I am honoured to present this Annual Report,
highlighting our key achievements and initiatives, for
another successful year of “No Lives Lost” between
the flags for Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club.
The Club continues to go from strength to strength
and we have so much to be proud of this season.
The energy this year has been palpable, as each
section grows, with higher levels of “patrols +1”
mentality across the board. Our in-demand Bronze
Courses have set the Club and our patrols up so
well for the season, with patrols growing into the
mid-thirties. I thank the tireless Education team who
are forging incredibly high standards of training and
higher awards.
The water and beach have been so busy this year
– filled every morning with skis, boards, swimmers,
and runners from the Club. A huge ongoing
thank you to our wonderful Blake Hatton, whose
“Golden BoardsTM” have raised the skill and
engagement levels of so many Members this year.
The uptake of competition boards has also been
a success with greater numbers at training, with
the Opens Competitors seeing a huge increase in
representation, and our Masters bringing home the
seventh consecutive Australian score title. Well done
to all of those who competed.
We have continued our destination patrols to Pacific
Palms and Fairy Meadows this year, ensuring the
safety of beachgoers and helping out smaller clubs.
A big thank you to Jacob Ezrakovich for leading
this. Bondi has an excellent reputation up and
down the coast for our energy, high standards and
willingness to extend our volunteer spirit wherever
needed. This volunteer spirit was shown in force
again this Christmas Lunch for those experiencing
homelessness. A huge thanks to Sebastian Cassie,
yet again for pulling off this excellent day for those
in need.
This season, we have made significant strides
in developing our Member Services team. We
have enhanced our ability to serve our Members
effectively, ensuring their needs are met and their
experiences within the Club are enriching. Particular
mention of thanks to the newly formed ‘Bondi
Wellbeing Team’ looking after our mental health
and wellbeing both on and off the beach. Mostyn
Sumner led the way on our Inclusion and Diversity
programmes, Rainbow Beaches and Mardi Gras
Patrol. These initiatives show the whole Bondi and
Lifesaving community that everyone is welcome here
at Bondi Surf Club. As the SLSA President John Baker
said: “The Ocean does not discriminate, and
nor do we”.
Our commitment to female role model development
within the Club has been evident, especially
within our IRB Team. They have achieved equal
representation of newly trained crew Members
being women. This milestone underscores our
dedication to empowering women in lifesaving
roles, through increasing female trainers and
running Women in Powercraft sessions. Nixy Krite
led another phenomenal effort for our third annual
Pink Patrol, with 90 women from across NSW, Perth
and Queensland. The power of joining together to
learn new skills, develop leadership styles, and join
together to celebrate successes is wonderful.
Personally, as a Member of the “Women of Waverley
Council to the Mayor”, I have had the privilege to
collaborate with remarkable women across our
community. Our efforts have focused on driving
policies and initiatives that support and uplift
women, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
These opportunities allowed me to share our Club’s
vision and initiatives with a broader audience,
fostering greater community engagement and
support. It is with pride that I hear how positively our
Surf Club is viewed by Leaders within the community,
as an outstanding place for our youth, and in
how we serve others by protecting the beach and
beyond.
Looking forward, the development of our youth
Cadet section remains a top priority. We are
committed to nurturing the next generation of
lifesavers, providing them with the training, support
and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our huge milestone in all our minds is the new
build. As a Board representative on the Building
Committee, I have been particularly focused on
promoting diversity and inclusion within our facilities.
This includes the development of women’s changing
spaces, ensuring they are safe, accessible and
welcoming.
A heartfelt thank you and well done to everyone who
has worked tirelessly this season. Your dedication,
hard work and willingness to develop new skills and
take on leadership roles have been truly inspiring.
Congratulations to all those who have been
recognized as winners at the Club, Branch and State
levels. Your achievements are a testament to your
commitment and excellence.
11
117TH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2023/24