21 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Committee Member - Member Services As members of a volunteer organisation our membership provides great service to the community. This is not just on the beach but in the surrounds of the Royal National Park and increasingly opportunities are arising for us to provide assistance further afield through initiatives such as the Emergency Call Out Team. What also needs to be reflected upon is that at a Club level we all need and rely upon each other so that we can continue to provide services to our community and that is not just through active patrolling roles. There are many parts that make up a club and all are important as no roles can successfully operate in isolation. Without all of as members pitching in, the greater good cannot be served and the reason we exist is not served. There is as a review of the members portal will confirm a policy document or statement for just about any eventuality and circumstance. What all of that technical reading does not necessarily pinpoint is that the most important thing in society, in my view, is mutual respect and decency to each other. As a cross section of our society those principles are even more important in the close quarters of a volunteer club. I would just like to reflect on that as every member is important both from past and current contributions and to make sure we continue to be a thriving club future contributions. Those future contributions will be from current and critically future members. It is important that we foster an environment where members continue to want to participate and expand on their skills and training but also to entice new members. At the end of the day we are all merely custodians of club for the current season. Consistent with the custodianship and the need to continue to develop existing and new members encouraging active participation and continuous skill development among our members and their respective cohorts remains a priority. Opportunities for awards such as Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and Bronze Medallion (BM), as well as training in First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART) are important to maintain our relevance as a well qualified and capable club to provide surf rescue and first aid support to visitors and users of our beach. Congratulations to all who have this season passed SRC and Bronze awards and to those who have added to their qualifications. Our level of achieving additional awards for a relatively small club is a credit to the training efforts provided. Our thanks and appreciation to all involved in training, developing, and assessing our members throughout the season. Communication Effective communication is vital in any organisation and we are no different. There are various platforms available and these are evolving and will be an ongoing matter to be refined. Whatever platform we use, utilise the principles I outlined above are paramount, that is mutual respect and decency in dealing with each other. The club communications are to inform members of what is happening, what needs to happen and what assistance is required. As can be the downside of social media, it is not intended to be a forum for our collective inner keyboard warriors.
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