Seven NSW surf lifesavers will attend the 2019 Surf Life Saving Australia National Leaders’ Masterclass, the annual leadership and development program for members who hold a senior leadership role in the organisation.
More than just a standard leadership program, the Masterclass gives our members who are committed to making a difference, the chance to be part of creating an effective national movement.
Over four days, the selected participants will be challenged to think strategically about the future of Surf Life Saving in the company of like-minded members from clubs around Australia. They will further develop their leadership knowledge, learn new skills and create opportunities for personal growth through networking and exposure to lifesaving pathways.
In 2017, SLSA established a partnership with the University of South Australia to assist in the facilitation of leadership programs like the Masterclass. The partnership also benefits members by providing an opportunity for attendees to enrol in a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration that can lead them into credit for an MBA, at the completion of the Masterclass.
The selection of the NSW participants includes a scholarship for multicultural and Indigenous members to encourage diversity within the movement. The scholarship aims to provide opportunities for emerging leaders within Indigenous and multicultural communities to gain the skills and confidence to become future leaders within their communities - strengthening the links between all Australians.
NSW Multicultural and Indigenous scholarship recipient is Ngiare Brown (Coledale SLSC). Ngiare joined Merewether SLSC in 1983 where she completed her Bronze Medallion. She has since moved to Coledale, her home country, where she continues to be heavily involved in the club as well as a clinical outreach worker for Aboriginal communities.
When told of her scholarship Ngiare said she was thrilled to be accepted. “I’m hoping that the additional skills and networking will help me make a greater contribution to Surf Life Saving. I’m very passionate about the organisation and have a particular interest in helping engage and retain young people,” she said. “There are so many activities that can attract anyone to be part of our community.”
Ngiare says she will use the opportunity to connect Aboriginal people with Surf Life Saving. “When the children I work with see other Aboriginal people involved in something they think, ‘That’s what I want to do’.
“Exposing them to things like volunteering in their community helps them understand the relevance of the skills and what is available, they can see that they too can connect, if not now then in the future.”
Surf Life Saving NSW congratulates our seven members who have been selected to attend the 2019 Masterclass to be held 12-15 September.
- Ngiare Brown – Coledale SLSC (received Multicultural and Indigenous scholarship)
- Brienna Elford – South West Rocks SLSC
- Nicholas Huggins – Tathra SLSC
- Nixy Krite – South Maroubra SLSC
- Emma Larssen – Cronulla SLSC
- Sarah Oaten – South Narrabeen SLSC
- Nathan Spinner – Wanda SLSC
Friday 26 July 2019