Surf Life Saving Australia has launched a new women’s mentoring program involving 40 women around Australia
Turning 40 is always cause for celebration - especially when celebrations include the launch of an Australia wide mentoring program.
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TURNING 40 is always cause for celebration - especially when celebrations include the launch of an Australia wide mentoring program.
Wednesday marked the 40 year anniversary of Women in Surf Life Saving being able to gain their Bronze Medallion and participate as active surf lifesavers in surf clubs around Australia – although women have been involved in the movement since its inception.
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As part of the celebrations, Surf Life Saving Australia have launched their first ever women’s mentoring program with 40 women from across the country to take part.
SLSA received 160 applications for the 12-month program which were whittled down to 20 mentors and 20 mentorees who will all have the chance to strengthen their leadership skills and develop the next generation of female leaders to position Surf Life Saving for the future.
Seven Gold Coast females have been selected to participate in the program, Belinda Doman (Coolangatta), Jenny Kenny (Cudgen and Currumbin), Kerrie Barnes (Point Danger), Kylie Bade-Peters (Mermaid Beach), Shay Chalmers (North Kirra) as mentors and Courtney Hancock (Surfers Paradise) and Courtney Taylor (Currumbin) as mentorees.
Hancock, a multiple Australian, Nutri-Grain and Coolangatta Gold Ironwoman champion, said she still had much to learn from her mentor about her sport and movement.
“I’ve got so much more I want to learn from other people - you never stop learning and you can never know enough,” Hancock said.
“I’ve always had mentors and I know for myself that they’ve definitely been a big and influential part in giving me the best possible chance to achieving my goals in life.
“I’m really excited to learn from my mentor and I know that Surf Life Saving Australia have picked ladies that have had a lot of experiences in their lives.
“I was a bit nervous putting my name up but this program has come at a perfect time and I can’t wait to be involved in the first one.”
SLSA Life Member and Board Director, Suzanne Storrie, has worked tirelessly to get the initiative off the ground and said she was overwhelmed by the quality of applicants.
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“We’re fortunate to have many talented females within our movement and I’m excited that this first mentoring program, and the cohorts that will follow, will connect us more closely together,” Storrie said.
“I’m passionate about ensuring Surf Life Saving achieves gender equity in leadership positions and decision making roles across our organisation, and this program is one of the initiatives we’ve created to support the achievement of our goal.”
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