surf life saving australia annual report 2014/15

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 014 -15S U R F L I F E S A V I N G A U S T R A L I A

C O N T E N T S

S E C T I O N 01 S E C T I O N 0 5S E C T I O N 0 3 S E C T I O N 07

S E C T I O N 0 2 S E C T I O N 0 6S E C T I O N 0 4 S E C T I O N 0 8

I N T R O D U C T I O N AWA R D S & H O N O U R S

G O V E R N A N C E & O V E R S I G H T

S L S E N T I T I E S

S L S A O P E R AT I O N S S TAT I S T I C A L S U M M A R I E S

F I N A N C I A LR E P O R T

G L O S S A R Y O F T E R M S

004 088054 120

020 104074 128

I N T R O D U C T I O NS E C T I O N 0 1

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Aussies in April, 2015. North Kirra SLSC

and Tugun SLSC hosted the event which

featured some historic moments from

some of the most decorated athletes in

our proud sporting history. For the first

time, The Aussies was launched with a

two-day youth championships featuring

only competitors aged 15 and under. More

than 6,000 members and 400 volunteers,

officials and SLSA staff helped stage

one of the most memorable Australian

Championships ever seen.

The year ended with the arrival of a new

Chief Executive for SLSA, with Melissa King

replacing Greg Nance who has retired.

Melissa steps up from her role as the

General Manager of Communications and

Business Development (CBD). She is the

first ever female CEO of the peak body.

The CBD team, in conjunction with the

SLS Foundation embarked on the first

of a five-year National Fundraising and

Awareness campaign in December 2014.

In year one, it was shown that Be A Life

Saver had raised public awareness of

Surf Life Saving as a community cause in

need of public support. We encourage

the community, our members, partners

and ambassadors to support our efforts

to raise $1 million by 2020 to keep our

beaches and community safe.

We would like to take this opportunity

to thank and acknowledge the following

directors; Andrew McGuiness and Mark

Irwin who have retired from the SLSA

Board and thank them for their positive

contribution to SLSA. We also welcome

new board members Bridget Riggs, NT

and Craig Smith-Gander, WA.

We also thank all of the members of

the SLSA Board and subsidiaries for their

positive commitment and contribution

and high levels of performance.

The strength of SLSA is due to the hard

work and dedication of our volunteers

who are supported by our directors, staff,

officers and committees as well as our

states, branches and clubs.

Thank you to our members for their

ongoing support of our visionzero

preventable deaths in Australian waters

and our mission to save lives, create great

Australians and build better communities.

T he 2014/15 Annual Report is a snapshot of the incredible contribution Surf Life Saving Australia makes to Australian society. A

reflection on our achievements should

instil immense pride in all associated with

Australias peak coastal water safety body.

Our mission is to save lives, create great

Australians and build better communities.

In 2014/15:

Our frontline surf lifesavers, lifeguards

and support operations groups

performed 12,690 rescues, 42,424

first aid treatments and 1,255,090

preventative actions.

We increased total membership

numbers by 0.6per cent to a total

of 169,633.

Our patrolling members completed a

total of 1.3 million volunteer hours

on patrol.

Those numbers reinforce SLSAs

commitment to safety. The safety of the

community. The safety of our members.

It remains our number one priority in all

that we do.

A key initiative was a commitment by

the SLSA Board to proceed with the

development of Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE) for use in surf sports.

SLSA has worked with industry experts to

develop a fit-for-purpose buoyancy vest

that meets surf specific specifications. It is

a significant development in safety for our

members. These will become mandatory

in October 2016. It followed the

introduction of mandatory use of helmets

in surf boat training and competition.

Clubs across Australia have benefited

from the allocation of Federal Government

grants under the $8 million Beach Safety

Equipment Fund, which will be distributed

to clubs over the next five years. This

money has and will continue to help clubs

keep our beaches safe with the best

equipment available.

The Federal Government continues

to support Surf Life Saving and it

received quarterly updates through

the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life

Saving initiative, co-chaired by Sarah

Henderson MP and Matt Thistlethwaite

MP. A highlight was the landing of the

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter on

the lawn of Parliament House in Canberra

in December 2014. Guests throughout

the year included the National Rescue of

the Month winners, recognising national

excellence in lifesaving and rescues.

The former Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon Tony Abbott MP launched

the National Coastal Safety Report at

Queenscliff SLSC, NSW in December 2014.

The report identified a reduction in the

number of coastal drownings in Australia.

The Governor of NSW, His Excellency

the Hon. David Hurley officially launched

the SLSA publication Those Who Served:

Surf Lifesavers At War in Sydney in June

2015. It featured a history of Surf Life

Saving members who have served in the

Australian military since 1899.

The Australian Surf Life Saving

Championships celebrated its 100th

anniversary of the first ever staging of The

KEY DATES

2014

1820 Jul National Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships (Kingscliff, NSW)

810 Aug National Pool Rescue Championships (Sydney Olympic Park, NSW)

28 Aug Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Quarterly Update (Parliament House, Canberra, ACT)

67 Sept Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Trials (Salt Beach, QLD)

24 Oct SLSF AGM

24 Oct SLSA AGM

25 Oct National Awards of Excellence (Sydney, NSW)

1-2 Nov Coolangatta Gold 2014 (Coolangatta Beach, QLD)

18-Nov WHO Global Report on Drowning Report Launched

4-Dec Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Quarterly Update (Parliament House, Canberra, ACT)

13-Dec Beach Safety Equipment Fund launch

14-Dec 2014 National Coastal Safety Report launched by former Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Tony Abbott MP

28-Dec Launch of the Be A Life Saver fundraising and awareness campaign

2015

23 Jan Interstate Surf Life Saving Championships (Newport Beach, NSW)

28 Feb National Leadership College (Sydney, NSW)

5 Feb Tsunami the Ultimate Guide launched by the Minister for Justice

68 Feb Trans-Tasman Test Match for Surf Boats (Stockton, NSW)

12 Feb Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving re-launch (Parliament House, Canberra, ACT)

1119 April Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (North Kirra Beach, QLD)

16 Apr Annual Life Members Dinner

18 Jun Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Quarterly Update (Parliament House, Canberra, ACT)

1114 Jun Clash of the Paddles (Hamilton Island, QLD)

Graham Ford

President SLSA

P R E S I D E N T & C E O S R E P O R TI N T R O D U C T I O N

OUR FRONTLINE SURF LIFESAVERS, LIFEGUARDS AND SUPPORT OPERATIONS GROUPS PERFORMED 12,690 RESCUES, 42,424 FIRST AID TREATMENTS AND 1,255,090 PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS.

Greg Nance

Chief Executive Officer

008 009

S urf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is Australias peak coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority.

With 169,633 members and 313 affiliated

Surf Life Saving Clubs, Surf Life Saving

Australia represents the largest volunteer

movement of its kind in the world.

In 2014/15, Surf Life Saving active

members were involved in over 12,690

rescues, 42,424 emergency care

treatments and 1,255,090 preventative

actions. Each year our volunteers deliver

more than 1.3 million voluntary patrol

hours. Since Surf Life Saving (SLS) was

established in 1907, over 630,000 lives

have been saved.

SLS is a unique not-for-profit 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 M I S S I O NSurf Life Saving exists to save lives,

create great Australians and build

bettercommunities.

Australia has over 11,500 beaches

dispersed along 36,000 km of coastline.

Australian beaches receive an estimated

100 million visitations annually.

Despite significant advancements in

technology, techniques and knowledge,

people still drown on the coast in

unacceptable numbers. Surf Life Saving

exists to save lives, and we are committed

to reducing the coastal drowning rate by

50 per cent by 2020.

W H AT W E D OThe Surf Life Saving movement creates

a safe environment on and off Australian

beaches through a range of support

operations. These operations include:

24/7 emergency response groups

rescue helicopter service

jet rescue boats

offshore rescue boats

rescue water craft

surveillance systems

radio control and coordination centres

volunteer lifesaving services.

Surf Life Saving Australia, through the state

and territory centres, operates the Australian

Lifeguard Service, the countrys largest

lifeguard service, providing cost recovery

lifesaving services to local government and

other coastal land managers.

O U R S T R AT E G I E SSLSA has developed a strategic plan that

will guide the Surf Life Saving movement

through to the year 2020. The focus of

our 2020 Strategic Management Plan is to

further build the capacity and capability of

the movement to achieve our vision of zero

preventable deaths in Australian waters.

These are the four pillars of strategic intent

we pursue to achieve our vision:

1. Extend lifesaving coverage to meet

community needs.

2. Develop our people.

3. Ensure a relevant and growing

movement.

4. Engage the community to participate

and donate.

O U R S TA K E H O L D E R SOur principal stakeholders are those who

use and enjoy the Australian coastline

and those who are directly or indirectly

impacted by our actions.

I N T E R N A L Staff

State and territory centres: state and

territory centres are represented by our

members on the SLSA Board. SLSA has

regular contact with our owners through

board meetings and other forums

C O 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 long-

term sustainability of the movement.

SLSA encourages all Australian

corporates to include Surf Life Saving in

their workplace giving program

G OV E R N M E N T Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life

Saving (Federal): SLSA invites members

to participate in quarterly updates

outlining Surf Life Savings 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:

Australian Sports Commission

Department of Health

Department of Foreign Affairs

and Trade

Department of the Environment

Other levels of government: Surf

Life Saving state centres have direct

relationships with state governments,

while our clubs liaise with their relevant

local government. For particular

activities, namely national sporting

events, SLSA will form a relationship

with state and local government

Parliamentarians: in order to

strengthen the reputation of the

organisation, we engage in proactive

advocacy with elected members

of parliament, particularly those

representing coastal seats

C O M M U N I T Y SLS 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

depends on new recruits to maintain

and increase lifesaving services

Beach-going community: SLSA

communicates with the community

via a variety of different programs and

channels, including public advertising

and awareness campaigns and the

distribution of educational resources

Donors: SLSA communicates with

its donors, the Guardians of the Surf,

regularly through The Surf Life Saving

Foundation

F U N D I N GAs a community cause, SLSA relies on

the Australian Government, corporate

partners and donors to fund the majority

of its activities. One-third of the parent

entities funding comes from the

Federal Government. The remaining

two-thirds is secured via national

corporate partners, licensing and fees

for competitions.

The Surf Life Saving Foundation actively

conducts fundraising around Australia on

behalf of SLS and its state centres while

Surf Life Saving clubs also conduct their

own fundraising activities. To support

their lifesaving activities the state centres

(which report separately) are engaged in

commercial activities such as education,

training and the provision of contract

lifeguard services to local government

and other land managers.

S TAT U T O RY O B L I G AT I O N S A N D O V E R S I G H TSLSA 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 Surf Life Saving Foundation

operates under the charitable fundraising

legislation in each of the states and

territories it is registered.

A B O U T T H I S R E P O R TThis is the Annual Report of SLSA Ltd.

The Surf Life Saving movement is made

up of over 500 separate legal entities,

ranging from state centres, clubs,

branches and support operations. The

financial accounts of these entities, whose

relationship with SLSA Ltd is further

described on pages 7689, are not

consolidated here. However, the activities

and achievements of all Australias surf

lifesavers are consolidated and reported.

N O T I C E O F A N N U A L G E N E R A L M E E T I N GNotice is given of the Annual General

Meeting of SLSA Ltd. The meeting will be

held on Friday 23 October, 2015 at SLSAs

Office, Bondi Icebergs. All SLSA members

are welcome to attend.

W H O W E A R EI N T R O D U C T I O N

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V I S I O NZero preventable deaths in Australian waters.

M I S S I O NWe save lives, create great Australians and build better communities.

SURF LIFE SAVING STR ATEGIC PL AN

GOALS

1. EX TEND LIFESAVING COVER AGE TO MATCH COMMUNIT Y NEEDS

2. DEVELOP OUR PEOPLE 3. ENSURE A RELEVANT & GROWING MOVEMENT

4. ENGAGE THE COMMUNIT Y TO PARTICIPATE & DONATE

STR ATEGIES

1.1 Optimise our resources to always be rescue ready.

1.2 Apply evidence-based research to determine community water safety requirement.

1.3 Enhance and integrate coastal risk management systems.

1.4 Promote SLSA as the peak coastal safety body.

1.5 Incorporate SLS services into the local, state and national emergency management systems.

1.6 Support ILS development activities, particularly through the Asia-Pacific region.

2.1 Provide and promote the opportunities and pathways in SLS to motivate our members.

2.2 Provide ongoing leadership opportunities to our people

2.3 Provide efficient, relevant and flexible learning opportunities.

2.4 Develop our participation initiatives including surf sports.

2.5 Provide opportunities for our members to participate in activities including through ILS.

3.1 Protect, manage and promote the SLS brand to drive internal and external support.

3.2 Utilise evidence-based research to inform development and implementation of safe practices.

3.3 Develop effective strategic, operational alignment across all levels.

3.4 Ensure sound environment practices at all levels.

3.5 Implement efficiencies across the movement.

3.6 Understand community expectations of involvement via engagement.

4.1 Promote and celebrate SLS positive contribution to Australian society.

4.2 Promote SLS as an organisation in need.

4.3 Provide opportunities and encourage community, corporate partners and stakeholders to actively participate in SLS.

4.4 Grow revenue from corporate partners and government sectors.

4.5 Proactively and transparently communicate how all funds raised are used.

SUCCESS FACTORS

No drowning deaths between the flags.

Community needs quantified through Total Service Plan (TSP).

Coastal drowning in Australia reduced by 50 per cent by 2020.

Service delivery measured with delivery reflecting need.

All state entities are included in state / territory emergency management systems.

Learning opportunities equip our people with the skill set to support the achievement of our vision.

SLS has a participation pathway that generates sustained membership levels to support community outcomes.

Boards / senior management at the national, state, branch and club levels are representative of the movement and community makeup.

SLS IP protected through application of existing IP legislation for unauthorised use.

Liquidity ratio remains positive. SLS States sign and

participate in memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreeing fundraising parameters.

SLS strategic plans are aligned at national, state and club level.

National and state risk and compliance registers are current and reported.

Safety of our people remains first and foremost.

Non-government revenue increases annually - National community fund

raising campaign secures $1 million/annum by 2020

- Annual increase in non-government revenue of up to 5 per cent per year

- SLS donors increase by 3 per cent annually

SLSA reports on distribution of funds transparently across the movement annually through owned and earnt channels.

Brand awareness and economic impact increases annually.

S L S 2 0 2 0 S T R A T E G I C P L A NI N T R O D U C T I O N

12,690FIR S T AID TRE ATME NTS

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS VOLUNTEER HOURS ON PATROL

1,255,090

MEMBERS

AUSSIESCOMPETITORS

OVER 1,200 HOURS OF FLYING

1,035

PAG E VIE WS ON BEACHSAFE SITE

1,217,180

MISSIONS

7,476MEDALLIONS

63,055

15,000

POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO SLS ENTITIES

$21.3 MILLION

DURING FINALS DAY AT THE AUSSIES

H I G H L I G H T SI N T R O D U C T I O N

012 013

1. EXTEND LIFESAVING COVER AGE TO MATCH COMMUNIT Y NEEDS

2020 STR ATEGIC INTENT WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED 2014/2015 OUR PRIORITIES FOR 2015/2016

1.1 Optimise our resources

to always be rescue

ready.

A helicopter working group established to

consider opportunities in relation to Southern

Region Helicopter Rescue Service and assist

Northern Region Helicopter Rescue Service and

cease Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

(HEMS) operations.

Extended national partnership with Telstra to

improve our operational communication and

information management systems and enhance

emergency response.

Implemented the first year of the Beach Safety

Equipment Fund providing over $1 million for

clubs to purchase vital lifesaving equipment.

Provided Black Spot Drowning Reduction

Program funding for crucial drowning prevention

initiatives targeting high-risk locations and

population groups across Australia.

Distributed the BRP Grant providing over

$300,000 worth of powercraft to services

across Australia.

Reviewed the SLSA Compliance and Accreditation

Program for Lifesaving Equipment.

Finalise recommendations in relation to

transfer of Southern to SLSNSW.

Undertake a consultative strategic

planning process into the future of

lifesaving operations beyond 2020.

Deliver a five year master plan for the

organisations operational information and

communications requirements.

Successfully implement national grant and

funding programs.

Successfully reform the SLSA Compliance

and Accreditation Program for Lifesaving

Equipment including transition to

independent assessors.

1.2 Apply evidence-based

research to determine

community water safety

requirement.

SLSA implemented a revised Total Service

Plan framework to assist in the management,

analysis, reporting and communication of

the communities, coastal safety requirement

against defined objectives.

Conducted the National Coastal Safety Survey

to understand the behaviours and attitudes of

Australias coastal users.

Deliver National Coastal Safety Reports

focused on the top four priority issues

identified by the Total Service Plan.

Conduct behavioural insights research

into high-risk population groups to inform

development of drowning prevention

initiatives.

1.3 Enhance and

integrate coastal risk

management systems.

Delivered final report for the SLSA PPE project

into surf sports activities.

Researched and developed specifications for

new low buoyancy lifejackets featured in the

revised Australian Standards.

Conducted an independent review of safety

policies implemented over the past two years

with Monash University.

Implement the recommendations of the

SLSA PPE project report into surf sports.

Investigate and deliver a report into the

potential requirements and use of PPE

across Lifesaving Operations and Junior

Development Activities.

1. EXTEND LIFESAVING COVER AGE TO MATCH COMMUNIT Y NEEDS


1.4 Promote SLSA as the

peak coastal safety body.

Contributed to the delivery of the Australian Water

Safety Summit.

Delivered the 2014 National Coastal Safety Report.

Progressed the Rocky Coasts Research Project with

the universities of Melbourne and Wollongong.

Contribute to the delivery of the 201520

Australian Water Safety Strategy.

Deliver the 2015 National Coastal Safety

Report.

1.5 Incorporate SLS

services into the

local, state and

national emergency

management systems.

Represented the movement in Australian Fire

and Emergency Service Authorities Council

(AFAC) forums and on federal government

emergency management committees.

To deliver and promote reliable and trusted

response by SLS services to emergencies.

To improve processes and ensure SLSA are

representing the views of our member states

in order to act as one SLS body in the sector.

Confirm our position as the peak water safety

organisation in this country by showing

our capabilities, experience and expertise

and thereby increasing awareness of public

safety messaging.

1.6 Support ILS

development activities,

particularly through the

Asia-Pacific region.

SLSA maintained a strong presence on the ILS

Board of Directors as well as the various ILS

Commissions.

Worked collaboratively with ILS members to

implement the recommendations of the WHO

Global Burden of Drowning Report.

Reviewed SLSAs International Development

Program objectives, processes and

responsibilities.

Work with RLSSA to develop opportunities

to enhance lifesaving within the Asia-

Pacific region.

S C O R E C A R DI N T R O D U C T I O N

014 015

2. DEVELOP OUR PEOPLE


2.1 Provide and promote

the opportunities and

pathways in SLS to

motivate our members.

Completed the research study with UTS

Attributing the social contribution of Surf Life

Saving Australia: valuing the social capital of an

iconic institution.

Delivered the SLSA National Awards of Excellence

on Saturday 25 October, 2014 in Sydney.

Launched the history book: Those Who Served:

Lifesavers at War.

To better understand why members join,

stay and leave the organisation.

Focus on youth engagement and related

programs to retain youth members in SLS.

Implement and enhance a relevant SLS

reward and recognition framework.

Develop an online, interactive pathways

framework for participation.

2.2 Provide ongoing

leadership opportunities

to our people.

Delivered a successful National Leadership

College in February 2015.

Launched SLSA Leadership Alumni in April 2015.

Led the Australian Emergency Management

Volunteer Forum (AEMVF) Leadership

Development Plan project.

Implemented SLSA staff management and

leadership program.

Undertake a review of national leadership

programs to ensure the SLS movement has

long term leadership capability that can

deliver the organisations vision and mission.

2.3 Provide efficient,

relevant and flexible

learning opportunities.

Produced 8th Edition Powercraft Training Manual

and associated resources.

Developed an education strategy and framework.

Investigated alternative eLearning options.

Conducted skills maintenance review.

Review resources as scheduled.

Adopt a national education strategy and

framework 201520.

Evaluate skills maintenance review

implementations.

2.4 Develop our

participation initiatives

including surf sports.

Delivered a successful new Interstate

Championships format which introduced live

streaming of the event through sls.com.au and

delivered close, exciting racing in an intense

atmosphere.

Delivered the first Aussies Ocean Swim which

provided an event within the Aussies program

catering for public participation.

Successfully executed marketing campaigns and

event activations for Coolangatta Gold 2014 and

The Aussies 2015.

Secured Coates Hire and Pages as event

supporters for The Aussies 2015.

Undertake a national review of sport and

recreation in surf life saving to identify

opportunities to modernise the sport

offering relative to consumer demand.

To contemporise and enhance the SLSA

marketing and communications strategies

for SLSA national sporting events.

Explore opportunities to secure new

sponsors and partners for key flagship

sporting events.

2.5 Provide opportunities

for our members to

participate in activities

including through ILS.

Australian Life Saving Team and Australian Youth

Life Saving Team represented at the World Life

Saving Championships.

Rescue 16 campaign preparations

implemented including competing at

International Surf Rescue Challenge, the

Orange Cup and the German Cup.

3. ENSURE A RELEVANT AND GROWING MOVEMENT


3.1 Protect, manage and

promote the SLS brand

to drive internal and

external support.

Developed the SLS Intellectual Property policy

protecting our IP through the management of

breaches, requests and contract requirements.

Developed brand guidelines for Coolangatta Gold.

Conducted research to gauge SLSAs brand health

and responded with appropriate key messages for

public fundraising awareness campaign.

Deliver marketing, communications and

corporate partnership support to promote

full range of opportunities to members.

Ensure the Surf Life Saving brand remains

protected and valued by developing SLS

sponsorship policy and monitoring SLS

IP policy for national events versus retail

specific opportunities.

Develop the SLS brand to reinforce the

SLS mission statement and position the

movement as a relevant and accessible

organisation for all stakeholders (general

public, government, corporate donor,

members and media).

Undertake brand research post fundraising

campaign to gauge brand health and

recognition as a community organisation

in need.

To provide a consistent brand value

proposition across all SLSA digital platforms.

3.2 Utilise evidence-based

research to inform

development and

implementation of safe

practices.

Delivered final report for the SLSA PPE project

into surf sports activities.

Researched and developed specifications for

new low-buoyancy lifejackets featured in the

revised Australian Standards.

Conducted an independent review of safety

policies implemented over the past two years

with Monash University.

Implement the recommendations of the

SLSA PPE project report into surf sports.

Investigate and deliver a report into the

potential requirements and use of PPE

across lifesaving operations and junior

development activities.

Deliver safety announcement communications

strategy and SLSA Annual Report and SLSF

Annual Review to be distributed.

3.3 Develop effective

strategic, operational

alignment across

all levels.

Developed a centralised management system for

all policies.

IT review completed and recommendations

developed.

Review identified policies.

Develop and implement agreed protocols,

hierarchy and communications plans for

SLSA to engage with members.

Be an effective national movement through

collaboration with states/foundation on key

communications and business

development activities.

Investigate a digital content strategy for SLSA.

IT review implementation endorsed and

progressed.


016 017

3. ENSURE A RELEVANT AND GROWING MOVEMENT


3.4 Ensure sound

environment practices

at all levels.

Adapt between the flagsenhancing

the capacity of SLSA to cope with climate

change and to leverage adoption within local

communities. Final report published on National

Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility

website in October 2014.

Liaise with Government to ensure SLS

services are appropriately prepared

and supported to comply with incoming

Clear Air Regulations.

3.5 Implement efficiencies

across the movement.

Developed and implemented a National

Fundraising Cooperative MOU between SLSA

and state entities.

SLSA group compliance framework and registers

have been finalised and updated monthly.

Ensure SLSF is resourced to deliver growth

year on year for SLS.

3.6 Understand community

expectations of

involvement via

engagement.

SLSA annual benchmarking research including

the development key brand metrics that can be

used as brand health indicators to measure and

track ongoing performance of the SLS brand.

Be A Life Saver campaign quantitative research.

2016 SLSA benchmarking research and

Brand engagement undertaken.

Be A Life Saver campaign quantitative

research, monitoring brand health,

positioning and campaign messaging.


4. ENGAGE THE COMMUNIT Y TO PARTICIPATE AND DONATE


4.1 Promote and celebrate

SLS positive contribution

to Australian society.

Initiated a partnership with Australian Childhood

Foundation to support an organisation-wide

audit of child safe practices.

Conducted supporter acquisition programs for

both philanthropic and commercial programs

resulting in approximately 530,000 public touch

points per month; each providing verbal or

written information regarding SLS community

services and/or achievements.

Communicated regularly with approximately

60,000 monthly supporters highlighting the

positive contribution of SLS.

Communicated with over 200 grant makers

(government and trusts/foundations) educating

them on the positive contribution SLS makes to

the community.

Complete Child Safe Organisation audit,

update SLS Member Protection Policy

and make recommendations on reforms

to enhance our duty of care to children

and young people.

Continue public contact and

communication through philanthropic,

commercial and grant programs,

highlighting key achievements.

Implement a digital test strategy as

an extension of public engagement

programs.

Use existing and new technology

to communicate key messages and

investigate best practice across multiple

channels, which includes refreshing the

website.



4.2 Promote SLS as an

organisation in need.

Successfully executed year one of Be A Life Saver

national fundraising awareness campaign.

Website redevelopment underway, due for

completion before December 2015.

Communications and PR plan developed and

executed for year one of Be A Life Saver campaign,

receiving significant traction across national media.

Conducted market research to identify community

perceptions of SLS funding needs.

Implemented supporter acquisition programs in

philanthropic and commercial giving areas.

Be a Life Saver Campaign. Implement year

two of five, increasing CSA media support

and value by 10 per cent.

Continue to secure annual support from

corporate partners to aid and generate

donations to Be a Lifesaver campaign

through campaign amplifications and

donation of channels.

Website refresh implemented by

December 2015.

Implement a digital test strategy focused

on recruiting new supporters.

Implement specific lottery acquisition test

strategy targeting state of Victoria.

Review content and functionality of the

SLSF website.

4.3 Provide opportunities

and encourage

community, corporate

partners and

stakeholders to actively

participate in SLS.

The Aussies Ocean Swim launched as a way to

engage a broader audience beyond SLS members

at The Aussies 2015.

Significant PR campaigns and strategies built and

executed around Coolangatta Gold 2014, The

Aussies 2015, Awards of Excellence 2014, Be A Life

Saver campaign.

Greater prominence in mainstream media channels.

Higher rate of internally generated content.

Significant growth in followers across all social

media channels.

Enhancement of The Aussies 2015 newspaper

generating positive feedback.

Engagement with all state communications

representatives to ensure consistency and on-

message approach to content and response delivery.

Increased creation and publication of content across

SLSA website and social media to raise profile of

organisation and its members.

Implementation of weekly content around Be A

Life Saver campaign to reinforce SLS identity as a

community cause in need of donations.

Development and implementation of public

awareness campaign around PPE.

Successful execution of the retail merchandising

program behind The Aussies 2015.

Increase the engagement of the community

with SLS key messages/stories, e.g. swim

between the flags, become a member,

donate now.

Identify and secure corporate/community/

donor support of events.

Create fundraising, community and

membership opportunities to engage all

Australians. For example, promoting and

encouraging participation in fundraising

appeals and activities, The Aussies 2016

Ocean Swim, movie nights, family fun days.

Increase engagement across communication

channels e.g. increased click throughs

or social media engagement, increased

participation at events.

018 019

S N A P S H O TI N T R O D U C T I O N




4.4 Grow revenue from

corporate partners and

government sectors.

Established the Commercial Working Group

(CWG) with representatives from each state,

for the purpose of identifying and growing new

partnership opportunities.

Ongoing delivery of Corporate Partner Strategy.

Successful implementation of the quarterly

Parliamentary Friends activities, maintaining

engagement with federal government and building

bipartisan support for the SLS movement.

Launch of National Coastal Safety Report by former

Prime Minister in December 2014 with strong media

attendance and reporting across all mediums.

Continued to deliver grant-seeking education and

training programs to SLS entities through the Grant

Seeking Unit (GSU).

2014/2015 revenue generated through the GSU

was over $1.4 million (3 per cent above budget).

Increase corporate partner revenue through

existing and new business opportunities,

utilising the CWG forum for optimisation of

these commercial opportunities.

Continue the yearly National Coastal

Safety report.

Maintain National Rescue of the Month

Award as part of our Parliamentary Friends

of Surf Life Saving initiative.

Exploit the new licensing opportunities

identified in tourist, member and public

segments by securing incremental retail

distribution, signing new licensees in new

categories such as apparel and developing

credible and effective online retail solutions.

4.5 Proactively and

transparently

communicate how all

funds raised are used.

SLSA Annual Report made available to key

stakeholders via USB.

Delivered key messages on The Surf Life Saving

Foundation (SLSF) distribution of funds through the

SLSA Annual Report, the SLSF Annual Review and

the SLSF website.

SLSA Annual Report and SLSF Annual

Review to be distributed.

Develop key messaging for the

2015/2016 financial year.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA LTD2 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 CHANGE %1

Revenuesponsorships & grants ($,000) 19,794 19,536 19,395 20,422 5.30%

Revenuetotal consolidated entity ($,000) 36,459 37,340 69,599 72,050 3.52%

Expendituretotal consolidated entity 35,899 37,023 68,364 70,365 2.92%

FTE employeesparent entity (i.e SLSA) 47.6 40.3 41 41.3 0.73%

SURF LIFE SAVING IN AUSTR ALIA

MEMBERSHIP

Number of male members 93,377 93,249 94,039 94,019 -0.02%

Number of female members 72,473 73,674 74,581 75,613 1.38%

Total membership 165,850 166,923 168,622 169,633 0.60%

Number of Surf Life Saving clubs 310 311 311 313 0.64%

LIFESAVING

Rescues performed by surf lifesavers + SLS support operations 12,610 8,048 8,572 9,647 12.54%

Rescues performed by ALS lifeguards 2,818 3,485 3,139 3,043 -3.06%

First aid administered by surf lifesavers + SLS support operations 17,652 34,097 13,947 19,826 42.15%

First aid administered by ALS lifeguards 17,326 30,548 17,946 22,598 25.92%

Preventative actions undertaken by surf lifesavers + SLS support operations 298,866 284,013 321,838 346,119 0.33%

Preventative actions undertaken by ALS lifeguards 629,712 621,561 694,199 908,971 30.94%

EDUCATION

Number of Cert II Public Safety qualifications issued (Bronze Medallion) 8,333 7,404 8,082 7,476 -7.50%

Percentage of junior members receiving SLSA awards 66% 71% 77% 72% -6.49%

SPORT

Number of competitors at The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 6,525 6,518 5,080 6,168 21.42%

Number of competitors at Coolangatta Gold 502 529 609 585 -3.94%

Number of accredited officials 3,478 3,761 2,911 3,474 19.34%

Number of accredited coaches 2,790 2,817 2,810 2,104 -25.12%

COMMUNIT Y

Number of Guardians of the Surf (Donors) 48,500 50,705 55,634 53,086 -4.58%

Index1 Indicates the percentage change from 2013/14 to 2014/152 Consolidated entity includes helicopter rescue service3 Refers to services provided by SLS managed Australian Lifeguard Services

S L S A O P E R A T I O N SS E C T I O N 0 2

023

O V E R V I E W:The Capacity and Capability (CC) portfolio

is responsible for coastal risk and safety,

lifesaving operations, research, education

and development and surf sports.

The deliverables of Capacity and

Capability include the:

development of best practice policies to

save lives

improvement of drowning prevention

initiatives and lifesaving operations

management of member development

programs

development of consistent and relevant

educational resources/practices

enhancement of participation

development of athletes, coaches

and officials through national sport

operations, events and community

resources.

C O A S TA L S A F E T YOV E R V I E WOver 2014/15 SLSA lifesavers and

lifeguards patrolled over 400 beaches

across Australia as well as contributing to

vital 24/7 emergency response capability

for countless more unpatrolled beaches

and remote waters.

The work of both volunteers and

employees has made a significant impact

on the Australian community by helping

to prevent the loss of life and injury, as

well as enabling safer participation in

a diverse range of aquatic activities.

During 2014/15 SLSA lifesaving services

conducted 12,690 rescues, 42,424 first

aids and 1,255,090 preventative actions.

While the work of SLSA lifesavers,

lifeguards and management staff has

contributed to a steady decline of coastal

drowning rates over the past decade,

SLSA are still not on track to reach the

desired 50 per cent reduction in drowning

by 2020. This drives SLSA to work smarter

with resources, continuously improving

and innovating services.

C O A S TA L S A F E T Y W O R K P L A NThe Australian Government, Department

of Health has continued to back the

SLSA coastal safety work plan. This

enables SLSA to work with the state

centres to deliver high-priority projects

to support the SLSA vision. It also

empowers SLSA to collaborate with the

drowning prevention industry and key

stakeholders to deliver better outcomes

for the Australian community.

This year SLSA were pleased to deliver

the first instalment of the Australian

Governments Beach Drowning Black

Spot Reduction Program and Beach

Safety Equipment Fund. These programs

provided an additional $1.6 million to

our state centres and clubs to improve

their services and address high-priority

drowning reduction initiatives.

TOTA L S E R V I C E P L A NOver the past year SLSA continued

to refine its Total Service Plan with

intelligence from a wide variety of sources

integrated into the framework to better

inform our resource allocation and

decision making processes. Planning and

tendering for a major research project

investigating behavioural characteristics

of high-risk populations was completed

and commissioned for completion over

the 2015/16 financial year. This research

combined with our existing intelligence,

will inform the delivery of a series of

reports that synthesise the key evidence

and chart SLSAs strategy to address high-

priority issues through to 2020.

C A P A C I T Y & C A P A B I L I T YS L S A O P E R A T I O N S

OVER 2014/15 SLSA LIFESAVERS AND LIFEGUARDS PATROLLED 313 BEACHES ACROSS AUSTRALIA AS WELL AS CONTRIBUTING TO VITAL 24/7 EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITY

024 025

P P E P R O J E C TSafety is paramount for members and

employees of Surf Life Saving. The

nature of the work required to save lives

often requires people to be working

in high-risk environments. The SLSA

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Project delivered innovative and world-

leading outcomes over the past year with

the delivery of a specification for low

buoyancy lifejackets designed for use in

high performance activities. This research

has directly informed the revision of

the Australian Standard and led to the

introduction of the new Level 25 class of

lifejacket. A final PPE Project report for

surf sports activities was delivered.

E M E R G E N C Y R E S P O N S EResponding to state feedback on our

operational communications and

information management systems, SLSA

embarked on a mission to seek additional

funding to provide much needed

improvements to enhance emergency

response times through smarter lifesaving.

SLSAs national partner Telstra, a leader in

the emergency telecommunications field,

will proudly support the implementation

of this project over the coming five years.

This represents a significant opportunity

and a key priority for the organisation

going forward.

SLSA also fulfilled advocacy,

collaboration and industry engagement

responsibilities across a range of sectors

during 2014/15. SLSA membership

with the Australian Fire and Emergency

Services Council (AFAC) and a range

of Australian Government committees

delivered valuable opportunities for SLSA

to engage with this sector, share best

practices, learn from industry leaders and

inform our development projects.

C O N C L U S I O NAll of SLSAs achievements in coastal

safety over the past year, and

commitment to work plans moving

forward, would not be possible without

the support and advice of the leadership

and consultative groups including the

Chair of Lifesaving Mr Mark Fife OAM,

the Lifesaving Management Committee,

Lifesaving Member Advisory Committee,

working groups and technical advisers.

SLSA is looking forward to these groups

continued engagement in working

towards the 50 per cent reduction in

coastal drowning goal by 2020.

E D U C AT I O N & D E V E L O P M E N TD E V E LO P M E N T Membership during the 2014/15 season

remained steady with an increase of 0.60

per cent bringing our membership to a

total of 169,633.

Of SLSAs membership, 79,115 (47 per

cent) are under the age of 18 years, with

63,055 (37 per cent) being junior activities

members (513 years). These members are

engaged in Nipper programs that develop

personal, lifesaving and competition skills

in a fun and safe aquatic environment.

SLSA takes its duty of care to children

and young people, as well as their families

and community seriously. The 2014/15

season saw SLSA establish a partnership

with the Australian Childhood Foundation

(ACF) and subsequently engage in the

Safeguarding Children Program. The

Safeguarding Children Program will

assist SLSA to systematically increase

its capacity to keep children and young

people safe from abuse and exploitation

while they participate in SLS activities

across Australia.

SLSAs continued focus on developing its

people saw the 2015 National Leadership

College successfully engage members

and the National Leadership Review

initiated. SLSA also launched a Leadership

Alumni, which has thus far brought a

great mix of people from over 15 years of

national leadership programs together.

In addition to internal programs, SLSA

engagement in broader emergency

management leadership continued to

expand through a series of new pilot

leadership programs for leaders of

Australian Emergency Management

Volunteer Forum (AEMVF) organisations.

A highlight for 2014/15 was the

National Awards of Excellence event,

which was held in October 2014. The

annual event celebrates and recognises

the outstanding achievements of SLSA

members (please refer to page 94 for 2014

winners list).

E D U C AT I O N This year we have focused on ensuring the

eighth edition Powercraft Training Manual

and the associated resources (IRB and

RWC) are ready for release by the start of

the 2015/16 season. The new resources

are the result of input from many SLS

volunteers and staff.

ELearning is a high-attention area for

SLSA with all new resources developed

or reviewed in each portfolio being

considered for an eLearning component

and other multimedia, where suitable.

It is well documented that people are

multi-sensory learners when it comes to

skills acquisition, and SLS members are

no different. Studies have indicated that

multi-sensory learning will increase the

majority of learners understanding by

more than 50 per cent, resulting in a 25

50 per cent greater learning retention, and

with a 5060 per cent greater consistency

in content understanding, which of course

is the ultimate aim of learning. There is a

place for both face-to-face and eLearning

in SLS; by blending the two side by side,

SLSA can harness todays multi-sensory

169,633SURF LIFE SAVING MEMBERS

47%MEMBERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS

37%JUNIOR ACTIVITIES MEMBERS (513 YEARS) IN NIPPER PROGR AMS

2,252SURF LIFE SAVING COACHES

3,474SURF OFFICIALS


THE SLSA PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PROJECT DELIVERED INNOVATIVE AND WORLD-LEADING OUTCOMES OVER THE PAST YEAR.

026 027

eLearning programs by combining video,

graphics and audio while also creating

a face-to-face experience for members

that incorporates much of what makes

facilitator-led learning effective.

A Skills Maintenance Review was

conducted this year, and the working

group involved in this project made a

number of recommendations on the

processes and procedures that have been

implemented for the 2015/16 season. This

review impacts all patrolling members

and ultimately the organisational

reputation. An evaluation of the impact

of the implementations will be completed

early 2016.

SLSA continue to streamline education

activities across the portfolios of coastal

safety, sport and development and

are working on an online, interactive

pathways framework to highlight all the

opportunities for participation, training

and development in SLS.

S P O R T I N T R O D U C T I O N Surf Life Saving sport had many

successes in 2014/15. SLSA celebrated

the 100 years of The Australian Surf

Life Saving Championships (The

Aussies), introduced the National Youth

Championships and launched a new

national coach education framework.

S P O R T D E V E LO P M E N TN AT I O N A L R E V I E W O F S P O R T A N D R E C R E AT I O N W I T H I N S U R F L I F E S AV I N GAfter 18 months of initial analysis

considering participation in surf sport,

which has been declining, the SLSA

CEO Greg Nance authored a discussion

paper entitled Sport in Surf Life Saving,

which was received and supported by

the SLSA Board in February 2015. As a

result of this paper, SLSA management

were directed to facilitate a broad,

in-depth review of sport and recreation

within SLS. The report for this review is

due in December 2015 and will consist of

reforms designed to:

increase relevance of the sport to the

wider organisation objectives

increase the physical capabilities

of lifesavers

ensure the sport system and products

offered are modern and accessible for

todays consumers, in todays society.

P E O P L E D E V E L O P M E N T2014/15 key projects delivered for the

benefit of members included:

the launch of the National Coach

Accreditation System (NCAS)

the development and delivery of team

manager education resources through

the SLSA website

the development of the new SLS

National Officiating Accreditation

System (NOAS) framework, which

was submitted to and approved by

the Australian Sport Commission.

Implementation of new official training

courses will commence in 2015/16 and

will take 23 years to fully implement

the release of the 35th Surf Sport

Manual in May 2015

the continuation of SLSAs involvement

working with ASADA in the delivery of

their anti-doping courses.

E V E N T SThe national sporting events portfolio saw

some unique milestones and a growth in

participation.

Key highlights include:

the National IRB Championships,

Kingscliff Beach, NSW, July 2014

the National Pool Rescue

Championships, Sydney Olympic Park

Aquatic Centre, Sydney, August 2014

the 30th Coolangatta Gold endurance

event. Over 600 competitors competed

across the long and short courses,

individual and team categories

the National Interstate Championships,

which enjoyed a revitalised format at

Newport Beach, NSW in January 2015

another successful Kelloggs Nutri-

Grain IronMan and IronWoman series

was delivered in collaboration with

Kelloggs Australia

the Australian Surf Life Saving

Championships, which celebrated 100

Years of The Aussies at North Kirra

Beach, QLD in April 2015. Over 6,000

competitors attended from clubs all

around Australia

the 2015 Aussie Ocean Swim was a

public event held for the first time and

ran in conjunction with The Australian

Surf Life Saving Championships

the Hamilton Island Clash of the

Paddles, Catseye Beach, Hamilton

Island, QLD, June 2015 in conjunction

with the Australian Outrigging Canoe

Racing Association (AOCRA).

H I G H P E R F O R M A N C EThe primary focus in 2014/15 for the Royal

Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) and

SLSA Australian Life Saving (ALS) team

was to reassert Australia as the number 1

ranked team in the world at the World Life

Saving Championships in Montpellier,

France in September 2014. Various

camps and initiatives were developed and

launched, which included an Australian

Life Saving Team Supporters Club, to

help develop a winning team culture and

continue to increase the ALS team profile.

In the 2014 Life Saving World

Championships, the Australian Life Saving

team fell just short of winning back the

Alan Whelpton trophy from New Zealand.

The final point score resulted in Australia

losing to New Zealand by just 23 points.

The 2014 Youth World Championships

saw the Australian Youth Life Saving team

record an astonishing 287 point victory

over New Zealand. Australia won a clean

sweep of all three trophies on offerSurf,

Pool and Overall point score.

The Australian Surf Boat Team travelled

to Waihi Beach, New Zealand, to contest

the annual Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test

Series in February 2015. Both Australian

surf boat crews returned from the

event undefeated.

T H E N E X T WAV E S L S A O LY M P I C PAT H WAY S P R O G R A MSLSA has continued to collaborate with

various Australian Olympic sports in a bid

to provide SLSA members with elite athlete

pathways to transfer the skills and training

gained through our sport to pursue the

Olympic dream in a partner sport.

While this pathway has been in place

for a number of years with Australian

Canoeing, in 2014/15 we saw significant

developments in a newly structured

partnership with Australian Swimming.

Through this partnership, SLSA members

are identified from results in major SLS

swimming events (such as surf races

at national championships, swim leg

of Coolangatta Gold and Aussie Ocean

Swim) and invited to participate in an

accelerated program with Swimming

Australias Open Water Swim Program. In

return, Swimming Australia is providing

the Australian Life Saving team with

specific support for its pool lifesaving

programa key focus for future world

championships success.

Nathan Hight

General Manager, Capacity and Capability


THE AUSTRALIAN SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS, CELEBRATED 100 YEARS OF THE AUSSIES AT NORTH KIRRA BEACH, QLD IN APRIL 2015. OVER 6,000 COMPETITORS ATTENDED FROM CLUBS ALL AROUND AUSTRALIA.

028 029

NATIONAL INFLATABLE RESCUE BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS (IRB) 2014KINGSCLIFF BEACH, NSW 1820 JULY, 2014

EVENT FIRST POINTSCORE SECOND POINTSCORE THIRD POINTSCORE

Interstate Championships QLD 53 VIC 36 NSW 33

National Championships North Burleigh 52 Kiama Downs 23 Kurrawa 21

NATIONAL POOL RESCUE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK AQUATIC CENTRE, SYDNEY, NSW, 810 AUGUST 2014

FIRST POINTSCORE SECOND POINTSCORE THIRD POINTSCORE

Currumbin 287 Terrigal 280 Maroochydore 220

NATIONAL INTERSTATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015NEWPORT BEACH, NSW, 23 JANUARY, 2015

FIRST POINTSCORE SECOND POINTSCORE THIRD POINTSCORE

Overall Pointscore NSW 301 QLD 296 WA 223

Open Pointscore QLD 150 NSW 148 WA 101

Youth Pointscore NSW 153 QLD 146 WA 122

CLUB POINTS

OPENS POINTSCORE

1 Northcliffe SLSC 334

2 Newport SLSC 183

3 Currumbin SLSC 164

4 Mooloolaba SLSC 144

5 Manly LSC 108

6 Kurrawa SLSC 101

7 Alexandra Headland SLSC 95

8 Maroochydore SLSC 91

9 Redhead SLSC 79

10 Avoca Beach SLSC 76

CLUB POINTS

MASTERS POINTSCORE

1 Northcliffe SLSC 313

2 Noosa Heads SLSC 199

3 North Burleigh SLSC 175

4 Alexandra Headland SLSC 168

5 Queenscliff SLSC 163

6 Bondi Surf Bathers LSC 161

7 Mooloolaba SLSC 154

8 North Bondi SLSC 121

9 Kurrawa SLSC 116

10 Maroochydore SLSC 110

CLUB POINTS

HANDICAP POINTSCORE

1 Newport SLSC 402.8

2 Currumbin Beach SLSC 394.2

3 Redhead SLSC 377.8

4 Sunshine Beach SLSC 373.5

5 North Bondi SLSC 371.2

6 Surfers Paradise SLSC 370.2

7 Byron Bay SLSC 369.8

8 Anglesea SLSC 365.5

9 Bondi SBLSC 364.5

10 Avoca Beach SLSC 363.5

THE AUSTR ALIAN SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015NORTH KIRR A BEACH, GOLD COAST, QLD, 1119 APRIL, 2015

S P O R T R E S U LT SS L S A O P E R A T I O N S

COOLANGATTA GOLD 2014GOLD COAST, QLD, 12 NOVEMBER, 2014

CATEGORY FIRST TIME SECOND TIME THIRD TIME

Open Male Long Course Josh Minogue 04:12:11 Jake Nicholson 4:19:48 Samuel Bull 4:25:04

Open Male Short Course Jackson Cosgrove 3:25:15 Joel Erskine 3:48:09 Trent Harrison 3:52:47

Open Female Long Course Elizabeth Pluimers 4:46:34 Rebecca Creedy 4:49:49 Naantali Marshall 5:01:04

Open Female Short Course Allie Britton 3:54:39 Ella Coates 4:04:37 Montannah Murray 4:10:24

U19 Male Short Course Alex Wright 3:18:34 Bobby Byrne 3:26:50 Matthew Zuill 3:29:09

U19 Female Short Course Ellie Picken 3:48:03 Alexandra Nolan 4:04:53 Stephanie Purser 4:07:38

20-29 Male Long Course Brad Mitchell 5:37:43 James Fennell 5:55:46

20-29 Male Short Course James Haigh 4:20:04 Andrew Selosse 4:22:17 Mark Dalziel 4:26:13

20-29 Female Short Course Maddison Murray 4:06:39 Cher Allen 4:13:37 Molly Lean 4:53:52

30-39 Male Long Course Ben Bolewski 4:56:05 Luke O'Garey 4:56:20 Chad Poland 5:00:05

30-39 Male Short Course Richard Lewis 3:50:54 Mick Magurren 3:57:13 Christopher Wight 3:58:49

30-39 Female Short Course Anna Fyfe 4:16:45 Andrea Miller 4:23:56 Melanie Driscoll 4:29:58

40-49 Male Long Course Mark Forrester 4:53:53 Boyd Conrick 5:00:03 Shane Whittaker 5:02:38

40-49 Male Short Course Scott Sewell 3:53:43 Sean Harvie 4:01:47 Chris Walker 4:01:51

40-49 Female Long Course Sarah Davis 7:28:45

40-49 Female Short Course Helen Murray 4:16:24 Louise Santos 4:27:38 Julie Stanton 4:39:17

50+ Male Long Course Glen Lawrence 4:58:58 Grant Kenny 4:58:58 Kim Harker 5:01:43

50+ Male Short Course Michael Kirkby 4:03:03 Robert Harney 4:19:56 Scott Unicomb 4:20:44

50+ Female Short Course Chris Outteridge 6:00:52 Sandra Herbert 6:28:37

Open Male Relay Long Course Queenscliff Gold 4:05:18 Headland Boys 4:06:38 Zchill 4:07:45

Open Male Relay Short Course The Ring Worms 3:21:21 Talle Average 4:17:44 3 Boys And An Old Man 4:46:56

Open Female Relay Long Course Swanette's 4:52:41 Jay Hach 5:00:44

Open Female Relay Short Course Southport Girls 3:59:31 Ocean Gypsys 4:03:16 North Bondi Babes 4:06:42

COOLANGATTA GOLD 2014GOLD COAST, QLD, 12 NOVEMBER, 2014

CATEGORY FIRST TIME SECOND TIME THIRD TIME

Open Mixed Relay Long Course Dee Why Suprise 4:19:37 Kozii Blue Crew 4:51:30 Team Moses 4:51:30

Open Mixed Relay Short Course T.P.F.F.C 4:08:15 Beachside Osteo Mordialloc

4:14:50 Curl Curl Mixed Open 4:33:35

Masters Male Relay Long Course Hav'n A Go 4:25:05 Malibu Masters 4:38:24 The Team That Beat The Col's Team

5:00:04

Masters Male Relay Short Course Brunswick Hookers 3:54:03 Curl Curl Masters Gold 3:59:33 NBSLC Masters 4:09:52

Masters Female Relay Short Course Bondi Angels 4:29:06 Gatta Girls 5:06:44 Mt Martha Mavericks 5:09:30

Masters Mixed Relay Long Course Team Strike 5:30:12 One Hit Wonders 5:32:11 Nelson Bay Crusties 6:02:41

Mixed Masters Relay Short Course Team Stingray 4:58:38

U19 Male Relay Short Course Southport Yellow 3:24:36 Young Guns 3:27:39 Southport Blue 3:31:38

U19 Female Relay Short Course Bluff Babes 3:41:55 Free Call After 8 3:55:44 Talk To Text 4:03:34

U19 Mixed Relay Short Course Coffs Gold 3:45:28

030 031

H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E R E S U LT SS L S A O P E R A T I O N S

2014 WORLD LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS (RESCUE 14)MONTPELLIER, FR ANCE, 16 21 SEPTEMBER, 2015

AUSTR ALIAN LIFE SAVING TEAM

PL ACE COUNTRY

First New Zealand (858)

Second Australia (835)

Third France (741)

Fourth Germany (482)

Fifth Italy (442)

NAME CLUB

Andrew Bowden Bronte SLSC, The Hills SLSC

Jake Lynch Newport SLSC

Ryan Napoleon Northcliffe SLSC

Shannon Eckstein (captain) Northcliffe SLSC

Lachlan Tame Avoca SLSC

Tim Schofield Terrigal SLSC, The Hills RLSC

Christina Ruiz Northcliffe SLSC

Kristyl Smith Northcliffe SLSC

Miranda Bell Northcliffe SLSC

Melissa Ann Howard Kurrawa SLSC

Naomi Flood Manly SLSC

Pamela Hendry Maroochydore SLSC

Danny Short Head CoachMaroochydore SLSC

Keith Caldwell Team ManagerBulli SLSC

Wade Sinclair Assistant CoachTownsville-Picnic Bay SLSC

Nick Marshall PhysiotherapyBurleigh Heads Mowbray Park SLSC

Caitlin Braddick Sport Science(non travelling)

Elise Bateman Assistant Manager & Sport Psychology

2014 WORLD LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS (RESCUE 14)MONTPELLIER, FR ANCE, 16 21 SEPTEMBER, 2015

AUSTR ALIAN YOUTH LIFE SAVING TEAM

PL ACE COUNTRY

First Australia (1,065)

Second New Zealand (787)

Third Germany (600)

Fourth Italy (542)

Fifth France (503)

NAME CLUB

Matthew Davis (co-capt) Moore Park SLSC, Northcliffe SLSC

Bradley Woodward Shelly Beach SLSC, The Hills LSC

Daniel Collins Redhead SLSC

Joshua Brown Byron Bay SLSC

Nik Green Alexandra Headland SLSC

Jason Gough Mooloolaba SLSC

Ela Heiniger Byron bay SLSC, Port Hacking LSC

Prue Davies Currumbin SLSC, Queensland LSC

Chelsea Gillett Maroochydore SLSC, Brisbane LSC

Georgia Miller (co-capt) Newport SLSC

Alyssa Koenen Northcliffe SLSC

Nicole Kay Mooloolaba SLSC

Brett Dowker Head CoachCurrumbin SLSC

Craig Holden Assistant CoachElliot Heads SLSC

Garry Mensforth Team ManagerUmina SLSC

Troy Eady PhysioByron Bay SLSC

2015 TR ANS -TASMAN SURF BOAT SERIESWAIHI BEACH, WAIHI, NZ, 79 FEBRUARY, 2015

AUSTR ALIAN SURF BOAT TEAM

PL ACE COUNTRY

First Australia

Second New Zealand

NAME CLUB

Dean Roberts Bulli SLSC

Heath Mercer Bulli SLSC

Benjamin Lowe Bulli SLSC

Adam Barlow Bulli SLSC

Shane Geloven Bulli SLSC

Genevieve Bassingthwaighte Tugun SLSC

Marianne Walker Tugun SLSC

Lisa Webber Tugun SLSC

Sascha Lahey Tugun SLSC

Bruce Zillman Tugun SLSC

Brett Main Team Manager - Caves Beach SLSC

033

O V E R V I E W The Communications and Business

Development (CBD) portfolio is

responsible for corporate and commercial

partnerships, communications and public

relations, national marketing and brand

guardianship, licensing and merchandise

programs and our fundraising arm, The

Surf Life Saving Foundation (see page 45).

The CBD teams aim is to ensure the

long-term sustainability of the Surf Life

Saving (SLS) movement, creating a solid

platform to deliver long-term value. The

focus is to achieve greater corporate

and community engagement. While the

organisation continued to deliver positive

revenue results, it needs more to continue

to achieve its mission of saving lives,

creating great Australians and building

better communities. Surf Life Saving is

iconically Australian and is born of a can-

do attitude.

C O R P O R AT E PA R T N E R S H I P SSurf Life Saving Australia forms

partnerships that deliver strategic

alignment and shared community value.

SLSA has reviewed its value proposition

and has worked harder to better identify

and position its assets to existing and

new partners to ensure the long-term

sustainability of the movement.

SLSA has a wealth of opportunity for

partners and has been working with them to

renew their engagement with the movement.

A highlight of 2014/15 for partnerships

was the signing of a renewed partnership

with Major National Partner, DHL.

One of the measures of SLSAs success

is reflected in its long-term partners

Westpac, who celebrated 41 years, and

DHL and Telstra who celebrated 11 years

as partners to the organisation in the

2014/15 season.

SLSA acknowledge and thank all of its

valuable corporate partners for their

support. The movement is incredibly

proud of its partnership portfolio and

recognises the valuable contribution they

make to the organisation.

SLSA encourages you to engage with our

national partners and support them where

best you can.

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S A N D P U B L I C R E L AT I O N SSurf Life Saving Australia has continued

to position itself as Australias peak water

safety organisation whose mission is to

save lives, create great Australians and

build better communities. Furthermore,

SLSA is Australias largest volunteer

movement in need of community

support to maintain ongoing growth

and sustainability.

These two pillars subsequently framed

SLSAs communications framework and

strategy in 2014/15.

This was highlighted through the

launch and implementation of the first

year of the Be A Life Saver national

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA HAS CONTINUED TO POSITION ITSELF AS AUSTRALIAS PEAK WATER SAFETY ORGANISATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO SAVE LIVES, CREATE GREAT AUSTRALIANS AND BUILD BETTER COMMUNITIES.

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S & B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N TS L S A O P E R A T I O N S

034 035

fundraising awareness campaign. The

communications and public relations

strategy emphasised the need to profile

and promote SLSA volunteers who patrol

our beaches. It empowered our members

as spokespeople for the movement and

gave a true representation of the work and

time they provide in their communities.

A full PR strategy heavily utilised SLSAs

growing social media channels to broadly

distribute key messages. It also included

widespread mainstream media coverage

across prime-time TV news bulletins,

radio programs and national newspapers.

Post campaign reports showed that

nationwide awareness of the SLSA brand

rose by more than a third when compared

with previous activities.

SLSA is committed to openly

communicating its safety initiatives to

members and the general public. These

included the testing of low-buoyancy

lifejackets, the endorsement of Personal

Protective Equipment and the launch of

the Beach Safety Equipment Fund.

Quarterly updates of the Parliamentary

Friends of Surf Life Saving, co-chaired

by Federal members Sarah Henderson

MP and Matt Thistlethwaite MP gathered

further momentum in Canberra. A

historic landing of the Westpac Lifesaver

Rescue Helicopter in December 2014 at

Parliament House attracted significant

media interest. SLSA has dedicated

resources for internal publication of

stories about the Rescue of the Month

awards presented at each quarterly

update (see page 96).

SLSAs 2014 National Coastal Safety

Report was launched by active Surf Life

Saving member and the former Prime

Minister of Australia, the Hon. Tony

Abbott MP. Fittingly, this took place at

Mr Abbotts own surf lifesaving club,

Queenscliff SLSC.

Internal communications with SLSA

members were maintained through

fortnightly publications, On Patrol

and Surfline. These were distributed

electronically to more than 70,000

members. Ensure your email details are

current to receive these communications!

SLSA continues to embrace digital

technology and has won significant

support from members and the general

public through social media channels. Our

footprint continues to grow. An outline as

at 30 June 2015 is below:

the website, sls.com.au, attracts 34,000

unique visits per month

the Members portal has 11,600 users

the official Facebook page has

35,744 likes

the official Twitter page has

8,215 followers

the official Instagram profile has 5,132

followers

the official YouTube channel has over

1,000 subscribers.

These numbers are expected to continue

enjoying significant growth as SLSA

enhances its commitment to digital

content. This is in line with a full re-

development of the official SLSA website

and consolidation of digital assets.

M A R K E T I N G/B R A N D Surf Life Saving is one of Australias most

iconic and loved brands. Its a name

everyone knows. Trusted and respected

for over 100 years. But not everyone truly

understands the breadth of what SLSA

does or that with the support from the

Australian community surf lifesavers can

do more.

SLSA launched a new national

fundraising awareness campaign titled

Be A Life Saver, highlighting SLSA as a

community cause in need. The campaign

used powerful imagery depicting

lifesavers raising their hands to ask

for support.

SLSA received almost $7 million in

free media exposure, achieved with the

generous support of Community Service

Announcement media placement and

PR-generated coverage, resulting in a

179 per cent increase in media value from

last season. The campaign was delivered

through TV, radio, press, outdoor,

digital, and social and all SLS owned

communication channels. A campaign

microsite bealifesaver.com.au was

launched and achieved a 0.34 per cent

click through rate via mobile, 0.14 per

cent higher than industry standard. The

Be A Life Saver campaign is a five-year

strategy that has a fundraising goal of

$1 million by 2020.

Additional marketing support was

delivered across a range of national SLSA

programs, events and initiatives with

the focus on confirming SLSAs position

as the peak water safety organisation,

promoting a full range of opportunities to

members, enhancing and contemporising

SLSA sporting events and further

maximising the integration of peak body

and fundraising messaging to further

engage new and existing supporters of

Surf Life Saving.

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 O T P R I N T A S AT 3 0 J U N E 2 015

34,003UNIQUE VISITS TO SLS.COM.AU PER MONTH

11,600MEMBERS PORTAL USERS

35,744FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

8,215TWIT TER FOLLOWERS

5,132INSTAGR AM FOLLOWERS

1,225YOUTUBE CHANNEL SUBSCRIBERS

74,146SURFLINE E-NEWSLET TER SUBSCRIBERS

14,767BEACHSAFE SMARTPHONE APP DOWNLOADS

A HISTORIC LANDING OF THE WESTPAC LIFESAVER RESCUE HELICOPTER IN DECEMBER 2014 AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE ATTRACTED SIGNIFICANT MEDIA INTEREST.


036 037

PA R T N E R

S P O N S O R S

M A J O R N AT I O N A L PA R T N E R S

S U P P O R T E R

E V E N T S U P P O R T E R S

G OV E R N M E N T PA R T N E R S

Surf Life Saving Australia thanks our corporate and government partners who have supported us in 201415

P A R T N E R S H I P SS L S A O P E R A T I O N S

LICENSING AND MERCHANDISE The SLSA brand, or intellectual property

as it is formally known, has been built

over 100 years of our volunteers saving

lives on and off the beach. It is a truly

iconic Australian brand that is respected

and loved across the country and the

world. The brand is represented formally

by various logos, and properties such

as the red and yellow patrol flags, patrol

caps, patrol uniforms and terms such as

Surf Rescue, Surf Patrol and Nipper

and it is SLSAs responsibility to ensure its

use is protected.

Surf Life Saving uses these images

and marks in a number of places and in

many important ways; such as on patrol

uniforms and equipment to designate

official surf lifesavers and property, on

licensed product such as an apparel

rangeto let consumers know that they

have purchased official merchandise, and

allows corporate partners to use these

properties to show and leverage their

association with Surf Life Saving.

SLSA offers a member store, which

delivers a range of essential first aid

and rescue equipment from preferred

suppliers/manufacturers to offer

competitive pricing on equipment that

meets SLSA high standards. This service

ensures SLSA volunteer members can

be confident they are using high quality,

durable and reliable equipment as they

perform their essential rescue services

and related activities across Australias

beaches. SLSA is pleased to donate

discontinued stock to affiliated lifesaving

organisations in third world countries to

help them with building their

respective services.

In 2015, management of the licensing

program was brought back in house

to review its strategic direction and to

ensure a more integrated approach to the

development of licensed merchandise.

In spite of continued softness in retail

and the economy as a whole, a number of

key initiatives have been identified that

suggest that SLSA has room for growth in

this area.

Melissa King

General Manager, Communications and

Business Development

SLSA LAUNCHED A NEW NATIONAL FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TITLED BE A LIFE SAVER, HIGHLIGHTING SLSA AS A COMMUNITY CAUSE IN NEED.


039

O V E R V I E WThe Corporate Services portfolio

is responsible for governance, risk

management, finance, human resources

and information technology. During the

past year, regular risk management group

meetings were held with compliance

and risk registers being updated and

enhanced. In addition, work on the

Workforce Transition plan continued, with

78 per cent of tasks now completed. IT

completed a number of enhancements

as outlined within this report. A separate

finance report and the financial results are

listed on pages 76 to 87.

I N F O R M AT I O N T E C H N O L O GYSLS IT provides a range of services to the

organisation as well as to the SLSA office.

These services include sophisticated

web based applications, websites, smart

device apps, connections between and

to other systems as well as training and

support to our vast array of users.

Most importantly, our business and IT

support operation is open 7 days a week,

365 days a year to ensure that volunteers

and administrators can obtain assistance

and support when required. In the last

season alone, the team have successfully

dealt with over 13,000 individual

support requests from club officers,

administrators, patrol members and

duty officers.

Some major IT highlights of the season

include:

major improvements to the quality of

information provided on our public

safety portal, beachsafe.org.au to

enrich the experience of the public

implementation of Australian Vocational

Education and Training Management

Information Statistical Standard

(AVETMISS) compliance standards

and reporting to our membership

management system

further enhancements to our

established systems of more than 4,500

development hours to improve usability

and functionality. These enhancements

are based on and approved by our users

and associated business units

the integration of lifesaving online into

the members portal to make all our

member systems available in one place,

with a single login

continued growth in the use of the

members portal library, automated

forms and workflow system and

bulletin board

introduced club management of

learners into the eLearning system

to increase the use of more flexible

learning options

further improvements to lifesaving

online that enhance self-service

functions, reduce workload on our

volunteer officers and improve the way

the system operates

the introduction of a new simplified

system to allow people to join surf

clubs without the need for a lifesaving

online account

the introduction of a new system that

allows patrolling members to seek a

patrol substitute and for other suitably

qualified members to take on

the substitute

the integration of the club store into the

member portal for ordering automation

and verification

further enhancements to our Patrol

Operations smart device app that

allow for an authorised person to sign

a service on and off, GPS locate flags

and patrol equipment, provide updated

status and indicate hazards to improve

operational efficiency and the standard

of public safety information

C O R P O R A T E S E R V I C E SS L S A O P E R A T I O N S

040 041

the implementation of a sophisticated

ticketing system to better manage and

support our user base and improve

our resolution times to issues raised

by our users.

In addition to the enhancements above,

SLS IT, in conjunction with all facets

of the business, planned, designed

and commissioned the following

developments that will be due for release

during 2015:

Lifesaving Online family groups that

will allow one adult to manage all the

information of their family members

to reduce the number of accounts and

simplify membership management

enhancements to the payment gateway

to provide clubs with more payment

information at a low cost

Sports Events Management (SEMS) that

is a new, integrated and sophisticated

sports events management system that

all levels of the organisation will be able

to use

further enhancements to the suite of

operational systems at the request of

the various business units in

the organisation.

O U R S TA F F During 2014/15, SLSAs team of paid staff

has continued to collectively demonstrate

dedication and commitment to the national

organisation. The majority of staff work

at SLSA HQ in Rosebery, Sydney with a

number of others based in other states.

Developing and implementing people

development strategies has been a

priority of SLSA over the past year,

ensuring we are enhancing our work

environment and workplace practices for

our staff.

SLSA continued to implement the

Change Management Workforce

Transition Plan in 2014/15. The

overarching strategies of this plan are:

As One workforce integration

including structural effectiveness review

attracting and selecting the right people

implementing workforce management

systems

developing, engaging and motivating

the workforce

retaining or transitioning designated

positions into the designated structure.

The Workforce Transition Plan and

business plan strategies that have been

implemented in 2014/15 include:

the development and launch of

the SLSA Internal Professional

Development Strategy and internal all

staff training analysis

implementation of the SLSA staff

management and leadership training

program

Successful implementation of the

newly developed annual performance

review and individual performance

development plans process

enhancements to internal

communications and employee

engagement initiatives

development of harassment, bullying

and discrimination related internal

documentation and training.

SLSA conducts an annual employee

satisfaction survey. The 2014/15 survey

showed that employee satisfaction had

increased by 2 per cent.

SLSA will continue to focus on

embedding the SLSA values and

behaviours into everyday business

initiatives in 2015/16, including the

implementation of an SLSA employee

recognition framework.

Our organisational structure is outlined

on pages 42-43. Staff in state centres and

branches report to their own boards and

management teams and are therefore not

included in this section.

R E M U N E R AT I O NWe seek to remunerate our employees in

accordance with the not-for-profit sector.

Our formal research indicates that salaries

offered are in line with those offered by

similar organisations. Our remuneration

includes fringe benefit packages that

allow SLSA, within Australian Taxation

Office guidelines, to provide a proportion

of an employees income as a tax-exempt

fringe benefit.

P E R 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 U A L P E R F O R M A N C E D E V E LO P M E N T P L A N SAll employees participate in formal

annual performance reviews. These

are complemented by regular progress

meetings with their manager throughout

the year.

Each employee has an individual

performance development plan for the

year that aligns to the business plan KPIs

as well as focusing on

surf life saving australia annual report 2014/15

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