SURF LIFE S AVING AUS TR A LI A
Annual Report 2020-21
Contents S E C T I O N 01
SECTION 05
04
79
Introduction
Awards & Honours
SECTION 02
SECTION 06
21
98
SLSA Operations
Statistical Summaries
SECTION 03
SEC TION 07
49
114
Governance & Oversight
Surf Life Saving Entities
SECTION 04
SECTION 08
64
121
Financial Report
Glossary of Terms
S E C T I O N 01
Introduction
06
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
INTRODUCTION
President’s Reports
B E AC H S A F E T Y E Q U I PM E N T FUND
GR AHAM FORD AM – SLSA PR E S I D E N T 2010 TO M A R C H 2021 Surf Life Saving is an extraordinary movement and it has been both an immense pleasure and honour to serve as the SLSA President for the past 11 years. My passion for this movement started over 35 years ago at Bronte SLSC in 1985 and has grown with each year of service to the movement. My number one priority in my role has always been to make the lives of our volunteers easier and the SLSA Board has shared this vision with me through my Presidency. Over my tenure I have had the opportunity to meet many volunteers who I have been honoured to represent to achieve increased funding, sponsorship and growth of membership across the country.
G R OW T H O F T H E M OV E M E N T I am incredibly proud to have been at the forefront of leading our organisation that has seen revenue increase by 165% over the past 11 years, as well as membership growth of 118% to 181,603 and see junior membership grow 111% to 72,689. In 2020, SLSA and the states and territories also launched a national recruitment campaign, which I had the pleasure of launching at the 2020 SLSA Awards of Excellence. The campaign, now its second year, is based on bringing members old and new to our clubs around Australia and welcoming them home. The campaign slogan “our club is your club” was promoted nationally as well as through states and territories and our clubs to bring more people to our wonderful movement.
I am a very proud of securing the Beach Safety Equipment Fund in 2014, which resulted in direct funding from the Federal Government to our 314 Surf clubs of $5,000 per annum. Successive Governments have renewed the funding to our front line services. I was very proud to be with the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon. Scott Morrison MP in conjunction with the Minister of Sport, Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck and Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski MP at Collaroy Surf Club in February 2021 when the Prime Minister announced the increased funding to our Surf Clubs of $10,000 per annum. The Prime Minister also announced the continuance of the Federal Government vocational education funding of $6.6 million, which the Federal Government previously contributed $10 million over the previous three years. I am proud of both of these initiatives for Surf Life Saving particularly the funding of our front line services through our 314 Surf clubs.
S L S A CO R PU S F U N D In 2016 the SLSA Board resolved to establish a corpus fund to ensure the future financial sustainability of the movement through prudent financial management and sale of redundant assets with a target by 2020 of $20 million. We are pleased to report that we achieved a total of $23 million for the Corpus Fund, which has now been set aside and invested into to our long term Reserve Trust.
D E LO I T T E ACC E S S E CO N O M I C S R E P O R T In 2020, SLSA engaged Deloitte Access Economics to value Surf Life Saving’s services to the Australian community.
Section 01: Introduction
The findings of the study were astounding and revealed that Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) services to the community and its members are valued at an estimated $6.5 billion per year to the Australian economy. The report also showed that ‘for every $1 invested into SLSA, a return of $20 is achieved’. These were some excellent findings and proved what we’ve known all along that our members are amazing and truly make an astounding impact on the communities around Australia. I’d like to thank all those who took the time to complete the survey that went towards the findings of this report which will inturn, help with our future.
N AT I O N A L WAT E R S A F E T Y DAY 2020 On December 1, 2020, the Australian Federal Government declared that the first day of Summer, would be recognised as National Water Safety Day. As one of the peak water safety bodies in the country, Surf Life Saving Australia along with Royal Life Saving Society Australia encouraged all Australians to make water safety a priority on the inaugural day. This was the first year that the start of summer has been declared National Water Safety Day with members of the Australian Government also encouraging the public to be safe around water during the summer months. We thank our Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Jason Falinski MP and the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite, for helping to bring this day to the attention of the Australian Government and are very glad to have their bi-partisan support. National Water Safety Day will again be recognised in 2021 on December 1 around Australia.
07
S O U T H E R N H E LI CO P T E R S E RV I C E - L AU N C H O F T H E N E W W E S T PAC LI F E S AV E R R E S C U E H E LI CO P T E R S – C A PE B A N K S & M O R U YA This past season we launched two new helicopters for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service (Southern) at both La Perouse, Sydney and Moruya, NSW South Coast. The state-of-the-art technology includes new avionics systems and enhanced communications were just some of the upgraded features to help our crews along our coastline. The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service made these changes to the BK-117 C1s aircraft, to ensure the latest technology and services would be available in assisting keeping Australia’s iconic coastline safe. The two New Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters include: 1. New communications panels, integrating aircraft and emergency service radios, phones and navigation systems have been installed enhancing both internal and external communications during emergencies 2. Revised Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and an improved environmental control system will provide pilots and crew the best systems possible to manage and monitor navigational and weather during flight 3. Winch devices to enable rescue crew to be put into situations to rescue persons in distress and the crew to retrieve these people and provide essential emergency care 4. Essential lifesaving, emergency response and rescue equipment. We thank all the members of the Southern Helicopter Service and particularly recognise the extra ordinary efforts and contribution of the flight crews and pilots,
who helped in the efforts to assist in the rescue of people during the terrible fires on the NSW South Coast last summer.
W H O WO R LD D R OW N I N G PR E V E N T I O N DAY 2021/I L S PR E S I D E N T In April 2021, The UN General Assembly recognised global drowning by a UN resolution and call for action and announced that 25 July 2021, would be the first International World Drowning Prevention Day. Surf Life Saving Australia in conjunction with other international peak water safety bodies recognised the inaugural day that was marked by the World Health Organisation (WHO). We look forward to marking and recognising the day in the future. Finally, I would like to congratulate our new President John Baker ESM and thank him for his sound counsel and support as Deputy President, of our great organisation. I thank all the members of the SLSA Board for your support and contribution, not only for the last season but the many years prior. I personally thank our CEO Adam Weir for his amazing commitment and professionalism and thank the SLSA Team for their efforts to support Adam and SLSA. To every member of this amazing surf life saving movement, I thank you for your generosity and friendship and allowing me to serve you to save lives, create great Australian and build better communities.
Graham Ford AM Immediate Past President Surf Life Saving Australia
08
S
tatistics can paint a powerful picture about an organisation’s importance and effectiveness and once again our volunteers amassed an impressive set of numbers last season. Throughout the year we performed 1.34million volunteer patrol hours, 8,064rescues, over 1.75million preventative actions and 53,466 first aid cases. While these figures are compelling, it’s the personal stories of courage behind them that leave an indelible impression. Earlier this year we recognised Surf Lifesavers from Queensland and South Australia with our National Rescue Medal for their outstanding actions last season. Their stories go to the heart of what we do as an organisation and who we are as a community of dedicated volunteers. The rescues were very different in circumstance and the people involved but the outcomes were equally compelling. On Goolwa Beach in South Australia’s remote Coorong Region, two young SRC holders from West Beach SLSC performed a rescue where their maturity and quick thinking belied their age. The two young surf lifesavers swam 500metres out to sea in heavy surf to reach a 13-year-old boy who had been swept into deep water by a fast-moving rip. The young teenager was exhausted and barely keeping his face above the water when Marcus Morgan and Rhys
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
Highett reached him. Despite the boy being scared and distressed, Marcus and Rhys calmed him down and then safely towed him the 500metres back to shore. They then stayed with him, while he drifted in and out of consciousness, until help arrived from the Goolwa SLSC Patrol. What amazes me about this rescue, is the two young surf lifesavers swam over 1,000metres in heavy surf to rescue a boy not much younger than themselves and they did it without the aid of any equipment. As all lifesavers know, rescues without any equipment are extremely difficult and very uncommon. When I spoke to the two boys later that day, they said that all they had wanted was KFC on the drive home. I will always admire the modesty of our volunteers. The following day 2,000km’s to the north, lifesavers from Tallebudgera and Pacific SLSCs performed a successful mass rescue. It was Australia Day when multiple swimmers were caught in a rip at Tallebudgera Beach on the Gold Coast The Tallebudgera IRB crewed by Jared Adamson and Tom Scott were the first to arrive on scene where they found seven swimmers struggling in a rip. They were quickly supported by Scott Burgess on ‘Waverunner 3’. The IRB crew rescued
four patients, while the RWC recovered the remaining three and all were returned safely back to shore. Back on the beach, they radioed Surfcom to call for an ambulance as one patient had ingested a lot of water and was losing consciousness. Two Duty Officers and patrol members Michelle Slattery and Regan Hickey from neighbouring Pacific SLSC arrived to assist with the patients. Tom, Michelle and Duty Officer Ken Lloyd started to administer oxygen therapy but before the Queensland Ambulance Service could arrive, the patient stopped breathing. Ken started CPR and the defibrillator was applied but with ‘no shocked advised’, the situation was becoming critical. Paramedics then arrived and continued to work on the patient with Ken while the members of the Tallebudgera and Pacific SLSCs continued to manage the scene and care for the other patients involved. There is little doubt that without the quick-thinking response by this group of lifesavers and the collaboration and coordination between the two neighbouring surf clubs, the RWC and the Duty Officers, there would have been several fatalities. There are hundreds of stories like this across the country and I am incredibly proud of the commitment and dedication our Surf Life Savers have to patrolling our coastlines and helping those in need. While our volunteers don’t seek accolades for what they do, it’s important to celebrate their achievements when they are recognised. As part of the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours, ten of our members were honoured for their
Section 01: Introduction
outstanding service and I would like to warmly congratulate them and thank them for everything they do for Surf Life Saving. Surf Life Saving is unique and no other organisation does what we do: • We are a vital emergency service • We are an iconic Australian sport • We are a major youth movement • We are a registered training organisation • And we are a community hub for thousands of families The Red and Yellow uniform is an iconic symbol of safety, vigilance and in many cases bravery on beaches all over the country. It reassures the public that there will always have a mate watching their back, keeping an eye out and ready to help them if required. Our vision is to work towards: Zero preventable deaths in Australian waters. What sits behind this is the fundamental belief that everyone should have the ability to safely enjoy the water. • We believe that no person should drown because they haven’t been taught to swim. • We believe that no person should drown because they haven’t been shown how to identify coastal hazards. • We believe that no person should drown because they haven’t been taught how to get out of trouble. • We believe that no person should drown because they don’t have a lifesaving service watching over them. • We believe that everyone deserves to be given the skills and knowledge they need to keep themselves and their families safe in the water. • And we believe that no person should be at increased risk of drowning through lack of funding or support for what we do. As an emergency service, we have 45,205 volunteer lifesavers patrolling from as far north as Gove to as far south as Clifton Beach. Just for a moment, imagine if Surf Life Saving did not exist in this country. Since our formation in 1907, our volunteers have saved the lives of over 670,000 people. As a youth organisation, we have almost approximately 72,689 active Nippers
09
aged from 5 to 15. Our Nippers Program is not just about healthy kids, it’s about instilling them with a sense of community service and preparing them for careers as lifesavers. This is where we start to create great Australians. As a registered training organisation Surf Life Saving delivered nearly 100,000 awards including 6,224 new Bronze holders and 67,473 eLearning courses. This was 8.5% increase on the previous year, which means our patrolling members are more qualified than ever to meet the increasing challenges facing them on the beach.
T H E ‘AU S S I E S’ It wasn’t until we all gathered again on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in April that we realised just how much we had all missed the comradery and spirit of competition over the past two years. The ‘Aussies’ is more than just our national championships. It brings our movement and the community together in a spirited celebration of the best of our traditions, culture and sport. At its peak, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships is one of the largest events of its kind and is only rivalled in size by the Commonwealth Games. It took a tremendous amount of work and energy to run this event in a COVID-19 environment and I would particularly like to acknowledge our three host Clubs in Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. Your support and hospitality were first class and ensured a memorable experience for everyone involved. Congratulations to everyone who competed in the 480 events - from our youngest competitor Huon Groves (Coogee) aged 13 through to our oldest competitor William Ryan (Coolangatta) aged 86 – your sportsmanship and the spirit in which you all competed was outstanding and something of which to be extremely proud. Thanks to the 508 officials, without whom this event simply wouldn’t be possible. You too came from all over the country and your professionalism and good humour ensured that all competitors had a fantastic experience and opportunity. Finally, thanks to our events team,
who are no doubt one of the finest in the country. To deliver an event of that size and complexity without a hitch in extremely challenging times is certainly something to be admired. Despite the many challenges of COVID-19, SLSA delivered six rounds of the elite Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series. The historic feat of Ali Day (Surfers Paradise) winning all races was simply outstanding and something none of the greats had been able to achieve before. Lana Rogers (Alexandra Headland) was just as impressive in the women’s event and it was great to see her skill on show through the Nutri-Grain Next Gen concept as well. Unfortunately, the iconic Coolangatta Gold had to be cancelled so we delivered the event virtually and attracted competitors from across the country and world and it was great to see clubs and states provide events and opportunities as well for those unable to compete in the Gold.
S L S A LI F E M E M B E R S A N D H A LL O F FA M E I’d also like to congratulate the three newest SLSA Life Members who were awarded their life membership this season. SLSA Life Membership is the highest honour we can give to those members who show incredible commitment and distinguished service to our movement. Congratulations to Geoffrey Gowing (Grange SLSC, SA), Brett Harrod (Umina SLSC, NSW) and Don van Keimpema OAM (Shelly Beach SLSC, NSW) on their well-deserved honour and recognition.
G OV E R N M E N T In February 2021, we were extremely pleased to be able to secure an additional $3.1 million in funding to protect beachgoers and $6.6 million to improve volunteer lifesaving skills across the country. The announcement by the Federal Government was made with the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, in conjunction with the Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck and Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski MP at Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club on
10
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
Sydney’s northern beaches. The Australian Government will invest the $3.1 million, through the Water and Snow Safety Program, to support SLSA’s Beach Safety Equipment Fund, which is aimed at preventing fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents and the $6.6 million will go towards Vocational Education and Training (VET) and will support Surf Life Saving to deliver a sustainable ‘fit for purpose’ training and education system for our volunteers. This funding boost is additional to the $21 million in core funding already being provided to SLSA under the Australian Government’s Water and Snow Safety Program. Over the next three years, Surf Life Saving Australia will receive almost $30 million in funding from the Australian Government and we are deeply appreciative of their bi-partisan support and continued commitment to Surf Life Saving across the country.
year anniversary. I would like to thank all our major national partners for their continued and important support and we look forward to working with them during 2021/22.
N E W M A J O R N AT I O N A L PA R T N E R S H I P S S E C U R E D Our volunteers couldn’t do their important role without the help and support of our corporate partners and this season we were very pleased to welcome two new major national partnerships in Isuzu and Ampol, as well as renewing our long-term partnership with DHL Express for a further three years. Ampol and Surf Life Saving Australia announced their partnership in December 2020 and we will begin to see the Ampol brand rolled out on the sleeves of our patrol shirts for the 2021/22 season. Surf Life Saving Australia was also pleased to announce a three-year partnership with Isuzu UTE Australia which will helps to support our clubs and patrols with a fleet of Isuzu D-MAX Utes and MU-X SUVs. Members will again begin to see the roll out of these in the 2021/22 season. Our valued and longstanding partnerships with DHL Express will continue for another three years to August 2024 where we will then celebrate the 20-
N AT I O N A L COA S TA L S A F E T Y R E P O R T 2020/21 In September 2021, Surf Life Saving Australia released our most important piece of coastal safety research, the 17th National Coastal Safety Report. This report provides a detailed analysis of Australian Coastal drowning deaths and fatalities over the past 12 months along with the continuing and emerging trends around the country. Tragically, we saw 241 people lose their lives around our shores and alarmingly 136 were due to drowning, which is a 19 per cent increase on the 17-year average of 114. Males were once again overrepresented, accounting for 90 per cent of all coastal drowning deaths. Alcohol, drugs, risk-taking behaviour and overestimating their ability were found to be key factors. However, we also know that without the efforts and dedication of our members on our beaches each year, this number would be far higher. I encourage all our members to read the in-depth report.
S U R F LI F E S AV I N G F O U N DAT I O N The Surf Life Saving Foundation continued its strong performance despite the challenges of the COVID-19 environment, meeting all of its minimum guarantees to State and Territory Surf Life Saving entities with a distribution of $6.9M. I would like to warmly thank the Chair of the Surf Life Saving Foundation, Darrin Bragg, and Directors Graham Ford AM, Christine Hopton OAM and Adam Hodge for their incredible commitment and support throughout the year. I’d also like to thank the management and staff of the SLS Foundation for their tireless work negotiating fundraising during what has been a very difficult year with the ongoing COVID-19 landscape.
The Foundation’s Grant Seeking Unit also continues to go from strength to strength, securing $9.5M from 362 successful grant applications lodged on behalf of Surf Life Saving entities. Thank you to the GSU team for their incredible efforts in assisting the SLS entities with vital funds from grants.
A DV I S O RY CO M M I T T E E S I would like to thank our SLSA Advisory Committee Chairs and Members for their contribution to the strategic goals and operations of SLSA, particularly Chris Jacobson (Lifesaving), Andrew Buhk (Sport), Nancy Joseph (Development) and to our outgoing chair of Education, Kevin Richardson. I would also like to welcome and thank our new Chair of Education, Tracey Hare-Boyd.
S L S A B OA R D To my fellow Board members, I warmly thank you for your passion and professionalism in continuing to drive our movement forward. I know how hard you all work both on the beach as well as back of beach. Congratulations to Appointed Directors Craig Smith Gander AM and George Shales OAM for their recognition through the Australian Honours system.
CO N C LU S I O N Surf Life Saving is Australia’s peak water safety organisation and with 181,572 active members, we are also the largest volunteer movement in the country. To all our amazing volunteers you are the heart and soul of one of the greatest humanitarian organisations in Australia. Every day your selfless service wins you the respect, admiration and gratitude of the public. Thank you.
John Baker ESM President Surf Life Saving Australia
Section 01: Introduction
11
12
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
INTRODUCTION
CEO's Report
T
he 2020-21 financial year marks the commencement of SLSA’s Surf Life Saving 2025 Strategic Plan (SLS 2025). The importance of the 2025 Strategic Plan is to further increase the capacity and capability of the organisation to; save lives, create great Australians and build better communities whilst maintaining the vision of ‘zero preventable deaths in Australian waters’. The four Strategic Goals of SLS2025 are: 1. Save Lives 2. Develop and support our people 3. Grow and sustain our movement
4. Engage the community In 2020-21, SLSA welcomed a new President; John Baker ESM who previously held the position of President of SLSSA for nine years and farewelled Graham Ford AM after an impressive 11 years as President of SLSA. I would personally like to thank Graham for his ongoing support and commitment to the organisation. The parent entity recorded a surplus of $1.2m for the year. Of SLSA’s $34.6m in expenses, 56% was distributed to states and clubs for operational purposes. I am pleased to announce that the SLS
Foundation returned a total of $6.9 million to the Surf Life Saving entities through philanthropic and commercial activities, an increase of $555,000 on last financial year. The Grant Seeking unit is extremely proud to report, that it has more than doubled grant funding year to date for Surf Life Saving entities, with a total of $9.5 million in successful grants and a 16% increase in lodged grants for 2020/21. The GSU has worked tirelessly to seek out potential grant opportunities, to assist clubs during what has been a difficult
Section 01: Introduction
year; due to a decline in fundraising opportunities and changing restrictions and lockdowns. It has been evident that the organisation continues to have strong support from the Australian Government, through our Chief Patron, Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), our Vice Patron the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia and the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Co-Chaired by Jason Falinski MP and the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP. This year saw the announcement of more than $30 million in additional funding for Surf Life Saving over the next three years for frontline lifesaving services and vocational, education and training. It was particularly pleasing to see the doubling of the Beach Safety Equipment Fund which is funding that
13
goes directly to Surf Life Saving Clubs to purchase vital lifesaving equipment. We are extremely grateful for the bipartisan support and strong relationships that we have with our government stakeholders. Despite the 2020-21 season being significantly impacted as a result of the COVID19 pandemic, SLSA continued to innovate and grow. SLSA continued to advance digital resources leading to further accessibility and due to various changes to programs, SLSA saw a rise in involvement in eLearning. We were also pleased to have the 2021 Aussies return to free to air TV with a live 2-hour broadcast on Channel 9 for finals day. It has also been a year that has verified the strength of our longstanding, values based, National Major Partners. The ongoing support of Westpac (48 years) for the countries Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters, and DHL (18 years) for our frontline lifesaving volunteers, has been unwavering throughout the onset of the continual pandemic and the uncertainty that has come with it. SLSA are also ecstatic to announce two new National Major Partnerships; Ampol as announced in December 2020, with the full partnership to take affect from the start of the 2021 patrolling season along with Isuzu UTE Australia which was announced in April. We continue to innovate and look for ways to make the lives of our members easier in the role as surf lifesavers. Whether this is through research into drowning prevention and water safety, the use of life saving technologies (e.g. drones) or new ways of collecting information and education (e.g. Patrol Operations App; Online Training Systems) you can be assured that looking to the
future to optimise the way we do things continues to be a priority. I would like to express my gratitude to State and Territory Centres, volunteers and staff, for their continual support in assisting SLSA to deliver many of the remarkable outcomes as highlighted within this year’s Annual Report. I am extremely appreciative for the comradery and joint approach of the State and Territory CEO’s with whom I work closely with through the Executive Management Group. I look forward to continuing to build our working relationship, share innovative ideas and put in place strategic goals for these to come to fruition. The organisation is very fortunate to have a volunteer leadership team that continues to support and motivate me, our newly elected President and Chairman John Baker ESM, the SLSA Board of Directors and Advisers, who devote their time and are extremely passionate about continuing to improve and innovate the organisation, whilst meeting the objectives as outlined within the Strategic Plan. I would also like to personally thank our 181,572 members for their constant efforts within our movement, especially our patrolling members who have a vital role in keeping our coastline safe. Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to all the SLSA staff for their continual commitment, enthusiasm and support despite the ongoing challenges that 2020-21 has presented.
Adam Weir Chief Executive Officer Surf Life Saving Australia
14
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
INTRODUCTION
Who we are
S
urf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is Australia's peak coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority. With 181,572 members, of all age groups and demographics across 314 affiliated Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSCs), SLSA represents the largest volunteer movement of its kind in Australia. Since Surf Life Saving was established in 1907, over 670,000 lives have been saved. In 2020/21 our Surf Life Saving active members were involved in 8,064 rescues, 53,466 first aid treatments and more than 1.75 million preventative actions. Surf Life Saving volunteers carried out more than 1.34 million patrol hours. Surf Life Saving is a unique not-forprofit, community cause that exists through community donations, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and government grants.
W H Y W E E X I S T— O U R MISSION Surf Life Saving exists to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Australian beaches have long occupied a special place in Australian culture. With eighty-five per cent of the population living within 50km of the coast and more than 300 million visitations annually, the beach is a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to enjoy our vast coastline. The vision of Surf Life Saving is zero preventable deaths in Australian waters, and we are committed to educating and protecting all people to further reduce the number of coastal drowning fatalities. Despite significant advancements in technology, techniques and knowledge, many still lack a basic level of awareness when it comes to water safety. It is because of this that coastal drowning deaths still occur in unacceptable numbers. With COVID causing
restrictions with travel overseas and other locations, recreation within state or more localised areas has resulted in greater visitations to areas of the coast which are not well known by visitors. This increased domestic coastal influx is further contributing to coastal incidents with a lack of awareness around safety.
W H AT W E D O Creating safe environments on and off Australian beaches is an integral part of the Surf Life Saving movement and is enabled through a range of support operations. These operations include: 24/7 emergency response groups, rescue helicopter services, jet rescue boats, offshore rescue boats, rescue watercraft, surveillance systems, radio control and coordination centres, and volunteer lifesaving services. Surf Life Saving, through the state and territory centres, operates the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS), the country's largest lifeguard service, providing essential lifesaving services to local government and other coastal land managers.
O U R S T R AT E G I E S SLSA has developed a strategic plan that will guide the Surf Life Saving movement through to the year 2025. The focus of the 2025 Strategic Plan is to further enhance the capacity and capability of the movement to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. The four pillars of our current Strategic Plan that guide us to achieve our mission are: 1. Save Lives 2. Develop and support our people 3. Grow and sustain our movement 4. Engage the community
O U R S TA K E H O LD E R S Our principal stakeholders are those who use the Australian coastline, and those
who are directly or indirectly impacted by our actions, or who support our activities.
CO M M U N I T Y • Members: SLSA has a duty of care to protect its members as they carry out their duties on and off the beach • Potential members: The organisation relies on new recruits to maintain and increase lifesaving services • Beach-going community: SLSA communicates with diverse communities via a variety of different programs and channels, including public advertising and awareness campaigns and the distribution of educational resources • Donors: SLSA communicates to our donors, the Guardians of the Surf regularly through the SLS Foundation.
G OV ER N M EN T • Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving (Australian Government): This is a bipartisan group where SLSA invites parliamentarians to participate in quarterly activities to highlight Surf Life Saving's key issues and activities. • Australian Government departments and agencies: SLSA relies on support from the following Australian Government departments and agencies for a number of our programs: • Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet • Sport Australia • Department of Health • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade • Department of the Environment and Energy • Other levels of government: • State and territory entities have direct relationships with state governments, while our clubs liaise with their local councils • For particular activities, namely national sporting events, SLSA will
Section 01: Introduction
invite stakeholders from federal, state and local government • Parliamentarians: In order to maintain our positioning as the peak organisation for coastal safety, we engage with elected members of parliament on an ongoing basis, particularly those representing coastal seats.
CO R P O R AT E • Corporate Partners: The majority of our programs are funded by a number of corporate partners. We also actively seek new partners to ensure the longterm sustainability of the movement. SLSA encourages all Australian corporates to include Surf Life Saving in their Workplace Giving Program.
15
the Australian Government, corporate partners and donors to fund the majority of its activities. About one third of the parent entity's funding comes from the Australian Government. The remaining two thirds is secured via national corporate partners, licensing and fees for competitions. The SLS Foundation actively conducts fundraising around Australia on behalf of SLSA and our state and territory entities while SLSCs also conduct their own fundraising activities. The state and territory entities (which report separately), to support their lifesaving activities, are engaged in commercial activities such as education, training and the provision of contract lifeguard services to local government and other land managers.
I N T ER N A L • State and territory centres: state and territory entities represent our members on the SLSA Board. SLSA have regular contact with our owners through Board meetings and other forums. • Staff.
FUNDING As a community cause, SLSA relies on
S TAT U TO RY O B LI G AT I O N S A N D OV E R S I G H T SLSA is a company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). SLSA is also a charity registered with the ACNC and a registered charitable institution under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW). SLSA has three wholly owned subsidiaries. • The Surf Life Saving Foundation is a
company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). It too is registered with the ACNC and operates under the charitable fundraising legislation in each of the states and territories where it is registered. • Southern Region SLSA Helicopter Rescue Service Pty Ltd is a proprietary limited company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). It too is a charity registered with the ACNC and a registered charitable institution under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW). • Surf Sports Australia Pty Ltd is a proprietary limited company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
ABOUT THIS REPORT This is the Annual Report of Surf Life Saving Australia Ltd. The Surf Life Saving movement is made up of 496 separate legal entities, including state and territory entities, clubs, branches and support operations. The financial accounts of these entities, whose relationship with SLSA Ltd is further described in section four, are not consolidated here. However, the activities and achievements of all surf lifesavers are consolidated and reported.
16
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2018 2020–21
INTRODUCTION
Highlights
8,064 FIRST AID TREATMENTS
1,757,518 PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS
45,205 PATROLLING MEMBERS
VOLUNTEER HOURS ON PATROL
MEMBERS 8.5%
1.94% GROWTH IN PATROLLERS
256 MISSIONS
BRONZE MEDALLIONS LEARNING
COURSES SLSA AWARDS
ENROLLED
$29.7 MILLION CONTRIBUTIONS TO SURF LIFE SAVING ENTITIES
Section 01: Introduction
17
INTRODUCTION
Surf Life Saving 2025 Strategic Plan
VISION
MISSION
Zero preventable deaths in Australian waters.
We save lives, create great Australians and build better communities.
Surf Life Saving Strategic Plan Goals 1 S ave Lives
2D evelop and support our people 3 G row and sustain our movement
4 Engage the community
2.1 P roviding and promoting engaging leadership and learning opportunities 2.2 R ecognising and rewarding achievement and success 2.3 Developing and promoting great events 2.4 Growing a safety culture 2.5 P romoting the positive contribution of SLS volunteers 2.6 Provide accessible and diverse pathways for members within SLS
3.1 Protecting and enhancing the brand to drive internal and external support 3.2 D eveloping effective strategic and operational alignment across all levels of the organisation 3.3 Making it easier for volunteers, staff and the community to contribute to the movement 3.4 Ensuring, maintaining and promoting sound financial and governance practices
4.1 I ncreasing awareness of SLS’s positive contribution to the community 4.2 Encouraging and providing opportunities for the community to engage with SLS 4.3 Being an inclusive organisation that promotes accessibility and diversity 4.4 B eing actively engaged in reflecting community expectations particularly in the areas of environmental and sustainability issues
• An increasing proportion of patrolling members are participating in surf sports and/ or modified sports activities. • We will be using best practice technologies to enhance the learning experience for our people and the community. • Education is meeting the needs of our people, the community and key stakeholders. • We have clearly aligned leadership pathways throughout the movement. • We are identifying potential leaders early, providing opportunities for development and mentoring. • We are recognising and celebrating the diverse achievements of our people. • We are reporting decreasing injury and accident rates involving our people.
• Safety of our people remains first and foremost, with Lost Time Injury (LTI) rates reducing year on year. • Our events are recording growth in participant and partner support. • SLS pathways generate an uplift in membership and participation in SLS. • Our brand is protected, valued and recognised. • Our brand is in the top 5 most trusted brands for the NFP sector. • Strategic financial results are defined and met. • SLS Strategic Plans are aligned at national, state and club level. • National and State risk and compliance registers are current, shared and reported. • We are increasing nongovernment revenue by a minimum 2%.
• We are leveraging technology to enable our people, community and partners to easily contribute to SLS. • Fundraising activities (donor and lottery) are growing revenue annually and growing the return to the movement. • Our membership is growing and retention rates increasing. • We can measure an increasing level of engagement of a diverse range of communities. • Our Champions and Guardians supporters are increasing by 3% annually. • SLSA reports on distribution of funds transparently across the movement annually. • We can update the organisation’s economic impact annually. • Proactive initiatives and policy are developed to support community expectations and trends.
Strategies 1.1 A lways being rescue ready 1.2 Maximizing safety between the flags 1.3 W orking to reduce drowning and injury rates 1.4 L eading evidenced based research and innovation 1.5 H aving industry best practice risk management systems 1.6 B y leading and delivering as the peak coastal safety body 1.7 S upporting drowning prevention internationally, particularly in the Asia Pacific region Success Factors • There have been no drowning deaths between the flags. • The per capita drowning and injury rates are below the 5-year rolling average. • As the peak coastal water safety body, we have leading representation on international and national water safety/ drowning prevention bodies. • We provide opportunities for our people to participate in activities internationally and within the Asia-Pacific and can report and promote these efforts. • State/Territory entities are included in Emergency Management Arrangements. • Patrolling membership increases year on year. • Lifesaving programs and initiatives increase reach into communities year on year.
18
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
INTRODUCTION
Scorecard 2020/21
2020 Strategic Intent
What we achieved in 2020/21
What we will achieve in 2021/22
1.1 Always being rescue ready
• Operations logs to into Patrol Ops. Review of Patrol Ops App and updates to improve functionality. • Helicopter agreement in place and new contractor operating effectively. • Incident reporting systems more interactive within SurfCom and Patrol Ops. • New BM/SRC program implemented to ensure members appropriately skilled.
• Continued development of Patrol Ops App to meet front line needs. • Delivery of key services through helicopter operations. • Finalise IRB trials of equipment to ensure fit for purpose for SLS use. • Review of front-line equipment specifications to ensure meeting needs. • Trial and evaluation of new technology to enable first responder capability. • Front-line members courses developed and delivered.
1.2 M aximising safety between the flags
• Review of lifesaving practices and policies. To include COVID related matters around training, first aid, CPR. • Fact sheets and guidelines for safety developed, published and promoted, i.e. marine stings etc. • BRP equipment grants delivered and managed • Beach Safety Equipment Fund delivered and managed. • Secured renewal of Government funding for our core water safety activities. • Worked with Partnerships on funding programs for services, i.e. DHL, Westpac.
• Policies in line with schedules reviewed and updated. • Continue to report on our activities and operations to Government to ensure ongoing support and funding. • BSEF and BRP programs delivered to clubs. • Blackspot Funding program delivered and managed with states. • Continue to develop and maintain relationships with AFAC and other Emergency Authorities. • Work with Partnerships on funding programs for services, i.e. Ampol, DHL, Isuzu, Westpac.
1.3 W orking to reduce drowning and injury rates
• Research undertaken, i.e. bystander research, marine stingers, mental health, COVID impacts • BeachSafe updated • Reviewed Surf Risk Rating and implemented online training module • Work commenced with states to update ABSAMP data • Delivered year 5 of the Rip Current Campaign • Engaged in and assisted in the development of the Australian Water Safety Council Water Safety Strategy • Actively participated in the Australian Water Safety Council
• Investigate and report back on opportunities for programs/initiatives around bystander rescues • Surf Risk Rating modules for patrols and water safety to be put in place and tested • New BeachSafe framework to be delivered • Commence development of new campaign for water safety • Continue to promote Rip Current safety • Maintain engagement with the Australian Water Safety Council • Delivery against the Australian Water Safety Strategy
1.4 L eading evidenced based research and innovation
• Maintained relationship with NCIS. • Fully field test database for use for future fatality management system. • Developed research and findings on weather impacts to coastal incidents with BoM. • Participated in marine stinger research program • Maintained and developed research partnership relationships with states and working group. • Developed papers for publication. • Presented at key forums on research, safety and lifesaving.
• Continue to meet with and comply with requirements from NCIS. • Update database to meet needs and changes in criteria. • Review BoM developments with weather integration into drowning data for key findings. • Continue to work with RAWG to ensure a strategic agenda for research maintained. • Continue to develop Beach Safety Research team with UNSW and other collaborations. • Presentation of research and findings at key forums internally and externally.
1. Save Lives
Section 01: Introduction
19
1.5 Having industry best practice risk management systems
• Maintained relationship with Australian standards, contribute to developments as required. • Developed new iRisk system and risk management program. • Maintained and development of relationship with Australian Disaster Management Groups. • Reviewedrisk tools i.e. Surf Risk Rating app. • Reviewed and manage compliance systems for equipment.
• Continue to consult with Australian Standards and contribute towards discussions. • Implement new iRisk tool for audit and coastal safety management systems. • Review and update requirements around PPE as required. • Continue to develop and promote the SRR app. • Review and put in place compliance systems for lifesaving equipment.
1.6 B y leading and delivering as the peak coastal safety body
• Coordinated, managed and provided leadership to the lifesaving department areas and committees. • Participated in external agency groups i.e. ANZSBEG, AWSC, AFAC, ATAG, Austswim, ACS. • Maintained and further developed relationships with SLS New Zealand. • Conducted and delivered National Coastal Safety Survey. • Deliver National Coastal Safety Report, assist other states with theirs.
• Provide ongoing leadership and support to the coastal safety, research and lifesaving areas of the organisation. • Participate in emergency service and agency forums inclusive of ANZSBEG, AFAC, ATAG, Austswim, Australian Water Safety Council. • Continue to work with collaboratively with SLS New Zealand on programs an initiatives. Including but not limited to Rip Currents, Bystander Rescues, IRBs. • Deliver the National Coastal Safety Reports • Develop Coastal Safety Reports for other states (NSW, TAS, SA, WA, NT) and assist Vic and Qld.
1.7 Supporting drowning prevention internationally, particularly in the Asia Pacific region
• Continue engagement with ILS Committees/ Commissions • Provide support to Asia Pacific programs and developments • Liaise with states on the delivery or programs internationally, including the facilitation of these
• ILS representation on Committees/Commissions and working groups • Continue to develop relationships within the Asia Pacific area in partnership with ILS • Facilitate and provide leadership for international exchanges and developments
2. Develop and support our people 2.1 Providing and promoting engaging leadership and learning opportunities
• Women's Mentoring Program Cohort 1 launched July 2020 and Graduated July 2021. • Women's Mentoring Program Cohort 2 launched February 2021. • Delivered the final reports for the VET Surge strategy to the Federal Government. • Released further enhancements to the Assessing app based on user feedback. • Represented SLS on the Health Training Package Industry Reference Committee. • Rolled out the 35th Edition Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual and associated resources. • Reviewed and developed the Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Award review with a view to pilot during the 2021/22 season. • Updated of all resources to bring in line with changes to Public Safety Training Package. • Updated the Junior Development Resources. • Acted as secretariat for national VET Review in the implementation of the report's recommendations. • Reviewed and improved our Coaching and Officiating resources.
• Deliver Masterclass 2021 and National Leadership College 2022. • Continue with Women's Mentoring Program Cohort 2 and launch Cohort 3 in November 2021. • Continue to report on our education and training activities to the Government to ensure ongoing support for VET funding. • Commence development of 9th Edition Powercraft Manual and associated resources. • Implement the Credit Articulated Model. • Develop TAF re-endorsement forms for each state. • Continue to investigate enhancements for the Assessing App which will result in making the lives of our members easier. • Pilot the Silver Medallion Patrol Captains course. • Continue to act on the recommendations from the VET Review with the working group. • Continue to work with our eLearning provider to ensure that our online courses are fit for purpose.
2.2 Recognising and rewarding achievement and success
• Administered the national patrol service program and national medals. • Produced a Life Members newsletter. • Ran a successful virtual Awards of Excellence when COVID prevented a formal function. • Recommended members who meet the eligibility criteria for Hall of Fame and SLSA Life Membership.
• Administer the national patrol service program and national medals. • Produce a Life Members newsletter. • Run a national Awards of Excellence. • Review applications and recommend members for Hall of Fame and Life Membership recognition.
20
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
2.3 D eveloping and promoting great events
• Delivered a successful COVID safe Nutri Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series. • Delivered a successful COVID safe Australian Open/ Masters and Youth Championships. This included for the first time preregistration for everyone in attendance including competitors, coaches, officials, staff, spectators and contractors through a RFID recorded lanyard ID process. • Further developed SEMS technology in our sporting events that was utilised fully at the Australian Championships which created efficiencies and improved our stakeholder experience. • Developed and implemented further electronic resources for the education and development of officials and coaches. • Commenced a review of Australian Life Saving Championships.
• Deliver a successful suite of Elite events including Nutri Grain Ironman and Ironwomen Series, Super Surf Teams League, Coolangatta Gold and Ocean Thunder Surf Boat Series. • Deliver a successful suite of national events including the Pool Rescue Championships and Interstate Championships. • Relaunch Beach Warrior as participation event. • Deliver a successful Australian Open, Masters and Youth Championships. • Continue to develop technology in surf sports events to drive efficiencies and increase the user experience. Includes the Surf Sports APP, SEMs and paperless delivery of our events. • Develop and implement further electronic courses for the education and development of officials and coaches. • Finalise review of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
2.4 G rowing a safety culture
• All SLSA event were conducted pursuant to an approved COVID safe plan. • Commenced a review of the Member Protection Policy including Child Safe policy and resources.
• Conclude review of the Member Protection Policy including Child Safe policy and resources and roll out policies to membership.
2.5 Promoting the positive contribution of SLS volunteers
• Proactive and co-ordinated media strategy • Development and promotion of Surf Studio • National Rescue Medals were presented at the December and June Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving functions in Parliament House.
• Continue to promote the positive contribution of surf lifesavers at Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving functions and through our ongoing engagement with government stakeholders.
2.6 P rovide accessible and diverse pathways for members within SLS
• Implemented a number of recommendations from the National Youth Review.
• Continue to implement recommendations from the National Youth Review.
3. Grow and sustain our movement 3.1 P rotecting and enhancing the brand to drive internal and external support
• Managed all known breaches of IP that were received and appropriately actioned within 5 business days post alert, where possible. • Reviewed and managed brand guidelines. • Secured a renewal of Vocational, Educational and Training funding, Water and Snow Safety funding and the doubling of the Beach Safety Equipment Funding.
• Ensure all breaches of IP receive appropriate communication within 5 business days post alert. • Continue to deliver on the Water and Snow Safety funding activities which are consistent with the key outcomes from the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2025. • Deliver on the VET funding activities in conjunction with the states to achieve the key outcomes.
3.2 Developing effective strategic and operational alignment across all levels of the organisation
• Ensured policies underwent the annual review to ensure compliance with relevant jurisdictions and confirmed that they remained relevant for the membership. • Ensured that SLSA and state and territory entities continued to deliver contractual obligations for national corporate partners annually.
• Ensure policies are annually reviewed to ensure compliance with relevant jurisdictions and confirm that they remain relevant for the membership. • Ensure that SLSA and state entities continue to deliver contractual obligations for national corporate partners annually.
3.3 Making it easier for volunteers, staff and the community to contribute to the movement
• New modern creative and the introduction of Mission Zero branding and communications. • Adopt an Hour campaign and all-season appeal established.
• iMIS upgraded to a supported version, or redeveloped with a new solution. • Project to be comprehensively documented with all Roadmap recommendations prioritised and timelines for delivery agreed. • iMIS upgrade project governance agreed and established. • Commence review of Privacy obligations and compliance outside of requirements related to data. • Create a suite of regularly produced standard performance reports. • Create a contact management system for GSU. • Utilise existing market research and our own database to identify and go after new target markets. • Grow above the line media activity to generate new leads.
Section 01: Introduction
3.4 Ensuring, maintaining and promoting sound financial and governance practices
21
• Prudently manage our finances to fund our operational objectives whilst delivering funds to front-line services. • Continue to develop and improve our risk and compliance management processes.
• Continue regular Decline Management process that supports optimisation of Regular Givers and Champions Club members. • Craft and implement a Land Bank Strategy • Land Bank Strategy to be developed based on research of current and potential Champions Club members. • Further enhance our finance systems to improve the user experience for the finance team and its interaction with the business.
4.1 Increasing awareness of SLS's positive contribution to the community
• Promoted key information about SLSA to the Australian Government through regular communication • Maintained relationships with long term partners DHL, Westpac, BRP, Dulux, FINZ and Kellogg. • Continued to actively seek new partners to support the movement and the vital services that we provide to the Australian community. • An independent report by Deloitte Access Economics was launched in September on the Social and Economic Value of Surf Life Saving to the community • Delivered the Surf Life Saving 2025 strategic plan.
• Deliver on the Surf Life Saving 2025 Strategic Plan. • Promote key information about SLSA to the Federal Government through regular communication • Maintain relationships with partners Ampol, DHL, Isuzu Westpac, BRP, Dulux, FINZ and Kellogg. • Maintain relationships with long term partners DHL, Westpac, BRP, Dulux, FINZ and Kellogg.
4.2 Encouraging and providing opportunities for the community to engage with SLS
• Maintained a coordinated and professional Grant Seeking Unit to support SLS entities in submissions for government grants, trusts and foundations. • Maintained up to date database on all available grants for SLS activities. • Provided fundraising opportunities in all partnership agreements. • Continued to foster successful relationships with third parties to work more efficiently and effectively to grow revenue. • Established the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund to create the capability and capacity to deliver an innovation platform for the surf lifesaving community and create new, incremental revenue streams through corporate community partnerships. • Redeveloped SLSF donor and lotteries websites to create a seamless and engaging customer experience.
• Introduce the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund to members to harness their innovation ideas for surf lifesaving, present the opportunity to community partners and market the new fundraising initiative to the public and supporters as a means to connect their donations to specific SLS projects. • Continue to enhance user experience through digital online functionality developments. • Continue to integrate marketing technologies effectively, increase automation and develop the digital maturity of SLSF to support movement sustainability. • Continue to build upon partnerships with AdFlex and Clever Contacts and work more efficiently and effectively to build successful commercial partnerships. • Review the champions offering, the champions' membership journey and investigate new ways to acquire new members. • Continue the donor journey program across all donation channels that ensures best practice donor care at all stages of the donor journey. • Maintain meaningful and regular GSU performance reporting to help inform strategy. • Flexibility in GSU to create capacity to scale up.
4.3 B eing an inclusive organisation that promotes accessibility and diversity
• Offered Inclusive Beaches Equipment Grants to support inclusive Nipper programs. • Worked with Pride in Sport to become more inclusive and did improve our Pride in Sport Index rating. • Promoted the Silver Salties Program and Seed Grant.
• Continue to offer Inclusive Beaches Equipment Grants to support inclusive Nipper programs. • Continue to work with Pride in Sport to become more inclusive and improve our Pride in Sport Index rating. • Continue to promote the Silver Salties Program and Seed Grant to clubs nationally.
4.4 B eing actively engaged in reflecting community expectations particularly in the areas of environmental and sustainability issues
• Worked with Australian Government on Clear Air Motors. • We purchased patrol uniforms for our members made from recycled polyester that came in a biodegradable bag to minimise plastic. • At the Australian Championships we reduced waste by 3.06 tonnes as a direct result of the reduction in single use plastic bottles and food wastage.
• Continue to work with the Australian Government in relation to clean air emissions. • Continue to support our SLSC’s to access grants that support environmental activities. • Continue to further reduce our impact on the environment.
4. Engage the community
SECTION 02
SLSA Operations
24
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Coastal Safety
D
uring a time of uncertainty, the only consistent feature was that surf lifesavers and lifeguards continued to provide assistance to those in difficulty. The sad and devastating truth is 241 people lost their lives on our coast in the past twelve months. In addition, many more were hospitalised for periods of time due to an incident within our waters and along our beaches. For some this time spent in hospital was brief, while for others it was longer term with lifelong impacts as a result. When we consider both drowning deaths, hospitalisations and the families and friends that are also affected by these incidents, the community impact is significant. However, if not for the actions undertaken by our surf lifesavers and lifeguards around the country on a daily basis this number would be significantly higher. Imagine for a moment that if not for the 8,000 plus rescues performed, the 53,000 plus people treated for first aid and the 1.75 million preventative actions undertaken what the number of deaths on our coast could have been! Now take a moment to reflect on if anyone of these 241 lives lost, or if any of the many hundreds more in hospital from an incident were your son, daughter, father, mother, wife, husband, partner, loved one or friend. What would it mean, how would you feel, what would you do to make sure this did not happen to anyone else? These are the questions our surf lifesavers and lifeguards ask ourselves every day. It is why we do what we do. It is why our members regularly put their lives at risk for others, to ensure they will not have to sit back and reflect on these questions and wonder what should have been done differently. It is for this reason alone, we sometimes pause to reflect and remember those who have died, but also
draw on the comfort that if not for the actions undertaken many more lives could have been lost.
R I P C U R R E N T C A M PA I G N Rip currents are known to have contributed to one in five (20%) of coastal drowning deaths since 2004/05, with the relationship between rip currents, beaches, and swimming/wading incidents well-established. Surf Life Saving Australia implemented a five-year (2016/21) coastal safety campaign to address rip current drowning.
AWARENESS
YEAR
01
YEAR
02
• State the facts about rips. • Challenge people's perceptions of rips. • Challenge people's rip identification knowledge. • Convey the message people don't know what they think they know. • Sow the seeds of doubt.
behaviour and maintain awareness built in Phase 1. Phase 2 (2018/21) used a more emotive approach and harder hitting messaging to impact on behaviour change. ‘The Think Line Campaign’ introduced the concept of a line in the sand to remind swimmers to stop and check for hazards before entering the water. It introduced people impacted by rips including those who had been caught in a rip and had lost family members. The concept is applicable to other safety messages by encouraging coastal visitors to STOP. LOOK. PLAN.
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE
YEAR
03
YEAR
04
YEAR
05
• Take awareness and changed perception to give clear directive of new behaviour that's catchy and memorable. • Encourage consideration of beach conditions and rip current identification. • Stop. Look. Make a safe plan. • Continue messaging around swimming at patrolled beaches and between the red and yellow flags. • Harder hitting message to impact on behaviour change.
Phase 1 (2016/18), ‘The Facts About Rips Campaign’ was a broad campaign to increase awareness and knowledge. This phase challenged the beliefs of beachgoers when it comes to their understanding of rips, their ability to identify a rip, their knowledge of what to do if caught in a rip and provided guidance on how to swim safely at the beach. Phase 2 was developed after evaluating Phase 1 and was designed to influence beachgoer
STOP. to check for rips LOOK. for other dangers PLAN. how to stay safe Each year the National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) evaluated the impact and exposure of the campaign as reported by the Australian public. With 2020/21 being the fifth and final year of the campaign, we present some highlights here. Four out of five Australian adults (78% -
Section 02: SLSA Operations
Draw the line
25
on Rips.
#dontrisktherip
Stop. Look. Plan. Thousands of people are caught in rips every year, and too many of them drown. Before you cross the line, STOP to check for rips. LOOK for other dangers. PLAN how to stay safe.
Draw the line at beachsafe.org.au
2021) consider rip currents to be extremely or very dangerous (an increase from 70% in 2015). Australians who think they can spot rips and those who have previously been caught in a rip are most aware of this danger with a clear awareness of rip currents as a coastal hazard increasing during this time. After seeing the components of the Think line campaign (Phase 2), 83% of Australians were more likely to swim between the red and yellow flags in the future. The same proportion (83%) were more likely to STOP. and LOOK. for the presence of rip currents prior to entering the water. This proportion was highest among swimmers (96%), of whom only 46% reported to always look for the presence of rip currents prior to entering the water previously in the survey. This demonstrates the potential for the campaign to change behaviour with adequate campaign exposure. In summary the Think Line campaign is clear and resonates with the Australian population. The campaign has intrinsic value with clear messaging that communicates rip currents can be hazardous and dangerous and has the potential to change behaviour. However, the overall messaging for years 4 and 5 was not visible enough and therefore did not cut through or was diluted due to this lack of exposure. These results show that we have an effective behaviour change tool but suggest that campaign exposure needs to be greater and more consistent to see these changes reflected within the Australian community.
26
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
D R OW N I N G PR E V E N T I O N & RESEARCH
relating to these incidents. The vision of NCIS is ‘Saving lives through the power of data’, one which clearly aligns with SLSA’s own vision and purpose. We are indebted to the NCIS for their continued support to SLSA. Research with other bodies has continued with collaborations and relationships developed to ensure that the organisation is using all resources possible to understand the issues it faces and to explore opportunities to integrate research into the prevention of injury and the loss of life along our coastline. SLSA’s research portfolio is diverse and ranges from continued investigations into rip currents through to understanding the mental health of our members, marine stingers, lifejacket safety, toxicology, surfing medicine, young males, self harm, COVID-19 and the impact on drowning, bystander rescues, and much more. The range of topics is immense as are the range of incidents in which people are injured or die within the coastal environment. Partnerships with other research institutions are vital in assisting us to be able to look at many of these projects and other issues which will benefit the organisation and, ultimately, the coastal user. We are appreciative of the support and work currently being done with UNSW Sydney; University of Melbourne; James Cook University, University of Central Queensland, Flinders University, Massey University (NZ), Griffith University, Swinburn University, to name a few.
Of the 241 lives lost, 136 of these were a result of drowning. A significant increase on both the 17-year average (114 coastal drowning deaths) and 10-year average (2011/21) of 120 coastal drowning deaths. Of note is the increase in the average number of coastal drowning deaths occurring. YEAR
AVERAGE
2004-2008
107 coastal drowning deaths per year
2013-2017
114 coastal drowning deaths per year
2018-2021
122 coastal drowning deaths per year
The SLSA National Coastal Safety Report (NCSR) is one of the key documents for the organisation used to inform and provide an evidence-based approach to drowning and coastal fatality prevention. The continued innovation of the NCSR means that greater insights, exploration and understanding of core issues and factors relating to drowning and fatalities within our coastal environment can be undertaken. This information is the evidence used to guide the development and implementation of programs, campaigns, innovative systems and more, with a strong focus towards reducing injury and the loss of life. The NCSR provides critical information around coastal visitation, participation, perception and insights to risk and safety, all of which is information that assists to better understand the number of people participating in different activities, what safety practices they use and their perceptions around hazards and risk. This information is sourced from SLSA’s annual National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS). This survey is conducted online by OmniPoll Market Research, with the latest survey completed between the period 8 25 April 2021 among a national sample of 3,050 respondents aged 16 and above. With the review of coastal drowning and fatalities we are fortunate to have the support of the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) who provide SLSA with access to key information
COA S TA L S A F E T Y D E V E LO PM E N T S Coastal Safety Briefs throughout the year were developed with these being released strategically in alignment with high-risk periods when these will have the most meaningful impact on the community. These briefs included Snorkelling and Diving, Alcohol and Drugs and Rip Currents. Enhancements to BeachSafe have been undertaken with even more improvements being made, such as the development and inclusion of more resources. A range of coastal safety Fact Sheets were developed and provided in a booklet form as well as individual assets to
meet community requests. These include information on flags and signs, safety tips, rip currents, waves, sun safety through to marine creatures, having the right gear when boating, fishing or on watercraft and topics such as resuscitation.
BOATING Stop. Look. Plan.
CHECK WEATHER. IS TODAY A BOATING DAY?
STOP
ENSURE THERE ARE LIFEJACKETS FOR EACH PERSON
CHECK YOUR BOAT/ ENGINE
LOOK
ENSURE YOU HAVE PHONE/RADIO
PLAN
KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
ADVISE SOMEONE OF YOUR BOATING PLAN, WHERE YOU ARE GOING, WHEN YOU WILL BE BACK
KNOW YOUR BOAT/WATERWAY REGULATIONS SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
Find out more at beachsafe.org.au
17
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING
A National Water Safety Day initiative was held for the first time in December 2020 with support from the Australian government, helping to promote the message of drowning prevention. This was conducted in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, with both SLSA and RLSSA working collaboratively to promote water safety messages. The development of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2020-30 took place over the twelve months and was launched during 2021. The Australian Water Safety Strategy (AWSS) plays an essential role in National, State and Territory, and community approaches to preventing drowning and promoting safe use of the nation’s waterways. It outlines priority areas where Australia’s peak water safety bodies can work together to prevent drowning across Australia.
Section 02: SLSA Operations
I N N OVAT I O N New developments and opportunities continue to arise thanks to the innovation of committees, members, staff and external groups. The development of the Surf Risk Rating system, and an App, that is intuitive and responsive has proven to be popular as users experience how it works. This system has undergone further development with online modules for training now complete to ensure during times of COVID-19 and for greater access members can complete theoretical training. Work has commenced for the next phase to include both patrol and water safety for training (lifesaving and sport) to be integrated into this smart phone application. The Patrol Operations app has undergone a refresh with updates rolled out during the season with a fantastic take up by clubs, allowing them to enter data and see information via an integrated management system. The streamlining of systems and management of reports being a positive step forward for front line duties. Swift water and flood rescue programs continue to grow and develop and have been conducted with engagement with other emergency service agencies at both national and international level. New opportunities continued to be explored with work with a number of academic institutions taking place to look at research undertaken by SLS, as well as the information that is held in different systems to provide the key evidence needed to continually improve the services delivered by the organisation. Programs, innovations and campaigns continued to be developed and driven at many levels with the support of the Australian Government providing support to States/Territory with Beach Blackspot Reduction Funding to target high risk areas and demographics. Additionally support is provided through to all clubs via the Beach Safety Equipment Fund which supports the provision of essential frontline equipment on beaches.
CO LL A B O R AT I O N Collaboration comes in many forms, from working with academic institutions,
27
government bodies, partner organisations such as International Lifesaving through to other emergency service agencies and also our partners. The support of partners such as the Australian Government, DHL, Westpac, Ampol, Isuzu and BRP help deliver core services around the country through programs, funding and other support. SLSA presented papers at key forums including the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Conference, the National Search and Rescue Conference, the Australian Disaster Conference in addition to presentations to some state government forums and with the Australian Water Safety Council. Continued collaborative research partnerships remain crucial to drowning prevention work, including those with the Australian Fire and Emergency Services Council AFAC, the Bureau of Meteorology, Flinders University, University of New South Wales - Sydney, University of Melbourne, OmniPoll, CSIRO and many more. In the past twelve months despite the challenges of COVID-19 there has been significant collaboration and opportunities, some already mentioned. There has been some significant conferences conducted online in which SLS had a opportunity to participate in and contribute to, including the Coast to Coast conference, a Virtual PreConference Global Injury Prevention Showcase, the 2021 Beach Safety Technology Conference, Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference. Further to this through a range of collaborations SLS has been able to contribute to or develop papers that have been published, these include: • When Natural Hazards Intersect with Public Health: A Preliminary Exploration of the Impact of Bushfires and the COVID-19 Pandemic on Australian Coastal Drowning Fatalities (by Jasmin Lawes, Luke Strasiotto, Shane Daw and Amy Peden). • Suicide along the Australian coast: Exploring the epidemiology and risk factors (by Jasmin Lawes, Amy Peden, Lyndal Bugeja, Luke Strasiotto, Shane
Daw, Richard Franklin). • Forgotten first responders: Australian surf lifesavers and lifeguards (by Samantha Fien, Jasmin Lawes, Ian de Terte, Pamela Simon, Nancy Joseph, Shane Daw, Murray Drummond, Talitha Best, Robert Stanton). • Coastal drowning: A scoping review of burden, risk factors, and prevention strategies (by William Koon, Amy Peden, Jasmin Lawes, Robert Brander). • Risky business: a 15-year analysis of fatal coastal drowning of young male adults in Australia (by Jasmin Lawes, Annabel Ellis, Shane Daw, Luke Strasiotto). • Dying to help: Fatal bystander rescues in Australian coastal environments (by Jasmin Lawes, Eveline Rijksen, Robert Brander, Richard Franklin, Shane Daw).
W E S T PAC LI F E S AV E R R E S C U E H E LI CO P T E R S E RV I C E – SOUTHERN Throughout the past 12 months the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters have continued to do what they do best, provide essential emergency response services and support to those in need. As the longest serving community based civilian search and rescue helicopter service our goal continues to be the same as when we began; and that is to deliver a free service to the community of Australia. The 2020-2021 year has been one filled with challenges. However, at the same time there has been a lot of change, new developments and exciting opportunities presented. Throughout the year we have bought in a new operator and along with this two newly furbished aircraft, the BK117 C1s for both La Perouse and Moruya bases. These aircraft include a range of enhancements on the previous aircraft and ensure the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters are ready to respond when required. The ongoing impacts of COVID has continued to add to the complexity of all emergency services with crew taking all necessary precautions pre, during and post flights to mitigate any risk of infection or contamination. We continue to work tirelessly with Resilience NSW to ensure all elements of the service exceed the expectations
28
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
working together to achieve the best desired results for the community. This has included the Sydney Airport Disaster Exercise and exercises with NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW and other local agencies. SRHRS SNAPSHOT 2020/21 Number of available helicopters
2
Coastal Surveillance Flights Number of missions
9
Coastal Surveillance Flights Number of hours flown
10.9
Search and rescue - Number of missions (Govt funded)
191
Search and rescue - Number of hours flown (Govt funded)
158.9
Training - Number of flights
that are expected, but critically to also ensure that we meet our obligations to the community. We extend our appreciation to the New South Wales Police and Ambulance Service. We have worked with both agencies over the past 12 months to ensure continuity in service delivery as well as providing the right service support when and where required. Further, we acknowledge the work done by SES during the floods and who we aided during this time. Westpac as our naming rights sponsor is acknowledged for its ongoing support to the service. At the time of this report being available the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter will have celebrated 48 years of saving lives.
AV I AT I O N O PE R AT I O N S Operationally it was a busy year with the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter taking part in a range of emergency response situations through to longer term search operations and providing support to Government and other
agencies during a period when we experienced floods, storms and COVID. The crews have been involved in providing support, performing evacuations and searches and checking on the welfare of people during floods, through to the search and retrieval of lost bushwalkers and performing search, rescue, resuscitation and recovery of persons from a wide range of incidents including rock fishing, boating, swimming, watercraft and diving. Other activities have included recovery of persons from canyons and other locations to support NSW Police. The missions undertaken have involved working with other agencies including New South Wales Police, Ambulance, and Surf Life Saving New South Wales. Further taskings have been undertaken including working with the State Emergency Service (SES) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Our crew continue to be engaged and involved in multiagency exercises which are focussed on all agencies
26
Training - Number of hours flown
28.8
Total - Number of flights flown
256
Total - Number of hours flown
223.8
There were 102 persons who were rescued, recovered or assisted during the 2020-2021 period. Further to this there were: • 74 rescues performed • 22 First aid treatments performed • 28 Ambulance Assist/Ambulance Transfers completed (includes recovery of deceased persons) • 8 CPR (resuscitations) performed • Other actions – 209 in total • 31 missing people assisted • 178 searches in total; includes boats, surfers, bushwalkers, swimmers, EPIRBS
B U S I N E S S D E V E LO PM E N T Despite COVID the team continues to be busy dealing with a range of projects. We continue to work with and further develop relationships with a number of Westpac teams, who we have hosted at our La Perouse base. We have assisted Westpac with filming of TVC’s and photo opportunities as well as conducting a number of school visits when COVID permitted. Our partnership with Randwick City Council continues and we thank them for their ongoing support. We are excited by a number of projects centred
Section 02: SLSA Operations
around sustainability and community engagement, some of which will result in significant cost savings and allow us to redirect funds into operations. Dulux has been a great support of the service and we thank them and their team for their amazing support in having the hanger floor painted and also safety lines and markers put in place. Having the team onsite and being able to see their passion and enthusiasm was a pleasure for all, and the hanger as a result looks great. We continue to engage with the NSW Government (Resilience NSW), Westpac and other stakeholders in relation to our service expansion and capability enhancement projects. We have continued to support activities with the NSW Police who use our facility for training and meetings as well as the Regional Emergency Management Coordinators using the base for offsite activities. During different periods including COVID we hosted the SLS NSW SurfCom operations to ensure they had operational capacity and we have worked with NSW Ambulance for training of their people as well as helicopter operations training.
29
FUNDR AISING
B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S
Westpac as our main partner continues, now entering 48 years. The unwavering and passionate support of Westpac and its staff is without question and we thank all for the contribution and commitment to helping us do what we do best, save lives. During times that COVID have permitted we have hosted meetings and activities for Westpac and worked closely with their marketing and sponsorship teams. However, COVID has significantly impacted on a number of fundraising programs being conducted. In addition to Westpac we acknowledge and recognise the support of Club Liverpool and NSW Clubs for the fundraising that takes place (when COVID permits).
The Board met formally on two occasions during the year:
CO M M E R C I A L T R A I N I N G A range of courses and programs continue to conducted however, like many COVID has impacted upon this. We continue to deliver and provide access and training for a number of courses and groups.
SOUTHERN REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director
Directorship
Meetings
Adam Weir
Chair
2/2
Graham Ford Member’s AM Representative
2/2
CO N C LU S I O N It has been a big year for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service. A new operator, two new aircraft, impacts of COVID and the need to still be there to deliver services when and where needed. During this time things have been busy, with numerous searches, rescues and support to Police, Ambulance and SES all taking place. The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has clearly shown its worth to the community and been available in a myriad of situations to assist those in need, with anyone rescued or assisted not having to meet any costs. From major coastal and ocean rescues, to rescues of those lost in the bush and mountains and supporting those impacted by floods the service has been there when needed. We continue to grow, evolve and develop the service to ensure it is at the forefront of aerial search and rescue within Australia and thank all those who assist us to achieve this result. We welcome Helistar as our operator and thank them for the work they have put in to ensure we continue to deliver above and beyond expectations. In closing I thank Westpac, Resilience NSW, Randwick Council and Club Liverpool for their continued support to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
Shane Daw ESM General Manager Coastal Safety
30
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Sport
T
he 2020/21 season was highly impacted as result of the COVID19 pandemic. Primarily this was due to a combination of various health order restrictions and state border closures. Despite valiant efforts many national events fell victim to the pandemic including: 1. Australian IRB & Interstate Championships 2. Australian Pool Rescue & Interstate Championships 3. Coolangatta Gold 4. Super Surf Teams League 5. Interstate Championships 6. Beach Warrior With the cancellation of the Coolangatta Gold – SLSA threw support behind two State based endurance events conducted by Alexandra Headlands SLSC (The Unbreakable) and Wanda SLSC (Bate Bay Gold) and also for the first time – a Virtual Coolangatta Gold. During the COVID19 pandemic many large participation sporting events across the world moved to a ‘virtual’ platform. This initiative was adopted by SLSA as a replacement to the traditional Coolangatta Gold and attracted 894 entries from all over Australia and the world. It was a great achievement to receive 363 international entries. The 2020/21 Nutri Grain Ironman & Ironwoman Series commenced in November with the Trial held in Kingscliff on the Far North Coast of NSW. After a delayed start, due to the pandemic, the Nutri Grain Ironman & Ironwoman Series commenced in February 2021. An amended format was implemented that saw 40 athletes’ race in six gruelling rounds over two weekends at Kingscliff (NSW) with assistance of the Cudgen SLSC. All six rounds were broadcast live on the Channel 9 Network. Lana Rogers went ‘back to back’ to win the series for
the second year in a row while Ali Day returned to the series and dominated the point score by creating history and becoming the first athlete to be undefeated across the six rounds of racing. After the Australian Surf Life Championships were cancelled in 2020 the ‘Áussies’ returned to the Sunshine Coast in April 2021 with just over 6000 competitors racing across the 9 days of the Youth, Masters and Open Championships. An integral part of the Aussies was the COVID Safety Plan that was enacted to keep all competitors, members, and spectators safe. A major part of that plan was the introduction of an individual RFID lanyard system where all who attended the Aussies, including athletes, coaches, officials, staff and spectators, preregistered for the event and received a lanyard. This lanyard then provided for an extremely effective contact tracing mechanism for the purposes of the COVID Safety Plan. Other highlights for Aussies 2021 included the return of free to air TV with a live two hour broadcast on Channel 9 for finals day and the successful administration of the event, from the start of entries through to completion, through the Sport Event Management System (SEMS). On the surf boat front – SLSA continued their partnerships with Ocean Thunder and the ASRL with a view to grow and develop surf boat rowing at all levels around the country. Ocean Thunder enjoyed four Rounds of racing over the summer on the northern beaches of Sydney and the ASRL Open & Surf Boat Interstate Championships were successfully run, after being postponed due to the pandemic, at Mollymook on the south coast of NSW in March 2021. Unfortunately, due to the worldwide
effects of the COVID19 pandemic, all international surf life saving competition was cancelled from early 2020 with hope it will return sometime in 2022. On the sports education front, SLSA continued to develop digital resources leading to further accessibility with an increase in capacity and capability for our members.
S U R F S P O R T AU S T R A LI A B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S The Board met formally on nine occasions during the year: Surf Sports Australia Directors Director
Directorship
Suzanne Storrie
Chair
9/9
Ian (Rick) Wright OAM
Independent Member
9/9
Alexandra Buckley
Independent Member
8/9
Peter George AM Chief Operating Officer, Sydney
Meetings
Section 02: SLSA Operations
31
32
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Sport Results
National Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships (IRB) Mollymook, NSW, 23 - 26 July 2020 Event
First
Pointscore
Second
Pointscore
Third
Pointscore
Pointscore
Third
Pointscore
Pointscore
Third
Pointscore
Pointscore
Third
Pointscore
Not Contested
National Pool Rescue Championships Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, 7 - 9 August 2020 Event
First
Pointscore
Second
Not Contested
Coolangatta Gold Gold Coast, QLD, 24 - 25 October 2020 Event
First
Pointscore
Second
Not Contested
National Interstate Championships January 2021 Event
First
Pointscore
Second
Not Contested
Australian Surf Boat Interstate Championships Mollymook NSW, 16 February, 2021 January 2021 First
Pointscore
Second
Pointscore
Third
Pointscore
New South Wales
113
Queensland
110
South Australia
98
Section 02: SLSA Operations
33
The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships Mooloolaba, Maroochydore & Alexandra Headland, QLD, 16 - 24 April 2021 Club
Points
Opens Pointscore
Club
Points
Masters Pointscore
Club
Points
Handicap Pointscore
Northcliffe
484
Bondi
363
Northcliffe
484
Newport
281
Kurrawa
316
Swansea Belmont
465.7
Maroochydore
203
Alexandra Headland
258
Newport
445.3
Alexandra Headland
168
North Bondi
247
Maroochydore
411.7
Wanda
153
Mooloolaba
243
Wanda
408.7
Swansea Belmont
119
Noosa Heads
239
Bulli
407
North Bondi
109
Northcliffe
239
Surfers Paradise
401.7
Noosa Heads
88
Coogee (NSW)
157
Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park
401.3
Currumbin
87
Manly
136
Seacliff
400.3
Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park
80
Maroochydore
114
Elouera
393
Nutri-Grain Iron Series 2020/21 Rounds 1 - 3 Kingscliff, NSW 12-14 February 2021; Rounds 4 - 6 Kingscliff, NSW 26-28 February 2021 Event
First
Pointscore
Second
Pointscore
Round 1 - IronWoman
Lana Rogers
Lizzie Welborn
Emma Woods
Round 2 - IronWoman
Lana Rogers
Georgia Miller
Danielle McKenzie
Round 3 - IronWoman
Georgia Miller
Lana Rogers
Lizzie Welborn
Round 4 – IronWoman
Lana Rogers
Harriet Brown
Lizzie Welborn
Round 5 – IronWoman
Georgia Miller
Lana Rogers
Lizzie Welborn
Round 6 – IronWoman
Lana Rogers
Overall - IronWoman
Lana Rogers
Round 1 - IronMan
Ali Day
Jackson Borg
Jy Timperley
Round 2 - IronMan
Ali Day
Jy Timperley
Joe Collins
Round 3 - IronMan
Ali Day
Jy Timperley
Zach Morris
Round 4 - IronMan
Ali Day
Jy Timperley
Cory Taylor
Round 5 - IronMan
Ali Day
Matt Bevilacqua
Jy Timperley
Round 6 – IronMan
Ali Day
Overall - IronMan
Ali Day
Georgia Miller 118
Georgia Miller
Jy Timperley
Pointscore
Lizzie Welborn 108
Matt Poole 120
Third
Lizzie Welborn
108
Jy Timperley 111
Joe Collins
93
34
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Participation, Learning & Development
C
OVID 19 impacted the participation, learning and development portfolios greatly during the 2020/21 season, and saw several of our programs and business as usual needing to be altered to suit. Offsetting this, we saw a growth in participation in eLearning which our members have embraced.
D E V E LO PM E N T PR O G R A M S After several postponements, the difficult decision was made to cancel Masterclass 2020 with the successful candidates being automatically offered a spot in Masterclass 2021. This has again been affected by lockdowns and is now tentatively scheduled for late November 2021. The National Leadership College 2021 was also cancelled after being postponed three times. All candidates have been offered a place in the College in February 2022. Following the successful launch of the Women’s Mentoring Program on 1 July 2020 in conjunction with the 40-year anniversary of women being permitted to become full members of SLS, these 20 ladies have now graduated from the Program with some amazing success stories during the 12 months, and no doubt with lots more in the coming years. We also launched a second cohort in February 2021 with a further 22 mentees and will launch a third cohort in November 2021. This Program is possible with thanks to McCarthy Mentoring and our generous donors Suzanne Storrie and Kerryn Briody. It matches like-minded mentors to mentees with the aim of increasing the number of female members in leadership roles within SLS nationally to 40% by 2030. I would also like to acknowledge the support and commitment to the program of Kerryn Briody and Suzanne Storrie.
DIVERSIT Y SLSA are members of Pride in Sport; the only sporting inclusion program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations of all levels with the inclusion of employees, players, coaches, volunteers and spectators with diverse sexualities and genders. By participating in the Pride in Sport Index, we can assess our own practice, determine what constitutes good practice, and benchmark our initiatives against an external measure and other sporting organisations. This year our results did improve, and we plan to continue this trend in the coming years.
S I LV E R S A LT I E S This active participation program for those aged 65+ promotes physical activity, social connections and involvement in the SLS community. It is currently funded by Sport Australia Move it Aus – Better Ageing Grant, and over 30 clubs are actively delivering programs. Those clubs involved have taken advantage of the Club Toolkit available online, the seed grant available to assist clubs get their program started, and also the SLSA Silver Salties Team who provide support online, in-person and/or over the phone.
46% OF SLS MEMBERSHIP FEMALE. 49% JUNIOR MEMBERS FEMALE.
Section 02: SLSA Operations
35
T E C H N O LO GY Our members have embraced the introduction of technology within education very well over the past 12 months, with outstanding acceptance of the Publications app, Assessing app and Learning app. We have gone through a process of updating all of our eLearning courses to be mobile responsive to make the experience in the Learning app even better this season and encourage usage. We continue to make enhancements to each of these apps based on feedback from the membership and State admin staff. Our members have also made great use of the online Learning Management System with active members utilising the system increasing by 45% and course completions increasing by 100%. This reduces the amount of faceto-face time required by our trainers and facilitators, allowing more time for valuable practical skills to be honed. June 2020
June 2021
Active members on Learning Management System
29,698
43,096
Number of courses enrolled
29,020
67,473
Number of completed courses
19,110
38,411
E D U C AT I O N R E S O U R C E S This season we released updated resources in line with changes to the Public Safety Training Package and the Health Training Package. Following a full season of delivery of the new Surf Rescue Certificate and Bronze Medallion resources, these were also fully reviewed and have been refined based on feedback for the 2021/22 season. This upcoming season will also see the trial of the new Silver Medallion Patrol Captain resource. Unfortunately, this release has been delayed significantly due to COVID 19, however we are hopeful that the final product will be one which will result in a better prepared Patrol Captain on the beach. A fully reviewed Junior Development Resources will also be released for the 2021/22 season, in conjunction with a revised Age Manager course. As always, our thanks to the Development and Education Advisory and Management Committees for their ongoing commitment to growing the portfolio.
ortfolio.
Peter George AM Chief Operating Officer, Sydney
36
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Public Affairs & Government Relations
OV E RV I E W Surf Life Saving is one of Australia’s most iconic and respected brands and the Public Affairs and Government Relations departments are responsible for communicating and showcasing all aspects of the movement to generate awareness, interest, engagement and financial support to ensure growth and sustainability for the movement.
CO M M U N I C AT I O N S The Public Affairs Department is responsible for the internal and external Communication strategies including marketing, media, brand and digital to enhance the profile of Surf Life Saving Australia and increase the reputation of the organisation, as the peak authority in the Australian beach and coastal environment. Throughout the 2020/21 season the Public Affairs Team worked closely with each department to promote a range of activities, partners and initiatives including: Promotion of the Deloitte Access Economics Report to highlight the social and economic value of surf lifesaving to the community, an estimated $6.5 billion annually as well as the Women’s Mentoring program which saw two intakes of 40 female lifesavers throughout the year. The National Coastal Safety Report was launched in conjunction with Royal Life Saving and states, with the key findings driving the summer safety narratives and campaigns around topics such as rips, life jackets, boating, rock
fishing, drugs and alcohol. The inaugural National Water Safety Day, as defined by the Federal Government, was also held, celebrated and promoted on December 1. In conjunction with all state/territory federations, a National Recruitment Campaign was developed to assist with the recruitment and retention of members to Surf Life Saving Clubs around the country, particularly after the 2019/20 season was cut short due to COVID-19. The overall concept and direction of the campaign centred around Surf Clubs being a “hub” for the local community. An open, inclusive place where anyone can belong, and everyone is a part of the family. The campaign aimed to instil both a sense of belonging and pride through various creative collateral and used the key messages of “my club is your club” and “our club is your club” to drive home the message that surf clubs are an integral part of Australian communities with a place and/or role for everyone. Surf Studio continued throughout the pandemic with members from around the country sharing their inspiring stories as a
way to keep the movement connected. On the sport front, COVID-19 ensured there was no Coolangatta Gold, so a virtual Coolangatta Gold was created enabling competitors from all over the world to compete and complete the challenge - Your Gold, Your Way, Your Challenge! Digital storytelling was at the heart of this campaign with interviews taking place with competitors from all around the world and those competing in the challenge encouraged to share their photos and videos. The Kellogg Nutri-Grain Series was able to be completed with media and digital results performing above the previous season, despite the changes and shorter time period. The six rounds were also
Section 02: SLSA Operations
37
broadcast on free to air via Channel 9 or their affiliate station Nine Go. The Aussies returned after two years with enhanced content on a daily basis across a variety of digital platforms. Surf Studio at the Aussies proved popular, as did the inaugural Aussies podcast which featured a range of talent both past and present. Seven of the nine days of competition was live streamed with daily highlights and feature packages produced to showcase all aspects of the event. There was also a live and delayed broadcast package of the finals on Channel 9. The annual Awards of Excellence were also showcased digitally due to COVID-19. The gala evening was livestreamed with a combination of live and pre-packaged content. Digital growth and engagement were a key focus and highlight of the year, no doubt as a result of the necessity to communicate via digital platforms. Communication with members remains a priority with all volunteers encouraged to stay connected and up to date with the latest information by following our social channels: Twitter
@SLSAustralia
@slsaustralia
@slsaustralia
/surf-life-saving-australia
O U R D I G I TA L A N D S O C I A L M E D I A F O OT PR I N T A S AT 30 J U N E 2021
33,500 UNIQUE MONTHLY VISITORS TO SLS.COM.AU
112,000 91,500
30,500
15,000
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWERS
SURFLINE EDM SUBSCRIBERS
38
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
G OV E R N M E N T AC T I V I T I E S/R E L AT I O N S SLSA continues to actively engage with the Government to deliver ongoing support to our members and to recognise their dedication to saving lives and their commitment to the community. We were incredibly appreciative of the Australian Government for their funding announcement made in February 2021 at Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club where the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison MP announced more than $30 million in additional funding for Surf Life Saving over the next three years. This included the renewal of the Vocational, Education and Training program ($6.6. million over two years), additional Beach Safety Equipment Funding ($3.1 million over two years), and a further $21 million over the next three years for the Water and Snow Safety Program. This funding announcement was very timely and saw the doubling of the Beach Safety Equipment Fund for Surf Life Saving Clubs at a time when many clubs fundraising efforts and ability to purchase vital lifesaving equipment have been impacted by COVID. SLSA wishes to thank the Australian Government for their continued support of our organisation through the Water and Snow Safety Program, Supporting Australians Surf Life Saving (Vocational Education and Training) program, the Cleaner Outboard Engines to SLSCs program and for providing participation funding through Sport Australia. SLSA also wishes to thank the NSW Government through Resilience NSW for supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (Southern Region) in NSW.
PA R LI A M E N TA RY F R I E N DS O F S U R F LI F E S AV I N G (PF S L S) Government relations were supported through the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving events, co-chaired by Federal Members, Mr Jason Falinski MP and the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP and attended by members of parliament and senators. Events were held in Parliament House in December 2020 and February 2021. We were particularly grateful to have Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Sport and the Opposition Leader, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP launch the inaugural Water Safety Day on 1st December 2020, following the motion put forward in Parliament by our co-Chairs to recognise this day. This event provided a great platform for us to communicate our key water safety messages and remind the general public about swimming between the flags. Other events in Parliament House held throughout the year included the launch of the Australian Water Strategy 2030 which encouraged communities to create local water safety plans and promote access to swimming and water safety skills for all Australians. SLSA sincerely thanks the government, with particular thanks to the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck and our co-chairs and all the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving for their support throughout the year.
Jo Banning Public Affairs Manager
Michelle Bainbridge Government Relations Manager
Section 02: SLSA Operations
39
40
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Fundraising & Corporate Partnerships
PH I L A N T H R O PI C AC T I V I T I E S The 2020/21 financial year saw the SLS Foundation return $6.9M to the Surf Life Saving entities through philanthropic and commercial activities, an increase of $555,000 on last financial year. Across 2020/21, the SLS Foundation recorded 21,712 regular givers who contributed $6,385,970 as part of our regular monthly giving program, Guardians of the Surf. We also recorded 8,123 active donors who gave a total of 11,931 single donations contributing $1,183,787.76. This year saw the continuation of customer journey mapping, including proactive campaigns to increase giving amounts, decline management and reactivation strategies. As a result, we increased the average giving amount across our regular givers by $9.60 and overall reactivated 359 regular givers. The SLS Foundation significantly reduced regular giving cancellations with 3,622 cancellations recorded in 2020/21 in comparison to 7,080 cancellations recorded across 2019/20. Importantly, we increased the lifetime value of regular givers by 17 months. We estimate the lifetime value of regular givers to be 39 months up from 2019/20 when this was estimated to be 22 months. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to present a myriad of fundraising challenges in 2020/21, but we managed to counter this with the introduction of the redeveloped SLS Foundation website, increasing online regular giving acquisition by 276.92% since implementation in January 2021. The Tax Appeal managed to exceed last year’s efforts – achieving $484,280.30 by financial year end and a total of more than $500,000 at the conclusion of the appeal in July. Overall, the appeal, achieved almost $100,000 more than last year’s Tax Appeal and the average giving amount
increased from $107.87 to $131.86. The SLS Foundation is committed to growing philanthropic revenue year-on year and new initiatives and strategies in 2021/22 include, the introduction of refreshed retention strategies, a newlook workplace giving program, a new national fundraising campaign, and the introduction of the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund. The Innovation fund will provide a funding and innovation development platform to ideate, develop and commercialise new capability and capacity to enhance our ability to save lives on the Australian coastline and waterways. The fund seeks to provide a platform to harness ideas from the movement’s army of volunteers to help solve lifesaving challenges.
BEQUESTS A total of $623,482 was received from bequests in financial year 2020/21. Further, the SLS Foundation partnered with online will writing platform, Safewill and implemented new proactive strategies to give the bequest program a muchneeded boost. As a result, we acquired 190 new gifts in will pledges across the year. We continued with “10,000 Club Circle of Friends,” set-up specifically for volunteer members who wish to provide a legacy for their surf lifesaving club by leaving a gift in their Last Will and Testament. This program will receive an overhaul in 2021/22 with plans to better connect the program with members.
CO M M E R C I A L AC T I V I T I E S The SLS Foundation operates one of Australia’s largest ‘House and Land’ lottery programs. Across 2020/21, this included 43 prize draws in total, comprising of six house lotteries, four car draws, nine Champions Club (subscriber loyalty program) exclusive draws, and 26 additional bonus draws for champion subscribers and regular supporters. In total, 25,502,861 lottery tickets were sold across 2020/21. The Champions Club membership closed out the year with 58,045 successfully billed subscribers. An increase of 15,621 subscribers or 36.8% compared to financial year end in 2019/20. Importantly, 32,613 new champions were acquired across the year at a potential subscription value of over $790,000 per month or $8.56M potential revenue across 12-months. The average lifetime value of champions is currently 46 months. Further, the SLS Foundation recorded 62,056 lottery website transactions in
Section 02: SLSA Operations
2020/21 with a revenue of $2.39M, while approximately 8.95M million marketing emails were sent to our customers. The SLS Foundation committed last financial year to growing the Champions Club base and as a result of the introduction of decline management, reactivation and new acquisition strategies in late 2019/20, the subscriber base has experienced exponential growth. We are committed to ongoing growth in this area and have strategic plans to introduce further lotteries in 2021/22, in addition to a refreshed subscriber benefits program. The new Surf Lotteries user-centric web platform was implemented in July 2021 and two further phases will soon be delivered, including the introduction of a customer dashboard. The dashboard will sit across both the SLS Foundation and the Surf Life Saving Lotteries websites, giving customers the ability to manage their own account and access information about their support. The site delivers
41
on the connection to cause brief and our customer promise of an improved seamless experience with an easy to use navigation. Customers are able to quickly view prizes, shop and check out with minimal fuss from almost anywhere in the site. The previous website struggled to deliver a satisfactory user experience, while the new website can manage thousands of users concurrently transacting with no impact on the customer experience or speed of the site. This will significantly increase the number of customers that the Foundation will be able to deliver direct marketing campaigns to across 2021/22, increasing sales transactions. In addition to the improved customer experience, the new site is a more secure, compliant and robust platform for ticket inventory management. All of these benefits are highly critical to our operation.
G R A N T S E E K I N G U N I T (G S U) In 2020, the Grant Seeking Unit made a commitment to surf lifesaving clubs across Australia, to increase support in bridging the funding gap created by the Black Sunday bushfires and COVID-19 restrictions. We are very proud to report, that we more than doubled grant funding from the previous year for Surf Life Saving entities, with $9.5M in successful grants and a 16% increase in grants lodged over the year. As fundraising opportunities dwindle with changing restrictions and lockdowns, this coming year will see the GSU continuing to seek out grant funding for clubs, across areas such as operational support, equipment and building works. We look forward to increasing our reach within the surf lifesaving community and assisting those clubs in regional and rural Australia that have limited funding sources. With the support of the states and territories, the GSU continues to work
42
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
SLSA is extremely proud of our partnership portfolio, and we recognise and appreciate the valuable contribution our partners make to the organisation. The relationship we have with our long-term major national partners DHL and Westpac are examples of SLSA’s Side by Side vehicle generously gifted by an anonymous donor who has been supporting Far Northern NSW clubs for the past 14 years.
closely with the volunteers at a grassroots level. The GSU assists in alleviating the pressure of raising valuable funds, which enables the volunteers to continue their vital work in communities throughout Australia.
S U R F LI F E S AV I N G R E S C U E FUND The Surf Life Saving Rescue Fund ("Fund") is a charitable investment scheme operated by the SLS Foundation. The Fund can accept investments only on behalf of Surf Life Saving entities that are members of, or affiliated with, SLSA. The objective of the Fund is to maximise the net (after fees) earnings of the funds under management at an acceptable level of risk that protects the capital value of the investments. The Fund has total funds of $39.4M under management as of 30th June 2021 in two components: • The Perpetuity component ($19.3M) - which includes funds held in trust by the SLS Foundation in accordance with the terms of the Trust Deed of the Foundation Perpetuity Trust; and • The withdrawable component ($20.1M) - which includes funds that have been directly invested by Surf Life Saving entities. The Long Term fund achieved a return of 22.07% outperforming it’s benchmark by 2.58%. The now closed Medium Term fund achieved a return of 8% outperforming it’s benchmark by 3.95%.
By pooling funds, the Fund is able to access large scale and specialised investment resources that would not otherwise be available to Surf Life Saving entities, to maximise their net investment returns. The cost of administering the Fund is borne by the SLS Foundation, with no fees charged to investors or retained by the Fund. An independent Investment Committee provides oversight and strategic advice on the effective investment of the Fund. Sincere thanks to our committee members Ed Prendergast, Darrin Bragg, and Richard Balderstone for their commitment and support during the past year.
CO R P O R AT E PA R T N E R S H I P S SLSA acknowledges and thanks our Corporate Partners for their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm to the movement. As an organisation, SLSA aims to form and maintain partnerships that echo our own values and vision for the future. Our partners live and breathe the movement by not only providing vital funds but sharing core values and leveraging opportunities to benefit both parties. A partnership with SLSA reaches all corners of the community, allowing a business to position themselves alongside one of Australia’s most trusted and iconic community organisations.
H I G H LI G H T S 2020/21 FINANCIAL YEAR
$26.9M
A TOTAL OF $26.9M DISTRIBUTED TO SURF LIFE SAVING ENTITIES
$6.9M
RETURNING TO THE MOVEMENT THROUGH PHILANTHROPIC AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
$9.5M
RAISED FOR STATE ENTITIES AND CLUBS THROUGH DIRECT FUNDING REQUESTS FOR SURF LIFE SAVING ENTITIES BY THE SLS FOUNDATION GRANT SEEKING UNIT
$10.5M
RETURNING TO THE MOVEMENT THROUGH CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
Section 02: SLSA Operations
43
commitment to the longevity and growth of our corporate connection. SLSA were also thrilled to announce two new major national partners in Ampol and Isuzu UTE Australia who we look forward to working with for many years to come. We are also honoured to continue our relationships with BRP, Dulux, FINZ and Kellogg who are all committed to the movement. Their support allows us to concentrate on what we do best, saving lives on Australian beaches. We continue to actively seek new partners to support the movement and the vital services that we provide to the Australian community.
LI C E N S I N G A N D M E R C H A N D I S E Surf Life Saving’s intellectual property (IP) has been built up over a 113-year foundation of service to the Australian community. SLSA owns various registered trademarks, which we manage on behalf of the entire organisation including: the Surf Life Saving logo, red and yellow patrol flags, patrol caps, the iconic red and yellow patrol uniform, and terms such as ‘Surf Rescue’ and ‘Nippers’. It is our responsibility to ensure that the use of our brand is protected. Surf Life Saving uses these images and marks in a number of places and in many important ways, including on our patrol uniforms and equipment to designate official surf lifesavers and property, and on licensed product. Licensed application of these marks on retail merchandise assists in generating revenue for the organisation through royalty payments and brings greater awareness of our organisation. We continue to seek appropriate, complementary product categories for the SLSA brand. The online store is an avenue that we are growing and allows SLSA licensees a channel to sell their products alongside their own retail channels. The public facing facet of the online store allows SLSA to connect with a global audience and allows SLSA to have increased licensed merchandise revenue and awareness for our brand.
B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S The Board met formally on five occasions during the year: Surf Life Saving Foundation Directors Director
Directorship
Meetings
Darrin Bragg
Chair
5/5
Graham Ford AM
Member’s Representative
5/5
Christine Hopton OAM
Independent Member
5/5
Adam Hodge
Independent Member
5/5
John Brennan OAM Chief Operating Officer, Brisbane
44
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Partnerships
Surf Life Saving Australia thanks our corporate and government partners who have supported us in 2020–21.
MAJOR NATIONAL PARTNERS
PARTNER
SPONSORS
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
46
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
Corporate Services
OV E RV I E W The Corporate Services portfolio encompasses governance, risk management, finance, human resources and information technology (IT). Corporate Services operates as ‘shared services’ supporting operations across Surf Life Saving Australia, Surf Sports Australia, The Surf Lifesaving Foundation, and Southern Region SLSA Helicopter Rescue Service. The team is responsible for the day to day management of the organisation’s finances including income, expense, asset management, and cash flow. The organisation fulfilled all its obligations to relevant regulatory bodies including the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission, and the Australia Taxation Office. We completed acquittal reports for funding provided by government departments, and prepared annual financial statements for each entity in the group and the consolidated entity which were audited with an unmodified audit opinion. The department is accountable to the SLSA Board through the Finance Audit and Compliance Committee (FACC). A suite of reports is presented to the FACC at monthly meetings including consolidated management accounts, risk and compliance registers, and human resource metrics. The Corporate Services team continuously reviews its systems and processes to identify areas of improvement in order to operate as efficiently as possible.
and support when required. In the last season alone, the team have successfully dealt with more than 12,500 individual support requests from club officers, administrators, patrol members, and duty officers. First Level support was also outsourced to a local Call Centre in Sydney that allowed for increased coverage for the members. Since enabling this service in April 97% of calls are answered and either resolved immediately or escalated to 2nd level support. The new service has also allowed for increased operators and extended hours during peak periods to be able to support members further than ever before. Our range of services are extensive, covering sophisticated web-based applications, websites, apps, connections between and to other systems, and extending through to the provision of training and support across our vast array of platforms. • Some major NICTU highlights of the season include: • Significant application and infrastructure upgrades to Surfguard. • The iRisk system for Beach hazard assessment was delivered for use as a part of the Beach management project. • SEMS was successfully used for the Aussies 2021 event and has since been utilized at a number of events in Queensland. • Version 1 of the Sport App with initial integration into SEMS delivered, and released into production. • Further upgrades to the Surfcom system.
N AT I O N A L I C T U N I T (N I C T U)
O U R S TA F F
The NICTU provides a range of services to the organisation as well as to the SLSA office. The business and IT support operations work seven days a week, 365 days a year to ensure that volunteers and administrators can obtain assistance
During 2020/21, SLSA’s staff have continued to demonstrate dedication and commitment to the national organisation collectively. Staff are located at Surf House located at Bondi Beach in Sydney, as well as in Brisbane, Cape Banks (NSW)
and Tasmania; during COVID-19 a majority of staff work remotely. SLSA continues to place significant prioritisation on developing and implementing people development strategies, ensuring we are enhancing our work environment and workplace practices for our staff. The business plan strategies that have been implemented in 2020/21 include: • Continued efficiency in human resources processes by using a human resource information system (HRIS), allowing cloud-based access to all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including robust recruitment and onboarding procedures. • Focus on SLSA Internal Professional Development Plan by use of the HRIS to record all professional development opportunities. • Fostering a community atmosphere using an employee engagement platform, Microsoft Teams, social committee and regular team building events. SLSA conducts an annual employee engagement survey along with smaller ‘pulse’ surveys throughout the year. The outputs from these surveys are used to identify areas of improvement and focus for the immediate future. Based on the employee survey results this year SLSA was awarded the 2021 Change Challenge national winner for Small Medium Enterprise (SME) category. This was based on our submission that highlighted changes implemented in SLSA from 2018/19 with continued improvements into 2019/20 in the resetting of the organisational values. Our Senior Leadership Team takes great ownership of the running and performance of the entire organisation and information was shared more freely between teams.
Section 02: SLSA Operations
Additionally, the award reported on: • Employee Productivity/ Efficiency • We maintained low voluntary employee turnover • Rapid response for safety for staff with the COVID-19 onset and changes in work practices • Customer Satisfaction for Learning and Development for our members as our customers This is a great acknowledgement for SLSA that may help us leverage our employee branding for future talent attraction for recruitment and assist further with staff retention. Beyond this award our SLSA internal corporate values launched in 2018/19 have been embedded into everyday business initiatives in 2020/21. • Brave – We take calculated risks while striving for excellence • Connected – We seek opportunities to highlight the strength of others • Buoyant – We are conscious of the energy we share • Compassionate – We walk a mile in their shoes Our organisational structure can be found at the end of this section. Staff in state and territory entities and branches report to their own Boards and management teams and are therefore not included in this section.
R EM U N ER AT I O N We make efforts to remunerate our employees consistent with the not-forprofit sector, and our formal research indicates that salaries offered are in line with those offered by similar organisations. Our remuneration includes fringe benefit packages which allow us, within Australian Taxation Office guidelines, to provide a proportion of an employee’s income as a tax-exempt fringe benefit. Due to COVID19 our focus has been on staff retention and wellbeing with only marginal wage increases during the period.
47
the year. Each employee has an individual performance development plan for the year, which aligns to the business plan key performance indicators (KPIs). The individual plans also focus on enhancing the behaviours and competencies of each employee which includes the identification of personal/professional development opportunities. SLSA allocates an amount within the annual budget for the professional development of staff.
WO R K PL AC E R EL AT I O N S Our staff operated under individual contracts, and an overarching staff handbook. The nature of surf lifesaving activities requires significant amounts of weekend work, and under the terms of the employment contract, our employees are entitled to time-inlieu for work undertaken on weekends. We have monthly staff meetings where any employment related issues that affect all staff are discussed. Formal flexible working arrangements can be accessed by 100% of our staff, with the majority of our staff working remotely due to COVID-19.
S TA FF T U R N OV ER Staff turnover during the past year has increased with a total of 10 FTE leaving compared with seven in the previous year. SLSA has several strategies within the annual business plan which focus on increasing employee satisfaction rates, as well as the development of and implementation of retention strategies.
EQ UA L O PP O R T U N I T Y SLSA meets all legislative requirements in terms of equal opportunity and a bias-free workplace.
WO R K H E A LT H A N D S A FE T Y Our employees work in normal business office conditions and are not exposed to any undue hazards. We have consistently promoted a healthy and safe work environment, which is ergonomically sound. There were no Workcover claims during the year. SLSA provided staff with work health and safety and risk management training and completed all fire safety warden training requirements. SLSA provides an Employee Assistance Program for all employees. Many of our staff are also volunteer surf lifesavers and from time-to-time, are engaged in high-risk activities in the performance of those duties. In these situations, they are protected by the full range of SLSA policies and insurances that apply to all members.
S TA FF S TAT I S T I C S These staff figures are representing the parent entity company for SLSA. 2019/20 F/T FTE
P/T FTE
Casual
Fixed term Contracts
Overall FTE
Turnover
Gender
Tenure
38
2.8
1
1
41.8
7
F – 53% M – 47%
3 years
F/T FTE
P/T FTE
Casual
Fixed term Contracts
Overall FTE
Turnover
Gender
Tenure
40
2.8
1
2
44.8
10
F – 55% M – 45%
4 years
2020/21
PER F O R M A N C E R E V I E W S A N D I N D I V I D UA L D E V ELO PM EN T PL A N S All employees participate in formal annual performance reviews. These are complemented by regular progress meetings with their manager throughout
James Cameron Chief Financial Officer
48
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
S L S A O P E R AT I O N S
SLSA Organisational Chart SLSA Board Surf Sport Australia
Southern Board
Executive Assistant to CEO
Executive Assistant Community Fundraising Manager
QLD Chief Operating Officer
Commercial Partnerships Manager
Grant Seeking Unit Manager
Procurement Manager
Human Resources Manager
Partnerships Executive
Research & Communications
Operations Coordinator
Human Resources Coordinator
Facilities Administrator
Office Admin Reception
Campaign and Creative Manager
Call Centre Team Manager
Lottery Manager
Donor Analyst
Sales & Service Team Members
Lottery Specialist
GSU Admin
Donor Specialist
Lottery Campaign Officer
Research & Communications
Donor Campaign Administrator
Lottery Data Analyst
Research & Communications
Graphic Designer
Lottery Coordinator
Grant Writers Contractors
Digital Performance Marketing Specialist
Supporter Relations Officer Project LIFT Team
Chief Executive Officer
Section 02: SLSA Operations
49
SLSF Board
Executive Assistant
NSW Chief Operating Officer
General Manager Coastal Safety
ICT Manager
Public Affairs Manager
Government Relations Manager
Team Leader
Senior Developer
Content Executive
Governance & Compliance Officer
Venue Manager
Senior Support Officer
Systems Administrator
Membership & Participation Coordinator
Events Officer
Senior Support Officer
L&D Administrator
Events Officer
IT Support Officer Level 1
Sport Developer Coordinator
Learning and Development Manager
Sport Manager
L&D Coordinator
Event Manager
L&D Coordinator
Chief Financial Officer
Finance Manager
Lifesaving Ops Manager
Senior Accountant
Media Coordinator
Project Coordinator
Accountant
Senior Developer Analyst
Digital Coordinator
Lifesaving Services Coordinator
Assistant Accountant
Senior Software Developer
Marketing Executive
Coastal Safety Support Officer
Payroll & Finance Officer
Events Officer
Design & Digital Executive
Researcher
Online Store/ Reception
Pathways Coordinator
Comms Coordinator
Research Assistant
WLSRH Officer
Graphic Designer
Aerial Services Coordinator
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Management
Management
Operational
SECTION 03
Governance & Oversight
52
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT
Governance & Oversight
Since 1907, when a small number of Sydney surf lifesaving clubs formed the organisation now known as SLSA, we have evolved into a highly federated and geographically dispersed organisation, made up of 496 entities/groups including 314 separately incorporated SLSCs, 17 regional branches (in NSW and Queensland), 78 Support Operations (regional rescue and response teams), 7 VMRS, 69 paid Lifeguard services and seven state and territory centres. These various separate entities are not subsidiaries of SLSA and have a variety of legal and reporting structures; therefore, their financial results are not consolidated here. We are the peak policy and decision-making body for the Surf Life Saving movement. Under our Constitution, our members are: • State and Territory entities, represented by their appointed directors have the right to be present, debate and vote at our general meetings. • Affiliated Clubs, which shall be represented by an individual nominated from time to time in writing by the club to the relevant state centre. The nominee shall have the right to be present and to debate on behalf of the Affiliated Club at General Meetings but shall have no voting rights. • Life Members of SLSA, have the right to be present and to debate at our general meetings, but with no voting rights. • All individual members of affiliated SLSCs, who have the right to be present at general meetings, but with no voting or debating rights. Each year, prior to the commencement of the season, individual members sign an application for joint membership of SLSA, their state centre and their club. Where the members are less than 18 years of age, the membership form is signed by a parent or legal guardian. This detailed membership form meets a number of legal requirements, including indemnification of SLSA in the event of any claim arising from a surf lifesaving activity, as well as outlining a member's individual liability in the unlikely event of a wind up of SLSA. SLSA also operates one subsidiary company to provide rescue helicopter services in NSW. Other rescue helicopter services operate in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia through their respective state centres. The SLS Foundation, which is also a wholly owned subsidiary, undertakes a national fundraising role on behalf of the movement.
photo credit: National Museum of Australia
OV E RV I E W
PAT R O N S O F S U R F LI F E S AV I N G AU S T R A LI A C H I EF PAT RO N S His Royal Highness Prince Philip KG KT OM GBE AC QSO PC* Duke of Edinburgh His Royal Highness Prince Charles KG, KT, GCB, OM, AK, QSO, CC, PC, ADC Prince of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
PAT RO N S Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC, QC Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC Governor of Queensland His Excellency the Honourable Hien Van Le AO Governor of South Australia His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC Governor of Western Australia Her Excellency the Honourable Kate Warner AC Governor of Tasmania Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O'Halloran AO Administrator of the Northern Territory
V I C E PAT RO N The Honourable Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia
L I FE G OV ER N O R Alan Whelpton AO Sir Adrian Curlewis CVO CBE* * Denotes deceased
Section 03: Governance & Oversight
53
GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT
Surf Life Saving Australia Board
OV E RV I E W
SLSA Roles and Responsibilities
As one of the largest volunteer organisations in Australia, we depend on the contribution of our volunteer members for everything from patrolling beaches, to providing input for the strategic direction for the organisation. Board and Committee members freely give up their time for the benefit of Surf Life Saving.
The key roles and responsibilities of SLSA are:
S U R F LI F E S AV I N G AU S T R A LI A B OA R D The peak policy and decision body for Surf Life Saving in Australia (SLSA), made up of the President of SLSA, seven Appointed Directors from each state and the Northern Territory, four Independent Directors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SLSA. The Board delegates the management of SLSA to the CEO who seeks support and advice from the Executive Management Group (EMG). Name
Position
Graham Ford AM
President (Chair) until March 2021 President (Chair) from March 2021 Deputy President SLSA until
John Baker ESM
March 2021
SLSSA Appointed Director until March 2021
Kevin Watkins
SLSSA Appointed Director from March 2021
a. Responsible for the global relationship with ILS. Coordination of activities in the Asia Pacific region. Tracking international activities undertaken by SLS movement. b. Responsible for relations with allied agencies (AUSTSWIM, RLSSA, Swimming Australia, Australian Coastal Alliance, etc.) and other peak organisations (e.g. Australian Water Safety Council, National SeaChange Taskforce, etc.). c. Responsible for the relationship, management and delivery of all representation to Federal government. d. Responsible for the facilitation, coordination and delivery of agreed national administrative programs in insurance. e. R esponsible for the facilitation, coordination and delivery of agreed national administrative programs in Information Technology and Communications (ITC). f. R esponsible for the facilitation, coordination and delivery of agreed national administrative framework in disciplinary and grievance. g. R esponsible for coordinating the development of a safety framework and guidelines to ensure the protection and benefit of our members. h. Responsible for the facilitation, coordination and development of a national lifesaving, sport and education/leadership development framework and facilitation of National Committees. i. R esponsible for the coordination of the development of member training and education through curriculum and resource development with and through the State Centres j. R esponsible for all national sporting events and delivery of the national high performance programs with and through the states k. Responsible for coordinating relevant research to foster innovation and achieve our vision.
Craig Smith-Gander AM SLSWA Appointed Director
l. Responsible for developing the national member development programs (such as leadership, recognition and history) and aligning with the states through the creation of national resources to support these programs.
Grant Barnett
SLSNT Appointed Director
m. Responsible for SLSA brand protection, reputation and development.
Mark Fife OAM
SLSQ Appointed Director
n. Responsible for the management and delivery of national marketing, sponsorship and business development programs
Stephen Godfrey
SLST Appointed Director
Paul James ASM
LSV Appointed Director
o. Responsible for the management and delivery of national fundraising in accordance with agreed national and state business outcomes.
Melanie Evans
Independent Director
p. Facilitate communication between states
Toni Bache
Independent Director
Suzanne Storrie
Independent Director
Darrin Bragg
Independent Director
Adam Weir
Chief Executive Officer
George Shales OAM
SLSNSW Appointed Director
54
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT
Surf Life Saving Australia Board
Graham Ford AM President Elected Director
John Baker ESM SLSA President Elected Director
until March 2021
from March 2021
Graham was elected as President of SLSA in 2010. He brings a wealth of surf lifesaving knowledge, coupled with a strong business background. Graham is a Life Member and Patron of Bronte SLSC, Life Member of SLSA and President of the International Life Saving Federation, and he has held many senior roles at club, branch and national levels. Graham was awarded Knight in the Order of Life Saving in 2019 and elevated into the Surf Life Saving Australian Hall of Fame in 2020. In 2016 Graham was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to Surf Life Saving. Graham is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Stephen Godfrey SLST President Appointed Director Stephen has worked extensively in the area of public administration and is currently the Manager, Strategic Relations at PSMA Australia Ltd. He has been President of Surf Life Saving Tasmania since September 2011 and was appointed as a Director on the SLSA Board in October 2011. Stephen has been involved with Surf Life Saving since 1967 and is a Life Member of Carlton Park SLSC and SLST.
SLSA Deputy President, SLSSA President Appointed Director until March 2021
John, a Company Director, was President of Surf Life Saving SA from June 2011 until March 2021, when he was elected President of SLSA. John has been a Director on the SLSA Board since January 2012 and now chairs in his role of President of SLSA. John has been a member of Brighton SLSC in SA since 1977. He is a former state Director of Lifesaving and is a current crew member with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.
Craig Smith-Gander AM SLSWA President Appointed Director Craig has been in surf lifesaving all his life having had experience as a boat rower and sweep at North Cottesloe, where he is a former Captain and President and is a Life Member. As President of SLSWA since 2014, he has held state and national roles in surf sports. Craig has extensive business, and commercial experience is a company director and business owner.
Adam Weir Chief Executive Officer Adam is a life-long member of Cronulla SLSC. He has been a successful competitor at all levels of surf sport competition, is a recipient of the Australian Sports Medal, and has held a variety of roles at both SLS State and National levels. He is also Chair of the International Life Saving (ILS) Rescue Commission and a member of the ILS Rescue Operations Committee. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was appointed to the role of CEO in June 2018.
Mark Fife OAM SLSQ President Appointed Director Mark is a Life Member of SLSA, a member of SLSA's Hall of Fame and has been named as the Australian Surf Lifesaver of the Year in 1997 and the Australian Volunteer of the Year in 2007. Mark is also a Life Member of the Broadbeach SLSC, the South Coast Surf Life Saving Branch, and Surf Life Saving Queensland. In 2013, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. Mark was appointed as a director of SLSA in August 2016.
Section 03: Governance & Oversight
George Shales OAM SLSNSW President Appointed Director George Shales was elected President of SLSNSW in May 2019. He brings with him 39 years of experience across a wide range of roles on the beach. George gained his Bronze Medallion in 1982 at North Bondi SLSC and has held a number of leadership and committee positions within his club and branch. George continues to be an active surf lifesaver in his capacity as a Duty Officer and Rescue Coordinator as part of the Surf Life Saving Sydney Support Operations Team..
Grant Barnett SLSNT President Appointed Director
55
Paul James ASM LSV President Appointed Director
Melanie Evans Independent Director
Paul has been a member of Ambulance Victoria as a paramedic for the past 26 years. He is an Area Manager responsible for the provision of emergency ambulance operations across Central Gippsland. Paul has been involved with both Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving for over 40 years in both a professional and volunteer capacity. He is a qualified member of the Hampton Life Saving Club and held the position of Club President from 1988-1990 and again from 2013-2016.
Melanie Evans is Chief Executive Officer of ING Australia. Melanie has held leadership roles banking and wealth management over a 25 year career. Having grown up in the surf club, Melanie has kept abreast of our organisation over many years. She brings with her expertise and experience of Board and Committee corporate governance, financial management, risk management & compliance, customer experience and strategic planning. Melanie is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chief Executive Women.
Kevin Watkins SLSSA President Appointed Director (from May 2021)
Grant has been active member in the surf lifesaving community since joining Ellis Beach SLSC IN 2003. He has held various club & State positions including President of the North Queensland Branch. After relocating to the Northern Territory for work in 2008 Grant joined the Gove Peninsula SLSC and has held multiple club positions including Club President. Grant first joined the Surf Life Saving NT Board in 2013 as Director of Sport and he was elected as the President of SLSNT in 2016. Grant remains as an active patrolling member for his beloved Gove Peninsula SLSC.
Kevin has been an active Surf Life Saving member for 54 years, having gained his Bronze Medallion in 1967, and has immersed his life in the movement. He currently patrols at Brighton SLSC and is very active in Surf Boat competition. Kevin is also a successful business leader in the RTO world and was the founder & CEO of SA Health Education Centre, and is currently the State Manager SA and National VET Manager for Endeavour College of Natural Health.
56
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
Suzanne Storrie Independent Director
Darrin Bragg Independent Director
Toni Bache Independent Director
Suzanne is a Non Executive Director and executive coach and mentor. She has extensive experience across financial services, aviation, technology, professional sport, NFP and professional services. She is Chair of Surf Sports Australia, a member of SLSA’s Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee (FACC) and the Honours Panel and is the Treasurer for the Cronulla SLSC. She obtained her Bronze (1992), Silver (1995) and Gold Medallions (1997) and was the Sydney Branch, NSW and Australian Surf Life Saver of the Year in 1996. Suzanne is a Life Member of Surf Life Saving Australia. She has B.Ec, M.Tax, M.Acc, and is a Fellow CPA, GAICD.
Darrin has been part of the Surf Life Saving movement since he joined as a nipper more than 45 years ago. Having spent most of his life in North Queensland, the respected Townsville-based accountant has been a member of Townsville Picnic Bay SLSC for over 20 years. Prior to that, he held positions as Treasurer and Club Captain with both Mackay and Townsville Picnic Bay SLSCs. Darrin is a Life Member of Townsville Picnic Bay SLSC, the North Barrier Surf Life Saving Branches and Surf Life Saving Queensland. He has also previously served as a Board Member for Surf Life Saving Queensland and is currently Chairman of the Surf Life Saving Foundation.
Toni has extensive leadership experience in business strategy and human resources roles. She has worked across healthcare, technology, hospitality, government, and fast-moving consumer goods in over 30 countries. She is currently the Vice President, Business Strategy, International for Stryker's Trauma & Extremities division. Toni has been involved in Surf Life Saving for over 20 years within the Burleigh Heads, Mowbray Park SLSC. She obtained her Bronze Medallion in 1997, Silver Medallion in 2001, represented her club as Summer Surf Girl in 2003 and is an active patrolling member.
Section 03: Governance & Oversight
57
58
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT
SLSA Board Governance Charter
The SLSA Board has adopted a Governance Charter. Key aspects of the charter are detailed below.
T H E R O LE O F T H E B OA R D A N D CO M M I T T E E S As one of Australia's largest volunteer movements, our Board and Committee structure is critical to ensuring volunteer representation in key decisions. The various committees outlined in this section are advisory only; however, they can be empowered by the Board and meet as required. Their recommendations are considered by either the CEO, the Executive Management Group, or in some instances the Board. The Board, through the CEO, has ultimate supervision of the committees.
T H E R O LE O F T H E D I R E C TO R S A N D M A N AG E M E N T The day-to-day business of SLSA is managed by the CEO, under the direction of the Board. The Board may exercise all the powers of the company, except for any power the Corporations Act or the Constitution requires the company to exercise in a general meeting of members. The Board is responsible for the appointment of a CEO to manage and administer the organisation. The CEO is ultimately accountable to the Board; however, the CEO is accountable to the President (as Chairman of the Board) on a day-to-day basis
B OA R D CO M P O S I T I O N The Board comprises seven state centre appointed directors, one from each State and the Northern Territory, (the 'voting members' of SLSA) who represent our broader membership; the President (Chairman), who is also elected by the Appointed Directors, and the CEO (nonvoting). Up to four additional Independent Directors may also be appointed to
the Board. The current Board has four appointed Independent Directors.
B OA R D M E E T I N G S A N D ACC E S S TO M A N AG E M E N T The Board meets at least five times each year. The Appointed Directors are selected by their respective state or territory CEOs.
meeting, the Chair asks for Directors to declare conflicts of interest in any agenda items. Under the Board's structure, seven Directors are appointed by their respective state centre. The Chair ensures that all state appointed directors fulfil their fiduciary duties to SLSA.
E T H I C A L S TA N DA R DS
2020/21 has seen further refinement to our risk management processes with the continuation of a formal risk appetite continuum and the introduction to the Risk Management Policy. The Board regularly considers the Risk Management Reporting and top ten risks, and their mitigation strategies.
The Board acknowledges the need for, and continued maintenance of, the highest standards of corporate governance practice, ethical conduct by all Board members and open and transparent processes. Declaring any conflict of interest and/or pecuniary interest in agenda items of Board meetings ensures that, where appropriate, Directors leave the meeting until discussion on the matter is concluded.
CO D E O F CO N D U C T
CO M PLI A N C E I S S U E S
The code of conduct for Directors, setting out expectations and limitations is contained within the SLSA Board Governance Charter.
SLSA is a company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth). SLSA is also a registered charitable institution under the NSW Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW). The advisors noted earlier, Legal Counsel Ian Fullagar, Company Secretary Andrew Horne, BDO and Marsh Advantage Australia Pty Ltd also ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulation.
M A N AG E M E N T O F SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISKS
ACCO U N TA B I LI T Y The Board is accountable to the members of SLSA. The Constitution lists the following categories of membership: • State centres – debating and voting rights at SLSA general meetings. • Affiliated Clubs – debating but not voting rights at SLSA general meetings. • Life Members – debating but not voting rights at SLSA general meetings. • All members of affiliated clubs – can be present, but no debating or voting rights at SLSA general meetings. The individual membership category is divided into various other sub-categories set out in the regulations.
I N D E PE N D E N C E At the commencement of each Board
O B TA I N I N G I N D E PE N D E N T A DV I C E The Board is assisted in aspects of its operations with external advice. Ian Fullagar continues to provide legal services. Andrew Horne has been appointed to provide Company Secretary services and advice to the Board. Our auditors, BDO conduct an annual internal audit, giving the Board independent assurance and advice on financial management matters. Marsh Advantage
Section 03: Governance & Oversight
Australia Pty Ltd continues to provide insurance advice and services.
CO M PE N S AT I O N Directors receive no compensation for their services. Travel and accommodation costs associated with meetings are met by SLSA.
TR AINING At times, presentations by outside experts on strategic matters are made to the Board. Directors have also been given the opportunity to attend workshops and other conferences relating to corporate governance at SLSA's expense.
S U B S I D I A RY E N T I T I E S As noted elsewhere, SLSA wholly owns a number of subsidiary bodies. The SLS Foundation raises funds nationally and in each state for SLSA. Southern Region SLSA Helicopter Rescue Services P/L
59
provided helicopter rescue services in NSW. Surf Sports Australia P/L is another subsidiary of SLSA, primarily concerned with professional sports events. The financial results of these three subsidiaries are included in SLSA's accounts.
F I D U C I A RY D U T I E S Monthly financial statements for SLSA and subsidiary companies are provided to the Finance Audit and Compliance Committee (FACC). These monthly statements together with monthly accounts, are submitted to Directors for endorsement at the subsequent Board Meeting. All financial accounts and reports are overseen by the FACC and, on their recommendation, adopted or otherwise by the Board throughout the year. The FACC also oversees risk management, compliance and governance, including HR reporting.
PAT HWAYS TO B OA R D A N D CO M M I T T E E M E M B E R S H I P As one of the largest volunteer organisations in Australia, we are dependent on the contribution of our volunteer members for everything from patrolling beaches, to providing the overall management and operational delivery of frontline services and activities. Broadly speaking a person can become a member of the Board or a committee by being appointed by either SLSA or by a state centre. The skills base required for these positions is set out in the SLSA Board Governance Charter and also in the SLSA Regulations.
60
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT
Governance Structure of SLSA
181, 572 M E M B E R S
Organisational Structure
Governance Structure
National Body Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Surf Life Saving Australia Subsidiaries
Executive Management Group SLSA Board
Southern Region SLSA Helicopter Rescue Service
The Surf Life Saving Foundation
Surf Sports Australia
Life Saving Victoria (LSV)
Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA)
Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA)
Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST)
Surf Life Saving Northern Territory (SLSNT)
57 Clubs
57 Clubs
31 Clubs
22 Clubs
15 Clubs
3 Clubs
17 ALS
19 ALS
14 ALS
11 ALS
2 ALS
2 ALS
3 ALS
29 Support Ops
11 Support Ops
18 Support Ops
12 Support Ops
6 Support Ops
3 Support Ops
4 Support Op
Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW)
Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ)
11 Regional Branches
6 Regional Branches
129 Clubs
7 VMR
Section 03: Governance & Oversight
61
GOVERNANCE & OVERSIGHT
Boards & Committees
1. E X E C U T I V E M A N AG E M E N T G RO U P
FI N A N C E, AU D I T & CO M PL I A N C E CO M M I T T EE
This is the management authority approved by the SLSA Board and is made up of the SLSA CEO, State CEO's with advice from SLSA Leadership Team and SLSA's Legal Adviser.
Assists the SLSA Board in the oversight of the reliability and integrity of accounting policies, financial reporting and disclosure practices.
Executive Management Group
Finance, Audit & Compliance Committee (FACC)
Name
Position
Name
Position
Adam Weir
Chair, CEO, SLSA
Melanie Evans
Chair, Independent SLSA Director
Steven Pearce AFSM
CEO, SLSNSW
Stephen Bennett
Independent Member
Dave Whimpey
CEO, SLSQ
Warrick Ranson
Independent Member
Dr Nigel Taylor ESM
CEO, LSV until May 2021
Vincent Sheehan
Independent Member
Catherine Greaves
CEO, LSV from May 2021
Suzanne Storrie
Independent SLSA Director
James O'Toole
CEO, SLSWA
Damien Marangon
CEO, SLSSA
I C T G OV ER N A N C E G RO U P
Tony van den Enden
CEO, SLST
Samantha Farrow
CEO, SLSNT
This Committee makes recommendations to the Board on IT&T strategy, architecture, standards and policy with Surf Life Saving. ICT Governance Group
2 . G OV E R N A N C E CO M M I T T E E S A PP O I N T M EN T S & R EM U N ER AT I O N CO M M I T T EE
Name
Position
Adam Weir
Chair, CEO, SLSA
Scott Randall
National IT Manager, SLSA
Suzanne Storrie
SLSA Independent Director
John Baker ESM
SLSA Appointed Director, SLSSA to March 2021 President, SLSA from March 2021
Appointments and Remuneration Committee
Steven Pearce AFSM
CEO, SLSNSW
Name
Position
Dave Whimpey
CEO, SLSQ
Graham Ford AM
President, SLSA until March 2021
Gabe Gossage
Independent Member
John Baker ESM
President, SLSA from March 2021
Michael Ewald
Independent ICT Business Strategist
Melanie Evans
Independent SLSA Director & Chair of FACC
Jonathon Golan
Independent Member
Recommends the appointment of the CEO to the SLSA Board, reviews and reports proposed remuneration packages for the CEO and senior executives to the SLSA Board and ensures adequate human resource levels within the organisation.
N O M I N AT I O N S CO M M I T T EE Assists the SLSA Board in the oversight of the reliability and integrity of accounting policies, financial reporting and disclosure practices. Nominations Committee Name
Position
Toni Bache
Chair, Independent SLSA Director
Christine Hopton OAM
Independent Member
Stephen Bennett
Independent Member
Lyn Barratt
Alternate Independent Member
62
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
3. E D U C AT I O N A DV I S O RY CO M M I T T E E To represent the views of Surf Life Saving members nationally on matters relating to education.
4 . D E V E LO PM E N T D E V ELO PM EN T A DV I S O RY CO M M I T T EE To represent the views of Surf Life Saving members nationally on matters relating to development.
Education Advisory Committee Name
Position
Development Advisory Committee
Kevin Richardson
Chair of Education until May 2021
Name
Position
Tracey Hare-Boyd
Chair of Education from May 2021
Nancy Joseph
Chair of Development
Tony Waller OAM
NSW Representative
Kerry Clancy
NSW Representative
Jonathan Donnelly
QLD Representative
Rob Campbell
QLD Representative
David Rylance
VIC Representative until December 2020
Angela Malan
VIC Representative
Katrina Antony
VIC Representative from December 2020
Vicki Rasmussen
WA Representative
Michael Shaw
WA Representative
Adam Luscombe
SA Representative
Kate Perry
SA Representative
Alison Snowden
NT Representative
vacant
NT Representative
vacant
TAS Representative
Bernadette Flint
National Trainer of the Year
Belinda Doman
National Volunteer of the Year
Graham Sharpe
National Assessor of the Year
Development Advisors Laura Russo
Youth Advisor
ED U C AT I O N M A N AG EM EN T CO M M I T T EE Coordinates the operations of the Australian Lifesaving Academy and discusses issues relating to education. Education Management Committee
D E V ELO PM EN T M A N AG EM EN T CO M M I T T EE The Development Management Committee is responsible for the implementation and continual improvement of development within SLS.
Name
Position
Pamela Simon
Chair, Learning & Development Manager, SLSA
Development Management Committee
Andrew Chan
NSW Representative
Name
Position
Belinda Doman
QLD Representative
Pamela Simon
Chair, Learning & Development Manager, SLSA
Micah Spedding
VIC Representative
Claire Bevis
NSW Representative
David Gallagher
WA Representative
Jamie Findlay
QLD Representative until March 2021
Belinda Schiphorst
SA Representative until March 2021
Sandi Davis
QLD Representative from March 2021
Miriam Scherer
SA Representative from March 2021
Emma Atkins
VIC Representative
Leanne Johannesen
TAS Representative
David Somers
WA Representative
Sam Edwards
NT Representative
Mel Davis-Bishop
SA Representative
Leanne Johannesen
TAS Representative
Samantha Farrow
NT Representative
Section 03: Governance & Oversight
63
5. LI F E S AV I N G L I FE S AV I N G A DV I S O RY CO M M I T T EE
6. S P O R T S P O R T A DV I S O RY CO M M I T T EE
To represent the views of Surf Life Saving members nationally on matters relating to lifesaving.
To represent the views of Surf Life Saving members nationally on matters relating to sport.
Lifesaving Advisory Committee
Sport Member Advisory and Management Committee
Name
Position
Name
Position
Chris Jacobson
Chair of Lifesaving
Andrew Buhk
Chair of Sport
Joel Wiseman
NSW Representative
Don van Keimpema OAM
NSW Representative
Clint Swanton
QLD Representative
Charles Melloy
QLD Representative
Kane Treloar
VIC Representative
Rachel Rylance
VIC Representative
Liam Burke
WA Representative
Jason Wright
WA Representative
Glen Gallagher
SA Representative
Pat Larven
SA Representative
Julian Hickey
TAS Representative
Don Marsh
TAS Representative
Adam Traugott
NT Representative
Ella Tilling
NT Representative
Katie Dixon
Independent Member
Sport Advisors
David Reid
Independent Member
Greg Allum AM
Technical Advisor
Darren Warrener
HP & Sport Integrity Advisor
Dr Ned Douglas
Medical Advisor
Paul Kenny
Officiating Advisor
Matthew Thompson
Power Craft Advisor
Grant Wilkinson
Coaching Advisor
Greg Cahill
Lifeguard Advisor
Kurt Wilson
ALT Head Coach
Communications Advisor
Michael Brooks
Surf Boat Advisor
Joel Wiseman
Risk and Safety Advisor
Dr Shayne Baker OAM
ALT Selection Chair
Lifesaving Advisors
Chris Stevens
L I FE S AV I N G M A N AG EM EN T CO M M I T T EE The Lifesaving Management Committee is responsible for the implementation and continual improvement of lifesaving plans, programs and activities. Lifesaving Management Committee
S P O R T M A N AG EM EN T CO M M I T T EE The Sport Management Committee is responsible for the implementation and continual improvement of sport, programs and activities.
Name
Position
Shane Daw ESM
Chair, General Manager Coastal Safety, SLSA
Sport Management Committee
Brent Manieri
NSW Representative
Name
Position
Peta Lawlor
QLD Representative
Wayne Druery
Chair, Sport Manager, SLSA
Liam Krige
VIC Representative
Narelle Duggan
NSW Representative
Nick Pavy
WA Representative
Stuart Hogben
QLD Representative
Daniel Willetts
SA Representative
VIC Representative
Boyd Griggs
TAS Representative
Kirsty Clark/Simon Butterly
Samantha Farrow
NT Representative
Jason Wright
WA Representative
Mel Bishop-Davis
SA Representative
Boyd Griggs
TAS Representative
Ella Tilling
NT Representative
64
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020–21
7. CO M M E R C I A L & PA R T N E R S H I P S MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS WORKING GROUP The Marketing and Communications Working Group is responsible for the discussion and management relating to Member and External communications and marketing.
8 . S PE C I A L PU R P O S E CO M M I T T E E S AU S T R A L I A N L I FEG UA R D S ERV I C E M A N AG EM EN T CO M M I T T EE Responsible for standardising the delivery of lifeguarding services around Australia and discussing issues surrounding lifeguarding.
Marketing Communications Working Group
Australian Lifeguard Service Management Committee
Name
Position
Name
Position
Jo Banning
Chair, Public Affairs Manager, SLSA
Greg Cahill
Chair, Lifeguard Adviser & SLSQ
Donna Wishart
NSW Representative
Shane Daw ESM
SLSA, General Manager Coastal Safety
Sally Macintosh
NSW Representative QLD Representative
Brent Manieri / Paul Sharpe
NSW Representative
Katie Churchill Jess Grima
QLD Representative
Briana Newson
VIC Representative
Josie Fielding
QLD Representative
Nick Pavy
WA Representative
Sonya Williamson
SA Representative
Leanne Johannesen
TAS Representative
Ella Tilling
NT Representative
Natalie Fortuna
VIC Representative
Minda Penn
WA Representative
Darren Horne
SA Representative
Tony van den Enden
TAS Representative
Samantha Farrow
NT Representative
PA R T N ER S H I P S WO R K I N G G RO U P The Partnerships Working Group is responsible for the discussion and management relating to National Partnerships. Commercial Working Group Name
Position
Cherie Kellett
Chair, Partnerships Manager, SLSA
Helen O'Connor
NSW Representative
Katie Churchill
QLD Representative
Jennifer Arch
VIC Representative
Minda Penn
WA Representative
Darren Horne
SA Representative
Tony van den Enden
TAS Representative
Samantha Farrow
NT Representative
H A L L O F FA M E CO M M I T T EE The Panel meets to discuss SLSA Hall of Fame nominations and makes recommendations to the SLSA Board about inductions to the Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame Committee Name
Position
Graham Ford AM
Chair, President, SLSA until March 2021
John Baker ESM
Chair, President, SLSA from March 2021
Alan Whelpton AO
Life Governor, SLSA
Warren Rennie AM
Life Member, SLSA
Rick Wright OAM
Life Member, SLSA
Kristy Ellis AM
Independent Member
H O N O U R S CO M M I T T EE Initiates nominations to the appropriate authorities on behalf of SLSA members considered eligible for civil, sporting, community and other awards. Honours Committee Name
Position
Mark Fife OAM
Chair, SLSA Appointed Director, SLSQ
Darryl Pope OAM
Independent Member
Kevin Larkins
Independent Member
Suzanne Storrie
Independent SLSA Director
Section 03: Governance & Oversight
H I S TO RY CO M M I T T EE Advises, comments, and submits recommendations on the collection, conservation, management and documentation of the history of surf lifesaving in Australia.
65
9. AUSTR ALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMIT TEES COMPETITION COMMITTEE The Competition Committee directs all matters relating to the actual conduct of the competition. Competition Committee
History Committee Name
Position
Name
Position
Stan Vesper
Chair
Mike Martin OAM
Chair – Opens & Masters Championships
Prue Weber
Independent Member
John Brennan OAM
Chair – Youth Championships
Tim Tucak
Independent Member
Andrew Buhk
SLSA Chair of Sport
Ken Knight BEM
Independent Member
Wayne Druery
Championships Referee - Opens and Masters
Peter Orlovich
Honorary Archivist
Jenny Kenny
Championships Referee – Youth
Kane Treloar
Safety & Emergency Management Coordinator
Paul Chivers
Independent Risk Advisor
Greg Allum AM
Technical Advisor
Paul Kenny
Officials Advisor
Tony Henderson
National Events Manager
Pamela Simon
Minutes
Ashley Robinson
Host Club Representative – Alexandra Headland
Robert Elford
Host Club Representative – Maroochydore
Shane Linton
Host Club Representative – Mooloolaba
Jo Banning
Media Liaison Officer (Observer)
Rory Gillespie
Athletes Representatives
Nick Sampson
Athletes Representatives
Edwina Wright
Athletes Representatives
M ER I TO R I O U S AWA R DS S EL EC T I O N CO M M I T T EE Selects individuals, lifesavers, and/or groups for Meritorious Awards. Selects individual lifesavers and/or groups for the Lifesaver of the Year Award and other associate programs, awards and educational tours. Meritorious Awards Selection Committee Name
Position
Chris Jacobson
Chair
Graham Ford AM
President, SLSA until March 2021
Mark Fife OAM
SLSA Appointed Director, SLSQ
Katie Dixon
Independent Member
Darryl Pope OAM
Independent Member
S U R F B OAT CO M M I T T EE Advises SLSA and relevant Sport committees on matters relating to Surf Boats. Surf Boat Committee Name
Position
Michael Brooks
ASRL President until May 2021
Nick Sampson
ASRL President from May 2021
Natasha Tunney
Secretary
Rory Gillespie
Treasurer
Geoff Wilson
Vice President
Phil Chipman
Vice President
Rod Costa
Vice President
Edwina Wright
Vice President
Grant Wilkinson
Vice President
Grant Howe
Vice President
ATHLETE SELECTION PANEL Responsible for the selection of national teams in accordance with SLSA selection policy. Athlete Selection Panel Name
Position
Dr Shayne Baker OAM
Chair
Jennifer Parry
Independent Member
Garry Mensforth
Independent Member
SECTION 04
Financial Report
68
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
Financial Report
S U M M A R I S E D F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D 30 J U N E 2021 The summarised financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 30 June 2021. The financial statements and specific disclosures included in the summarised financial report have been derived from the 2021 financial report of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and its subsidiaries. The summarised financial report cannot be expected to provide as full an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and its subsidiaries as the full financial report. The full financial report and the auditor’s report will be sent to SLSA’s voting members on request, free of charge.
D I S C U S S I O N A N D A N A LYS I S O F T H E S U M M A RY F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D 30 J U N E 2021 1. S TAT EM EN T S O F PRO FI T O R LO S S A N D OT H ER CO M PR EH EN S I V E I N CO M E The consolidated entity recorded a net deficit for the financial year ended 30 June 2021 of $202,587 (2020: $4,351,075). After other comprehensive income the total deficit for the year was $142,330 (2020: $4,261,905) Consolidated revenue for 2021 was $64,681,403 (2020: $60,833,658). Sponsorship increased to $13,170,134 (2020: $11,469,254) as we welcomed new major national partners and sponsorship revenue for the 2021 Australian Championships which was received in full after a reduction in 2020 from the cancellation of the event in that year. Government Grants decreased to $9,930,981 (2020: $11,946,009) due to a short pause in funding for our VET program, however funding for this program has been renewed and will continue in 2022. The Foundation’s lottery and trade promotion program had a successful year with revenue increasing to $23,993,486 (2020: $20,674,173) as a result of a significant increase in the number of members in our Champions Club. Fundraising and donations collected during the year increased to $13,096,452 (2020: $12,604,591). Consolidated expenditure for 2021 was $64,883,990 (2020: $65,184,733) which is consistent with 2020 however 2020 included a one-off $4.6m donation to the Foundation Perpetuity Trust. Expenditure on lifesaving, development and education decreased to $18,633,369 (2020: $20,009,138) in line with the reduction in VET funding. Expenditure on competitions increased to $4,543,951 (2020: $3,609,711) as we successfully ran the Australian Championships which was cancelled in 2020. Overall expenditure for helicopter administration and operations increased to $3,822,383 (2020: $3,584,989). Foundation commercial expenditure, which includes the cost of prizes for lotteries and trade promotions, increased to $21,420,545 (2020: $16,424,537) as we ran a successful program to attract new members of our Champions Club. Philanthropic expenses decreased to $3,673,647 (2020: $4,036,239) as we looked at more cost-effective ways of attracting donors to the movement. Fundraising distributions to states as a result of these activities increased to $6,940,284 ($2020: $6,385,740).
2. S TAT EM EN T S O F FI N A N C I A L P O S I T I O N The net assets of the consolidated group have decreased to $26,346,143 (2020: $26,488,473) as a result of the net deficit for the year. The current ratio (current assets: current liabilities) of 2.24 (2020: 3.75) has reduced due to the recognition of the consolidated entity’s right of use assets under AASB 16; right of use assets are classified entirely as non-current whilst the associated lease liabilities associated with these assets are split between current and non-current liabilities. Nonetheless, the ratio still reflects the strong liquid position of the group and continues to be well above the international benchmark of one. Property, plant and equipment increased to $12,859,085 (2020: $3,313,714) as the new agreement with our helicopter service provider was recognised as a right of use asset. Cash increased to $22,761,332 (2020: $17,569,449) which is reflected in the increase in Income in Advance to $7,737,417 (2020: $3,557,761). Total liabilities increased to $28,024,313 (2020: $11,435,821) as a result of the aforementioned Income in Advance and lease liabilities.
Section 04: Financial Report
69
3. S TAT EM EN T S O F C A S H FLOW S For the consolidated group, cash increased by $5,191,833 (2020: $13,076,572 decrease). Net cash inflow from operating activities was $8,017,277 (2020: $2,567,326 outflow). Net cash outflow from investment activities was $369,897 (2020: $10,188,679) which represent payments for property, plant and equipment. Outflows of $2,455,497 (2020: $320,567) for financing activities represent repayments of principal on leases. Whilst the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing, and to date has had limited financial impact on the consolidated entity, it is not practicable to estimate the potential impact, positive or negative, after the reporting date. Notwithstanding the current circumstances, the Directors are satisfied that the consolidated entity has sufficient cash reserves to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due for a period of at least twelve months following the date of authorisation of the financial report.
STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the year ended 30 June 2021 Note
Consolidated Entity 2021 ($)
2020 ($)
Parent Entity 2021 ($)
2020 ($)
CONTINUING OPERATIONS Revenue
2
64,681,403
60,833,658
35,828,764
38,951,223
Expenses
3
(64,883,990)
(65,184,733)
(34,600,488)
(38,832,176)
(202,587)
(4,351,075)
1,228,276
119,047
-
-
-
-
(202,587)
(4,351,075)
1,228,276
119,047
60,257
89,170
60,257
89,170
(142,330)
(4,261,905)
1,288,533
208,217
(Deficit) /surplus before income tax expense Income tax expense Deficit) / surplus after income tax expense for the year attributable to the members of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax Total comprehensive income / (deficit) for the year attributable to the members of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited
The above statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income are to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.
70
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 30 June 2021 Note Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables
4
Inventories Other assets
5
Assets available for sale Total current assets
Consolidated Entity
Parent Entity
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
22,761,332
17,569,449
14,692,914
7,805,619
1,456,835
630,180
2,695,017
1,820,210
592,556
723,248
592,556
705,329
16,486,644
14,990,381
10,158,003
10,203,711
-
501,082
-
-
41,297,367
34,414,340
28,138,490
20,534,869
Non-current assets Other financial assets
6
-
-
3,300,782
3,300,782
Trade and other receivables
4
214,004
196,240
-
-
Property, plant and equipment
12,859,085
3,313,714
1,336,163
1,475,363
Total non-current assets
13,073,089
3,509,954
4,636,945
4,776,145
Total assets
54,370,456
37,924,294
32,775,435
25,311,014
Current liabilities Trade and other payables
7
14,978,912
8,229,362
11,529,303
5,474,707
Lease liabilities
9
2,798,645
349,838
8,377
33,959
Employee benefits
8
Total current liabilities
662,014
591,689
428,857
415,576
18,439,571
9,170,889
11,966,537
5,924,242
1,377,892
1,237,524
Non-current liabilities Trade and other payables
7
1,377,892
1,237,524
Lease liabilities
9
8,102,086
908,120
-
8,545
Employee benefits
8
104,764
119,288
41,561
39,791
Total non-current liabilities
9,584,742
2,264,932
1,419,453
1,285,860
Total liabilities
28,024,313
11,435,821
13,385,990
7,210,102
Net assets
26,346,143
26,488,473
19,389,445
18,100,912
Equity Retained surpluses
Reserves Total equity
13
14,162,764
14,381,312
7,206,066
5,993,751
12,183,379
12,107,161
12,183,379
12,107,161
26,346,143
26,488,473
19,389,445
18,100,912
The above statements of financial position are to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.
Section 04: Financial Report
71
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY For the year ended 30 June 2021 Consolidated Entity Retained surpluses ($)
Operating Reserve ($)
Capital Reserve ($)
Other Reserves ($)
Total Equity ($)
Balance at 30 June 2019
30,856,565
-
-
3,100,778
33,957,343
Adjustment due to adoption of new accounting standards
(3,206,965)
-
-
-
(3,206,965)
Restated balance at 1 July 2019
27,649,600
-
-
3,100,778
30,750,378
Surplus / (deficit) after income tax expense for the year
(4,351,075)
-
-
-
(4,351,075)
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
-
-
89,170
-
89,170
Total comprehensive income / (deficit) for the year
(4,351,075)
-
89,170
-
(4,261,905)
Transfer to reserves (refer to Note 13)
(8,917,213)
2,017,991
10,000,000
(3,100,778)
-
Balance at 30 June 2020
14,381,312
2,017,991
10,089,170
-
26,488,473
(202,587)
-
-
-
(202,587)
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
-
-
60,257
-
60,257
Total comprehensive income / (deficit) for the year
(202,587)
-
60,257
-
(142,330)
(15,961)
15,961
-
-
-
14,162,764
2,033,952
10,149,427
-
26,346,143
Surplus / (deficit) after income tax expense for the year
Transfer to reserves (refer to Note 13) Balance at 30 June 2021
Parent Entity
Balance at 30 June 2019 Adjustment due to adoption of new accounting standards Restated balance at 1 July 2019 Surplus after income tax expense for the year Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the year
Retained surpluses ($)
Operating Reserve ($)
Capital Reserve ($)
Other Reserves ($)
Total Equity ($)
14,621,486
-
-
3,100,778
17,722,264
170,431
-
-
-
170,431
14,791,917
-
-
3,100,778
17,892,695
119,047
-
-
119,047
-
-
89,170
-
89,170
119,047
-
89,170
-
208,217
Transfer to reserves (refer to Note 13)
(8,917,213)
2,017,991
10,000,000
(3,100,778)
-
Balance at 30 June 2020
5,993,751
2,017,991
10,089,170
-
18,100,912
Surplus after income tax expense for the year
1,228,276
-
-
-
1,228,276
-
-
60,257
-
60,257
1,228,276
-
60,257
-
1,288,533
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the year Transfer to reserves (refer to Note 13) Balance at 30 June 2021
(15,961)
15,961
-
-
-
7,206,066
2,033,952
10,149,427
-
19,389,445
The above statements of changes in equity are to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.
72
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW For the year ended 30 June 2021 Note Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated Entity 2021 ($)
2020 ($)
Parent Entity 2021 ($)
2020 ($)
Receipts from sponsors, donors and customers (inclusive of GST)
72,446,337
70,454,416
41,437,257
39,909,369
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)
(64,164,323)
(73,307,371)
(34,540,035)
(40,945,264)
Interest received
60,517
300,029
24,311
141,957
Interest paid on leases
(325,254)
(14,400)
(111)
(563)
Net cash from / (used in) operating activities
8,017,277
(2,567,326)
6,921,422
(894,501)
(369,897)
(197,088)
-
(78,599)
-
8,409
-
-
Cash flows from investing activities Payments for property, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Investment in managed funds Net cash from / (used in) investing activities
-
(10,000,000)
-
(10,000,000)
(369,897)
(10,188,679)
-
(10,078,599)
(2,455,497)
(320,567)
(34,127)
(33,410)
Cash flows from financing activities Repayments of principal on lease liabilities Net cash from / (used in) financing activities
9
(2,455,497)
(320,567)
(34,127)
(33,410)
5,191,833
(13,076,572)
6,887,295
(11,006,510)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year
17,569,449
30,646,021
7,805,619
18,812,129
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year
22,761,332
17,569,449
14,692,914
7,805,619
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
The above statements of changes in equity are to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.
Section 04: Financial Report
73
N OT E S TO A N D F O R M I N G PA R T O F T H E S U M M A RY F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S For the year ended 30 June 2021 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Summary Financial Statements have been prepared from the audited financial report for Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and the entities that it controlled during and at the end of the year ended 30 June 2021. The audited financial report for the year ended 30 June 2021 is available to Surf Life Saving Australia Limited’s voting members on request from Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and its subsidiaries. The financial statements are presented in Australian Dollars which is Surf Life Saving Australia Limited’s functional and presentation currency. The financial statements, specific disclosures and other information included in the summary financial statements are derived from and are consistent with the full financial statements of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and its subsidiaries. The summary financial statements cannot be expected to provide as detailed an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and its subsidiaries as the full financial report. The Summary Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012. The accounting policies adopted have been consistently applied to all financial periods unless otherwise stated.
Consolidated Entity 2. REVENUE Government grants
Parent Entity
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
9,930,981
11,946,009
8,830,981
10,846,009
Sponsorship
13,170,134
11,469,254
12,775,134
10,799,004
Fundraising and donations
13,096,452
12,604,591
10,546,430
9,213,898
Commercial revenue
23,993,486
20,674,173
2,658,102
2,347,603
1,896,546
2,063,756
Interest
60,517
287,120
24,311
141,957
Sale of goods
999,481
1,001,378
1,010,654
1,011,661
Hire of helicopter
19,400
212,779
Other revenue
-
-
-
-
Royalty and trademark revenue
192,518
90,130
192,518
90,130
Competition entry fees
560,332
200,621
552,190
184,808
Distribution from subsidiary
-
-
-
4,600,000
64,681,403
60,833,658
35,828,764
38,951,223
Lifesaving development and education
18,633,369
20,009,138
20,207,347
21,537,272
Competitions costs
4,543,951
3,609,711
4,196,676
2,975,575
Administration of lifesaving and competitions
3,201,476
3,085,851
3,201,476
3,085,851
840,637
786,474
849,720
788,511
6,145,269
5,844,967
3. EXPENSES
Cost of sales Fundraising distribution to states
6,940,284
6,385,740
Philanthropic expense
3,673,647
4,306,239
-
-
Expenses relating to commercial activities
21,420,545
16,424,537
-
-
Administration of Foundation activities
1,807,698
2,662,054
-
-
Helicopter administration and finance
264,647
379,148
-
-
Helicopter operations
3,358,164
2,896,718
-
-
Helicopter fundraising
199,572
309,123
-
-
Donation to Foundation Perpetuity Trust
-
4,600,000
-
4,600,000
64,883,990
65,184,733
34,600,488
38,832,176
74
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
N OT E S TO A N D F O R M I N G PA R T O F T H E S U M M A RY F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S For the year ended 30 June 2021
Consolidated Entity 4. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Parent Entity
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
732,982
133,261
703,902
119,178
Current Trade receivables Other receivables
723,853
496,919
1,991,115
1,701,032
1,456,835
630,180
2,695,017
1,820,210
214,004
196,240
-
-
214,004
196,240
-
-
156,386
354,880
8,576
114,541
6,180,831
4,546,331
-
-
Non-current Security deposit
5. OTHER ASSETS Prepayments Fundraising Prize bank Investment in managed fund
10,149,427
10,089,170
10,149,427
10,089,170
16,486,644
14,990,381
10,158,003
10,203,711
-
-
3,300,782
3,300,782
-
-
3,300,782
3,300,782
Trade payables
3,079,088
1,637,533
1,833,837
707,117
Other payables
3,564,585
2,311,475
2,786,630
1,855,621
Income in advance
7,737,417
3,557,761
6,311,014
2,189,376
6. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS Unlisted investments in subsidiaries at cost (Note 12)
7. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Current
Public liability claims pool (see below)
597,822
722,593
597,822
722,593
14,978,912
8,229,362
11,529,303
5,474,707
Non-current Public liability claims pool (see below)
1,377,892
1,237,524
1,377,892
1,237,524
1,377,892
1,237,524
1,377,892
1,237,524
The public liability claims pool is administered by the parent entity on behalf of the parent entity and all its State Centres to manage part of the public liability risk for all of Surf Life Saving Australia’s entities covered by the parent entity’s public liability insurance. Current estimates by insurance broker (Marsh Advantage) calculated a potential liability of $597,822 related to reported claims that are currently outstanding (2020: $722,593). This amount makes up the current liability portion shown above.
Section 04: Financial Report
75
N OT E S TO A N D F O R M I N G PA R T O F T H E S U M M A RY F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S For the year ended 30 June 2021
Consolidated Entity 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Parent Entity
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
662,014
591,689
428,857
415,576
Employee benefits
104,764
119,288
41,561
39,791
Aggregate employee benefits
766,778
710,977
470,418
455,367
Current
2,798,645
349,838
8,377
33,959
Non-current
8,102,086
908,120
-
8,545
10,900,731
1,257,958
8,377
42,504
Current Employee benefits Non-current
9. LEASES
Aggregate lease liabilities
The consolidated entity recognises leases for the use of assets under AASB 16 Leases. These are recognised as right of use assets and associated liabilities split between current and non-current liability. Expenses incurred include the following amount specific to the leases:
Interest expense Depreciation Low value and short-term leases Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liabilities Total cash outflow for leases
325,254
14,400
111
563
2,576,230
350,628
33,733
33,740
17,641
61,082
-
-
323,358
-
-
-
2,798,392
396,049
34,238
33,973
10. CONTINGENCIES Public Liability Claims Pool The parent entity manages a public liability claims pool on behalf of the parent entity and all Surf Life Saving Australia’s State Centres. A review has indicated that the funds held in the pool will be sufficient to cover the cost of all expected claims.
11. MEMBERS’ EQUITY ISSUED CAPITAL The parent entity is a company limited by guarantee and as such does not have any issued capital. If the company is wound up, the Constitution states that each member is required to contribute a maximum of $10 each towards meeting any outstanding obligations of the company. As at 30 June 2021 the number of members was 181,572 (2020: 181,603).
76
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
N OT E S TO A N D F O R M I N G PA R T O F T H E S U M M A RY F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S For the year ended 30 June 2021 Country of Incorporation 12. DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARIES Southern Region SLSA Helicopter Rescue Service Pty Ltd
(1)
SLSA Helicopters Pty Ltd Surf Sports Australia Pty Ltd The Surf Life Saving Foundation Limited
(1)(2)
Percent of shares held 2021 (%)
2020 (%)
Australia
100
100
Australia
100
100
Australia
100
100
Australia
-
-
(1) Compliance with the financial disclosure requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW) has been disclosed in the financial statements of these entities. (2) The Surf Life Saving Foundation is a company limited by guarantee with Surf Life Saving Australia Limited as the sole voting member.
Consolidated Entity 13. RESERVES
Parent Entity
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
2021 ($)
2020 ($)
Operating Reserve
2,033,952
2,017,991
2,033,952
2,017,991
Capital Reserve
10,149,427
10,089,170
10,149,427
10,089,170
12,183,379
12,107,161
12,183,379
12,107,161
The purpose of the SLSA Financial Reserves Policy is to contribute to the long-term financial stability of the organisation. Reserves should provide balance sheet stability, enable SLSA to continue to achieve its strategic objectives in cases of temporary shortage of operating funds, and provide additional returns for capital investment outside of its normal operating budget. The Operating Reserve is intended to provide an internal source of funds for situations such as a short-term cash shortage caused by a delay in receipt of government funding or major sponsorship instalment. Operating Reserves are not intended to replace a permanent loss of funds or eliminate an ongoing budget gap. If Operating Reserves are used it is the intention that they be replenished within a reasonably short period of time. The Capital Reserve is intended to provide low risk returns that SLSA can access to fund additional capital expenditure or new initiatives that require funding from outside SLSA’s regular operating budget. Secondary to this, principal funds can be called upon for larger capital requirements or to allow the organisation to continue operating through a loss of significant funding or restrictive economic environment.
Section 04: Financial Report
77
N OT E S TO A N D F O R M I N G PA R T O F T H E S U M M A RY F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S For the year ended 30 June 2021 14. FOUNDATION PERPETUITY TRUST
The parent entity is a beneficiary of the Foundation Perpetuity Trust. Funds held on behalf of the parent as at 30 June 2021 were $11,631,746 (2020: $10,218,010). Funds held in the Trust can only be withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Trustee, provided such withdrawal meets the criteria as noted in the Trust Deed. The Surf Life Saving Foundation (SLSF) acts as trustee for the Foundation Perpetuity Trust. The parent entity (SLSA) is the sole voting member of the Foundation and has assessed control of the Foundation Perpetuity Trust under AASB 10. The parent entity has determined that it does not control the Foundation Perpetuity Trust and has therefore not consolidated the Trust’s financial statements into its own. This determination has been made upon consideration of the following facts: • The trustee does not have access to the variable returns of the trust; the economic benefit of the trust does not lie with the trustee. • SLSA cannot direct the trustee in the performance of the trust, either as a beneficiary or as the voting member of SLSF. • The control and governance of the trustee vests in the Board of SLSF not in any way in SLSA. SLSA can only remove the trustee where it has acted improperly. • If the Trust were to be wound up, the assets would be distributed equally amongst all SLS entities (clubs, branches, states etc). If the alternative determination had been made and the Trust’s financial statements had been included in the SLSA Consolidated Group from the beginning of the financial year, the total comprehensive loss after non-controlling interests for the year would have been $1,320,703 and equity attributable to members of the SLSA Consolidated Group would have been $37,977,889. 15. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
No matter or circumstance has arisen since the end of the financial year that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the consolidated entity’s operations, the results of those operations, or the consolidated entity’s state of affairs in future financial years. 16. COMPANY DETAILS
The registered office and principal place of business of the consolidated entity is 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach NSW 2026. DIRECTORS' DECLARATION
In accordance with a resolution of the directors of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited, the directors of the company declare that the summary financial statements of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and its subsidiaries for the financial year ended 30 June 2021, as set out on pages 68 – 77: a. Complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports; and b. I s an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 30 June 2021 and has been derived from and is consistent with the full financial report of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited and its subsidiaries. On behalf of the Directors by
John Baker ESM Director Sydney, 1 October 2021
Melanie Evans Director Sydney, 1 October 2021
78
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
Tel: +61 2 9251 4100 Fax: +61 2 9240 9821 www.bdo.com.au
Level 11, 1 Margaret St Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the members of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited
Report on the Concise Financial Report Opinion We have audited the concise financial report of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprises the statements of financial position as at 30 June 2021, the statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the statements of changes in equity and the statements of cash flows for the year then ended, and related notes, derived from the financial report of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited for the year ended 30 June 2021 and the discussion and analysis. In our opinion, the accompanying concise financial report including the discussion and analysis of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities section of our report. We are independent of the Company and the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the concise financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concise financial report The concise financial report does not contain all the disclosures required by the Australian Accounting Standards in the preparation of the financial report. Reading the concise financial report and the auditor’s report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report and the auditor’s report thereon. The concise financial report and the audited financial report do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on the audited financial report. The financial report and our report thereon We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the financial report for the year ended 30 June 2021.
BDO Audit Pty Ltd ABN 33 134 022 870 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent
Section 04: Financial Report
Tel: +61 2 9251 4100 Fax: +61 2 9240 9821 www.bdo.com.au
Level 11, 1 Margaret St Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the members of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited
Report on the Concise Financial Report Opinion We have audited the concise financial report of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprises the statements of financial position as at 30 June 2021, the statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the statements of changes in equity and the statements of cash flows for the year then ended, and related notes, derived from the Responsibility of the Director’s for the concise financial report financial report of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited for the year ended 30 June 2021 and the discussion The analysis. directors are responsible for the preparation of the concise financial report in accordance with and Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, and the Corporations Act 2001, and for such In our opinion, the accompanying concise financial report including the discussion and analysis of Surf internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the concise Life Saving Australia Limited complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports. financial report. Basis for opinion Auditor’s responsibility for the audit of the concise financial report We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the concise financial report complies in all those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities section of our report. We are material respects, with AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports based on our procedures, which were independent of the Company and the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Statements. Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the concise financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. BDO Audit Pty Ltd We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concise financial report The concise financial report does not contain all the disclosures required by the Australian Accounting Standards in the preparation of the financial report. Reading the concise financial report and the auditor’s report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report and the Martin Coyle auditor’s report thereon. The concise financial report and the audited financial report do not reflect Director the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on the audited financial report. The financial report and our report thereon Sydney, 1 October 2021 We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the financial report for the year ended 30 June 2021.
BDO Audit Pty Ltd ABN 33 134 022 870 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
79
SECTION 05
Awards & Honours
82
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
AWARDS & HONOURS
SLSA Hall of Fame
SLSA Hall of Fame Surf Lifesaving
Administration
Sport
Sport
Major John Bond
Gregory Arthur Allum OAM
John Bliss
Harold John Brown OAM
Cornelius Kennedy Asmussen MBE
Michael Burke BEM
Sir Adrian Curlewis CVO CBE
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Open Boat crew
Melissa Cracroft-Wilson (nee Howard)
Professor Tess Cramond OBE AO
Roy Doyle
Bondi R&R team
Elizabeth Pluimers
Currumbin Patrol Competition team
Theo Haywood
Bundaberg March Past team
Clint Robinson OAM
Cliff Marsh OAM
Graham Carlisle OAM
Kristy Munroe
Jack Dearlove MBE
Donald D McIntyre
Jon Donohoe AM
Ken Murray
Bob Gear AM
John West (Jack) McMaster AM DFC
Harold C Evans
Bob Newbiggin
Alan Kennedy MBE
Tom Meagher OBE
Karla Gilbert
Harry Nightingale
Dr Ian Mackie AM
Lyster Ormsby
Kristy Harris
Clint Robinson OAM
Graham McKenzie OAM
Charles Davidson Paterson
Trevor Hendy AM
Barry Rodgers
Hector McDonald OAM
Ronald E Rankin AM
Dennis Heussner
Noel P Ryan
Warren Allen Rennie AM
Paul Smith OAM
John Robert Holt
Peter Douglas Tibbitts
Earle Smith AM
Barry Bede (Gus) Staunton MBE
Ky Hurst
Ken Vidler
Ainslie W ‘Sprint’ Walker OBE
Ron Tallon OAM
Brian Hutchings
Wanda Six Man R&R team
Peter George AM
FO (Frank) Venning MBE
Grant Kenny OAM
Stephen Warren
Ken WC Watson MBE
Bruce Kolkka
Graham Ross White OAM
Alan Brian Whelpton AO
Peter Lacey
Steve Wilkes
Dan White OAM
Killcare Open Mens Beach Relay Team
Shannon Eckstein
Maroubra SLSC Double Ski Team
Naomi Flood
Northcliffe Open Patrol Competition Team
North Cottesloe Open Surf Boat— Crew
Mona Vale Black Open AW Surf Boat Crew
Lenore Grice
Mark Fife OAM
Jack Winders OBE SW (Bill) Winders MBE Ian (Rick) Wright OAM Robert Brydon AM Graham Ford AM
Kate Czerny Andrew Kelckhoven Geoff Waters
Simon Harris
Michael Jones
Lachlan Tame Alison O’Toole South Port Open March Past Team Andrew Bowden Don Morrison OAM Robert (Rob) Mayo AM Elly Miller Darren Mercer OAM
Section 05: Awards & Honours
83
AWARDS & HONOURS
National Awards of Excellence P R E S E N T E D O C TO B E R 2 018
Community Education Program of the Year Multicultural Surf & Beach Safety Program Fremantle SLSC Developed to help familiarise immigrants with the beach, its inherent dangers and who they can ask for help, Fremantle SLSC has conducted beach safety sessions for newly arrived migrants since 2014. Many immigrants with limited English came from countries with no familiarity of a beach environment. The program has developed over the past five years changing the lives of the participants and providing water awareness and confidence. An unexpected impact has been on younger Fremantle members, keen to demonstrate their lifesaving skills, they enthusiastically became the ‘leaders’ of the water program. They have also learned of the hardships and journeys of the students, whilst embracing different cultures.
Innovation of the Year Australian Defence Force (ADF) Pilot Bronze Medallion Course North Bondi SLSC Former North Bondi President Mark Cotter became aware of the issues ADF members faced transitioning from service to civilian life. Seeking advice from Veteran Sports Australia and commissioned Officers at Victoria Barracks, the ADF Pilot Bronze Course was conceived. Trainers, Assessors and Facilitators from North Bondi and Bronte collaborated to focus on identifying participants’ existing skill sets and emergency response techniques. The course was fast tracked as a result and participants quickly became rescue ready for the beach environment. The impact of the program has been extremely positive for each of the candidates, creating a sense of camaraderie and new networks outside of the ADF. It is envisaged this initiative will help suicide prevention within the veteran community by providing the missing link some ADF members face when leaving the service.
Surf Sports Athlete of the Year Lana Rogers Noosa Heads SLSC Lana had a phenomenal 2019/20 season placing first in the Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series after winning four of the five series rounds. To kick off her season she took out first place in the Coolangatta Gold and claimed her maiden title. Coached by former Ironman Champion Darren Mercer and Sharlene Kelly, Lana is an extremely focused, determined athlete and role model, assisting with nipper sessions, sponsorship breakfasts and is always encouraging young athletes at the club. Lana continues to show support to her peers and the broader Lifesaving community.
84
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
Surf Sports Youth Athlete of the Year Connor Peabody Kurrawa SLSC
Surf Sports Coach of the Year Andrew Ridley Sorrento SLSC
Surf Sports Official of the Year Tamara Brawn Point Leo SLSC
Connor experienced great results during the 2019/20 season, clocking the fastest time for the Coolangatta Gold Short Course in the U19 & Opens categories. He placed first at the QLD 2k swim endurance event and won two gold medals at the SLSA Pool Rescue Championships. Connor is a valued member of Kurrawa assisting with Nipper training, school holiday camps and delivering Surf Safety Talks.
Andrew is three-time SLSWA Coach of the Year Winner, an Age Manager and accredited Pool Rescue and Swim/Surf Coach for Sorrento SLSC. Developing high performance athletes at State, National and International level with a high retention and level of performance, Andrew prides himself on representing the club and Surf Life Saving, developing strong relationships with athletes and presenting a positive image as coach and mentor for new and upcoming coaches.
Tamara is a fair, positive, dedicated and highly skilled role model for officiating in surf life saving. The first and only female Referee to lead a national surf boat carnival, the ASRL Open held at Mollymook, and was Referee for the National Surf Boat Team selection event. Tamara is a representative on the SLSA Surf Boat Panel and Lifesaving Victoria Aquatic Sports Executive. Tamara embodies the values and dedication of modern surf life saving.
Assessor of the Year Graham Sharpe Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC
Youth Surf Life Saver of the Year Campbell Shaw North Cottesloe SLSC
DHL Lifeguard of the Year Corey Jones Sunshine Coast, QLD
Graham’s excellence in assessing is demonstrated by consistently acting as an Assessor in Charge at assessments across the entire SLS suite of courses including: bronze, silver and gold medallion, emergency care and powercraft. Graham recognises leadership involves development of people and continues to mentor trainers, assessors and facilitators at Swanbourne Nedlands and others along the WA coastline. Continued service since the 2003/04 season, Graham has an impressive 138 surf lifesaving awards many of which relate to education, training and assessment.
Campbell is an experienced surf lifesaver, trainer and patrol captain who made his mark as an emerging leader within North Cottesloe SLSC during the 2019/20 season. As well as achieving his Bronze Medallion, Campbell successfully initiated a new community service program this year, introducing year 10 students to surf lifesaving, generating interest and increasing North Cottesloe’s community involvement and presence. Campbell works tirelessly in the background to improve lifesaving and education at the club and is a strong role model.
Since starting his career as a Lifeguard in 2003, Corey has developed into not only a great Lifeguard, but also a great leader and team player. The former Ironman champion has created a positive and healthy environment for all who work in his area, and he does this by leading by example. On quite days he ensures all lifeguards are rescue ready by initiating scenarios as training exercises. Corey is also a valued member of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and is always first to put his hand up to help around the hanger.
Section 05: Awards & Honours
85
DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year Neil John Sarina SLSC, QLD
Trainer of the Year Bernadette Flint Mullaloo SLSC
DHL Club of the Year Penguin SLSC TAS
President and Club Captain of Sarina Surf Life Saving Club in North Queensland, Neil John has worked tirelessly to improve the club’s lifesaving presence on the beach and increase member engagement, with junior membership increasing by 30%. A qualified Queensland Paramedic and returned veteran, Neil has taken his leadership skills from his professional career to ensure Sarina continues to bring through the next generation of surf lifesavers for the region. Working with the Queensland Government and local councils, he was also instrumental in spearheading the support services the Club provided during Cyclone Debbie recovery.
Bernadette’s commitment to Mullaloo and neighbouring club, Yanchep is shown through her training and skills development of others. Implementing a Youth Trainers program, mentoring fellow members allowing them to follow a training pathway and offering the wider community first aid and CPR are just a few of the many initiatives Bernadette has been involved with. Travelling to Bali with the Mullaloo Education team for the past five years, she has gained her International Trainers and Assessors Certificates with ILS. Since taking on the role as the club’s Education Manager at the end of 2019, Bernadette has demonstrated her ability, with Club members requalifying in over 600 awards, and attaining 331 new awards.
Penguin SLSC’s continued commitment to delivering on their five-year strategic plan has seen them not only exceed their life saving requirements but also their engagement with the broader local community. This has been possible through increased member numbers which allows for roving patrols, facilitating and strengthening their connection with the local school, sending quadruple the number of Nippers to States and tripled their number of advanced award holders, all with only 174 members. Adding to this, the Club has provided clear pathways for all members to become better life savers and at the same time working with fellow clubs in the area to deliver valuable community education activities.
DHL Volunteer of the Year Belinda Doman Coolangatta SLSC, QLD Belinda holds 13 volunteer positions and leadership roles within her club including patrol captain, chief training officer, awards committee and lifesaving membership committee. In addition, she holds a further 5 positions at a Branch level and sits on 2 Surf Life Saving Queensland committees. Training is Belinda’s passion, and she spends countless hours developing an extensive training calendar to give members opportunities to gain new awards. Belinda is a natural leader who continuously gives to her club. She leads from the front and believes actions speak louder than words.
86
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
AWARDS & HONOURS
SLSA National Rescue Medal
Point Lookout SLSC Matthew Whelan & Michael Dawes It was mid-August and surf lifesavers Matthew Whelan & Michael Dawes were called to South Gorge with a report that two patients were in trouble, they instantly ran and launched the IRB upon the receiving the call to head out. Upon arriving at South Gorge the surf lifesavers located the two patients who were dangerously close to the rock wall which was being pummelled by large waves. The IRB was unable to hold the position for long, being so close to the rocks, however these lifesavers, also being members of an experienced IRB racing team, knew what they had to do. Matthew dove from the IRB and swam, without gear, to the two patients to bring them away from the dangerous rocks and kept them above water as they began to tire quickly. One patient was successfully transferred to the IRB and delivered back to Main Beach, shortly after the IRB returned and picked up the second patient. The quick response from the Matthew and Michael were instrumental to the rescue and survival of the members of the public. Had it not been for the fast response, readiness of the assets and the skill in navigating the IRB, the likely outcome would have been loss of life.
The Lakes SLSC Johnny Walker, David Solman, Ben McCulkin, Brayden Hawkins, Cooper Sweeney, Daniel Lahey On 27th November at 6:30pm, a large group of young swimmers at Soldiers Beach became caught in a rip and had been pulled into deep water. The group of children began to struggle and started shouting for help. The rip was pulling the group closer to the sharp rocks along the northern headland at Soldiers Beach. Ben McCulkin saw the commotion from the top car park and ran down to render assistance. Ben had no flotation device but managed to retrieve 3 swimmers and returned them to safety before making his way back out to the group, where he retrieved another 4. Brayden Hawkins, and Johnny Walker also identified the incident quickly and made their way to where 7 members of the group had been washed onto the rocks. They rendered assistance and returned the children to the safety of the beach. Dave Solman and members of the public used a racing board and immediately paddled out to 4 swimmers still in distress. Daniel Lahey and Cooper Sweeney (currently undertaking their Bronze Medallion) assisted with guiding the children to shore. Dave & Ben returned to the water to retrieve the remaining 2 swimmers that had now been pulled 150 meters from the beach. Dave and Ben quickly realised that they would not be able to safely return the pair to the shore, so they made the decision to return via a safe, flat area of the rocks at the front of the headland. Brayden was on the rocks and guided Dave & Ben to safety using signals. Once all 18 swimmers had been rescued the team then assessed the swimmers, and provided first aid for the many cuts, bruises and abrasions from the sharp, slippery rocks. If the team from The Lakes had not acted so swiftly and professionally this mass rescue would have ended in tragedy. This rescue highlights skills and courage required under duress and the value of teamwork.
Section 05: Awards & Honours
Wanda SLSC, SLSS RWC (Support Ski 2), Elouera SLSC, Sutherland Shire Lifeguards, SLSS (Sutherland 20) Lachlan Crawford, Cameron Pyett, Jon Hayman, Michael Byrne, Kane Hughes, Elouera Patrol Members At approximately 15:43 on 27 December 2020, Lachlan Crawford, supported by members of the public, rescued a 22 year old female and Male in his 40’s at Track 15 on Wanda Beach. Lachlan saw the woman and man in distress. Lachlan managed to quickly get to the woman, who was in a semi-conscious state, pulling her from the water. Once she was on land, Lachlan had members of the public assist by watching her, so he could quickly return to the water to rescue the struggling male patient. Support Ski 2, Kane Hughes, arrived via jet ski, and assisted Lachlan with the female patient, who was now above the high tide line and the prepared the Lifeguards oxygen equipment. The female patient was placed in the recovery position, with oxygen being administered and her airway cleared of significant amounts of fluid and subsequent vomiting. The Elouera roving Patrol members also arrived on scene and were able to assist the male and the two members of the public who assisted Lachlan when he rescued the patients. The team were further assisted by Sutherland Shire Lifeguards John Hayman and Cameron Pyett (Supervisor), who assisted on scene also. The female patient was transported to St George Hospital in a critical condition with the male patient promptly following as his condition later deteriorated. If Lachlan had not help hold the two patients above water and helped dragged them in where more assistance was provided, the two patients likely would have drowned. This was a fitting example of a multi-club, multi-agency co-ordinated response by our Lifesavers and Lifeguards.
87
Austinmer SLSC Adam Turner On 18 January 2021, Adam Turner was at Austinmer Beach enjoying an after work body surf, when he saw 7 young adults in the water at approximately 7pm. The group, from South Western Sydney, had been out the back standing on a sandbank when a large set of waves came through and washed them off, and into a fast moving rip at the north end of the beach. The seven patients all began to be dragged further out to sea and along the rock shelf. Adam sprung into action and entered the surf with swim fins. He reached the group who were all very frantic and panicking, dragging each other under, trying to keep themselves above water. The group had 2 body boards with them but had lost hold of one of them, Adam managed to get 4 of the group holding onto a body board and pushed them towards a wave, this washed them onto the rocks, where they were able to climb to safety. With the other 3 still in the water, Adam managed to recover the other body board, spotted close by, and had the remaining patients hold onto it. An unknown surfer appeared who was able to help out. The surfer took one of the victims to shore and Adam assisted the remaining 2 on the body board. When they arrived on shore the Austinmer call out team had arrived and were waiting with ambulance crews and police. One of the patients inhaled sea water and was treated on the beach and taken by ambulance for assessment, fortunately the patient did not require hospital attendance. Adam was a true lifesaver who saw a dangerous situation where seven people were in a dangerous life threatening position, as they went out to sea, and he did what he was trained to do. Had it not been for his swift response as a surf lifesaver, multiple lives could have been lost.
88
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
SLSWA Support Operations Group - Abalone Patrol & Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club
West Beach SLSC Marcus Morgan and Rhys Highett
It was early morning on Saturday 9 January 2021, and the Abalone Patrol commenced patrol of the Metro Sector (Marmion to Bennion), where conditions where sea conditions were rough and marked by unusually strong currents. Mettams Pool in North Beach, is a popular stretch of coast among the Abalone fishers who are only permitted to fish between 7:00am and 8:00am on five designated summer Saturdays; and on this day there was high visitation within the Mettams Pool area. Not long after starting the patrol the Abalone Patrol was alerted to a man who was unconscious at Mettams Pool. Both crews from RWC49 and Green2 rushed to the call and located the man, first aid and CPR commenced while an ambulance was called. While this was occurring the Patrol were notified of an elderly man eight kilometres away, north of Hillary's Marina, who was also in distress. Upon arriving the lifesavers found the unconscious man on a vessel after family had pulled him from the water, he was suffering a medial emergency and while being rushed to shore for the waiting ambulance, lifesavers commenced CPR. Tragically, despite all efforts by the lifesavers, the two patients could not be revived. The Abalone Patrol, unable to decompress, performed an additional 23 rescues during this one hour patrol between 7:00am and 8:00am. This equates to 75% of all rescues performed by the Abalone Patrol within WA. The large majority of the rescues were performed at Mettams Pool, with it unfortunately clear that fishers did not heed the warnings that day about conditions. The hour long patrol showcased the strong teamwork across multiple disciplines in surf lifesaving and involved 6 Coordinators, 41 Lifesavers, 4 RWCs and 4 IRBs, support provided by the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and by a VMR vessel. It is highly likely that additional fatalities could have occurred had lifesavers not been on patrol or not had the courage, skillset and resources to intervene; entering a very dynamic environment to perform back to back rescues.
It was a 41°C summers day on Sunday, 24 January at the remote Goolwa Beach in South Australia when a 13-year-old boy got into trouble while swimming in the water. Goolwa is very remote and is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles and has a large surf zone with strong and constantly present rips. The young boy was swiftly swept out in the ocean by a rip, with the boy’s family on the beach and unable to help as they were also poor swimmers. The family screamed and alerted bystanders to what was happening as well as flagging down some passing 4WD’s. One of the cars that was flagged down contained two 15-yearold surf lifesavers Marcus Morgan and Rhys Highett, both SRC members of West Beach SLSC. Marcus and Rhys quickly assessed the situation and ran into the water, yelling to notify the bystanders that they were surf lifesavers and that no one else should swim out. When Marcus and Rhys entered the water, the young boy wasn’t visible from shore. Both surf lifesavers swam out in the rip and break to reach the boy who they found floating on his back, with his face just above the water. Marcus and Rhys estimated that they were 500 metres from shore and began the long swim back towing the boy to shore unassisted by any rescue equipment. Once they reached the shore, they assessed the boy who was breathing, semi-conscious and responsive, they stayed with him until further assistance arrived at the scene. Marcus and Rhys swam close to one kilometre to save a boy not much younger than themselves, without any rescue equipment. Their quick response also prevented the further drowning deaths or mass rescue of the inexperienced bystanders who they discouraged from going out into the water.
Section 05: Awards & Honours
Tallebudgera SLSC and Pacific SLSC Kyal Thornton, Jared Adamson, Tom Scott, Warren Crane, Joel Crane (Tallebudgera SLSC), & Scott Burgess (Waverunner 3) & Brent Imrie and Ken Lloyd (Duty Officers) & Michelle Slattery and Regan Hickey (Pacific SLSC) It was Australia Day when there were multiple people swimming and caught in a rip at Tallebudgera Beach, 100 metres south of the rock wall. Warren Crane immediately radioed for the roving Tallebudgera IRB with the support operations rescue watercraft ‘Waverunner 3’ also nearby and able to respond. The Tallebudgera SLSC IRB driven by Jared Adamson and crewed by Tom Scott, arrived first on the scene with Scott Burgess on ‘Waverunner 3’ arriving shortly after to seven people struggling in the rip. The IRB transported four patients while the RWC transported three patients on the sled back to shore. Back on the beach, Surfcom was radioed to call an ambulance as one patient had ingested a lot of water and was losing consciousness. Duty officers arrived on the scene to assist with the incident, while first aid, oxygen and defibrillators were fetched from the patrol set up as neighbouring Pacific SLSC patrol members Michelle Slattery and Regan Hickey arrived on scene in their ATV to assist with the patients. Scott, Michelle and duty officer Ken Lloyd administered oxygen therapy to assist the patient while waiting for the paramedics to arrive on scene. Before the Queensland Ambulance Service arrived, the patient had stopped breathing and CPR was started by Ken, with the defibrillator applied but no shocked advised. QAS arrived and continued to work with Ken on the patient while all other members of the Tallebudgera and Pacific SLSC continued to manage the scene and identified another patient in need of assistance. There is little doubt that the patient would have survived without the quick thinking and support provided by the group or the collaboration and coordination between the two neighbouring surf lifesaving clubs, the RWC and the duty officers.
89
Shelly Beach SLSC, members Toowoon Bay SLSC, Central Coast Council Lifeguards Maoiu La Gavia, Angel La Gavia, Jazzmyn Fillingham, Huxely Luntungan, Riley Wait, Aston Walters, Jeremie Camgrand, Keaton Watts, Christain Wait, Chris Fillingham, Julie-Ann Fillingham, Rob Coote, Saxon Lumsden, Wade Clemens At approximately 5.45pm on 22 February 2021 at Toowoon Bay Beach, a local kite boarder spotted a group of swimmers in a large rip over 400m out to sea. Two young members of Shelly Beach SLSC who were in the water were notified. Maoiu and Angel La Gavia immediately headed out to the 3 swimmers to assist, a paddle of over 500m in very large surf and rips. Maoiu assessed that the swimmers needed more assistance and sent Angel for more help. Maoiu stayed with the swimmers and reassured them until help arrived. Julie-Ann and Chris Fillingham instructed members of the Shelly Beach Senior Training Group to head out and help. Jazzmyn Fillingham, Huxely Luntungan, Riley Wait, Aston Walters and Jeremie Camgrand without hesitation commenced paddling out through large surf to the distressed swimmers. The lifesavers were informed that the original group of 4 had been separated and one patient was still missing. A call to 000 to engage further rescue services was made. Chris and Julie-Ann then procured more rescue resources and were assisted by two off Duty Lifeguards. The missing swimmer was located 400m away, the ski was launched and went to the aid of the single swimmer. The Shelly Beach lifesavers meanwhile paddled all 3 patients back through large surf and rips to the get them back to the safety of the beach where Ambulance were waiting. All swimmers were successfully brought back to the beach. If it wasn't for the training and quick actions of these lifesavers this could have been a very tragic incident.
90
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
Section 05: Awards & Honours
AWARDS & HONOURS
Meritorious Awards Meritorious Awards are awarded to affiliated clubs and/or their members and/or members of the public for outstanding deeds of bravery performed in the sphere of surf lifesaving operations. This includes lifesaving, both in and outside designated patrol hours. In 2019/20, Certificates of Merit were awarded to the following:
I N D I V I D UA L C ER T I FI C AT E O F M ER I T – S I LV ER I N S ER T Phillip Younis - Port Campbell SLSC Andrew Powell - Port Campbell SLSC Ross Powell - Port Campbell SLSC
I N D I V I D UA L C ER T I FI C AT E O F M ER I T – B RO NZE I N S ER T Ben Matthews - Port Campbell SLSC Will Prentice - Tallebudgera SLSC
G RO U P C ER T I FI C AT E O F M ER I T - B RO NZE I N S ER T Victoria Police Air Wing Victoria Ambulance Bronte SLSC Offshore Rescue Boat 1974 - Broken Bay, NSW
C ER T I FI C AT E O F M ER I T Clayton Schilg - Tweed Heads and Coolangatta SLSC, QLD Dylan Newbiggin - Sunshine Coast ALS Lifeguards, QLD
91
92
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
AWARDS & HONOURS
SLSA Life Members
R E CO G N I S I N G D I S T I N G U I S H E D S E RV I C E Life Membership of SLSA is awarded to members who have contributed distinguished voluntary service to SLSA for more than 20 years. To be considered as distinguished service, the service must be both sustained, and provide an evident contribution.
Allum AM GKN, GA
Fife, MA
Larkins, K
Smith OAM, AM
Barratt, LA
Fife OAM, MA
Little OAM, RA
Stapleton AM, PR
Bartlett OAM, ME
Fitzgerald OAM, JB
Lyons OAM, GR
Staunton MBE GKN, BB
Beasley OAM, JB
Ford AM KN, GB
Lytham OAM, RJ
Stephens OAM, EB
Bignold OAM, RB
Fraser OAM, JS
Marsh OAM, CW
Storrie, SK
Bird OAM, KC
Gaynor OAM RFD, WE
Martin AM, MJ
Strange OAM, SR
Blackley, DT
George AM KN, PB
Mayo AM, RJ
Thompson AM, HA
Blake OAM, RA
Goode OAM, IA
McGee, EJ
Thompson AM KN, DP
Boardman OAM, TP
Grant OAM, IJ
McGibbon, PJ
Thorburn, AJ
Boulton OAM, DJ
Grice, LM
Meehan OAM, JV
Watson AM, RJ
Brennan OAM, JJ
Haven AM, FA
Miller, G
Welch OAM, R
Brennan OAM, R
Heywood OBE, NJ
Mitchell, RA
Weldon AM GKN, KE
Bruce, G
Hood, NA
Morarty OAM, NW
Whelpton AO GKN, AB
Bruce OAM, BD
Hopton OAM, CJ
Murray, K
White, C
Burling OAM, JE
Howard OAM, RJ
Owen, GB
Whitmore OAM, RT
Butler OAM, RJ
Hoyland OAM, DP
Paton OAM, LS
Wood ESM, RS
Byrnes OAM, MJ
Inwood AM, AJ
Pearce OAM, PM
Wright OAM, IJ
Caldwell, K
Jaggard OAM Prof., EKG
Pears OAM, RE
Wyeth, R
Connell, PJ
Jamieson OAM, AFSM, WB
Priest, KC
Young OAM, IJ
Creek, RW
Joseph, NR
Rankin AM, RE
Wood ESM, RS
Davis OAM, E
Kelk OAM, NT
Reeves OAM, JA
Wright OAM, IJ
Devlin AM QC, RP
Kennedy OAM, KA
Rennie AM GKN, WA
Young OAM, IJ
Donohoe AM, JT
Kenny, PJ
Restuccia OAM, J
Edstein OAM, JT
Kenny, JA
Scott OAM, ID
Farmer AM ESM, NH
Kirkwood, P
Smith OAM, BJ
Farmer OAM, EK
Knight BEM, KC
Smith OAM, RA
Fenner AM, PJ
Laing, CW
Smith OAM, RA
Asmussen MBE, CK
Bowman, BH
Burrell OAM, RA
Claybourn OAM, MC
Avery, EC
Brown OAM, GM
Cahill, J
Cohen, GS
Barlow, J
Brown OAM, HJ
Caldwell, K
Cohen, M
Becher OAM, MHG
Brown OAM, RM
Cameron, JR
Collins, KJ
Bennett, PI
Brydon, RC
Canning, JT
Conlin OAM, D
Bermingham OAM, PJ
Buist, RV
Castleman MBE, AW
Conrick, C
Besomo, VA
Bullpitt MBE, NF
Chesher OAM, RC
Costa, SV
Betts, JJ
Burchill OAM, DS
Clark OAM, HH
Crain MBE, WAT
Bond, KJH
Burke BEM, MJ
Clark ESM, DE
Cramond AO OBE Prof, TRO
DECEASED
Section 05: Awards & Honours
93
Critcher, GT
Jaggard OAM, EFK
Riley MBE, HK
Woodroffe, NS
Cronin, VS
Johnson, GH
Roberts OAM, RG
Worrell OAM, J
Curlewis CVO CBE, Sir Adrian H
Johnson, DL
Rodgers OAM, DG
Worth OAM, WJ
Daley, WJ
Johnson MBE, SJC
Rosewell OAM, JWA
Dann, GL
Jones OAM, JM
Sabien, M
Dargan, FH
Kennedy MBE, AER
Sargeant, RJ
Dart, GW
King OAM, BC
Saunders, RA
Davidson OAM, RJ
Klingner OAM, MJ
Sellars, JPW
Dearlove MBE GKN, JB
Lindsay, GA
Shanahan, RP
Dellit, GS
Loton, AR
Singleton , MC
Dempster, JW
Lucas OBE, DC
Singleton OAM, WJ
Denison, AG
Lyne AM, CR
Slaven, P
Dewey, JC
Mack, C
Sloane, AD
Dillon, JB
Mackie AM. FRACP GKN, IJ
Small, HA
Dixon, NA
Marshall BEM, ER
Smith AM, EJ
Doig OAM, VA
Marshall OAM, WG
Smith OAM GKN, PW
Donaldson, AR
Martin, WE
Somers, JF
Donnell OAM, BF
McCarthy, JG
Spender OBE, JR
Doyle, RD
McDonald OAM, LS
Stanford OAM, KH
Emms, FG
McDonald OAM, HN
Stephens, PR
Englert, CG
McGrath, HF
Stewart, JJ
Field OAM, RC
McGrory OAM, FH
Sutherland, AC
Fielder OAM, CD
McIntyre, DD
Switzer OAM, JR
Figtree, AS
McKenzie OAM, GD
Tallon OAM, RC
Finch AM, The Hon FA
McMaster AM DFC, JW
Taylor, CE
Fitzgerald MBE, AE
McNaughton OAM, G
Taylor OAM, CJ
Flanagan BEM, NJ
McNeilly MBE, M
Taylor OAM, PF
Foerster, WH
McRorie, JS
Threthowan, J
Frizzell OBE OAM, AB
Meagher OBE, TW
Thompson, DH
Gadsdon, Sir LP
Menico OAM, JA
Tier, FB
Gear AM, RJ
Millar, G
Trigg OBE, RJ
Godbee OAM, NM
Millett MBE, RC
Turner, LD
Goetz, AW
Molyneux, D
Vaughan OAM, JK
Goold, WJ
Moran, TF
Walker OBE, AW
Gordon, JL
Moroney, DRB
Waters OAM, M
Grant OAM, GF
Morrison OAM, DP
Watson MBE, KW
Gray, JE
Morrison , KA
Webb, GR
Green BEM, DA
Moseley OAM, A
Webb OAM, MA
Griffiths, JA
Newman, JP
Weimer, HJ
Halliday OAM, WE
Nicklin KCMG, Sir George FR
White OAM, DG
Hanley, GR
Olson, AO
White, PJ
Harding OAM, RJ
O'Reilly BEM, JE
Whitehead, CW
Hatchett, JG
O'Rorke OAM, PJ
Wilcox OAM, ST
Hayton OBE, N
Ovens OAM, EJ
Wilkes, BF
Haywood MBE, FST
Parkyn OAM, AB
Williams, AM
Heath, EA
Paterson, A
Williams, G
Henshaw OAM, NJ
Payne, FT
Williams MBE, VJ
Hodge, JN
Peacock, RJ
Wilson, GJ
Hofmaster, EV
Pittard, HA
Wilson BEM, HB
Holmes, Capt A
Prior BEM, AE
Wilson OAM, NB
Honey, C
Purcell OAM, NR
Winders MBE, SW
Hoskins OAM, KF
Rathborne, H
Winders OBE, JR
Howells OAM, RM
Rector AM, CE
Windmill, HC
Jackson OAM, RA
Richards, CF
Windon, SJ
94
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
AWARDS & HONOURS
Vale - SLSA Life Members
Keith Caldwell
Peter White
Keith was involved in Surf Life Saving for over 45 years, first gaining his Surf Life Saving Certificate in 1975 and then his Bronze Medallion in 1976 at Bulli SLSC, NSW. A stalwart of Bulli SLSC, Keith was the longest continuous serving President of Bulli SLSC from 2005 to 2021 until he passed. He became a life member of Bulli SLSC in 2008 and has played many other roles within the club from club captain to deputy president to sponsorship coordinator, with the club going from strength to strength under Keith’s leadership. Keith played a significant role at both a branch and state level and was awarded Life Membership of Surf Life Saving Illawarra branch in 2014 and Surf Life Saving NSW in 2015. He was also awarded Administrator of the Year (2002) and Volunteer of the Year (2007) for SLS NSW. As a great surf sports athlete Keith has won gold, silver and bronze medals at all levels of competition from Branch to Australian Surf Life Saving titles across many disciplines. He also took a vested interest in developing and managing surf sports athletes and was the SLS NSW Surf Sports team manager from 2006-2009 (four seasons) and sat on many state and branch surf sport committees in his time. At a National level Keith was the team manager of the Australian Team from 2008 to 2014 and toured with many Australian representative teams, on the last two occasion in 2012 and 2014, he was the Manager of the Open Australian Team at the World Lifesaving Championships in Adelaide (2012) and France (2014). Keith also went on to play an integral part of the development of the national high-performance squad and sat as a Chairperson on the SLSA working group and developed a team managers manual. He also most recently was a National Surf Sports Selector for all Australian Surf Life Saving Representative teams and sat on the SLSA Awards of Excellence Panel for the surf sports Open and Youth awards.
Peter had dedicated more than 24 years of service to the movement on a local, branch, state and national level and cowrote the membership protection policy for Surf Life Saving Australia. He also contributed to the national coaching syllabus for Lifesaving Competition events, which included the design and development of multimedia training programs for Champion Lifesaver and Patrol Competition. As a coach for Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club, he won 19 national and 34 state Gold Medals as a Surf Rescue coach. Another highlight was travelling to Japan to introduce surf rescue competition. Between 2010-14 he also developed and implemented training programs for Peer Support officers, volunteers and lifeguards, with 78 attendees becoming qualified in this area. Between 1997-2005 White was the State Youth Development Director and during this time organised and conducted camps. This role and expertise led him to sit on the National Board of Development for five years. Professionally, White worked as a trauma counsellor for the Queensland Police Service and was previously the Director of Mental Health for Wide Bay. Peter believed in the power of peer support and the comfort that could be derived from one member supporting another.
Section 05: Awards & Honours
95
David Clark ESM
Kevin Morrison
John Menico OAM
Dave’s involvement in surf lifesaving began in 1971 when at age 39 he joined Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club and quickly became a valued member, holding a number of key positions, before joining Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club WA in 1982 where his involvement continued. Dave played a significant role in the development of Surf Life Saving’s emergency services operations including the introduction of Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) to WA clubs and was the State IRB Officer from 1975-1991. Dave’s passion for IRBs never wavered, as he remained a keen supporter of IRBs as both a rescue and racing craft up until his passing. Dave was also instrumental in the development and widespread utilisation of radios by SLSWA clubs and members, with more than ten years spent as SLSWA’s Radio & Communications Officer (1991-2003). Described as “a persistent pioneer and a great advocate for crucial innovation”, in 2012 Dave was awarded the Emergency Service Medal for his long-standing dedication to Western Australia’s rescue services. Awarded life member ship of SLS WA (1989) and SLSA, Dave has also been honoured with a World Life Saving Citation of Merit in 1987 and an Australian Sports Medal (2000).
Kevin gained his Bronze Medallion in 1949 and received Life Membership of his club Nambucca Heads SLSC in 1968, the North Coast Branch in 1974, SLSNSW in 1977 and SLSA Life Membership in 1982 (Life Member no. 152). Kevin served many years in various roles at his club and branch, including Club Captain, Treasurer and President. He was North Coast Branch President for 10 years from 1966-76 and served on numerous committees at all levels within Surf Life Saving.
John gained his Bronze Medallion in 1947 dedicating 74 years of service to the Surf Life Saving movement. John is a Life Member of Cairns SLSC, Forrest Beach SLSC and Ellis Beach SLSC. John was awarded SLSQ North Barrier Branch Life Membership in 1968, SLSQ North Queensland Life Membership in 1994, SLSQ Life Membership in 1977 and SLSA Life Membership in 2000. John was also awarded an Order of Australia for his prolonged and dedicated service to Surf Life Saving.
96
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
Dennis Conlin OAM
John (Jock) Trethowan
Dennis was a Surf Life Saving Australia Life Member, Surf Life Saving SA Life Member, Grange SLSC Life Member, as well as a former SLSSA Secretary and President. He first became involved with Surf Life Saving when he joined West Beach SLSC in 1956, before gaining his Bronze Medallion the following year. Dennis spent time at West Beach SLSC and Semaphore SLSC, before joining Grange SLSC in 1974. His achievements within Surf Life Saving and to the community are extensive and include receiving a World Life Saving Certificate of Merit in 1979 and being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1988 for services to Surf Life Saving. He was awarded his Instructors Certificate in 1958 and his Board of Examiners Certificate in 1960. As a competitor, Dennis was a member of the West Beach open boat which was selected to represent South Australia at the first Australian Championships held in South Australia at Moana Beach in 1962. As a member of the Board of Examiners Dennis held the position of District Supervisor and was an official at State and Australian Championships, judging for 11 years from 1966 to 1979 in March Past and R & R competition. He was the SLSSA Secretary for 14 years from 1961 – 1974 and was elected SLSSA President for 5 years from 1990 – 1994. He was also National Council Delegate for 11 of those years. He was rewarded with Life Membership of SLSSA in 1968 and Life Membership of SLSA in 1979.
John joined the City of Perth SLSC in 1951 and went onto a lifetime of distinguished service at a club, state and national level. Among a range of club roles, he carried out the position of Chief Instructor 4 seasons; Handicapper 3; Ambulance Officer 2; and Vice President 3 seasons. In his patrolling activities he was a Patrol Captain, winning both club and State Champion Patrol Trophies. He was also a Club Champion Lifesaver and was awarded the Best Club Member on three occasions. John was WA State Team Manager and/ or Coach on seven occasions between 1969 and 1976. He performed many roles at the Australian Championships over many years including acting as an R & R Judge. John was a very active member of the State Board of Examiners from 1955 through to 1980, carrying out a wide range of state and national activities, culminating with holding the position of State Superintendent for four years between 1976-1980. John was the National Council delegate in 1973 and again between 1976-1980. John was awarded both Life Membership of SLSWA and of Surf Life Saving Australia and in 2001 he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his service.
Section 05: Awards & Honours
97
98
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
AWARDS & HONOURS
SLSA New Life Members
John Brennan OAM Surfers Paradise SLSC, QLD John joined Surfers Paradise SLSC in 1980 as a Nipper gaining his bronze medallion shortly after. Since John’s early days he has gained a large number of qualifications and awards in a variety of disciplines including Gold Medallion, Helicopter Crewman's, and four Silver Medallions. Within John’s club roles he has gone on to become a mentor and facilitator in Patrol Captain, Junior Activities Accreditation Officer, Officials Mentor and Disaster Management. John has an extensive record of service to the SLSQ South Coast Branch that began back in 1984 as a Branch Team Competitor. As a member of the SCB Board of Lifesaving/Surf Sports for 29 years, John continued to contribute extensively as a volunteer at Club, Branch, State and National levels. He has held key positions within the Branch including Branch Team Manager/Age Manager, Branch Coach, Branch Selector, Director of Junior Lifesaving, Coaching Panel and Board and Ski Officer. John's involvement in Queensland Surf Life Saving has been sustained, conspicuous and distinguished, undertaking a range of Surf Sport related voluntary roles including extensive officiating roles coaching and education, as well as State Team Management. John has been a leader on the Inaugural State Leadership Program held in 1990 and attending the 1992 National Leadership Youth Program. John was identified early as a key role model to be a part of the State Youth Advisory Panel, a role he maintained for 5 seasons. He went on to be an integral leader on 13 State Youth Leadership Development Programs held in Queensland and also supported a number of Junior Development Programs as well. John's direct contribution within Surf Life Saving Australia has primarily been as a voluntary official, event manager/advisor, coach, and team manager. Over a sustained 30-year period John is one of SLSA's key senior officials who has contributed across all National Surf Sport events - Open/Masters, Youth, IRB, Pool and Special Events including Coolangatta Gold (5 years as Referee), Ocean Assaults, Warriors on Water, Summer Surf Series and Kellogg's Nutri Grain series.
John is the only official to have been the Australian Referee for all 4 major Championships (Open, Masters, IRB and Pool) and in 1994 he was selected in the SLSA High Performance Gold Squad as an Official, completing six seasons. John has served with conspicuous distinction and progressed through the official ranks to be recognised as one of Australia's leading officials in the country and internationally. He has worked tirelessly and with passion and distinction to ensure the best possible event outcomes for all concerned. John’s appointment as the Referee for the Australian Championships for 6 years is a testament to his ability and leadership. John has represented SLSA and been recognised with key Senior officials' appointments on the World stage since 1994 (World Masters Games) and has never looked back. Through his proven abilities, his rise in the officials' world has seen him officiate at 10 International Lifesaving World Championships including being appointed as the Chief Referee since 2004. This is a credit to all the hard work he has contributed to officiating over the past 30 years.
Section 05: Awards & Honours
99
Ross Wyeth Southport SLSC, QLD
Keith Caldwell Bulli SLSC, NSW
Ross has 60 years of continuous surf lifesaving membership, a significant, conspicuous and sustained achievement. Ross initially joined Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 1960 and he remained a member until 1964 until he transferred his membership to Southport SLSC on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Ross has contributed to Southport SLSC over a continuous, distinguished, significant and proud membership period of 56 years with that club. In 2007 Ross also joined Hervey Bay SLSC, he remains a member of this club today. As evident from his club record of service, Ross has been a significant contributor to Southport SLSC for a sustained period in excess of 20 years until moving to serve the broader surf lifesaving movement taking up key positions at branch, state, national and international levels. Ross’s major contribution at the Branch level is as a multifaceted and significant contributor to his Branch. Ross was a Southport SLSC club delegate and a junior activities committee member for 10 years including a period of six years as Junior Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent in the years 1983 to 1989. Ross was also Referee and/or key Official at South Coast Branch Championships and other Carnivals over a period in excess of 25 years. Ross’ contribution to SLSA commenced in 1989 when he was appointed as SLS Australian Championships Surf Life Saving Gear and Equipment Officer. He continues in this role today. Ross also filled the role at Australian Championships IRB and Pool Rescue Championships on many occasions. Ross’s direct sustained, voluntarily conspicuous and distinguished service has now extended to 31 continuous years and is ongoing today. In representing SLSA at the international level Ross has distinguished himself at all times and is respected his work ethic, planning and delivery in undertaking his duties. In 1991 Ross was awarded a WLS Citation of Merit and four years later the new ILS Federation Citation of Merit for his distinguished contribution to international lifesaving.
Keith has been actively involved in the surf lifesaving movement for over 45 years. Whether it be for our club, branch, state, or nationally, he maintains the highest of personal standards and works tirelessly to put others in the organisation ahead of himself. Keith has also been the driving force behind the Shannon Eckstein Clinic’s hosted by Bulli SLSC for the development of young surf sports athletes from U10-U19. This event has been held for the past 5 seasons with close to 80-100 kids each year. For the past 20 seasons, Keith has taken on the roles of Deputy President (2 years) and now current President (16 years & current). As a coach and team manager he has represented Illawarra on 9 teams, always travelling to the championships taking ownership of clothing, accommodation, meals & overall logistics of team as the leader of team management. Since 2015 Keith has been the Sydney Water Surf Series Committee Chairperson maintaining the credibility of a surf series which has been running for the past 18 seasons. Keith has played a significant role in SLSNSW maintaining a vested interest in many varied roles such as SLSNSW Team Inter State Team Manager for four years and three years on the SLSNSW Selection Committee. He has been awarded Administrator (2002) & Volunteer of the Year (2007), plus being a finalist as Volunteer (2018) on another occasion. As a national team manager Keith has been in Australian Representative Teams (8 teams) touring New Zealand, Japan (twice), France and South Africa. On the last two occasions as Manager of the Australian Open Team at Rescue 2012 & 2014.
SECTION 06
Statistical Summaries
102
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S
Membership 181,572 MEMBERS
1.94% INCREASE IN PATROLLING MEMBERS
NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
Grand Total
Male
13,107
5,649
3,509
2,676
1,457
448
47
26,893
Female
8,091
3,852
2,833
2,131
1,071
269
47
18,294
Patrolling Surf Lifesavers
Indeterminate Total
9
3
3
2
1
-
-
18
21,207
9,504
6,345
4,809
2,529
717
94
45,205
18,395
9,068
5,628
4,656
2,236
644
86
40,713
Proficient Surf Life Savers Bronze Medallion Surf Rescue Certificate (CPR Endorsed)
2,376
1,269
1,473
919
300
97
17
6,451
Total
20,771
10,337
7,101
5,575
2,536
741
103
47,164
WA
SA
TAS
NT
20/21
19/20
% Change
-1.38%
NSW
QLD
VIC
Active Active (15-18 yrs) Male
1,817
826
1,019
504
178
76
9
4,429
4,491
Female
1,489
754
1,047
544
214
59
7
4,114
3,975
3.50%
2
1
1
1
1
-
-
6
4
50.00%
3,308
1,581
2,067
1,049
393
135
16
8,549
8,470
0.93%
Indeterminate Total
Active (18yrs and over) Male
8,723
3,622
2,387
1,792
1,053
380
73
18,030
17,732
1.68%
Female
4,471
2,040
1,824
1,302
736
271
88
10,732
10,316
4.03%
Indeterminate
5
1
6
2
4
-
-
18
9
100.00%
13,199
5,663
4,217
3,096
1,793
651
161
28,780
28,057
2.58%
Male
221
510
103
241
42
3
-
1,120
1,086
3.13%
Female
239
414
61
217
38
7
-
976
1,004
-2.79%
Total Award Member
Indeterminate
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
100%
461
924
164
458
80
10
-
2,097
2,090
0.33%
Male
791
81
80
44
17
10
-
1,023
1,043
-1.92%
Female
380
31
42
21
10
6
1
491
502
-2.19%
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.00%
Total
1,171
112
122
65
27
16
1
1,514
1,545
-2.01%
Active Total
18,139
8,280
6,570
4,668
2,293
812
178
40,940
40,162
1.94%
Total Reserve Active
Indeterminate
Junior Junior Activity Member (5-13 years) Male
13,698
6,164
5,250
4,401
1,365
483
72
31,433
33,228
-5.40%
Female
12,585
5,799
5,291
4,462
1,314
574
83
30,108
31,619
-4.78%
5
3
4
2
1
-
-
15
15
0.00%
26,288
11,966
10,545
8,865
2,680
1,057
155
61,556
64,862
-5.10% 3.37%
Indeterminate Total
Cadet Member (13-15 years) Male
1,555
645
1,016
540
204
77
12
4,049
3,917
Female
1,512
585
1,158
651
234
68
9
4,217
3,905
7.99%
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
2
5
-60.00%
Indeterminate Total
3,068
1,230
2,175
1,191
438
145
21
8,268
7,827
5.63%
Junior Total
29,356
13,196
12,720
10,056
3,118
1,202
176
69,824
72,689
-3.94%
Section 06: Statistical Summaries
103
NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
20/21
19/20
%Change
-1.13%
Associate Associate Male
5,328
4,115
4,558
1,477
718
205
73
16,474
16,663
Female
5,320
5,367
5,123
1,451
852
306
88
18,507
18,174
1.83%
5
3
6
1
-
-
-
15
12
25.00%
10,653
9,485
9,687
2,929
1,570
511
161
34,996
34,849
0.42% 2.99%
Indeterminate Total Probationary Male
493
383
625
195
130
16
21
1,863
1,809
Female
561
388
638
245
101
43
25
2,001
1,830
9.34%
3
-
-
2
-
1
-
6
2
200.00%
1,057
771
1,263
442
231
60
46
3,870
3,698
4.65% -4.19%
Indeterminate Total General Male
4,338
57
1,594
2,168
504
51
2
8,714
9,095
Female
4,894
54
1,862
2,440
617
53
3
9,923
9,935
-0.12%
2
-
-
2
-
-
-
4
9
-55.56%
9,234
111
3,456
4,610
1,121
104
5
18,641
19,039
-2.09%
Male
37
25
2
41
-
-
-
105
39
169.23%
Female
41
25
-
54
-
-
-
120
46
160.87%
Indeterminate Total Leave/Restricted
Indeterminate Total Associate Total
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.00%
78
50
2
95
-
-
-
225
85
164.71%
21,022
10,417
14,408
8,076
2,922
675
212
57,732
57,671
0.11%
1,710
992
637
284
365
91
22
4,101
2,333
75.78%
213
142
234
72
98
21
12
792
574
37.98%
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
1
-
100.00%
1,923
1,134
872
356
463
112
34
4,894
2,907
68.35%
3,093
1,128
114
544
94
6
1
4,980
5,009
-0.58%
551
326
40
202
32
-
-
1,151
1,099
4.73%
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
0.00%
3,645
1,454
154
746
126
6
1
6,132
6,109
0.38%
Honorary/Service Life Member Male Female Indeterminate Total Long Service Male Female Indeterminate Total Honorary Male
157
99
36
55
28
1
-
376
518
-27.41%
Female
99
128
22
46
8
-
-
303
319
-5.02%
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.00%
256
227
58
101
36
1
-
679
837
-18.88%
Male
84
99
4
8
2
-
-
197
273
-27.84%
Female
32
49
3
1
-
1
-
86
104
-17.31%
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.00%
116
148
7
9
2
1
-
283
377
-24.93%
5,940
2,963
1,091
1,212
627
120
35
11,988
10,230
17.18%
Male
200
5
148
98
19
51
-
521
521
0.00%
Female
279
1
153
37
34
62
-
566
470
20.43%
Indeterminate Total Past Active
Indeterminate Total Honorary/Service Total Community Non Member Participants
Indeterminate
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
2
-50.00%
Total
480
6
301
135
53
113
-
1,088
993
9.57%
Community Total
480
6
301
135
53
113
-
1,088
993
9.57%
Grand Total Male
42,245
18,751
17,573
12,392
4,719
1,450
285
97,415
97,718
-0.31%
Grand Total Female
32,666
16,103
17,498
11,745
4,288
1,471
316
84,087
83,826
0.31%
26
8
19
10
6
1
-
70
59
18.64%
74,937
34,862
35,090
24,147
9,013
2,922
601
Grand Total Indeterminate Grand Total
181,572 181,603
-0.02%
104
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S
Actions
4,164 SLSC RESCUES
330,289 PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PERFORMED BY SLSCs
21,798 FIRST AID TREATMENTS ADMINISTERED BY SURF LIFESAVERS
Surf Life Saving Actions (Clubs) NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
TOTAL
Rescues No Gear
212
34
10
30
36
-
1
323
Rescue Tube
719
290
68
82
10
3
-
1,172
1,074
361
131
133
24
6
3
1,732
476
141
81
117
55
5
7
882
Board IRB Surfboard
5
-
-
2
-
-
7
Other
29
7
5
4
2
-
1
48
Total
2,515
833
295
366
129
14
12
4,164
Lost Children
151
23
-
33
96
-
-
303
Preventions
140,494
57,309
96,912
15,879
14,519
4,341
92
329,546
88
28
-
16
30
3
-
165
Preventative Actions
Searches Shark Alarm Total Preventative Actions
105
40
-
33
96
1
-
275
140,838
57,400
96,912
15,961
14,741
4,345
92
330,289
122
33
29
38
10
2
-
234
4,652
5,410
3
1,385
60
6
3
11,519
First Aid Fractures/Dislocation Marine Stings Major Wounds Minor Cuts/Abrasions Other Resuscitation Spinal Total First Aid
72
583
3
10
10
-
-
678
1,559
1,835
4,143
451
216
27
13
8,244
525
92
52
157
134
24
-
984
-
4
5
-
1
-
-
10
46
47
14
19
3
-
-
129
6,976
8,004
4,249
2,060
434
59
16
21,798
Grand Total
150,329
66,237
101,456
18,387
15,304
4,418
120
356,251
Club Patrol Hours
638,008
286,411
166,236
107,040
72,438
20,528
1,006
1,291,668
Section 06: Statistical Summaries
105
Surf Life Saving Actions (Lifeguards) NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
TOTAL
Rescues No Gear
74
91
7
10
-
-
63
245
Rescue Tube
50
77
67
35
-
-
57
286
Board
529
655
115
73
2
-
-
1,374
IRB
7
-
21
-
-
-
-
28
RWC
37
880
1
80
-
-
-
998
JRB/ORB/RIB
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Helicopter
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Surfboard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other
4
4
7
2
-
-
1
18
Total
701
1,707
218
200
2
-
121
2,949
Lost Children
-
14
-
12
1
-
2
29
Preventions
562,456
652,273
135,585
58,027
1,594
994
197
1,411,126
-
22
-
12
1
-
-
35
Preventative Actions
Searches Shark Alarm Total Preventative Actions
234
10
-
120
2
-
-
366
562,690
652,319
135,585
58,171
1,598
994
199
1,411,556
First Aid Fractures/Dislocation Marine Stings Major Wounds Minor Cuts/Abrasions Other Resuscitation Spinal Total First Aid
Grand Total
47
96
12
17
-
-
-
172
2,985
11,815
1
683
3
-
8
15,495
11
9,914
2
5
-
-
7
9,939
1,337
367
2,362
567
6
6
735
5,380
30
66
-
-
9
481
2
-
-
-
-
15
376 -
13
8
44
11
10
-
-
-
73
4,764
22,249
2,420
1,348
9
6
759
31,555
568,155
676,275
138,223
59,719
1,609
1,000
1,079
1,446,060
115,285
286,532
44,856
32,650
1,078
1,431
38,008
519,839
Lifeguard Patrol Hours Total
2,949 RESCUES BY THE AUSTRALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICE
1,411,556 PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PERFORMED BY ALS LIFEGUARDS
31,555 FIRST AID TREATMENTS ADMINISTERED BY ALS LIFEGUARDS
106
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S
Actions
951 RESCUES PERFORMED BY SUPPORT OPERATIONS
15,673 PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PERFORMED BY SUPPORT OPERATIONS
Surf Life Saving Actions (Support Operations) NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
TOTAL
No Gear
1
-
1
NA
-
-
1
3
IRB
5
-
-
NA
-
-
-
5
RWC
429
158
82
96
11
-
1
777
JRB/ORB/RIB
36
-
NA
10
1
8
55
Helicopter
75
1
16
-
1
-
-
19
Other
6
5
-
NA
-
7
-
18
Total
552
164
99
96
22
8
10
951
Lost Children
2
-
-
NA
19
-
-
21
Preventions
2,247
7,849
1,203
NA
2,895
148
379
14,512
60
49
-
NA
20
11
-
140
Rescues
Preventative Actions
Searches
49,506
Shark Alarm
PATROL HOURS PERFORMED BY SUPPORT OPERATIONS
First Aid
61
43
-
NA
687
-
-
791
2,370
7,941
1,203
-
3,621
159
379
15,673
Fractures/Dislocation
1
2
NA
NA
-
-
-
3
Marine Stings
5
7
NA
NA
-
-
1
13
Major Wounds
1
17
NA
NA
1
-
-
19
Minor Cuts/Abrasions
7
-
NA
NA
12
-
1
20
Other
30
-
NA
NA
5
-
-
13
Resuscitation
-
2
NA
NA
-
-
-
2
Spinal
-
-
NA
NA
1
-
44
28
-
-
19
-
2
93
2,966
8,133
1,302
96
3,662
167
391
16,717
25,070
9,430
5,682
989
7,859
275
202
49,506
Total Preventative Actions
Total First Aid
Grand Total
1
Support Operations Patrol Hours Total
Section 06: Statistical Summaries
107
108
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S
Equipment Surf Life Saving Equipment (Clubs) NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
TOTAL
29
75
19
11
23
6
2
165
Land-based Vehicle (4WD/Tractor) Beach Vehicle (ATV)
105
67
61
24
49
11
3
320
Defibrillator
466
249
238
123
170
36
4
1,286
Total
600
391
318
158
242
53
9
1,771
Aquatic IRB Hull
429
275
229
69
112
34
9
1,157
IRB Motor
607
379
296
99
146
46
11
1,584
RWC
1,036
654
525
168
258
80
20
2,741
Total
13
31
47
4
-
-
-
95
1,636
1,045
843
326
500
133
29
4,512
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
TOTAL
40
Grand total
Surf Life Saving Equipment (Lifeguards) NSW Land-based Vehicle (4WD/Tractor)
11
24
-
1
4
-
-
Beach Vehicle (ATV)
16
20
3
-
2
-
1
42
Defibrillator
58
91
-
2
11
4
5
171
Total
85
135
3
3
17
4
6
253
IRB Hull
-
-
13
1
-
1
-
15
IRB Motor
-
-
15
1
-
1
-
17
17
32
-
-
2
-
-
51
Aquatic
RWC Total
17
32
28
2
2
2
-
83
Grand total
102
167
31
5
19
6
6
336
Surf Life Saving Equipment (Support Operations) NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
TOTAL
Vehicle (4WD/Tractor)
22
3
6
4
2
1
2
40
Beach Vehicle (ATV)
1
2
1
-
-
-
-
4
Defibrillator
22
7
4
4
4
1
1
43
Total
45
12
11
-
6
2
3
79
Land-based
Aquatic JRB
2
-
-
2
-
1
-
5
RWC
60
20
30
10
34
2
4
160
ORB
1
-
-
-
-
7
1
9
RIB
-
-
2
-
-
5
1
8
63
20
32
12
34
15
6
182
Helicopter
2
2
2
1
2
-
-
9
Other
-
-
4
-
-
-
2
6
Total
2
2
6
1
2
-
2
15
110
34
49
13
42
17
11
276
Total Aviation
Grand Total
Section 06: Statistical Summaries
109
S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S
Accreditation
NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
TOTAL
New Official Awards Core
237
171
66
24
23
4
5
530
Technical
825
652
403
38
65
77
9
2,069
Senior
102
133
34
24
17
2
0
312
Total
1,164
956
503
86
105
83
14
2,911
New Coach Awards Foundation
61
34
21
4
4
10
0
134
Development
566
378
123
148
89
51
5
1,360
Performance
22
11
11
1
2
5
1
53
High Performance Total Grand Total New Awards
1
1
0
0
0
0
-
2
650
424
155
153
95
66
6
1,549
1,814
1,380
658
239
200
149
20
4,460
*These are the total numbers of officials and coaches under the new accreditation system and does not include coaches under the previous accreditation system who are yet to change over
110
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S
Awards & Qualifications
NSW
QLD
Member
Comm.
Member
2,811
0
-
0
VIC
Comm.
Member
1,273
-
-
18
WA Comm.
Member
Comm.
917
-
809
-
-
-
5
-
Patrolling Lifesaver Awards Bronze Medallion Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) PUA21012 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) PUA20119
2,951
0
1,765
194
92
-
-
-
Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) PUA31312
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) PUA30319
3
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
Contribute to team effectiveness BSBFLM312
126
0
74
-
-
-
2
-
Gold Medallion (Advanced Lifesaving)
124
0
3
-
47
-
3
-
Maintain safety at an incident scene PUAWHS002
24
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
Observers Award
3
0
195
-
-
-
-
-
Operate communications systems and equipment PUAOPE013
212
0
954
204
-
-
5
-
Radio Operator Certificate
108
0
377
-
35
-
87
-
Search as a member of an aquatic search team PUASAR011
24
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
94
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
Silver Medallion Beach Management
520
0
178
-
167
-
2
-
1,808
177
930
-
788
-
648
-
-
177
-
-
-
837
-
-
Undertake beach safety management activities PUAOPE027
115
0
153
-
-
-
2
-
Work autonomously PUATEA002
126
0
74
-
-
-
2
-
Surf Rescue Certificate (CPR Endorsed) Surf Rescue Certificate (Community)
Powercraft Awards ATV Operator Certificate
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
Crew small powercraft in a rescue operation PUASAR015
127
-
508
-
-
-
2
-
IRB Crew Certificate
786
-
502
-
361
-
195
-
JRB Crew Certificate
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
JRB Driver Certificate
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
JRB Skipper Certificate
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Operate and maintain a personal water craft for rescue operations PUASAR016
17
-
21
-
-
-
-
-
Operate and maintain a small powercraft and motor for rescue operations PUASAR014
85
-
185
-
-
-
1
-
ORB Crew Certificate
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ORB Driver Certificate
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ORB Skipper Certificate
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Prepare maintain and test response equipment PUAEQU001
102
-
206
-
-
-
1
-
Rescue Water Craft Operator Certificate
32
-
40
-
-
-
43
-
Rib Crew (Short Course)
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
Rib Driver (Short Course)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
323
-
166
-
138
-
95
-
1
-
-
-
83
-
-
-
519
-
636
-
22
-
20
-
Silver Medallion IRB Driver SSV Operator SSV Operator Induction
Section 06: Statistical Summaries
SA
111
Total
Total
Grand
Comm.
Member
Comm.
Total
18
56
6,224
56
6,280
5
46
25
64
89
-
13
10
5,175
204
5,379
-
-
-
15
27
15
42
-
-
-
-
7
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
204
-
204
-
1
-
-
4
178
4
182
16
-
-
-
-
-
40
-
40
Member
TAS Comm.
Member
296
-
15
-
351
NT Comm.
Member
100
-
-
-
-
3
27
-
4
-
2 -
-
-
1
-
-
-
199
-
199
624
-
-
-
9
1
1,804
205
2,009
23
-
4
-
-
-
634
-
634
16
-
-
-
-
8
40
8
48
58
-
-
-
-
8
152
8
160
4
-
33
-
-
14
904
14
918
271
-
81
-
12
-
4,538
177
4,715 1,171
-
146
-
-
-
11
-
1,171
2
-
-
-
-
-
272
-
272
2
-
-
-
-
-
204
-
204
-
-
-
-
-
5
9
5
14
106
-
-
-
6
-
749
-
749
118
-
53
-
6
-
2,021
-
2,021
5
-
-
-
-
-
13
-
13
1
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12
-
-
-
8
15
58
15
73
32
-
-
-
-
-
303
-
303
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
44
-
-
-
8
15
361
15
376
14
-
2
-
8
15
139
15
154
-
-
-
-
4
-
5
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
34
-
13
-
-
-
769
-
769
-
-
-
-
-
5
84
5
89
108
-
3
-
-
-
1,308
-
1,308
112
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
NSW
QLD
Member
Comm.
Member
973
796
-
-
VIC
Comm.
Member
535
-
-
-
WA Comm.
Member
Comm.
282
-
431
-
-
-
-
-
Emergency Care Awards Advanced Resuscitation Techniques [AID] Apply first aid Basic Emergency Care
37
908
-
-
-
-
-
-
Basic Life Support [AID]
-
-
-
-
455
-
-
-
Course in the first aid management of anaphylaxis 22300VIC
-
85
-
-
-
159
-
-
986
943
1,157
-
303
-
143
-
Manage first aid services and resources HLTAID008
6
69
-
-
-
-
-
-
Marine Stinger Management
-
-
28
-
-
-
-
-
Pain Management Certificate
17
69
-
-
25
-
24
-
Provide advanced first aid HLTAID006
80
300
-
-
-
28
-
-
Provide advanced resuscitation HLTAID007
1,029
796
550
566
427
-
19
132
Provide basic emergency life support HLTAID002
3,954
-
3,037
5,062
501
4,349
153
566
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR]
5,356
50,588
3,183
10,984
1,034
15,966
165
5,743
Provide first aid HLTAID003
First Aid [AID]
Provide basic life support
1,415
13,964
1,639
4,904
501
4,237
150
4,587
Provide first aid in remote situation HLTFA302C
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Provide first aid in remote situations HLTAID005
2
23
-
-
-
-
-
-
Provide pain management PUAEME005
23
69
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Resuscitation [AID]
369
-
1,306
-
389
-
12
-
Silver Medallion Advanced First Aid [AID]
43
223
-
-
-
-
1
-
Spinal Management
13
67
-
-
-
-
-
-
Address adult language literacy and numeracy skills TAELLN411
-
-
4
3
10
-
5
-
Assess competence TAEASS402
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40116
-
-
1
-
12
-
5
-
Design and develop assessment tools TAEASS502
-
-
11
2
15
-
5
-
30
-
14
12
57
-
3
-
Participate in assessment validation TAEASS403
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
Plan assessment activities and processes TAEASS401
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
Provide work skill instruction TAEDEL301
-
-
11
12
53
-
3
-
Remote Area First Aid
Training and Assessing
Make a presentation BSBCMM401
Junior Development Age Manager Course
943
-
146
-
133
-
119
-
Surf Aware One
3,557
-
1,445
-
530
-
1,008
-
Surf Aware Two
3,234
-
1,268
-
572
-
1,015
-
Surf Play One
2,997
-
1,185
-
268
-
1,007
-
Surf Play Two
3,580
-
1,383
-
456
-
1,032
-
Surf Safe One
2,805
-
1,256
-
589
-
894
-
Surf Safe Two
2,411
-
1,083
-
560
-
890
-
Surf Smart One
2,159
-
925
-
559
-
777
-
Surf Smart Two
1,716
-
797
-
487
-
596
-
Safeguarding Children and Young People Awareness
394
-
81
-
305
-
120
-
Safer Surf Clubs Online Part 1
81
-
25
-
6
-
21
-
Safer Surf Clubs Online Part 2
55
-
20
-
5
-
13
-
Safer Surf Clubs Online Part 3
47
-
16
-
6
-
12
-
Safer Surf Clubs Online Part 4
38
-
13
-
6
-
12
-
Inclusive Beaches Online
441
-
224
-
51
-
82
-
49,845
69,254
29,583
21,961
11,256
25,576
10,658
11,028
Safety and Wellbeing
Grand Total
Section 06: Statistical Summaries
SA
113
Total
Total
Grand
Comm.
Member
Comm.
Member
Comm.
Total
44
-
14
68
2,419
864
3,283
-
-
-
-
27
-
27
-
-
-
-
-
37
908
945
4
-
24
336
25
450
508
786
1,294
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
244
244
93
-
34
336
25
450
2,741
1,729
4,470
Member
TAS Comm.
Member
140
-
27
-
-
NT
-
-
1
-
-
-
7
69
76
1
-
-
-
-
-
29
-
29
-
-
-
-
-
-
66
69
135
-
-
5
-
-
-
85
328
413
168
-
6
-
14
68
2,213
1,562
3,775
533
1,615
46
-
25
450
8,249
12,042
20,291
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
745
4,758
68
-
47
592
10,598
88,631
99,229
273
1,704
46
-
25
450
4,049
29,846
33,895
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
27
5
50
55 95
-
-
-
-
-
-
26
69
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
134
-
15
718
-
-
2,225
718
2,943
-
-
4
-
-
-
48
223
271
2
-
-
-
8
29
23
96
119
10
-
1
-
-
-
30
3
33
9
-
-
-
-
-
14
-
14
6
-
1
-
-
-
25
-
25
16
-
1
-
-
-
48
2
50
11
-
3
-
-
-
118
12
130
9
-
-
-
-
-
14
-
14
9
-
-
-
-
-
14
-
14
-
-
1
-
-
-
68
12
80 1,454
17
-
96
-
-
-
1,454
-
240
-
141
-
-
-
6,921
-
6,921
236
-
129
-
-
-
6,454
-
6,454
110
-
65
-
-
-
5,632
-
5,632
127
-
53
-
-
-
6,631
-
6,631
250
-
124
-
-
-
5,918
-
5,918
231
-
107
-
-
-
5,282
-
5,282
220
-
109
-
-
-
4,749
-
4,749
192
-
81
-
-
-
3,869
-
3,869
72
-
6
-
-
-
978
-
978
14
-
3
-
-
-
150
-
150
12
-
3
-
-
-
108
-
108 95
11
-
3
-
-
-
95
-
10
-
3
-
-
-
82
-
82
119
-
25
-
-
-
942
-
942
6,236
8,223
1,545
1,390
280
2,812
109,403
140,244
249,647
114
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S
Service Awards
NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
National Medal
76
50
2
5
National Medal - 1st Clasp 25 Years
10
1
0
2
National Medal - 2nd Clasp 35 Years
0
0
0
TAS
NT
20/21 Total
13
0
146
2
0
15
0
0
0
National Medal
National Medal - 3rd Clasp 45 Years
0
0
0
Total
86
51
2
0
0
15
5 Year National Patrol Service Award
270
337
140
10 Year National Patrol Service Award
220
211
44
15 Year National Patrol Service Award
103
70
7
20 Year National Patrol Service Award
67
37
6
25 Year National Patrol Service Award
35
8
30 Year National Patrol Service Award
10
35 Year National Patrol Service Award
14
40 Year National Patrol Service Award 45 Year National Patrol Service Award
0 0
0
161
35
59
1
2
844
48
45
1
0
569
10
17
1
0
208
2
12
1
0
125
2
2
7
1
55
6
2
1
4
2
2
2
9
1
0
2
4
0
0
0
50 Year National Patrol Service Award
6
2
0
0
55 Year National Patrol Service Award
2
0
0
0
60 Year National Patrol Service Award
1
0
0
65 Year National Patrol Service Award
1
0
0
742
674
203
98
148
65
15
8
7
1
30 Year Long Service Award
49
13
23
13
4
40 Year Long Service Award
43
7
14
6
0
0
70
50 Year Long Service Award
30
8
9
3
8
0
58
60 Year Long Service Award
34
8
1
4
5
0
52
70 Year Long Service Award
7
0
0
0
0
7
75 Year Long Service Award
1
0
0
0
0
1
80 Year Long Service Award
2
0
0
0
0
2
231
51
55
33
18
1
390
5 Year Officiating Service Certificate
1
8
1
3
0
0
13
10 Year Officiating Service Certificate
11
2
1
0
0
14
15 Year Officiating Service Certificate
7
3
0
0
0
10
20 Year Officiating Service Certificate
1
0
0
0
0
1
25 Year Officiating Service Certificate
2
0
0
0
0
2
30 Year Officiating Service Certificate
0
2
0
0
0
2
35 Year Officiating Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
40 Year Officiating Service Certificate
1
1
0
0
0
2
7
Patrol Service Awards
Total
1
0
24
0
20
1
0
13
1
0
5
1
0
9
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
1,876
1
97
0
103
8
Long Service Awards (Membership) 25 Year Long Service Award
Total
1
1
Officiating Service Awards
Section 06: Statistical Summaries
115
NSW
QLD
VIC
WA
SA
TAS
NT
20/21 Total
45 Year Officiating Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
50 Year Officiating Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
55 Year Officiating Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
60 Year Officiating Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
23
16
2
3
0
0
44
5 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
5
0
1
0
0
6
10 Year Coaching Service Certificate
3
0
0
2
0
0
5
15 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
1
0
0
0
1
20 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
25 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
30 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
35 Year Coaching Service Certificate
1
0
0
0
0
1
40 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
45 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
50 Year Coaching Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
4
6
0
3
0
0
13
5 Year Assessing Service Certificate
7
2
3
6
0
0
18
10 Year Assessing Service Certificate
10
7
0
1
0
0
18
15 Year Assessing Service Certificate
3
2
0
0
0
5
20 Year Assessing Service Certificate
2
1
0
0
0
3
25 Year Assessing Service Certificate
2
2
0
0
0
4
30 Year Assessing Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
35 Year Assessing Service Certificate
1
1
0
0
0
2
40 Year Assessing Service Certificate
3
1
0
0
0
4
45 Year Assessing Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
50 Year Assessing Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
28
16
3
0
54
5 Year Training Service Certificate
8
7
2
0
0
17
10 Year Training Service Certificate
4
10
0
1
0
0
15
15 Year Training Service Certificate
7
5
0
2
0
0
14
20 Year Training Service Certificate
2
2
1
0
0
5
25 Year Training Service Certificate
2
0
0
0
0
2
30 Year Training Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
35 Year Training Service Certificate
2
0
0
0
0
2
40 Year Training Service Certificate
1
1
0
0
0
2
45 Year Training Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
50 Year Training Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
26
25
3
3
0
0
0
57
5 Year Age Manager Service Certificate
0
14
0
8
0
0
0
22
10 Year Age Manager Service Certificate
1
3
0
2
0
0
0
6
15 Year Age Manager Service Certificate
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
1
17
0
10
0
0
0
28
1,141
856
268
164
181
9
4
2,623
0
Coaching Service Awards
0
Assessing Service Awards
7
0
0
Training Service Awards
Age Manager Service Awards
Grand Total
SEC TION 07
Surf Life Saving Entities
118
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
SURF LIFE SAVING ENTITIES
Surf Life Saving Entities
National 11 National, State and Territory Centre, SLSA Subsidiaries, SLS Foundation 314 Clubs 17 Branches 82 Support Operations Groups & 7 VRM'S 69 Australian Lifeguard Service Operations 500 Surf Life Saving Entities/Groups
New South Wales 129 Clubs, 11 Branches, 29 Support Operations Groups, 17 Australian Lifeguard Services
129 Clubs
Clovelly SLSC
Helensburgh Stanwell Park SLSC
Austinmer SLSC
Coalcliff SLSC
Kempsey Crescent Head SLSC
Avalon Beach SLSC
Coffs Harbour SLSC
Kiama Downs SLSC
Avoca Beach SLSC
Coledale SLSC
Kiama SLSC
Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore SLSC
Collaroy SLSC
Killcare SLSC
Batemans Bay SLSC
Coogee (NSW) SLSC
Lennox Head Alstonville SLSC
Bellambi SLSC
Cooks Hill SLSC
Long Reef SLSC
Bellinger Valley-North Beach SLSC
Copacabana SLSC
Macksville-Scotts Head SLSC
Bermagui SLSC
Corrimal SLSC
MacMasters SLSC
Bilgola Beach SLSC
Cronulla SLSC
Manly LSC
Birubi Point SLSC
Crowdy Head SLSC
Maroubra SLSC
Black Head SLSC
Cudgen Headland SLSC
Merewether SLSC
Bondi SBLSC
Dee Why SLSC
Minnie Water Wooli SLSC
Bronte SLSC
Dixon Park SLSC
Mollymook SLSC
Broulee Surfers SLSC
Elouera SLSC
Mona Vale SLSC
Brunswick SLSC
Era SLSC
Moruya SLSC
Bulli SLSC
Evans Head/Casino SLSC
Nambucca Heads SLSC
Bungan Beach SLSC
Fairy Meadow SLSC
Narooma SLSC
Burning Palms SLSC
Fingal Beach SLSC
Narrabeen SLSC
Byron Bay SLSC
Fingal Rovers SLSC
Newcastle SLSC
Cabarita Beach SLSC
Forster SLSC
Newport SLSC
Camden Haven SLSC
Freshwater SLSC
Nobbys (NSW) SLSC
Cape Hawke SLSC
Garie SLSC
North Avoca SLSC
Catherine Hill Bay SLSC
Gerringong SLSC
North Bondi SLSC
Caves Beach SLSC
Hat Head SLSC
North Cronulla SLSC
Section 07: SLS Entities
119
New South Wales 129 Clubs, 11 Branches, 29 Support Operations Groups, 17 Australian Lifeguard Services
North Curl Curl SLSC
Wamberal SLSC
Surf Rescue 30
North Entrance SLSC
Wanda SLSC
Surf Rescue 40
North Narrabeen SLSC
Warilla Barrack Point SLSC
Surf Rescue 50
North Palm Beach SLSC
Warriewood SLSC
Sydney Branch - Duty Officers
North Steyne SLSC
Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC
Sydney Branch - RWC service
North Wollongong SLSC
Whale Beach SLSC
Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Duty Officers
Nowra Culburra SLSC
Windang SLSC
Sydney Northern Beaches Branch RWC Service
Ocean Beach SLSC
Wollongong City SLSC
Pacific Palms SLSC
Woolgoolga SLSC
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (Lifesaver 21)
Palm Beach (NSW) SLSC
Woonona SLSC
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (Lifesaver 23)
Pambula SLSC
Yamba SLSC
Sydney Northern Beaches Branch—RWC Service
Port Kembla (NSW) SLSC
11 Branches
17 Australian Lifeguard Services
Port Macquarie SLSC
Central Coast Branch
Ballina Shire
Queenscliff SLSC
Far North Coast Branch
Bega Valley Shire
Red Rock Corindi SLSC
Far South Coast Branch
Bellingen Shire
Redhead SLSC
Hunter Branch
Byron Shire
Salt SLSC
Illawarra Branch
Central Coast Council
Sandon Point SLSC
Lower North Coast Branch
Clarence Valley
Sawtell SLSC
Mid North Coast Branch
Kempsey Shire
Scarborough Wombarra SLSC
North Coast Branch
Mid Coast Council
Shellharbour SLSC
South Coast Branch
Munmorah Conservation Area
Shelly Beach SLSC
Sydney Branch
Nambucca Shire
Shoalhaven Heads SLSC
Sydney Northern Beaches Branch
Northern beaches
Soldiers Beach SLSC
29 Support Operations Groups
Port Macquarie - Hastings Council
South Curl Curl SLSC
Central Coast Branch Duty Officers
Port Stephens
South Maroubra SLSC
Central Coast Branch RWC Group
Richmond Valley
South Narrabeen SLSC
Far North Coast Branch Duty Officers
Royal National Park
South West Rocks SLSC
Far North Coast Branch RWC
Shoalhaven City Council
Stockton SLSC
Far South Coast Branch Duty Officers
Tweed Shire
Sussex Inlet SLSC
Far South Coast Branch RWC
Swansea Belmont SLSC
Hunter Branch RWC
Tacking Point SLSC
Hunter Branch Duty Officers
Tamarama SLSC
Illawarra Branch Duty Officers
Taree Old Bar SLSC
Illawarra Branch RWC Team
Tathra SLSC
Lower North Coast Branch Duty Officers
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest SLSC
Lower North Coast RWC
Terrigal SLSC
Mid North Coast Branch Duty Officers
The Entrance SLSC
Mid North Coast Branch RWC
The Lakes SLSC
North Coast Branch Duty Officers
Thirroul SLSC
North Coast Branch RWC
Toowoon Bay SLSC
South Coast Branch Duty Officers
Towradgi SLSC
South Coast Branch RWC
Umina SLSC
Surf Life Saving NSW State Duty Officers
Urunga SLSC
Surf Life Saving NSW SurfCom Team
120
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
Queensland 57 Clubs, 6 Branches, 11 Support Operations Groups, 19 Australian Lifeguard Services 57 Clubs
Mooloolaba SLSC
11 Support Operations Groups
Agnes Water SLSC
Moore Park SLSC
Gold Coast Duty Officers
Alexandra Headland SLSC
Mudjimba SLSC
Dawn and Dusk Patrols - Gold Coast
Arcadian SLSC
Nobbys Beach SLSC
SLSQ RWC - Gold Coast
Ayr SLSC
Noosa Heads SLSC
SLSQ RWC - Sunshine Coast
Bilinga SLSC
North Burleigh SLSC
SLSQ RWC - Wide Bay Capricorn
Bribie Island SLSC
North Kirra SLSC
State Operations Centre Gold Coast
Broadbeach SLSC
Northcliffe SLSC
Sunshine Coast Duty Officers
Bundaberg SLSC
Pacific SLSC
Sunshine Coast Surfcom
Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park SLSC
Palm Beach QLD SLSC
Cairns SLSC
Point Lookout SLSC
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service - Gold Coast
Coochiemudlo Island SLSC
Port Douglas SLSC
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service Sunshine Coast
Coolangatta SLSC
Rainbow Bay SLSC
Emergency Reponse Groups - Statewide
Coolum Beach SLSC
Rainbow Beach SLSC
19 Australian Lifeguard Services
Currumbin SLSC
Redcliffe Peninsula SLSC
Bundaberg Regional Council
Dicky Beach SLSC
Sarina SLSC
Burdekin Shire Council
Eimeo SLSC
Southport (Qld) SLSC
Cairns Regional Council
Elliott Heads SLSC
Sunshine Beach SLSC
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Ellis Beach SLSC
Surfers Paradise SLSC
City of Gold Coast
Emu Park SLSC
Tallebudgera SLSC
City Parklands Services
Etty Bay SLSC
Tannum Sands SLSC
Douglas Shire Council
Forrest Beach SLSC
Townsville Picnic Bay SLSC
Fraser Coast Regional Council
Hervey Bay SLSC
Tugun SLSC
Gladstone Regional Council
Kawana Waters SLSC
Tweed Heads Coolangatta SLSC
Gympie Regional Council
Kirra SLSC
Yeppoon SLSC
Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Kurrawa SLSC
6 Branches
Livingstone Shire Council
Mackay SLSC
North Barrier Branch
Mackay Regional Council
Marcoola SLSC
North Queensland Branch
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Maroochydore SLSC
Point Danger Branch
Noosa Shire Council
Mermaid Beach SLSC
South Coast Branch
Redland City Council
Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC
Sunshine Coast Branch
Sunshine Coast Council
Miami Beach SLSC
Wide Bay Capricorn Branch
Townsville City Council
Mission Beach SLSC
Whitsunday Regional Council
Victoria 57 Clubs, 18 Support Operations Groups, 14 Australian Lifeguard Services 57 Clubs
Barwon Heads Thirteenth Beach SLSC
Carrum SLSC
Altona LSC
Beaumaris LSC
Chelsea Longbeach SLSC
Anglesea SLSC
Black Rock LSC
Dromana Bay LSC
Apollo Bay SLSC
Bonbeach LSC
Edithvale LSC
Aspendale LSC
Brighton LSC
Elwood LSC
Bancoora SLSC
Cape Paterson SLSC
Fairhaven SLSC
Section 07: SLS Entities
121
Frankston LSC
South Melbourne LSC
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter
Gunnamatta SLSC
St Kilda LSC
14 Australian Lifeguard Services
Half Moon Bay SLSC
Torquay SLSC
Borough of Queenscliffe (Geelong)
Hampton LSC
Venus Bay SLSC
City of Greater Geelong
Inverloch SLSC
Waratah Beach SLSC
City of Kingston
Jan Juc SLSC
Warrnambool SLSC
City of Port Phillip
Kennett River SLSC
Williamstown Swimming and LSC
City of Warrnambool
Lorne SLSC
Wonthaggi LSC
Colac Otway Shire
Mallacoota SLSC
Woodside Beach SLSC
East Gippsland Shire
Mentone LSC
Woolamai Beach SLSC
Frankston City Council
Mildura LSC
Wye River SLSC
Shire of Bass Coast
Mordialloc LSC
18 Support Operations Groups
Shire of Moyne
MorningtonLSC
Bass RWC Service
South Gippsland Shire
Mount Martha LSC
Geelong RWC Service
Surf Coast Shire
Ocean Grove SLSC
Kingston RWC Service
Wellington Shire
Point Leo SLSC
LSV Comms
Wyndham city council
Point Lonsdale SLSC
Marine Search & Rescue - Hastings
Port Campbell SLSC
Marine Search & Rescue - Mornington
Port Fairy LSC
Marine Search & Rescue - Port Campbell
Port Melbourne LSC
Marine Search & Rescue - Portland
Portland SLSC
Marine Search & Rescue - Waratah Beach
Portsea SLSC
Marine Search & Rescue - Woodside Beach
Rosebud & McCrae LSC
Peninsula RWC Service
Sandridge LSC
Point Lonsdale RWC Service
Sandringham LSC
Port Phillip RWC Service
Seaford LSC
Seaspray RWC Service
Seaspray SLSC
Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad
SLS Lakes Entrance
Surf Coast East RWC Service
Sorrento LSC
Surf Coast West RWC Service
South Australia 22 Clubs, 6 Support Operations Groups, 2 Australian Lifeguard Services 22 Clubs
Normanville SLSC
SLSSA Drone Program
Aldinga Bay SLSC
North Haven SLSC
SLSSA JRB Service
Beachport SLSC
Port Elliot SLSC
SLSSA RWC Service
Brighton SLSC
Port Noarlunga SLSC
SLSSA State Duty Officers
Chiton Rocks SLSC
Robe SLSC
SLSSA Surfcom
Christies Beach SLSC
Seacliff SLSC
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service
Elizabeth LSC
Semaphore SLSC
2 Australian Lifeguard Services
Glenelg SLSC
Somerton SLSC
Alexandria Council
Goolwa SLSC
South Port SLSC
City of Holdfast Bay
Grange SLSC
West Beach SLSC
Henley SLSC
Whyalla SLSC
Moana SLSC
6 Support Operations Groups
122
Surf Life Saving Australia Annual Report 2020-21
Western Australia 31 Clubs, 12 Support Operations Groups, 11 Australian Lifeguard Services 31 Clubs
Mandurah SLSC
North Metropolitan Support Operations
Albany SLSC
Margaret River SLSC
Peer Support Operations
Alkimos SLSC
Mullaloo SLSC
SLSWA Drone Patrol
Binningup SLSC
North Cottesloe SLSC
SLSWA Surfcom
Broome SLSC
Port Bouvard SLSC
South Metropolitan Support Operations
Busselton SLSC
Quinns Mindarie SLSC
South West Support Operations
Champion Bay SLSC
Scarboro SLSC
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service
City of Bunbury SLSC
Secret Harbour SLSC
11 Australian Lifeguard Services
City of Perth SLSC
Smiths Beach (WA) SLSC
Broome Shire Council
Coogee Beach (WA) SLSC
Sorrento (WA) SLSC
City of Albany
Cottesloe SLSC
Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC
City of Busselton
Dalyellup Beach SLSC
Trigg Island SLSC
City of Joondalup
Dampier SLSC
Yanchep SLSC
City of Mandurah
Denmark SLSC
12 Support Operations Groups
City of Rockingham
Dongara-Denison SLSC
Abalone Patrol
City of Wanneroo
Esperance-Goldfields SLSC
Esperance-Goldfields Support Operations
Rottnest Island Authority
Floreat SLSC
Great Southern Support Operations
Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Fremantle SLSC
Kimberley Support Operations
Town of Cambridge
Geraldton SLSC
Mid West Support Operations
Town of Cottesloe
Northern Territory 3 Clubs, 4 Support Operations Group, 3 Australian Lifeguard Services 3 Clubs
4 Support Operation Groups
3 Australian Lifeguard Services
Darwin SLSC
SLSNT Support Operations
City of Darwin
Gove Peninsula SLSC
SLSNT RWC Service
City of Palmerston
Mindil Beach SLSC
SLSNT RHIB Service
Litchfield
SLSNT Offshore Rescue Boat
SLSNT Offshore Rescue Boat
Tasmania 15 Clubs, 3 Support Operations Groups, 7 Marine Rescue Units, 2 Australian Lifeguard Service 15 Clubs
Somerset SLSC
2 Lifeguards
Bicheno SLSC
Ulverstone SLSC
City of Clarence
Boat Harbour Beach SLSC
3 Support Operations Groups
City of Hobart
Bridport SLSC
Surf Life Saving Tas JRB Service
Burnie SLSC
Surf Life Saving Tas RWC Service
Carlton Park SLSC
Surf Life Saving Tas Flood Rescue Service
Clifton Beach SLSC
7 Marine Rescue Units
Devonport SLSC
Dodges Ferry Sea Rescue
Kingston Beach SLSC
Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue
Launceston LSC
Kingborough Volunteer Marine Rescue
Penguin SLSC
St Helens Volunteer Marine Rescue
Port Sorell SLSC
Tamar Sea Rescue
Raspins Beach SLSC
Ulverstone Volunteer Marine Rescue
Scamander SLSC
Wynyard Volunteer Marine Rescue
Glossary of Terms
123
Glossary of Terms
LI F E S AV I N G Blackspot – An area with a concentration of coastal/ocean incidents and a high probability/risk of ongoing recurrence. Coastal – Describes the foreshore, seabed, coastal water and air space above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including areas up to 3nm offshore and of which the landward boundary is the line of mean high water, except where that line crosses a river/inlet, the landward boundary at that point shall be the point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river/inlet mouth by five (adopted from the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 New Zealand). Drowning – The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/ immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified as death, morbidity, and no morbidity. Drowning death - fatal drowning incident arising from the process of respiratory impairment as a result of submersion/immersion in liquid. First aid – Assessments and interventions that can be performed by a bystander (or by the victim) with minimal to no equipment.
Lifeguard – An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach or another aquatic environment. He/she is typically a salaried member, qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue. Lifesaving service – A coordinated group that exists to provide aquatic safety services to the public. This includes Surf Life Saving Clubs, Lifeguards, SurfCom, RWCs, RIBs, JRBs, ORBs, Rescue Helicopters and 4WD units. Patrolled location – A location supervised by a lifesaving service. Preventative action – Direct action taken to reduce or eliminate the probability of a specific rescue, first aid or other reportable incident from happening in the future. Rescue – The retrieval of a person in distress, delivering them to a place of safety and the application of first aid and basic life support as may be required. Resuscitation – Prevention or restoration of life by establishing and maintaining a person’s airway, breathing and circulation. Rip current – A seaward flowing current of water moving through a surf zone.
Surfcom – Surf Life Saving radio communications centre that assists in managing the communications of lifesaving operations and data collection. Total service plan – An assessment of current and future lifesaving resources, trends, national blackspots and coastal safety issues combined with evidencebased mitigation strategies to address these issues.
CO M M O N AC R O N Y M S ACNC – Australian Charities and Not-ForProfit Commission ACPSG – SLSA Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines AEMVF – Australian Emergency Management Volunteer Forum ALS – Australian Lifeguard Service ARC – Australian Resuscitation Council ASC – Australian Sports Commission CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation EMA – Emergency Management Australia EMG – Executive Management Group FACC – Finance, Audit & Compliance Committee HRS – Helicopter Rescue Service ILS – International Life Saving Federation IRB – Inflatable Rescue Boat JRB – Jet Rescue Boat SSV – Side by Side Vehicle
Surf Life Saving Australia Ltd Level 1, 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Australia P.O. Box 7773, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Ph: +61 2 9215 8000 | Fax: +61 2 9215 8180 | Web: sls.com.au | Email: info@slsa.asn.au | ABN: 67 449 738 159 | ACN: 003 147 180 Limited additional copies of this annual report are available upon request from SLSA. This report is available online at sls.com.au/publications Images: Rob Palmer, Harvpix, Shane Daw
SURF LIFE S AVING AUS TR A LI A
Highlights 2020–21
8,064 FIRST AID TREATMENTS
1,757,518 PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS
45,205 PATROLLING MEMBERS
VOLUNTEER HOURS ON PATROL
MEMBERS 8.5%
1.94% GROWTH IN PATROLLERS
256 MISSIONS
BRONZE MEDALLIONS LEARNING
COURSES SLSA AWARDS
ENROLLED
$29.7 MILLION CONTRIBUTIONS TO SURF LIFE SAVING ENTITIES