Michelle Murphy
Michelle at Surf Life Saving Australia National Titles
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are profiling some of the amazing Women within our club! Michelle Murphy, our first female President.
Michelle is an inspirational figure in the history of the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and has made a significant contribution to the surf life saving movement through her expertise in resuscitation.
Michelle is the current Chair of the Australian Resuscitation Council -Victoria (representing Life Saving Victoria). She is also currently a co-chair of the Life Saving Victoria Clinical Committee.
Michelle has published research on OP airways for volunteer use within life saving and successfully lobbied for their introduction into life saving practice Australia wide. She also published research into life saver (first responders) capabilities of Supra Glottic Airway devices during resuscitation and was instrumental in the first pilot program of 10 AEDs across Life Saving Victoria.
Over a long period of time Michelle has provided leadership in many areas of Club activity, most notably as the Club’s first female President and first female Life Member.
During her time as President, Woolamai Beach SLSC won Victorian Club of the Year and then Australian Club of the Year.
Michelle has provided guidance and direction to many of the current leaders in the Club and at the same time has been extremely generous at passing on her knowledge to younger members of the Club. She is a mentor to many.
Several generations of Nippers have benefitted from her guidance of beach, water and educational activities in our program and she has led and trained our age managers.
In recent seasons Michelle has introduced a bursary program to provide opportunities for financially disadvantaged families and this season introduced an inclusion program for children with disabilities, enabling them to enjoy the Nippers experience.
Michelle has also performed important roles as an assessor/examiner, Committee and Board member, Nippers competition organising team member and has also set up numerous Club processes and procedures.
Michelle has won 5 State Title Gold medals as a surf boat competitor and in first aid competition and has represented Victoria on numerous occasions.
Current Chair of the Australian Resuscitation Council -Victoria (representing Life Saving Victoria)
Currently Co-chair of the Life Saving Victoria Clinical Committee.
Patrolling member for past 20+ years
President 2004/05, 2005/06 & 2006/07
Led Club to Victorian Club of the Year in 2006 & Australian Club of the Year in 2007
Board member 2012/13 & 2013/14
Nippers leadership roles for past 12+ seasons
Article by Jason Close and Max Eldridge — with Michelle Murphy.