SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2007–08

DEVELOPMENT
OPERATIONS REPORT
OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR
As we enter our second century a number of key
challenges need to be faced if we are to continue to
develop. This year we have been actively engaged in
tackling some of these challenges, particularly those of
membership diversifi cation and environmental protection.
The ‘On the Same Wave’ program expanded beyond NSW
and engaged culturally diverse communities in South
Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. We expanded
our environmental agenda with greater consultation
with ‘beacon clubs’ (clubs which have demonstrated
environmental leadership) and like minded organisations
such as Coastcare and Westpac. That consultation has
enabled us to develop good practice in environmental
protection and sustainability for the fragile environments
in which we operate.
A consultative edition of a new junior development training
resource was published to provide young surf lifesavers
with an opportunity to develop core skills and knowledge.
This resource has now been reviewed and a second version
developed and released, to positive feedback from users.
The key role of our Board of Development (BOD—see
page 50) is to strengthen our capacity to deliver our
Graph 5: SLSA membership over time
Members
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Year
Number of cadets
Number of nippers
Number of patrolling surf lifesavers
Total members
We continue to demonstrate strong growth in key membership categories.
30 SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA—ANNUAL REPORT 2007–08
core business. This is achieved through a number
of programs including the development of members
(youth, current and future leaders) as well as the
development of the organisation. Such tasks involve
the identifi cation of key issues affecting us, both now
and into the future (e.g. inclusion, the environment,
social capital) and establishing programs that address
these issues. For a full review of our achievements
against our objectives see Table 2: Report Card.
EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON
PERFORMANCE
• The new Australian Government has set out a
strong policy agenda in relation to social inclusion,
the environment and climate change.
• Community expectations continue to drive the need for
improved responses to diversity issues including culture,
gender, age, sexuality, lifestyle, etc.
• Community sensitivity to environmental issues is
being heightened as signs of global warming increase.
Australians are becoming increasingly concerned with
the protection of the environment.
• The nature of volunteering continues to change.
An increasing number of volunteers are seeking short
term, episodic, ‘meaningful volunteering’ rather than
long term commitments.
• Individuals are becoming increasingly ‘time-poor’,
placing added pressures on volunteer organisations.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2008–09
• Embedding wider ranging inclusive practices into
clubs and the wider organisation.
• Sharing good environmental practice thus
encouraging greater sensitivity to the environmental
imperative facing clubs.
• Providing a revised suite of resources to support
the development of both our young surf lifesavers
and the age managers who are responsible for
their development.
• Work with state centres to align leadership
programs to enable clearer development pathways.
John Fitzgerald
SLSA Director of Development