Two of Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s (SLST) members have been recognised on the national stage, with Kingston Beach SLSC’s Marley Fitchett and Clifton Beach SLSC’s Nicole Davey selected to attend Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Leaders’ Masterclass at Adelaide University from 22-26 July. 

The pair are among 24 members from across Australia chosen for the leadership program, which brings together experienced volunteers to strengthen their leadership skills, share ideas and help shape the future of the Surf Life Saving movement.

For both Fitchett and Davey, the opportunity represents not only personal development, but a chance to bring new ideas, perspectives and learnings back to their clubs and the border SLST community.

For Marley Fitchett, the selection is both a milestone and a reflection of the journey she has taken with Kingston Beach SLSC.

"Surf Life Saving has become a significant part of my life over the past few years, so being given the opportunity to participate in this program is something I'm very grateful for."

Fitchett began her involvement as a Nipper parent, quickly finding herself drawn into supporting junior activities and strengthening the club environment. From Age Manager to Junior Activities Coordinator, she has since stepped into broader leadership through her role on the Kingston Beach SLSC Board of Management.

"This season I have focused on growing participation, supporting volunteers, improving communication with families and creating a welcoming environment," she said.

Her focus now is on building environments where members feel supported and motivated to stay involved for the long term, particularly through strong volunteer engagement and junior development pathways.

“I want to continue building strong, inclusive programs that encourage members of all ages to stay involved in surf lifesaving.

"Every club has its own challenges, successes, peaks and pits, so there’s a huge opportunity to learn from one another." she said.

Like Fitchett, Nicole Davey’s journey into surf lifesaving also began as a Nipper parent and has since developed into a strong commitment to leadership, inclusion and advocacy within the movement.

Davey has been selected for the Leadership Masterclass as well as receiving the Multicultural and Indigenous Scholarship, recognising her contribution to diversity and inclusion in surf lifesaving.

“It's a chance to grow as a leader, learn from others, and contribute to the SLS movement.

“It also validates the work I've been doing advocating for diversity and inclusion, and motivates me to keep pushing forward,” Davey said. 

At Clifton Beach SLSC, Davey has had multiple leadership roles and also contributes at a state and national level throughout the SLSA Diversity, Access and Inclusion Working Group, where she represents a multitude of diverse communities - a role she cherishes.

"Visible representation sends a powerful message that Surf Life Saving is for everyone," she said. 

"When our leadership reflects the diversity of our beach communities, we build trust in our movement.

“By welcoming diverse voices, we're inviting people not just onto our country and into our beach culture, but to join us as members and volunteers.”

Davey is eager to connect with peers from across Australia and deepen her leadership, advocacy skills and her understanding of how to create meaningful, lasting change within her organisation.

"I'm looking forward to bringing fresh ideas back to my club and committees, and using the networks I build to strengthen the work we're doing." 

The selection of both Davey and Fitchett reflects not only their individual contributions, but the strength and depth of leadership within Surf Life Saving Tasmania, and the impact our members continue to make across our clubs and communities.