Burnie Surf Life Saving Club’s Geri Doherty was named Surf Lifesaver of the Year at the 2025 SLST Awards of Excellence, recognising her remarkable commitment to lifesaving, training and community education across the state. 

For Geri, the journey into surf lifesaving has been anything but traditional. Growing up in Tasmania's farming industry as a jillaroo, the beach wasn’t a big part of her early life. That all changed in 2003 when her husband Greg suggested visiting Burnie Surf Life Saving Club.

“I signed us up; we were a Nipper Family. Our boys and I made the commitment, we were hooked! We travelled three times a week after school for training, through summer (beach and water) and winter (winter swimming). I’m a big believer of commitment, never give up. 

“We were greeted at every training by familiar, happy, committed families. It was a great lifestyle; we got to travel around the state with carnivals and stay with our new friends. We got involved in Burnie Surf Club, very comfortably,” she said.

Inspired by her children and the friendships she built at Burnie SLSC, Geri earned her Bronze Medallion at the age of 48 and has since gone on to achieve countless awards and qualification. From IRB Crew to Age Manager, Coach, Trainer and Assessor, her dedication has seen her become a leader at club, state and national levels. 

Today, she is the Director of Lifesaving and Club Captain at Burnie SLSC - a role she embraces with energy and vision. When her name was announced as the winner of the 2025 Surf Lifesaver of the Year award, Geri was super proud of herself and the journey she’s been on so far.

“I do what I do because of the pleasure and satisfaction of helping people, passing on my knowledge and making connections. Empowering others to recognise their own abilities and strengths is incredibly rewarding,” she said. 

The 2024/25 season was full of highlights for Geri, including being awarded Life Membership at Burnie SLSC, attending the National Leaders Masterclass, participating in the Women’s IRB program and contributing to water safety programs on King Island.

Her passion lies across all areas of lifesaving - patrols, training, mentoring and education. She says the most rewarding part is the lifelong connections made along the way. 

“Sometimes its the little things that give you the biggest buzz, like knowing you’ve inspired or helped someone on their own journey. For me, that’s what lifesaving is all about.”

Looking ahead, Geri is eager to continue growing into her leadership role at Burnie SLSC and to keep building relationships across the state.

“We are all on the same mission, keeping our beaches and waterways safe.  We need to support each other’s journeys, whether its training, education.  Keep everyone’s dream alive, connect and inspire,” she said.