governance

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Supporting strong, effective clubs

Good governance underpins everything we do in Surf Life Saving.

It ensures clubs are well managed, make informed decisions, meet their obligations, and deliver safe and sustainable services to their communities.

At Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST), governance is focused on ensuring clubs operate with integrity, accountability and transparency.

View SLST Club Guide
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SLST Organisational Structure

Governance is supported through a clear structure. These groups provide leadership, oversight and support across the organisation:

  • The State Council represents Surf Life Saving Tasmania members and provides a direct link between clubs, units and organisational leadership. It is made up of:

    • The State President

    • Presidents of affiliated Surf Life Saving Clubs and Volunteer Marine Rescue Units

  • The Board of Directors is responsible for governance, strategy and organisational performance.

    Board members bring a mix of surf lifesaving experience and professional expertise.

    The Board:

    • Sets strategic direction and priorities

    • Oversees financial sustainability

    • Maintains governance, policy and compliance

    • Monitors performance and risk

    View of Board of Directors

  • Committees and advisory groups support the Board by providing  expertise, input and community insight across key areas.

    • Finance Audit and Compliance - Simon Townsend, Amanda Taylor, Sarah Hemming, Kerryn Jones 

    • Meritorious  - Stephen Godfrey, Don Marsh, Brett Norton-Smith, Paul Kenny, Lyn Barratt

    • History – Don Marsh, Anthony Chapman

    • SLST Operations Executive – Stephen Godfrey (Chair), Lyn Barratt, Simon Bailey, Chris Jacbson, State Advisors – Development, Lifesaving, Surf Sports, Rescue Services

    • Development – Rhiannon Bomford (State Advisor), Mark Cubit (Chair), Marley Filchett, Nicole Davey

    • Lifesaving – Philippa Lohrey (State Advisor), Murphy Knowles, Bridget Fasnacht, Ella Griffin, Tiarna West, Geri Doherty, Alison McIntyre

    • Surf Sports – (State Advisor), Shayne Jupp, Olivia Cripps, Vanessa Copeland, Warwick Lovell, Anita Howard, Ciara Harvey (youth rep)

    • Rescue Services – Greg Bird (State Advisor), Jesse Beveridge, Gabe Gossage, Ryan Irvine, Matt O’Neill, Stuart Robins

    • Youth Advisory Working Group

  • The State Office team works in partnership with clubs, members and stakeholders to deliver Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s services and strategic priorities.

    Meet the Team

View Organisational Structure
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    Club Responsibilities

    Clubs are responsible for their own governance and must:

    • Operate in line with SLST and SLSA policies

    • Maintain effective committee and governance structures

    • Manage finances and risks appropriately

    • Meet legal and regulatory obligations

    View SLST Club Guide
  • A lifeguard in yellow and red uniform running along the beach with a rescue board, waves in the background.

    Affiliation

    Affiliation is a key governance requirement for all clubs and units.

    • Completed annually through the AGM process

    • Confirms agreement to comply with SLST and SLSA policies

    • Enables access to funding, equipment, training and support

  • A surf rescue worker in a yellow jacket and red shorts holding a large life-saving board on a beach with ocean waves in the background and a cloudy sky.

    ACNC compliance

    Clubs registered as charities must meet ongoing obligations with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), including:

    This includes:

    • Annual Information Statement (AIS)

    • Financial reporting (where required)

    • Maintaining accurate records

    Visit ACNC Website
  • Two individuals dressed in yellow and red uniforms are on a beach, carrying a large red and yellow flag. They are near the ocean with waves and a cloudy sky in the background.

    Club Guide - Your Key Resource

    The SLST Club Guide is the primary resource for governance and management.

    It provides practical guidance on:

    • Governance standards and best practice

    • Roles and responsibilities

    • Risk, compliance and financial management

    Need support?

    For guidance on governance or compliance, contact the SLST team.

    View the SLST Club Guide
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