National Leadership College

The National Leadership College is a week long intensive training course for approximately 24 participants from around Australia, focused on the guiding participants to finding their own leadership style. The focus of the College is for participants to develop skills and capabilities that they will enable them to play a key role in the future of their the SLS movement. The program is designed to challenge participants intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically, creating valuable opportunities for both personal and professional growth. The skills and insights gained support SLSA’s 2030 Strategic Priorities and building a stronger, united movement.

Each day offers a mix of keynote speakers, interactive electives, activities, and themed challenges. Participants are paired with mentors, providing valuable guidance and ongoing opportunities for reflection and development.

The program is designed for people who have recently moved into leadership positions, including:

• Team Managers, Team Captains, Coaches, Integrity Officers and Athlete Support Personnel
• Patrol Captains, Lifeguard Supervisors and Club Captains
• Event Managers
• Volunteer Managers, Age Managers, Program Managers
• Officials, Scrutineers, Sectional Referees
• Club Training Officers, Facilitators, Mentors
• Support Operations personnel
• SurfCom Operators

Typically held annually towards the end of February, when information for 2027 are available they will be published here.

Read the News story about 2026 National Leadership College here.

Prerequisites

National Leadership College participants needed to meet the following requirements for 2026:

• Be 20 to 30 years old on 1 February 2026
• Be a current financial member of an SLSA affiliated club
• Have some previous leadership experience or training (ideally within SLS)
• Show strong potential as a future SLS leader with a drive to shape our movement’s direction

Cost

SLST will subsidise up to two Members to attend National Leadership College. All tuition, flights, meals, transport, and shared accommodation are included. Please note, attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

SLSA Leaders' Masterclass

The SLSA Leaders' Masterclass is a specially designed workshop focusing on building skills for approximately 24 members nationally aged 30+ with a volunteer leadership role in SLS. People who would benefit from attending the SLSA Leaders Masterclass include:

Ideal Applicant Profile

Individuals who are:

• Courageous and innovative thinkers
• Enthusiastic and committed to learning
• Dedicated to SLS long term
• Emerging influencers within their club
• Team orientated and collaborative
• Highly motivated and self-aware

Eligibility Criteria

• Be at least 30 years of age as of beginning of the program
• Be a current financial member of an SLSA affiliated Surf Life Saving Club
• Demonstrate leadership experience (preferably within SLS)
• Currently hold a senior leadership role within SLS
• Show a strong desire to influence the future direction of the organisation.

When and Where

This program is typically held at the end of July in Adelaide.

2026 SLST Participants

Congratulations to Marley Fitchett and Nicole Davey for being selected 2026 Leaders' Masterclass. 

Read more about the upcoming program in these news articles and we look forward to hearing what Marley and Nicole gain from the program to take back to their clubs for the 2026-27 season and beyond.

• Tasmanians Selected for Surf Life Saving Australia Leadership Masterclass
• Surf Life Saving Australia Announces 2026 National Leaders’ Masterclass Participants

SLSA Women's Mentoring Program

SLSA embraces the importance of a diverse and inclusive organisation, including gender equality, and seeks to increase the number of women who hold leadership roles within SLS nationally. The Women’s Mentoring Program supports and encourages confident, strong and skilled women within SLS, to strengthen leadership skills, and identify, and develop the next generation of leaders to position SLS for the future.