Max Eldridge

 
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Max is Club Captain (Director of Life Saving Services) in 2019-2019, a position he’s held for three years, and is a 10-year member. Max teaches senior humanities at Koo Wee Rup Secondary College.

 

When did you join?

I joined the club in the 2009/2010 season.

Why did you become involved in Surf Life Saving?

I became involved in Surf Life Saving through my secondary school program. I went through Upwey High School and they had and still have a 20 plus year connection with Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club. My older brother had completed the program and I was so keen to participate and get down to the beach and patrol. I completed my bronze for the 2009/2010 season.

What drew you towards being a Board member of Woolamai Beach SLSC?

The opportunity to lead and develop others. Outside of Surf Life Saving I am a secondary school teacher so, I love working with and developing younger people. To lead our club through some fantastic and tragic incidents has been very rewarding and a valuable experience. Being Club Captain/Director of Life Saving Services is a big job. But it is very rewarding, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Who were/are your mentors in Surf Life Saving?

My two biggest mentors have been Stafford Smith, our current Vice President, and Michael ‘Mick’ Sullivan, a former Club Captain and Vice President. These two amazing people have forgotten more about Surf Life Saving than most of us know. Stafford worked with me before I was even a Bronzie and Mick has mentored me and developed me through so much! I am so proud to work alongside these two amazing blokes!

What keeps you going in your leadership journey?

The ability to learn and do more. I don’t think there is ever a point as a leader that you stop becoming a better leader. The biggest thing that I have learned and try to pass on to my fellow leaders and those who I am working to develop is ‘Admit your mistakes’. If you stuff up, own it, take responsibility for it and fix the problem next time! People who try and hide the truth always get found out, I would rather people find out from me that I stuffed up!




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