SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2007–08

RISK AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Three major initiatives have been fi nalised this past year.
Specifi cally, the following projects have been completed
for board and where required, CASA approval:
• Integrated Safety Management System
• Emergency Response Plan
• Fatigue Risk Management System.
We remain focused on air safety, with risk profi les
reviewed to ensure our aircrews operate in the safest
operational context possible.
Our company has maintained its status as an active senior
contributor of the Aviation Safety Network which provides
peer based consultation at all organisational levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Consistent with our ongoing commitment to
‘fl y neighbourly’ attitudes, we will be modifying our
second aircraft’s rear rotor to reduce its noise signature.
This equipment has an 18-month order ‘window’ and
we anticipate having the new tail assembly installed by
December 2008.
We have changed the majority of our vehicles to more fuel
effi cient four cylinder vehicles, with continuing re-appraisal
of this as opportunities present.
We are conscious of the potential impacts of the Garnaut
Report on carbon emissions and consider that any strategic
planning will need to bring this issue into frame.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ISSUES
The service’s long-serving General Manager, Perry Wells,
proceeded on pre-retirement leave in December 2007
and retired in June 2008 after 22 years with the service.
Perry contributed strongly to the development of the
service in his tenure as General Manager. The company’s
board notes its thanks to Perry for his substantial input
through the years.
The board notes with regret the untimely death of Coffs
Harbour based director Ron Lawrence in December 2007.
Ron was a driving force for the service in Coffs Harbour
and it has been challenging to fi nd a suitable replacement
of his calibre. This position currently remains open.
In April 2008, the Board appointed Dr John Griffi n as a
new director. John lives in the Tweed area and it is pleasing
to have this area of fl ight operations covered.
John has extensive experience in local government
and is well regarded in his local area.
Directors have approved a Code of Conduct for staff that
provides a workable linkage to ethical expectations within
our Integrated Safety Management System. We would
expect to revisit this in the coming months as we codify
the company’s values that derive from our strategic
planning review.
OUTLOOK FOR 2008–09
The outcome of the Vicary Report for Coffs Harbour
will have a substantial effect on our fundraising in
Coffs Harbour. A favourable outcome is expected to
result in a substantial release of funding inertia from the
community who have tired from the State Government’s
continued delays in reaching a decision. The counterpoint
is a negative decision that will require a rethink on our
continued fundraising in that market. In any event,
we remain committed to providing quality aero-medical
services within the operational framework we are permitted
to work within in the Coffs Coast area.
We have committed to an elevated training program for
our staff over the coming period. This included sending our
chief engineer to France in June 2008 to complete required
ratings training for our new Dauphin helicopters.
We are excited at the prospect of exploring the feasibility
of night vision goggle technology that will enhance our
night-time operation capability.
I would like to record my sincere thanks to our directors,
staff and volunteer workforces. Without any of these
groups, we could not function.
Kris Beavis
General Manager
Northern Region (Westpac) Life Saver
Helicopter Rescue Service
SECTION 02—OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
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