Noosa Surf Club names Donald McKill president amid leadership crisis

One of Queensland's most prestigious surf clubs has installed new leadership after unprecedented turmoil saw four senior officials walk away amid toxic culture claims. 

The Noosa Surf Life Saving Club has suffered a period of turmoil following allegations of a toxic club culture and departure of senior management members.

A prestigious Queensland surf club has appointed a new leader after battling allegations of a toxic culture and mass exodus of senior members.

The Noosa Surf Life Saving Club appointed Donald McKill as the club’s new president earlier this month after a vote was held to replace the club’s management committee.

The club’s annual report, published earlier this year, referred to a string of claims alleging a toxic culture and disrespectful behaviour at the club.

Speaking to this publication about his appointment, Mr McKill said members of the club were looking for cohesion and “good will” as the club emerges from a tumultuous period.

“The AGM process was a chance for the members to vote for change and they turned up in big numbers to do that. I was fortunate enough to have the backing of the members to move the club forward,” Mr McKill said.

Mr McKill said his experience with the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union club had taught him the importance of community in club settings.

“Having run the rugby club in Noosa for several years, that brings a lot of community together in that sport,” Mr McKill said.

Former Noosa Dolphins club president Donald McKill has been chosen to lead the embattled Noosa Surf Life Saving Club. Picture, Patrick Woods.

As the club looks to the future, Mr McKill said his focus would be on clear communication with members.

“We have a lot of fantastic people at the Noosa Surf Club and I think it is a case of making sure that everyone is on the same communication page going forward, and a lot of messaging is clear and transparent,” Mr McKill said.

“We are moving in a forward direction, we are bringing a new energy through the change the members have voted for, everybody has been given that message and any changes that need to be implemented will be over a period of time,” Mr McKill said.