Since females were admitted as full members in 1980, total membership has almost tripled, from 54,000 to 150,000, with strong growth in all categories.

Such growth would be the envy of any other organisation and it does not happen by accident.

Much credit must go to our leadership network – the hundreds of people across the country who devote time and energy to driving improvement in our clubs, branches, state centres and support operations.

The recent SLSA Leaders’ Conference, held on Sydney’s northern beaches, was an opportunity for many of these people to come together to further develop skills and networks.

A number of these people have participated in previous SLSA leadership courses, including two current club presidents who have previously taken part in the organisation’s premier leadership course, the Sir Adrian Curlewis Scholarships, during the 1980s.

According to John Fitzgerald, SLSA’s Director of Development, the purpose of the conference was not to discover all the answers to effective leadership, but to allow for some examination of leadership styles.

“We all understand that leadership is not about one person providing the answer: it involves people working together to seek new solutions in changing circumstances,” he said,” he says.

“At this conference we challenged participants to develop flexibility and creativity in their leadership approach.”

Held over three days, presentations included ‘Act local – connecting club issues with the SLSA Strategic Plan’, ‘Leadership commitment – mastery or dabbling?’ and ‘Understanding leadership style – the dynamics of leadership and teamwork’.

The group also heard from SLSA president Ron Rankin, who spoke of the ‘stretch goals’ he has for himself and the organisation, including SLSA’s research and emergency service agendas.

John Harvey, from Mt Martha SLSC in Victoria, only joined the organisation 18 months ago and has risen to take on role as president in a club which has grown from around 300 members to more than 950 in a little over three years.

“We service an area that used to be a holiday destination on Port Philip Bay, but as the suburbs have expanded, we’ve seen a massive influx of housing and new residents, many of whom have joined the club,” he says.

Caption:
Participants in the 2009 SLSA Leaders' Conference at the Collaroy Centre in late August.

“I was a typical nipper parent, sitting on the beach watching things happen, but decided to put my hand up, as I have a passion for sport and whenever I see a sporting opportunity I will grab it.

“The club was running beautifully but there is always need for renewal, so I got some good people together and we were elected unopposed.

“For me the leadership conference was fantastic as I had gone into the position with practically no experience on committee.

“Knowing there are others in my situation has allowed me to form a network within Surf Life Saving and it also greatly expanded my knowledge of the organisation.

Sharee Hart, president of Coogee Beach SLSA in WA is another nipper parent who has gone on to a leadership role.

“I’ve been involved for five years and have had a number of roles in the club, so I guess I was the prime candidate for president - I just love the beach,” she says.

“Our club services the City of Coburn [south of Perth]. We have a huge catchment area and are experiencing tremendous membership growth – we increased in size from 300 – 600 in one season.

“Everything we do at the club caters for families – for example we provide babysitting for parents doing their Bronze Medallion.

“My expectations for the conference were reasonably modest. I was expecting to learn more about the organisation as a whole and some of the administrative requirements involved, however it far exceeded my expectations.

“I’ve been on many of these sorts of course in my professional career but this was the best and most reflective, providing a personal journey and allowing for reflection on my own personal leadership style.

“I’m still reflecting on the conference almost a week later and I’d certainly recommend it to any person considering a leadership role in Surf Life Saving – it sets you in the right direction for personal and professional life, on and off the beach.”

Other comments in the post-conference survey included:

“The course is relevant to any stage of one’s leadership journey. A real strength.”

“I have been on various other types of conferences and never felt as empowered as I do now.”

“This conference made me realise it is OK to want to take responsibility.”

“All leaders should have the opportunity to attend.”

“It opened my mind to challenge my thinking in my personal, business and surf lifesaving lives.”

“I learnt the importance of self awareness and not to be afraid of failure.”

SLSA offers a number of leadership opportunities each year - for further information see here or contact us on 02 9300 4000.