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Member Pathways Development & Leadership National Programs

National Programs

Surf Life Saving Australia delivers a range of programs designed to grow and support members in developing skills that can enhance their contributions to both surf life saving and their personal and professional lives.
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Surf Life Saving WA members at a national leadership program in Sydney

National Leadership College

The annual leadership and development program draws participants from across Australian, New Zealand and Japan, providing an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a meaningful impact within the movement.

The week-long intensive program is designed to cultivate leadership skills and foster the development of young leaders aged between 20 and 30 years within the surf life saving movement. Participants will be challenged intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically, with skills gained designed to be taken back to clubs and into other areas of the participants’ daily environments. It includes keynote speakers, elective sessions, activities, and challenges relating to key leadership themes.

SLSWA continues to support WA members’ participation in the NLC by subsidising West Australian representatives.

The program generally runs in Jan/Feb each year, with Expressions of Interest called for around August via SLSA Circular, which is promoted via SLSA and SLSWA social media channels and eNewsletters.

Portrait of a surf lifesaver in patrol uniform and cap

Women's Mentoring Program

The SLSA Women’s Mentoring Program is a 12-month online initiative for members aged 16 and above.

Each mentee is paired with a mentor from another state or territory, encouraging diverse perspectives, shared experiences, and national connections. Throughout the year, mentors and mentees will meet regularly online to discuss goals, leadership challenges, personal growth, and professional development. In additional to one-on-one mentoring, participants will take part in online workshops delivered by SLSA throughout the Program. These workshops are designed to support personal and professional growth and connection.

The Program generally commences in August each year with Expressions of Interest for both mentors and mentees called for via SLSA Circular in around May/June, which is promoted via SLSA and SLSWA social media and eNewsletters.

Surf Life Saving WA members at a national leaders masterclass

national leaders masterclass

A development program for members aged 30+ who currently hold a senior leadership role within surf life saving, the SLSA Masterclass program is an opportunity for current senior leaders to strengthen their strategic thinking and leadership skills, working with other like-minded individuals from across Australia and New Zealand.

Providing participants with advanced skills, concepts, and tools to strengthen their leadership within their clubs, workplaces, and communities, it also offers a unique opportunity to connect with likeminded members from around the country, share ideas, and resources, and contribute to building an effective and unified national movement.

Participants will not only enhance their leadership capabilities but also take away valuable learnings that can be applied across both their volunteer and personal lives.

SLSWA continues to support WA members’ participation in the Masterclass by subsidising West Australian representatives.

The Program runs in July each year with Expressions of Interest called for via SLSA Circular, and promoted via SLSA and SLSWA social media and eNewsletters.