Member Development

The Youth Excellence Program (YEP) is conducted annually by SLSQ, and provides an opportunity for youth members to be exposed to the many different elements of Surf Life Saving. Youth Development is about providing our young people with positive experiences and opportunities which enhance their strengths and capacity as well as affirming them as contributors to our community and shapers of their own future.

It is designed to provide youth with knowledge, experience and allow them to develop skills in a wide range of activities in an enjoyable and stimulating environment. The program is structured to develop maximum participation, confidence and leadership in all participants. As well as introducing the participants to the more formal and responsible roles of Surf Life Saving such as patrol duties, responsibilities of positions etc.

The program will consist of activities that include:

• Teamwork
• Networking
• Fun
• Pathways (internal and external to the organization)

Participants are eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Be minimum of 15 years of age and a maximum of 17 years of age at the time of the program
• Be a financial member of an SLSQ affiliated Surf Life Saving Club
• Be proficient in either the Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion
• Have demonstrated an eagerness to develop a wide range of skills in Surf Life Saving
• Preferably had previous exposure to leadership/development training

All participants, aged 15- 17 years, that were accepted into the 2020 program, will be given first priority. Please note there is a separate application link for all 2020 YEP participants, as a full application will not need to be resubmitted. There are limited spots available for those applying for the first time and priority will be given to members aged 16 and 17 years.

Circular for the program

Application form

Applications close 9am Friday, 27th January 2023.

The 2023 YOUTH EXCELLENCE PROGRAM will be held in September or October 2023, location TBC

• Meet like-minded people from other clubs around Queensland
• Participate in practical lifesaving activities
• Gain leadership skills
• Learn important communication skills
• Challenge yourself
• Develop your team-building skills
• Get motivated to help your club, your community and yourself

For more information, contact SLSQ Membership Services Coordinator – Projects and Development: Lynelle Gale on (07) 3846 8012 or lgale@lifesaving.com.au.

BECOME A PARTICIPANT TODAY! Applications open now!

Looking for more information on the role of Leaders and Mentors too see if you have what it takes, download them via the SLSQ Member App.

BECOME A LEADER OR MENTOR!

‘The experience was nothing short of inspiring and has undoubtedly motivated many of the attendees. Personally, the camp developed my teamwork and communication skills while galvanising me to get more involved in my club and Surf Life Saving in general.’
– Meli – Tannum Sands SLSC – 2019 Participant

‘OMG YEP was AWESOME! I was really able to come out of my shell on this program as everyone really made me feel comfortable and confident. I learnt that I have some great leadership skills. Also, I think everyone on the camp flared up a real passion for becoming more involved in Surf Life Saving.’
– Youth Excellence Program participant

‘Hey! I just got back from YEP! I absolutely loved this camp!! I particularly enjoyed meeting so many new people and making new life friends. Though the camp was only a couple of days I immediately felt even more confident, happier and bubblier than before and I have been extremely excited to catch up with all my new friends since the moment I left the camp.’
– Youth Excellence Program participant

‘You HAVE TO go to YEP next year! I learnt that to work as a team with people you have never met before can change your life and has given me the opportunity to make a whole lot of new friends that have the same interests and passion for surf lifesaving.’
– Youth Excellence Program participant

‘You know, the promotion of youth in SLS is of utmost importance as we are going to be the next leaders in SLS and there won’t be a future if the wisdom and experience from the older generation isn’t passed on. At YEP, we got to speak to some of the most dedicated people – it was so inspiring!’
– Youth Excellence Program participant

The SLSQ Leadership Excellence Program (LEP) provides an opportunity for members to be exposed to the many different elements of Surf Life Saving. Member Development is about providing our young people with positive experiences and opportunities which enhance their strengths and capacity as well as affirming them as contributors to our community and shapers of their own future.

The objective of the program is to introduce young adult members of the association to the more formal and responsible roles available within Surf Life Saving. The program will provide awareness and knowledge on the structure of SLSQ, and educate the participants further in all fields of communication, leadership, teamwork, and emergency management. The program is a prime feature of the retention/ succession plans that Surf Life Saving Queensland has to ensure our future is a strong and vibrant one.

2021 Program Aims:

• To develop inspired leaders with a heightened awareness of their surroundings and to provide key connections that engender a robust personal support network.
• To create “agents of changes” that allows the leaders to understand the importance of organisational sustainability and confidently take key leadership roles in the future.
• To enhance leadership skills and qualities in managing unpredictable, critical and emergency situations.

Members are eligible to apply as a participant if they meet the following criteria:

• Be minimum of 18 years of age and a maximum of 30 years of age at the time of the program;
• Be a current financial member of an SLSQ affiliated Surf Life Saving Club;
• Hold a ‘Working with Children’ Blue Card or Exemption Notice;
• Have demonstrated an eagerness to develop a wide range of skills in Surf Life Saving;
• Preferably had previous exposure to leadership/development training (e.g. Club/Branch Development Program);
• Hold a proficient Bronze Medallion;
• Hold at least two of the following awards: Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; IRB Drivers Award; Radio Operator’s Certificate; or Operational First Aid.Circular for the programApplication formApplications close 9am Friday, 27th January 2023.

As a Development Program Facilitator your role is to directly engage with the participants in your assigned group. Your primary role is to offer guidance, leadership, and encouragement throughout the program to your group, being mindful to not become a participant. As a Facilitator you will be required to work with the coordination team to further develop and hone your leadership skills.

You can find a copy of the Facilitator Role Description HERE.

Members are eligible to apply as a Facilitator if they meet the following criteria:

• Be 21 years or over – this is very important;
• Be a current financial member of an SLSQ affiliated Surf Life Saving Club;
• Hold a ‘Working with Children’ Blue Card or Exemption Notice;
• Hold a proficient Bronze Medallion and/or hold an ART, First Aid Certificate;
• Have participated as a participant or leader on a State or National Leadership Program;
• Show leadership qualities and most importantly, have a good rapport with youth.
• Hold at least two of the following awards: Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; IRB Drivers Award; Radio Operator’s Certificate; or Operational First Aid.

Facilitator Selection Guidelines:

• Following the close of Facilitator applications all clubs will be sent a list of their facilitator applicants to endorse, clubs are not required to rank their facilitator applicants where more than one has applied.
• Endorsement forms will then need to be sent from the Club to the relevant Branch for endorsement, and submission to SLSQ by COB 22 October 2021.

The cost for participants will be $350 per person (incl. GST), and SLSQ will cover the cost of all Facilitator positions.

We understand that each club may support their members’ attendance differently as it is a worthwhile opportunity for them to learn and be able to give back to the Club. We strongly encourage Clubs to consider subsidising attendance at the program. Fees will cover all program costs, including meals, use of equipment, program pack, and accommodation.
For North Queensland, North Barrier and Wide Bay Capricorn Branch participants there will be a travel subsidy provided.

Successful applicants will be notified via email along with further information pertaining to the program. Any participant/ Facilitator who withdraws after being selected will be invoiced for the full cost of the program, however clubs may opt to send a replacement, provided that replacement meets the criteria.

Applications are now open for participants.

Participant Selection Guidelines:

• Following the close of participant applications all clubs will be sent a list of their participant applicants to endorse, and are asked to preference nominations (with a “1” being the first preference). Ranking sheets will then need to be sent from the Club to the relevant Branch for endorsement, and submission to SLSQ by COB 22 October 2021.
• From the endorsed applications, SLSQ will be accepting at least one (1) member from each club, however if clubs do not fill their one (1) position, additional applications from within clubs may be considered.
• Clubs are encouraged to consider gender equity and nominate a male and a female where possible.
• Participants can only attend this program once – past participants need not apply.

Please Note: the program has a maximum capacity of 50 participants (plus the Facilitation team).

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contactSLSQ Membership Services Coordinator – Projects and Development: Lynelle Gale on (07) 3846 8012 or lgale@lifesaving.com.au.

The Lifesaving Development Program is an education program that allows members to gain a number of lifesaving awards in a short space of time.

Program participants will gain a number of awards including First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques and IRB Crewperson OR Silver Medallion IRB driver. Participants will also be exposed to additional skills and development opportunities including pathways, teamwork, leadership and lifesaving operations.

The Lifesaving Development Program trains using the Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) education model. ELT uses scenario-based training to give candidates the opportunity to experience realistic emergency scenes to practice their lifesaving skills. Please note, the program involves a variety of realistic emergency situations.

Proficient Bronze Medallion members who are aged 16 years to 20 years old (as at 1 April 2022) and are registered members of a Queensland Surf Life Saving Club are invited to apply.

It is MANDATORY that participants hold a current Bronze Medallion prior to completing this program. Participants wishing to complete the IRB Drivers qualification must also hold a current Queensland Marine Licence (this must be registered with your Club and showing in Surfguard).

Members over the age of 18 must also hold a current Working with Children Blue Card.

Members attending must also hold the full COVID-19 Vaccination or a current Exemption that has been approved by SLSQ.

$350 +GST – this program runs for multiple days and nights and costs includes all training resources, food, accommodation, and program merchandise.

We wish to acknowledge the allocation of QFES funding towards the delivery of the 2022 Lifesaving Development Program, which has allowed for a subsidised program fee.

Clubs will be invoiced for the total cost of all Participants from that club, who are accepted to attend.

Applications are now open for participants. They will close on Sunday 29th  January 2023.

Apply Now 

If you require any additional information prior then please contact, Zoe Breitkreutz – Member Services Coordinator – Retention Recruitment, Surf Life Saving Queensland  zbreitkreutz@lifesaving.com.au or phone 0477 712 567

Surf Life Saving is committed to developing our members at all levels of the organisation. Surf Life Saving Australia offers members a number of programs for member development at the peak end of the membership development pathway.

This program offers surf lifesavers the opportunity to develop leadership, management and personal skills to enhance their involvement in surf lifesaving.

The college is conducted each year and is open to surf lifesavers aged between 20 and 30 years. Participants must hold and be proficient in one or more of the following SLSA Awards: Bronze Medallion, Advanced Resuscitation, Radio Operators, First Aid or Surf Rescue Certificate. Participants are selected based on their commitment to their club and increasing their responsibility with surf lifesaving.

The Sir Adrian Curlewis Scholarship is a national program that is designed to build leadership skills, knowledge and highlight the potential in young Australians who choose to pursue leadership roles in surf lifesaving at a club, regional, state and national level. The program provides one candidate from each state with an environment where they can discover their leadership potential under the guidance and mentoring of active leaders in surf lifesaving.

This scholarship provides the scholars with a 12-month structured mentoring program through a ‘contract learning agreement’. This agreement focuses on key areas that the participant feels they need to improve in their personal leadership skills. The Sir Adrian Curlewis Scholarship recognises the contribution of a lifesaver over the age of 21 years and is dedicated to the late Sir Adrian Curlewis in memory of his long-time involvement with SLSA as President.

The conference provides an opportunity for existing leaders at all levels to participate in a high level leadership development program, with a particular target of club presidents. It is aimed at leaders in the 30+ age category and will be very useful for leaders with a limited surf lifesaving background or those who have re-entered the organisation after an extended period of absence. The conference will provide an environment that will enable the delegates to refresh and extend their leadership capabilities.

The SLSA Forum series was formally established in 2007, following a number of successful National Youth Forum’s (2003-2006) and a National Women’s Forum (2006). These forums have been designed to provide an opportunity for like-minded surf lifesavers to share their experiences and for Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) to develop a core base of issues based leaders and advocates. The forum identifies a key issue or target group each year and recent forums have included a Disability and a 14-17 Years Program.

For more information about the National Development Programs simply visit the SLSA website.

Surf Woman of the Year, presented by The Star Gold Coast, was a celebration of the most passionate, talented and hardworking women in our organisation. The program engaged the most capable women from surf lifesaving clubs across Queensland and developed their skills and experience to further their future careers both within and outside Surf Life Saving.

The program ran for 59 years and concluded in 2023, leaving a tremendous and impactful legacy for all surf lifesavers.

Surf Life Saving Queensland will be announcing the NEW Women in Surf Development Program in July 2023.