2025 Surf Life Saving QLD Conference

Friday – 22 August:

On Friday, August 22nd, the Port Douglas SLSC team—Grant, Irene, Nicki, Jai, and Jemma—flew to Brisbane for the 2025 Surf Life Saving Queensland Conference. The event began at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre with registration, an official opening, and an inspiring speech from NRL legend Sam Thaiday. The evening concluded with a networking function that offered complimentary drinks and a variety of delicious snacks for all attendees.

Saturday – 23 August:  

Saturday was the biggest day of the conference with about 28 sessions in total. The sessions included,

• Membership & Development: Sessions focused on volunteering, leadership resilience, member recruitment and retention, and mental well-being.

• Lifesaving, Emergency Response & Drowning Prevention: Covered coastal safety, lifesaving research, breaking barriers on patrol, disaster management, SharkSmart programs, and lessons from critical incidents.

• Education: Explored the future of SLSQ training, system mastery with aXcelerate, CPR masterclasses, and strategies for engaging learners effectively.

• Funding, Sport & Governance: Focused on inclusion, governance best practices, surf sports development, empowering female athletes, productivity tips, and practical admin solutions through panel discussions

Youth Forum:

During the conference, a Youth Forum was held for participants aged 15 to 25, running from 8 AM to 4 PM. Jai and Jemma, along with young members from various clubs and branches, spent the day sharing their perspectives on the future of Surf Life Saving. Together, they identified challenges and barriers within the organisation, ultimately culminating in a presentation of their ideas to the wider conference. This approach ensured that their voices were heard, their contributions valued, and that they were empowered to drive meaningful change.

Saturday Evening – SLSQ State Awards of Excellence

The SLSQ State Awards of Excellence celebrated the outstanding contributions of Surf Life Saving members and clubs across Queensland. The event featured a delicious meal and recognised individuals for their impactful roles within their communities. It highlighted exceptional volunteer service, innovative programs, and leadership excellence. The night was filled with celebration and inspiration, with North Queensland members bringing vibrant energy to the dance floor.

Sunday – 24 August  

On Sunday, the focus was on promoting safe and progressive practices within clubs. The sessions included topics such as child safety, organisational culture, media and storytelling, social media strategies for clubs, and surf club design. Additionally, there were parallel sessions that explored areas like insurance, budget management, fundraising, grant seeking, and engagement with First Nations communities. Members of the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club attended these sessions before departing from Brisbane at 2:10 PM to fly back to Cairns, concluding a productive and inspiring weekend.