Vice President - Annie Coleman

During this season I spent time developing Woolamai’s first Diversity and Inclusion Commitment statement, as well as an Acknowledgement of Country statement made specific for our use at Woolamai. These key documents are both available on the WBSLSC website, and there is a second version of our Diversity and Inclusion Commitment statement suitable for use in meetings and events such as an AGM. We hope that the Diversity and Inclusion Commitment statement works in conjunction with the Member Code of Conduct to outline expected behaviour at the Club, and to hold us all accountable to ensuring we are welcoming to all. The Acknowledgement of Country statement is an important tool which people can utilise in order to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land in which Woolamai beach resides. We thank Neil Hannan, the WBSLSC Board of Directors, Lifesaving Victoria, and Surf Lifesaving Australia for their guidance and consultation through the development process of each of these documents.

Furthermore, I spent time updating the Member Code of Conduct. Various updates were made to the document including suggestions from the 2022 Gender Diversity Review group, as well as other suggestions from the WBSLSC Board of Directors. We hope this document is more aligned to the current time and membership. This document can also now be found on the WBSLSC website. Thank you to Neil Hannan and the WBSLSC Board of Directors for their assistance with this document.

Woolamai Beach SLSC again hosted three inclusive patrol days this year; Rainbow Zinc, Blue Zinc, and Pink Zinc. Each day was successful in terms of numbers on the beach and fostering a sense of inclusivity within our community. Rainbow Zinc was hosted on February 4th with thanks to Maddy Reynolds and Zane Smith. Blue Zinc was hosted on January 21st with thanks to Campbell Smart and Nick Reynolds. The team on the day hosted a BBQ fundraise for mens mental health. Pink Zinc was hosted on February 17th with thanks to Emma G, Sophia H, Jasmine K, Ellie R, Erin C, Ava C, Emily R, Izzy B and Phoebe C. The team celebrated with a post-patrol slumber party for all. Congratulations to the organisers of Pink Zinc who this year won the Barb Webb Trailblazer award for commitment to inclusion.

Woolamai Beach SLSC was again invited to the Bass Coast Pink Patrol Women’s breakfast, this year hosted at Cape Paterson LSC. The event involved a panel of women including Ellie Ryan and Georgie Wettenhall from WBSLSC, who discussed their journeys in and outside of lifesaving. The event also recognised upcoming female leaders and trailblazer leaders from each club; congratulations to Sophia Hungerford and Maddy Reynolds who won these awards for our Club.

We also attended the Lifesaving Victoria International Women’s Day Breakfast on March 6th. This year’s theme was #CountHerIn. Jules Hay, Erin Close, Phoebe Clark, Emma Gallagher and myself attended the event. We heard from emergency service workers and sports journalists regarding the current climate for gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace and media. The morning was inspiring for all who attended.

We are proud to have begun implementing a fair application process for all roles and leadership positions at WBSLSC including position descriptions for each role. Thank you to the entire WBSLSC Board of Directors for their work in developing position descriptions, and especially Fi Blackmore for her guidance in this.

I am proud that Woolamai Beach SLSC has again supported their memberships throughout some incredibly difficult situations this season. Our member protection officer, Liam Comber, has been a constant source of support and kidness to our membership. We welcome Maddie Woodmason as a new MPO for the upcoming season. Thank you Fi Blackmore and Campbell Smart for their work in checking-in with members involved in critical incidents. The welfare and wellbeing of our membership is the most important thing and I am so thankful to everyone who contributes to the supportive and caring community we have. Life Saving Victoria have also been a significant support for our Club and we thank them for this.

After three seasons I am stepping away from the Board to go and spend some time travelling. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my time as a Director and to those who I have worked with. My time on the board has been inspiring and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing what our new Directors have in stall for the Club!

Annie Coleman

Vice President