TasPorts is a proud supporter of initiatives that improve marine safety in Tasmania and ensure the safety of the waters where we operate.

The TasPorts Scholarship aims to build a stronger and more capable surf life saving community. It will support a range of professional development activities and/or innovations that enhance the skills, knowledge and capabilities of members within their roles across our SLST community.

In 2023, Amber Loone was awarded the TasPorts Scholarship and had the opportunity to travel to Bondi to work alongside their trainers and assessors to deliver the newly-launched powercraft courses. 

“While there, I gained valuable insight into how women’s powercraft courses are developed and delivered,” said Amber. “That experience has inspired me, and I’m excited to be bringing the inaugural women’s powercraft course to Tasmania next month.”

Surf Life Saving Tasmania is encouraging more women and non-binary members to become crew, drivers, trainers and assessors for inflatable rescue boats (IRBs). Amber will be one of the trainers present at the inaugural SLST IRB Training for Women in Lifesaving program in May this year.

Amber said this program is something she’s incredibly passionate about, and is excited to roll it out in Tasmania. 

“Women make up a very small percentage of those involved in powercraft within Surf Life Saving, and that’s due to a variety of factors,” said Amber. “The fact that over 40 women have already signed up to participate shows just how needed this initiative is.

“Programs like this spark cultural change, and I’m excited to see where that change takes us here in Tassie.

“The future is looking bright.”

The TasPorts Scholarship has played a vital role in Amber’s development within SLST as she continues to progress along the IRB pathway, 

“It gave me a fresh perspective and renewed energy, showing me what’s possible beyond our local waters here in Tasmania,” she said. “It’s been a key stepping stone in my development as a trainer and leader.”

When asked about what she learnt during the TasPorts Scholarship, she said the experience opened her eyes to the barriers many members face when considering higher-level training. 

“I now approach course delivery with those barriers in mind, creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments,” said Amber. “Importantly, I’m still maintaining the integrity and rigor of the training while embracing the unique skill sets that diverse groups bring.

“It’s not about lowering standards - it’s about enhancing them through different perspectives.”. 

Amber continues to play an active role at the Devonport Surf Life Saving Club and loves patrolling alongside her daughter while watching her youngest enjoy the Nippers program. As a director of Surf Life Saving Tasmania, she also enjoys the broader journey of helping to steer the organisation in the right direction, ensuring we continue to grow, evolve, and support our members across the state.

The TasPorts Scholarship is open to all members of affiliated clubs and units who have been actively involved without our surf life saving community for at least two years. 

To find how to apply, head to our TasPorts Scholarship page here.