 4 132 128 115 92 70 82

M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F

64 48 42 68 54 71 16 11 21 21 67 62 50 45 52 71 763

6 8 13 5 10 10 4 1 9 10 5 7 1 6 95

5 8 7 4 5 6 1 4 9 4 5 8 13 11 90

30 13 26 17 32 18 7 1 9 5 39 32 13 6 19 7 274

1 2 38 61 22 34 6 5 10 18 48 54 28 34 10 11 382

6 8 5 2 2 4 6 3 5 1 3 7 7 59

39 43 1 1 1 85

1 1 1 3 6

2 1 3 2 1 1 1 11

9 2 11 1 7 1 9 3 12 1 10 3 6 4 79

4 1 2 3 10

1 1

3 1 3 1 8

1 1 1 15 20 3 7 1 2 2 53

1 3 1 2 1 8

163 134 149 162 149 168 33 25 58 58 193 173 117 112 111 119

M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F

40 38 254 264 83 81 118 102 55 48 119 107 150 113 290 291 143 152 87 100 219 206 127 104 102 108 109 89 3,699

11 9 40 30 16 16 8 15 8 4 16 13 36 36 33 44 13 16 19 6 23 16 14 14 11 12 7 11 497

11 9 82 46 14 13 14 4 15 6 19 16 13 16 43 32 19 15 6 6 31 20 9 11 18 7 5 9 509

27 20 136 77 78 31 92 39 46 25 68 44 91 49 206 151 189 84 60 34 123 56 59 28 47 30 31 17 1,938

30 46 240 289 66 102 92 114 52 62 49 91 107 145 251 311 106 164 58 90 155 208 68 97 69 96 58 85 3,301

7 5 33 29 7 6 13 24 15 10 1 9 13 11 19 12 42 18 11 7 16 11 3 1 4 7 2 336

39 43 1 1 1 1 1 87

2 1 1 1 4 3 88 40 1 24 45 1 2 213

1 2 1 1 1 1 1 8 6 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 40

13 18 1 16 2 27 1 18 3 5 5 50 3 45 3 32 2 11 1 16 2 24 2 31 2 1 334

2 1 81 19 11 2 35 4 1 1 1 68 17 72 31 97 23 17 3 23 6 14 4 6 1 5 3 548

2 4 2 8

1 1 4 1 41 4 4 2 2 1 61

8 8 1 3 1 1 1 8 6 7 6 9 6 19 10 1 1 1 2 1 100

7 5 4 1 1 2 1 7 9 1 1 5 1 45

142 128 941 814 293 254 404 311 219 164 280 288 630 438 975 882 728 532 285 257 632 537 320 264 291 266 223 218

M F M F M F M F M F

TOTAL

NORTH BARRIER BRANCH

Forrest Beach Arcadian Townsville Picnic Bay Ayr Bowen Eimeo Mackay Sarina

M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F

TOTAL

WIDE BAY CAPRICORN BRANCH

Yeppoon Emu Park Tannum Sands Agnes Water Moore Park Bundaberg Elliott Heads Hervey Bay TOTAL Rainbow Beach Noosa Heads Sunshine Beach

SUNSHINE COAST BRANCH

Coolum Beach Marcoola Mudjimba Maroochydore Alexandra Headland Mooloolaba Kawana Waters Dicky Beach Metropolitan Caloundra Bribie Island Redcliffe Peninsula TOTAL

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

Total Membership

Award

Mission Beach

Associate

Etty Bay

Active Senior (18+ yrs)

Cairns

Active Junior (15-18 yrs)

Ellis Beach

Active Cadet (13-15 yrs)

Port Douglas

Jnr Activities (5-13 yrs)

NORTH QLD BRANCH

MEMBERSHIP 202 223 320 183 113 1,041 89 254 303 156 12 260 207 152 1,433 297 311 317 58 116 366 229 230 1,924 270 1,755 547 715 383 568 1,068 1,857 1,260 542 1,169 584 557 441 11,716

Past Active

Probationary

Reserve Active

Total per Club

93 83 33 30 179 144 68 59 172 111 49 59 161 165 156 140 110 112 114 111 189 157 219 230 2,944

4 5 3 5 11 6 1 9 22 17 6 5 11 7 11 13 18 14 16 8 4 8 19 15 238

18 15 3 2 22 20 5 3 85 50 13 13 29 24 19 18 21 12 9 12 8 18 31 29 479

38 18 11 13 122 54 78 33 144 75 58 31 97 48 115 59 95 41 49 20 112 62 154 88 1,615

83 104 11 14 149 174 42 52 78 85 42 59 157 191 132 166 63 94 59 88 114 125 197 252 2,531

31 29 2 3 12 16 6 11 1 1 15 3 23 30 3 21 1 3 18 13 10 7 3 3 265

4 5 7 6 6 6 5 2 1 4 1 4 2 2 1 7 23 86

1 5 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 3 1 1 3 2 4 3 38

13 4 5 1 24 3 20 2 21 5 16 3 15 1 27 8 2 24 19 2 21 1 237

21 5 1 42 2 33 60 17 6 4 99 25 20 4 3 1 19 3 71 18 48 12 514

3 1 3 4 11

8 4 1 9 5 4 2 3 2 2 1 14 8 63

11 5 5 8 15 9 3 1 5 2 11 5 5 2 87

3 4 1 1 5 7 2 3 26

327 278 74 77 601 440 264 176 590 363 213 178 612 498 495 426 339 287 309 256 541 406 720 664

152 138 72 56 134 132 163 135 139 81 61 46 56 48 60 63 44 67 98 115 62 82 2,004

4 7 5 10 10 9 16 10 5 3 2 4 4 6 7 7 1 3 13 7 4 6 143

18 17 12 10 29 12 35 34 16 12 9 6 6 10 26 21 17 24 12 13 9 6 354

81 43 43 21 70 45 133 62 81 43 18 3 35 11 52 17 73 39 73 34 32 10 4 4 1,027

72 105 24 39 75 103 70 73 70 91 50 45 39 51 50 58 45 52 67 91 65 78 4 1 1,418

1 1 2 5 23 23 3 1 1 3 8 8 7 10 3 1 2 3 1 1 107

4 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 2 8 2 1 27

4 2 1 3 3 1 4 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 29

14 1 9 2 20 15 20 6 28 31 18 21 1 9 1 196

23 3 4 1 6 92 11 60 3 6 16 2 19 4 21 5 7 4 1 288

1 1 2

2 1 1 22 9 4 5 33 3 1 81

2 11 2 8 4 4 2 3 1 1 1 1 4 5 2 51

1 1 9 1 4 1 1 1 19

376 318 184 148 356 306 586 361 405 238 149 107 175 127 253 180 232 212 357 274 192 188 14 8

M F

2,584 2,364 4,948

197 184 381

452 381 833

1,768 874 2,642

1,758 2,191 3,949

176 196 372

61 52 113

42 25 67

405 28 433

681 121 802

3 10 13

107 37 144

90 48 138

40 5 45

M F

1 1

2 2

30 20 50

1 1

4 1 5

5 5 10

13 17 30

55 44 99

M F

5,237 4,982

575 550

864 700

3,514 1,876

3,515 4,602

418 418

109 119

196 156

68 53

896 110

1,148 239

7 17

168 60

221 165

91 20

17,027 14,066

10,219

1,125

1,564

5,390

8,117

836

228

352

120

1,006

1,387

228

386

111

31,093

M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F

TOTAL Tallebudgera Pacific Palm Beach (QLD)

POINT DANGER BRANCH

Currumbin Tugun Bilinga North Kirra Kirra Coolangatta Tweed Heads Coolangatta Rainbow Bay Point Danger Branch

M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F

TOTAL

Gold Coast TOTAL

Brisbane Lifesaving Service TOTAL State Total Surf Life Saving Queensland

Total Male Nippers

5,237

Total Active Patrolling Male Membership

5,462

14,066

Total Female Nippers

4,982

Total Active Patrolling Female Membership

3,564

Grand Total Membership

31,093

Grand Total Nippers

10,219

Total Active Patrolling Membership

9,026

2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17

1,041 440 953 391 1,110 921 626 565 947 1,384

694 332 662 947 643 256 302 433 444 631 380 22

8,364 14,880 6,516 14,880

17,027

151

5,746

Total Female Membership

SLSQ ANNUAL REPORT

605

9,134

Total Male Membership

Membership statistics are generated from a SurfGuard Summary Report as at 5 May 2017

Total Membership

Non-Member

Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park

Long Service

North Burleigh

Life Member

Miami Beach

Leave/ Restricted

Nobbys Beach

Honorary

Mermaid Beach AEME

General

Kurrawa

Award

Broadbeach

Associate

Northcliffe

Active Senior (18+ yrs)

SOUTH COAST BRANCH

Surfers Paradise

Active Junior (15-18 yrs)

Southport

Active Cadet (13-15 yrs)

Coochiemudlo Island

Jnr Activities (5-13 yrs) Point Lookout

31,093

LIFESAVING PATROL ACTIVITY Rescue Tube

Seabob

Rescue Board

IRB

RWC

Other

Total Rescues

Prevent Actions

Closure - Sharks

Missing Persons

Spinal Injuries

Fractures

Defib Cases

Oxygen Therapy

Resus (CPR)

Minor

Major

Minor

Major

Other

Total First Aid

FIRST AID TREATMENTS

Without Gear

RESCUES

Port Douglas

493