In This Edition
- From The Editor
- Applications Open: ILSAR
- End of Season Patrol Survey
- Member Opportunity: Cert IV in Training & Assessment
- Invy IRB Racing Team Makes Waves at State Competitions
- Bendigo Bank Inverloch Supporting Life Saving Skills
- New Equipment Thanks to Rotary Club of Inverloch
- Valuing Volunteers Event at Life Saving Victoria
- Talking Coastal Erosion on ABC Radio
- Membership & Leadership Development Update
- Save The Date: 24/25 Annual General Meeting
- Seeking Newsletter Editor EOI’s
- Sponsors
From The Editor
Hi Everyone,
As we wrap up what’s been another huge season for Inverloch SLSC, this edition of the newsletter is a great chance to reflect. Whether you were on the beach every weekend, running programs behind the scenes, or supporting from the sidelines: thank you for being part of it. Your time, energy, and heart continue to shape this club into something truly special.
We’ve packed this edition with a range of exciting opportunities and important updates. Applications are now open for ILSAR 2025, our nationally recognised leadership and search & rescue camp. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, build real-world skills, and work with an elite team of trainers, this is one not to miss.
We’re also incredibly grateful to Bendigo Bank Inverloch, who are helping us offer a fully funded Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to select members. This is a massive step forward in growing our club’s training capacity and ensuring we can continue to deliver high-quality First Aid and resuscitation courses to both members and the wider community.
In even more good news, the Rotary Club of Inverloch has come on board with support for both equipment and junior leadership development. Between binoculars, motor trolleys, and potential new awards for emerging leaders, it’s a reminder of just how strong our ties are with the broader Inverloch community, and how powerful those partnerships can be.
You’ll also find stories highlighting the incredible work of our members beyond the beach, from tackling coastal erosion awareness on ABC Radio, to representing Inverloch at the LSV U18s Development Camp and being recognised at the Valuing Volunteers Event. These moments show that lifesaving isn’t just about the red and yellow, it’s about service, leadership, and community in all forms.
Finally, we’ve included some early information about our 2025/26 Nipper and Starfish Programs, plus a quick reminder to patrollers to complete the End of Season Patrol Survey so we can keep improving year on year.
Thank you again for everything you’ve done this season. Whether you’re resting, planning, or already thinking about summer, I hope this newsletter gives you a sense of just how much your contribution means. I look forward to seeing you around the club soon, and in the meantime, stay warm!
Xavier Korbel
Director – Member Engagement
Applications Open: ILSAR
Inverloch’s award-winning ILSAR (Inverloch Leadership Search and Rescue) program is back this October, and applications are officially open!
ILSAR is a five-day, four-night residential training and leadership program held during the September school holidays (1–5 October 2025) at Inverloch SLSC. Designed for patrollers who want to take their lifesaving to the next level, the program combines advanced search and rescue training, scenario-based learning, and leadership development in a high-intensity but supportive environment.
Launched in 2023 in response to the increasing complexity of patrol incidents, ILSAR aims to build confident, capable members who are ready to step up during critical moments on and off the beach. The program recently received State and National Innovation of the Year Awards from Life Saving Victoria and Surf Life Saving Australia, and for good reason.
Participants will be challenged, supported, and inspired by an experienced team of trainers, including guest experts and operational leaders. This year, we’re aiming to include the Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue (SMAR) qualification as part of the program delivery, and include presentations from various key emergency services agencies, like Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.
Program Dates: 1 – 5 October 2025 @ Inverloch SLSC clubhouse (residential)
Applications close: Sunday 13 July
Cost: $260 (includes all meals and training materials)
Minimum Requirements: Bronze Medallion, 50+ patrol hours (cumulative), and either IRB Crew or ARTFA
Spots are strictly limited based on clubhouse capacity. Selection is merit-based.
Apply now via the Google Form: https://forms.gle/Tsh9P7PYBpYSDqAA8
Have questions? Reach out to Xavier at engagement@islsc.org.au.
End of Season Patrol Survey
Hey Everyone,
Well done on an awesome season!
As we conclude the 2024/25 season, preparations are well underway for the next. To help gain insight about your personal experiences this season, we have created a reflection form to be completed to provide suggestions and improvements for next season.
Could you please set aside 5 minutes to complete an EOS reflection form which can be found below:
Thanks,
Jackson Comrie
On Behalf of Operations
Member Opportunity: Cert IV in Training & Assessment
ISLSC is thrilled to offer a fully funded Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE40122) opportunity, generously sponsored by Bendigo Bank Inverloch. This initiative aims to upskill our dedicated members and enhance ISLSC’s ability to facilitate First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation courses to our members and the broader Inverloch community.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Aged 18 years or older.
- Current financial member of ISLSC.
- Current TOC Holder.
- Demonstrated history and commitment to training at ISLSC.
Minimum Commitment:
- Commitment to gain facilitator award in ARTFA.
- Facilitate a minimum of 2 courses per season.
- Conduct training over a minimum 3 year period.
- Deliver courses to both ISLSC members and the broader inverloch community.
There is a range of flexible study options available (Online, Face to Face, Intensive, etc). If this is something you are interested in, please complete the expression of interest via the link below. Any questions please contact Lucy Tate via email, chiefinstructor@islsc.org.au.
Submit your expression of interest via the link HERE
Applications close Sunday 22nd June.
Invy IRB Racing Team Makes Waves at State Competitions
Hey everyone! Over the past few months, the TRE Motorsport IRB Racing Premiership Series has been in full swing, with action-packed rounds held at Anglesea, Lorne, and Warrnambool. The Inverloch IRB Race Team has proudly worn the red and yellow striped caps, showcasing skill, speed, and some seriously impressive teamwork.
Here are some of the season highlights so far:
- Round 3, Anglesea: Both the men’s and women’s teams stormed into the semi-finals in a solid showing of grit and determination.
- Round 4, Lorne: Even the local seals were trying to catch a glimpse of the action! Our crew placed 5th in the Lifesaver Relay as part of a composite team with Wye River. A massive shoutout to Bella, Milla, and Emma for finishing 4th in the U23 Women’s Tube Final!
- Round 5, Warrnambool (U23 State Championships): Despite wild weather cancelling the event early, Saturday’s U23 events went ahead. Inverloch reached the finals in the Women’s Teams Race (6th), Men’s Teams Race (8th), and Women’s Surf Race (9th).
A huge thanks to our officials, team managers, and coach – none of this would be possible without you.
The team is now gearing up for Open State Championships in Anglesea in two weeks time. Want to keep up with the latest race results, behind-the-scenes snaps, and a bit of banter along the way? Give @invy_comp a follow on Instagram!
Bella Perich
IRB Racing Team Captain
Bendigo Bank Inverloch Supporting Life Saving Skills
A huge thank you to Bendigo Bank Inverloch for their generous grant, which will go directly towards upskilling our volunteer trainers through Certificate IV qualifications. This vital support helps us expand our training capacity and deliver more courses to both members and the broader community.
Bendigo Bank’s backing will play a major role in helping us reach our goal of training over 250 locals in CPR, First Aid, and resuscitation over the next few years. These are life-saving skills that empower individuals and strengthen the safety net of our entire community, and this initiative simply wouldn’t be possible without their support.
We’re incredibly grateful to Bendigo Bank for continuing to back community initiatives like this one. Their support of Inverloch SLSC goes back decades, including their contribution to the very foundation of our clubhouse. We’re proud to have them by our side once again as we work to build a safer, more prepared Inverloch.
New Equipment Thanks to Rotary Club of Inverloch
We’re thrilled to announce that thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Inverloch, our club will soon be equipped with a brand-new set of binoculars and a motor trolley, essential tools that will directly enhance our patrol capability.
Rotary has also kindly donated funds toward providing further leadership opportunities for our junior award winners, aligning with both Rotary and lifesaving values.
We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support, and proud to have returned the favour earlier this year by hosting Rotary meetings at our clubhouse while they were between venues.
Thanks again to the Rotary Club of Inverloch.
Valuing Volunteers Event at Life Saving Victoria
The Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club proudly congratulates Angela Malan, Lucy Tate, and Jackson Comrie on their outstanding contributions to state lifesaving, which earned them recognition at the 2025 Valuing Volunteers Event hosted by Life Saving Victoria on Sunday 1st June.
Lucy and Jackson were presented with Certificates of Recognition for their commitment to programs in the area of Membership and Leadership Development. Angela was recognised for her work as a State Welfare Officer.
Their dedication not only strengthens our club, but also supports the broader lifesaving community by promoting safety, teamwork, and resilience across our beaches. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and deeply grateful for their continued commitment.
Talking Coastal Erosion on ABC Radio
Club member Kirk De Marchi recently joined ABC Radio Gippsland during their live broadcast from Inverloch to discuss the ongoing issue of coastal erosion. He’s pictured below with Karyn Bugeja from the Amazon 1863 Project, a local initiative focused on extending the life of the Amazon shipwreck and artefacts through preservation and conservation.
Kirk spoke about the visible impacts of recent high tide events that have struck Inverloch’s coastline over the past fortnight, continuing a worrying trend that has affected both the beach landscape and public infrastructure. As lifesavers, we see firsthand how these changes affect beach safety, access, and long-term planning for our patrol operations and continued community safety.
Thank you to ABC Radio Gippsland for helping raise awareness of this important issue, and to community advocates like Karyn and Kirk who continue to give erosion the attention it deserves.
Membership & Leadership Development Update
Inverloch SLSC Nippers Program: Enrolments are opening soon!
We are excited to announce that enrolments for the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Nippers Program and the inclusive Starfish Program will opening 1st August 2025. These popular programs offer valuable surf education and life-saving skills in a fun and engaging environment.
Nippers Program
The Nippers Program runs intensively over two weeks after Christmas at Inverloch Surf Beach. This condensed format ensures a strong focus on surf education and enjoyable activities.
Our program aims to teach children surf safety awareness, surf skills, lifesaving techniques, teamwork, and some competitive skills. Participants will learn to identify beach hazards, such as rips, and gain basic knowledge of resuscitation and first aid. We follow the Life Saving Victoria (LSV) Junior Development Awards, ensuring a structured learning experience.
Starfish Program
The Starfish Program, designed for children with special needs, runs alongside the Nippers Program. It offers the same intensive surf education and fun activities in a supportive environment.
Key Details:
- Enrolment Period: August 1st to November 30th, 2025 (unless filled prior)
- Program Dates: All Nipper dates from 2024-2030 have now been published on the ISLSC Website. For more information please see https://islsc.org.au/lifesaving/education/nippers/
2025/26 Season:
- Prelim Swim Day – 27th December
- Week 1 – 28,29,30,31 December
- Week 2 – 2,3,4,5 January
- Nippers Competition – 10th January
*Subject to Change
Location: Inverloch Surf Beach
To secure a spot for your child in the 2025/2026 Nippers or Starfish Program, please complete an Expression of Interest form starting August 1st. Spaces are limited and tend to fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Click here and follow the links to register: https://islsc.org.au/lifesaving/education/
We look forward to welcoming your children to another exciting season of surf education and fun at Inverloch SLSC. For more information and to enrol, please visit our website or contact us directly.
LSV U18s Development Camp
Congratulations to Sarah Weeks for her fantastic participation in the LSV U18s Camp held at Lord Somers Camp in late May! This camp is an incredible opportunity for emerging lifesavers to build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections across the state, and Sarah should be proud of her efforts and enthusiasm throughout the weekend. A big congratulations also goes to Holly Foster and Lucy Tate, who both played key roles as trainers on the camp.
Save The Date: 24/25 Annual General Meeting
The Inverloch SLSC AGM will be held this year on Saturday 26th July at 5.30pm. Keep an eye out for nomination forms which will be released at the end of June via email.
Any queries please contact Angela at secretary@islsc.org.au.
Seeking Newsletter Editor EOI's
Love writing or design? We're seeking Expressions of Interest for a Newsletter Editor to help shape and share club stories. No formal experience needed, just enthusiasm and a keen eye for detail!
Interested? Reach out to Xavier at engagement@islsc.org.au.
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