In This Edition
- From the Editor
- International Women’s Day
- ISLSC at SLSA National Leadership College
- Red & Yellow Day
- Training Update
- Operations Update
- Membership & Leadership Development Update
- Inverloch at Junior Carnivals
- Volunteer Emergency Services BBQ
- Social Event Opportunity: Cheese & Wine
- Sponsors
From the Editor
Hi everyone,
This edition of the ISLSC newsletter highlights the strong representation and contributions of Inverloch members across the lifesaving community.
We celebrate International Women’s Day and Red and Yellow Day, recognising the impact of our female members and the dedication of surf lifesavers who keep our beaches safe. Congratulations to Simone Novak and Bella Perich for their International Women’s Day nominations and the ongoing contribution they make to our club.
Across the club, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. This issue includes updates from Operations and Training, details on upcoming IRB Drivers and SSV courses, and information for members interested in becoming trainers or assessors. We also highlight the return of the Active April Strava competition and a leadership opportunity for younger members through the LSV U18 Leadership Development Camp.
We share a wrap-up of our Junior Summer Carnival participation, along with details of the Cheese & Wine event — new and improved this year — as part of the Inverloch Equinox Festival.
On a more personal note, you’ll also read about my experience at the SLSA National Leadership College, where I was privileged to represent our club and Life Saving Victoria in Sydney alongside emerging leaders from across Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Thanks to all members who continue to contribute their time and energy to the club. Happy reading.
Xavier Korbel
Director of Member Engagement
International Women’s Day
On Wednesday 4th March Inverloch members had a great morning at LSV celebrating the accomplishments, promise and connection of women doing great things in lifesaving and emergency services.
Congratulations to our International Women’s Day nominees Simone Novak and Bella Perich; inspiring members who give generously to our club and inspire others. Thank you for all that you do.
We also celebrated Red and Yellow Day and enjoyed catching up with lifesaving friends from across the state.
ISLSC at SLSA National Leadership College
ISLSC member Xavier Korbel recently attended the SLSA National Leadership College (NLC) in Sydney, representing both Inverloch SLSC and Life Saving Victoria alongside 23 emerging leaders from across Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
The residential program brings together senior lifesavers aged 20-30 from across the movement to develop leadership skills, share ideas, and build connections across clubs and countries. Throughout the week, participants took part in workshops, discussions, and team challenges focused on leadership, communication, and the future of surf lifesaving. They heard from a range of guest speakers, including Olympians, senior emergency services leaders, corporate CEOs, and the President and CEO of Surf Life Saving Australia.
He said the experience was “a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, challenge existing mindsets and gain new perspectives”, that can be brought back to Inverloch and Victoria from interstate and overseas. “The difference from Club to Club and State to State was stark, and really made me reflect on what we can do better, but also just how many areas we excel in.”
Xavier is currently serving his second year on Inverloch’s Board of Directors, and continues his long tenure in our training and operations programs.
We congratulate Xavier on representing the club and look forward to seeing the ideas and skills from the program flow back into our community.
Xavier and members of Japan Lifesaving Association (JLA)
Xavier was among the five members at NLC employed by their State
Red & Yellow Day
Red and Yellow Day is a nationwide celebration on March 4th to recognise the thousands of surf lifesaving volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping our beaches safe.
SLSA is running a fundraising campaign until May to support lifesavers with equipment and resources to support their vital work and turn the tide on coastal drownings. Thankyou to all of our members who wore red and yellow on this day to support the nationwide initiative.
Inverloch SLSC has a dedicated fundraising page which you can find at this link. Please share it with your family and friends.
https://red-and-yellow-appeal.raiselysite.com/inverloch-life-saving-club
Training Update
While the peak season of training is left in the rearview mirror, we have some new courses in powercraft coming up soon! Please see below for courses in IRB and SSV and an exciting announcement about TOC courses!
IRB Drivers Course: Sign up now!
The upcoming IRB Drivers Course sign ups are now live and spots are filling up quickly!
If you are interested in developing your skills in the powercraft space and become a qualified IRB Driver, then this is the course for you!
Dates:
Friday 20th March (evening session)
Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd March
Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th March
Pre-requisites:
- Must be 17 years old or over
- Must be a valid marine license holder
- Hold a current Bronze Medallion award
- Hold a current IRB Crew certificate
Sign up process:
Please sign up to the course via the Member Training Portal and complete e-learning before the first session.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email chiefinstructor@islsc.org.au.
Side by Side Vehicle Course Opportunity
The Side by Side Vehicle (SSV/ATV) Course is a course that enables you to drive the Can-am and Polaris vehicles on patrol and around the club. This course will teach you valuable skills in driving on the beach and towing a trailer.
If you have previously been inducted into use of the ATV’s you will still need to complete a SSV course to have LSV approved use of the vehicles.
Dates:
Saturday 14th March
Pre-requisites:
- Financial club member
- Minimum 18 years old
- Current driver’s license
- Undertake Vehicle & Club specific induction
Sign up process:
Please sign up to the course via the Member Training Portal and complete e-learning before Saturday the 14th of March.
Reach out to chiefinstructor@islsc.org.au with any questions.
Want to become a trainer, assessor or facilitator? Additional TOC courses now live!
New TOC Courses have been announced!
If you are interested in being a part of the training and assessment team at Inverloch, the TOC course is an amazing opportunity to build leadership skills and build on your teaching skills. This award is a stepping stone to becoming an official trainer, assessor and facilitator and is highly recommended if you would like to be involved in programs such as the Inverloch Bronze Medallion, First Aid or IRB Courses. The training team would love to have all of you on board!
TOC Course Locations and Dates:
April 18th-19th at LSV in Port Melbourne
Sign-up process:
- Complete an EOI form before 5pm on the 11th of March. Follow this link to access: https://wkf.ms/4s9vvIp
- Prospective candidates will be offered places based on spot availability and priority.
- If offered a place, follow LSV instructions to register for the course.
If you have any questions about becoming a trainer/assessor or facilitator at Inverloch, please reach out to the chief instructor at chiefinstructor@islsc.org.au.
Operations Update
Active April
After the success of last seasons we’re bringing back the Active April Strava Competition!!
For the month of April we will be running a fun competition across the four patrols to promote physical health and well-being.
Download the Strava app and Edit your profile name to Include a Number 1,2,3 or 4 to represent your patrol.
Join the ISLSC group by searching ISLSC in groups/ clubs. If you have a smartwatch or Garmin, it will sync automatically to the app, or you can manually enter your activities. Remember to be honest throughout this process.
Distances are accumulated and your team will receive a point once specific distances are reached:
3km running/walking = 1 point
500m Swimming = 1 point
10km Riding = 1 point
Membership & Leadership Development Update
LSV U18 Leadership Development Camp
The U18 Leadership Development Camp takes place Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May 2026. This 3- day live-in camp will engage future lifesaving club leaders and enhance their confidence and leadership abilities.
LSV’s U18 Leadership Development Camp is designed to empower our emerging lifesaving leaders by equipping them with key leadership, communication, and technical skills. Through interactive sessions, practical training and hands-on experience, participants will gain a deeper understanding of leadership roles within lifesaving and the broader surf lifesaving community.
Location: Lord Somers Camp, Somers, 3927
Dates: Friday 22 – Sunday 24 May 2026
Who Can Apply: Lifesavers aged 16-18 ready to take on leadership roles
Applications close 27 April 2026 and spots are limited!
To find out more details about camp prerequisites and applications, costs etc please visit the circular.
Inverloch at Junior Carnivals
Proud to see Inverloch SLSC back represented at the Junior Summer Carnivals this summer, with our nippers competing at Mount Martha on January 18 and continuing their campaign at Mordialloc January 31st.
Inverloch were represented well by the Hamill, Hoffmann, Le Hunt and Carrick families. Competing against some of the best young surf lifesaving talent from across Victoria, all competitors equipped themselves exceptionally well, with numerous top 10 finishes.
The Mordialloc Carnival also highlighted the growing strength of regional collaboration, with our evolving partnership through LSV’s Gippsland Sports Hub and the broader Eastern Region community seeing entrants from Venus Bay, Seaspray and Lakes Entrance join forces with Inverloch.
We look forward to building on this momentum and expanding club representation even further next summer.
Volunteer Emergency Services BBQ
Inverloch SLSC Members, along with Cape Patterson and Woolamai, have been invited to a thankyou BBQ put on by the community in Grantville, on Sunday 29th March from 11-3pm.
Social Event Opportunity: Cheese & Wine
Members are invited to attend the opening night event of the Inverloch Equinox Festival which will be held at the clubhouse on Friday 20th March.
It promises to be a great night, all the details below and link to purchase tickets.
Cheese & Wine – Perfect Pairing
Please support our Sponsors
