In This Edition
- Message From The Club Captain
- Operations Update
- Out In The Community
- Nippers 2024/25 Season Wrap-Up
- Merch Shop Upcoming Hours & Feedback
- Membership & Leadership Development Update
- Club Championships
- Public Rally
- Sunday Social Swims
- Inverloch CFA Visiting ISLSC
- Wine Not? Wine & Cheese Night
- Sponsors
Message From The Club Captain
Hey Team,
Busy, buzzing and brilliant. 3 words to summarise the past few weeks down here at Inverloch. The Club has been filled with eager Nippers who developed their aquatic skills whilst being overseen by over 50 amazing volunteer Water Safety and Age Managers. The club has run multiple training courses, including SRC and IRB Crew, as our active members continue to develop their abilities to provide key services to our community.
The clubhouse has been a hub for socialising as members thrived off the opportunity to come together, both past and present, with our “Back to Invy” event as well as many busy nights at the Deck Bar.
Our Patrollers on the beach have come out in force, with record numbers hitting the beach and highlighting our core sense of community, with hot days being unable to hinder our dedicated volunteer spirit.
The hard work is far from over as we make our way into the back end of the holiday period. Thank you to all those that have taken time out of their break, or juggling work, to help keep the club moving and providing such amazing opportunities, memories and services to our members and community.
David Morris
ISLSC Club Captain
Operations Update
Summer Patrolling
It has been very busy on the beach this summer with both beach attendance and patrollers. Since Boxing day our volunteers have conducted 8 days of patrol overseeing over 13000 members coming down to the beach. Recently we reached a record number of patrollers in one day with 40 members including newly accredited and eager SRC’s coming along to develop their skills and service. Over these 8 days we have conducted 5 Minor First Aids and 2 rescues. Our 900+ preventative actions have aided our ability to reduce issues from arising and keep our community safe through this hot and busy period. We thank those beachgoers that have remained between the red and yellow flags and made smart choices whilst swimming with family, friends and children.
YIPS Patrol
The annual YIPs patrol took place on New Year’s day and it was another very successful patrol! The YIPs patrol provides an opportunity for YIPs participants from all patrol groups to come together and develop their lifesaving and leadership skills. We had a fantastic turnout of patrollers and it was great to see everyone getting involved. Well done to Nelson Karutz for stepping up for his first patrol as Patrol Captain and keeping everything running so smoothly across the day.
If you have any questions about the YIPs program or want to get involved, sign up at the link below or email yips@islsc.org.au.
Zoe Cross
YIPS Coordinator
Patrollers of the Month Nov/Dec
During the Patrolling season we like to recognise and celebrate the amazing work that our volunteers do. There have been some amazing people leading by example and spending many hours on the beach. The following members stood out across November and December, displaying exemplary club values.
Elke Pearson – Having recently earned her Bronze Medallion, Elke has fully embraced all aspects of patrolling. With her positive and enthusiastic attitude, she has made valuable contributions to the club, including assisting with the organization of the Grommet Gurus program. Elke consistently arrives at patrols eager to learn new skills and connect with others, always bringing a strong sense of dedication and a willingness to help.
Sam Dimopoulos – Sam has stepped up as Patrol Captain of Patrol 1 this season and is off to a flying start. On their patrol in December, Sam was able to help engage the primarily youth members by bringing his positive energy, rescue scenarios and IRB training. This positive energy resulted in leaving all his patrolling members with a fun time, whilst also keeping the beach safe and advancing their skills. Sam also volunteered his time to help out other patrols when needed.
Well done to Zoe Davies, Nelson Karutz, Jake Hetrelezis, Morrie Tatnall, and Jackson Comrie who were also nominated for their efforts on Patrol.
Out In The Community
On Sunday the 5th of Jan our members assisted with the Adventure South-Invy Sands fun run that saw over 200 participants run 2, 6 or 9 km on a very warm morning. Our team provided First Aid to the eager runners and cheered them through as they made it across the finish line.
Nippers 2024/25 Season Wrap-Up
After an incredible two weeks of Nippers, it’s time to wrap up and celebrate the incredible efforts of our nippers, families, parents, water safety team, and volunteers who made this program possible. The 2024/25 Nippers season was a resounding success, with a record-breaking 288 participants—our largest cohort yet. This achievement is a testament to the incredible community that came together to bring it all to life.
This year, our beach presented some unique challenges with severe erosion and significant changes to the landscape. Despite these hurdles, the ISLSC Board, Nipper Committee and our volunteers worked tirelessly to adapt and ensure the program ran smoothly, demonstrating remarkable resilience and teamwork.
Special Mentions
A heartfelt thank you to Lucy Chambers, who chaired our Nipper Committee and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise and oversee everything both before, during and after the season.
To our Nipper Committee members Kate Simnett, Paul Hardy-Smith, Thuy Hoang, and Chris Tatnall—your dedication and efforts, both in preparation and throughout the program, ensured everything ran smoothly. Your ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our beach was nothing short of extraordinary so for that, all I can say is a massive THANK YOU!
Volunteers
To every Nipper parent and club member who contributed this season—whether you were age managing, flipping sausages, making cupcakes, organising trivia nights, capturing memories with your camera, washing water safety tops, setting up and packing down the beach, or selling second-hand uniforms—thank you. Every single effort, big or small, made a difference, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Starfish Nippers
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the second year of our Starfish Nippers program! Congratulations to the dedicated team behind this initiative. It’s been inspiring to see this program thrive, and we’re excited to see it grow even further next season.
Water Safety Team
To our amazing water safety team, thank you for being the backbone of this program. Your hard work ensures the safety of everyone involved and allows us to teach the next generation of lifesavers the skills they need to succeed.
Fundraising Supporters
A big thank you to every parent and community member who supported our fundraising efforts. Your generosity allows us to improve and grow our program and purchase essential equipment for the future.
Looking Ahead
Thank you all for making the 2024/25 Nipper season such a memorable one. Your dedication and support keep the program thriving. Let’s carry this incredible spirit forward and make the next season even better.
Merchandise Shop Upcoming Hours & Feedback
Simone has just updated our merchandise shop’s opening hours for the remainder of January. On all dates we will have 15% off all stock and half-price beanies! Additional trading days – as well as stock updates – will be announced over our social channels.
Saturday January 18th, 9 – 12
Sunday January 19th, 9 – 12
Saturday January 25th, 9 – 12
Sunday January 26th, 9 – 12
Monday January 27th, 9 – 12
Your Feedback
As we wrap up another season at the shop, we’re beginning to brainstorm what next season’s range will look like and we would love your feedback.
We would greatly appreciate a few moments of your time to fill out our short survey about what you want to see at the uniform shop next year.
Uniform Shop Manager Simone and “Deputy Manager” Ozzie
Membership & Leadership Development Update
Change our Game Women’s IRB Program
On the 11th and 12th of Jan, 3 of our clubs Female IRB Driver and Crews participated in an IRB program at Dromana and Portsea. This program Provided Belle, Elke and Emma the opportunity to gain more experience in a safe and supportive environment guided by incredible female coaches and drivers from Portsea SLSC, Gunnamatta SLSC and Sorrento SLSC. Bella, our female driver participating, said “it was the most amazing experience and really helped develop our IRB skills in different surf conditions”.
Champion Junior Lifesaver Development Day
We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the LSV 2025 Champion Junior Lifesaver Development Day.
This event celebrates the achievements of our young members while fostering rescue readiness and a growth mindset in the next generation of lifesavers. Participants will build on skills learned in SRC, engage in development workshops, and explore the diverse services and pathways LSV offers.
The registration process has been revamped this year, so be sure to check out all the details; https://clubs.lsv.com.au/areas/159
The Mike Martin Champion Junior Lifesaver Award forms part of LSV’s member recognition program, with the winner announced during the event and formally acknowledged at the LSV Awards of Excellence.
Registrations close Sunday, 19th January 2025
International Women’s Day Breakfast
Mark your calendars for the 2025 International Women’s Day Breakfast, where LSV aligns with the UN theme of ‘March Forward’ to celebrate and inspire inclusivity and leadership.
We are excited to announce our keynote speaker, Rana Hussain, a trailblazer in inclusive leadership and workplace diversity. Rana is widely recognised for her expertise in high-performance sports and her contributions as a broadcaster and presenter, particularly on ABC’s summer cricket coverage.
Save the Date: 5 March 2025
Volunteer Leadership Program Launch
LSV are proud to announce the launch of the Volunteer Leadership Program, designed to empower leaders in lifesaving to navigate complex relationships, networks, and expectations effectively—particularly in disaster environments.
This program provides leaders with essential tools to create a meaningful and enjoyable volunteering experience, enhancing retention and commitment among volunteers.
The course is divided into three impactful modules:
- Leadership in Surf Lifesaving
- Inspiring, Retaining, and Engaging Volunteers
- Interpersonal Skills
Sign up now through the member training portal on Club Gateway and take the next step in your leadership journey. https://mt.lsv.com.au/
Third Annual Bass Coast Pink Patrol Brunch – 2025!
We are thrilled to invite you to the third annual Bass Coast Pink Patrol Brunch, a special event dedicated to celebrating and honoring the remarkable contributions of women in lifesaving. The Pink Patrol initiative highlights the incredible work of women, both past and present, and aims to inspire and empower the next generation of female lifesavers.
This brunch is more than just a gathering; it is a celebration of the diverse roles and opportunities available to women within the lifesaving community. Our goal is to encourage women to explore their operational capabilities, take on leadership roles, and continue to shape the future of lifesaving.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 15th February 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Cape Paterson Life Saving Club, Cape Paterson
Join us for a morning of brunch & networking, inspiring guest speakers, and a celebration of empowerment and inspiration. This event brings together all six Bass Coast clubs to honor the incredible women who make lifesaving safer, stronger, and more inclusive.
Come and be part of this powerful community, share your stories, and get inspired to continue making waves in lifesaving.
Club Championships
Date: Saturday, 25th January 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Get ready for Inverloch’s Club champs, featuring five events: Board Paddle, 2km Run, Swim, Sprint, and Flag Events. This is a fantastic day to enjoy the beach, showcase your skills, and compete with fellow club members in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to have some fun, there’s something for everyone!
To participate in the Club Championships, you must have a current SRC or Bronze Medallion qualification. To be eligible for awards, you must participate in at least one water event and one land event.
After the events, stick around for a BBQ to help fund our IRB race team. It’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy some delicious food. Grab your friends and, and let’s see who will be the next Club Champs!
Public Rally
The Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is deeply concerned about the escalating coastal erosion threatening its facilities, nearby residences, and the Cape Paterson road. A recent community rally, held near the club despite extreme heat, underscored the urgent need for effective intervention. Speakers, including Inverloch SLSC President Glenn Arnold and Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin, emphasized the necessity for immediate, robust engineering solutions over passive adaptation or retreat strategies. They highlighted that proactive measures would be more cost-effective in the long run, preventing the substantial expenses associated with potential infrastructure loss.
The overwhelming community turnout and support have been immensely encouraging for the Inverloch SLSC. This solidarity not only raises public awareness but also exerts pressure on the state government to prioritize and fund the necessary coastal defenses. The club is grateful for the community’s backing, which reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the coastline and ensuring the safety of all beachgoers.
Sunday Social Swims
We launched our open water social swimming program at the club on Sunday 12th January, attended by 13 keen swimmers.
Swimmers did up to three laps between two buoys placed about 200m apart, followed by a well-earned coffee at the kiosk.
If you’re keen on joining us for our next swim, the program will run again on Sunday 19th January at 10am at the club, and every Sunday across January and February. Hi-vis swim caps are provided. Please reach out to info@islsc.org.au for any questions.
Inverloch CFA Visitng ISLSC
Date: Tuesday, 21st January 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
The Inverloch CFA will be visiting the Club on Tuesday 21st January at 7pm. They will be bringing some of their vehicles and members are invited to come and have a look at the vehicles and ask any questions you may have of the CFA members.
Wine Not? Wine & Cheese Night
Date: Saturday, 25st January 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: The Deck Bar at Inverloch SLSC
Cost: $30.00 per person (Over 18s only)
Join us for a delicious evening celebrating the best of Gippsland’s local produce! This exclusive tasting event is available only to current ISLSC members. Tickets are limited and must be pre-purchased, so don’t miss your chance to indulge in a wine tasting selection featuring 5 samples of exceptional local wines, and a cheese tasting plate with 5 servings of gourmet cheeses, perfectly paired with each wine.
More information and tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/wine-not-wine-cheese-tasting
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