Surf Life Saving Tasmania has proudly hosted representatives from across the country and New Zealand for a series of national lifesaving meetings and workshops, reinforcing the strength of collaboration across the Surf Life Saving movement.  

Held over four days at locations across southern Tasmania, the occasion brought together lifesaving leaders, managers and specialists to share knowledge, align on priorities and progress key national initiatives.  

It began on Thursday at Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club, where the Emergency Management Working Group met to discuss current challenges and future road map in emergency response. This was followed by a Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Centre of Excellence workshop and update, highlighting the latest developments in training, capability and equipment.

On Friday, delegates gathered in Hobart for the National Lifesaving Managers Meeting, before heading to Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday for the National Lifesaving Advisory Committee meeting. These sessions focused on strengthening coordination across the federation and advancing shared objectives that support communities nationwide. 

The four-day event concluded on Sunday in New Norfolk where attendees took part in a practical demonstration of the Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Centre of Excellence training, bringing to life the discussions from earlier in the week.  

Michael Bonnici, Manager for Coastal Safety at Surf Life Saving Australia said: “It was great to bring the National Lifesaving Advisory Committee and Emergency Management Working group together from across the country over the weekend which is critical to how we align as a movement and continue working to reduce coastal drownings nationwide. 

“With a strong focus on shared priorities  that align across the Federation, collaboration and knowledge exchange, these sessions play an important role in progressing key lifesaving initiatives across Australia.”

Ned Reardon, Senior Lifesaving Services for Surf Life Saving Tasmania said:  “It’s fantastic to host the Lifesaving Advisory Committee from across Australia and our friends New Zealand here in Tasmania. Showcasing how our clubs operate, often in very different conditions, provides valuable perspective and shared learning. 

“Importantly, it’s also an opportunity to highlight the Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Centre of Excellence and the role it plays in building capability and bringing our stakeholders along on that journey.”

 Surf Life Saving Tasmania extends its sincere thanks to all volunteers and staff who travelled to attend, as well as Clifton Beach SLSC and Carlton Park SLSC for hosting sessions throughout the week.