By-laws
Part 1
General
By-law 1.1
Authority
The By-Laws of Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club are enacted in accordance with the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club Constitution, Rule 33.
By-law 1.2
Policies
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club Board of Directors shall develop policies, or approve policies for the effective and consistent operation of Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club shall also subscribe to the policies of LSV, the SLSA and RLSSA as appropriate. Where National or State policies are amended or are not adopted, this shall be clearly identified.
By-law 1.3
Register of members
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club shall keep and maintain a register of Members in which shall be entered the:
Full name
Address
Date of entry to membership of each Member
Awards, certificates and life saving qualification held by the member
The register shall comply with the Privacy Act and be available for inspection by Members
Part 2
Meetings and management
By-law 2.1
Sub committees
2.1.1 Life membership sub‑committee
The life membership sub-committee shall:
Be chaired by a director
Consist of any five (5) Life Governors and/or Life Members willing and able to participate. If five Life Governors and/or Life Members are not available or able to participate in the sub-committee, the vacant positions shall be filled by current long service members.
Not include any Committee member other than the Chair (A director),
Act in accordance with requirements as written in these by-laws under “Life Member Life Governor”.
Meet at least once each year to consider and record outstanding service to the Club by a member or members-
Part 3
Membership and affiliation
By-law 3.1 Membership
3.1.1 Membership principles
The philosophy of Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club is to establish and recruit members for participation in lifesaving and the activities that support the Club’s objectives. Each Member may prescribe different membership categories and the associated privileges and requirements as set out in the constitution, by-laws, rules or regulations. These categories are created to enable options for how individuals engage with the club, and, for some categories, to recognise the contribution to the Club of some members. To reflect and promote a culture of active participation all members, unless particularly excluded, will be expected to actively contribute on a voluntary basis to the work of progressing the Club.
Membership includes the following categories:
Active
Normally a full and patrolling member
Associate
A full member not involved in patrolling
Life member / Life governor
A recognition of long and distinguished service
Honorary
Recognition of substantial support to the organization
Junior
Category for participants in the Nipper program (Under 13’s)
Social
Category for supporters and parents.
3.1.2 Membership categories
Active
An active patrolling financial member of the club who is current and proficient in at least one SLSA patrolling award or qualification.
Responsibilities
Patrolling as rostered
Requalifying awards each year
Up-skilling through attending training as requested
Attending working-bee activities to maintain and improve Club assets
Have a Working With Children Certificate (where over 18) – Offshore Crew exempted
Participating in fundraising activities as requested
Supporting the delivery of the Nipper program as requested – Offshore Crew exempted
Paying membership fees when requested
Joining as part of a family membership with a nominated parent who also joins the club (at least as a social member)
Privileges
Eligible to serve on the committee and as a director
Use of club equipment where qualified
Accommodation at the club at “Active Member” rates (with priority given to patrolling members)
Accommodation by arrangement with the Administrator at the residence subject to applicable rates and restrictions but normally with a discount of 90%
Access to the bar/meals area subject to the restrictions of our license
Able to sign in guests to the bar/meals
Access to the downstairs areas of the club (showers, bunk areas, storage areas)
Voting and debating at general meetings of the club
Discounts on club gear of 25%
The following are sub categories of the active membership:
Senior active
A member eighteen (18) years or older who holds the SLSA Bronze Medallion.
Junior active
A member fifteen (15), sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age who holds the SLSA Bronze Medallion.
Cadet
A member thirteen (13) or fourteen (14) years of age who holds the Surf Rescue Certificate.
Active reserve
A member who has been granted permission not to be listed in a patrol through application to the Committee. The normal criteria would include: nine years of contribution to Club activity (with recognition of contribution to other clubs), illness or travel.
Associate
An associate member will be an active and financial but not a patrolling member of the club. The committee will review applications for Associate Membership and Associate Membership will not exceed 25% of the total numbers of Active Members.
Responsibilities
Upskilling through attending training as requested
Attending working-bee activities to maintain and improve Club assets
Have a Working With Children Certificate (where over 18)
Participating in fundraising activities as requested
Supporting the delivery of the Nipper program as requested
Paying membership fees when requested
Privileges
Eligible to serve on the Committee and as a Director
Accommodation at the club at “Active Member” rates (with priority given to patrolling members)
Accommodation by arrangement with the Administrator at the residence subject to applicable rates and restrictions but normally with a discount of 90%
Access to the bar/meals area subject to the restrictions of our license
Able to sign in guests to the bar/meals
Access to the downstairs areas of the club (showers, bunk areas, storage areas)
Voting and debating at general meetings of the club
Discounts on club gear of 25%
Life member and Life governor
Criteria for Life membership
Members of Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club may be recommended for election to Life Membership.
To be considered for Life Membership, the person must have rendered distinguished voluntary service to Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, over a period of at least ten (10) years (which need not be continuous):
As an elected Board member;
As a member of an Executive, panel or sub-committee; or
By other distinguished service to Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
For service to be considered as distinguished it must be both sustained and a conspicuous contribution.
Concurrent service in two or more positions may only be counted once in determining the total period of service.
To be considered for Life Membership or Life Governorship, the Club member must be
Nominated in writing on the appropriate form with an outline of the positions and service to the club including a list of the years the services have been undertaken.
Nominated by two or more life, active or long service members, or
Be identified by the Life Member Sub-Committee.
The nomination form shall be completed and submitted to the Life Members Sub Committee for review.
The review will include canvassing opinion of existing Life Members and Life Governors on the extent and appropriateness of the nomination. A Life Governor will normally have doubled the contribution to the club of a Life Member.
Following review the Sub Committee shall vote on recommending the nomination to the Executive Committee. a two-thirds majority of those on the committee in attendance is required to complete the recommendation.
The Executive Committee shall then vote on recommending the nomination to the next General Meeting of the Club – a two-thirds majority of those on the committee in attendance is required to complete the recommendation.
The nomination will be included in the notice of the next General Meeting
The nomination will be confirmed subject to a two-thirds majority of those in attendance and entitled to vote at the General Meeting.
The total number of Life Members should not exceed 25% of the number of active members and the total number of life Governors shall not exceed 25% of the number of Life Members. Life Member and Life Governors have the following Responsibilities and Privileges
Responsibilities
Have a Working With Children Certificate (where requested)
Privileges
Not required to pay membership fees
Accommodation at the club at “Active Member” rates (with priority given to patrolling members)
Accommodation by arrangement with the Administrator at the residence subject to applicable rates and restrictions but normally with a discount of 90%
Access to the bar/meals area subject to the restrictions of our license
Able to sign in guests to the bar/meals
Access to the downstairs areas of the club (showers, bunk areas, storage areas)
Voting and debating at general meetings of the club
For Life Governors only a seat at the Club Executive meetings which may or may not be attended at the discretion of the Life Governor with entitlement to speak but not to vote at these meetings.
Discounts on club gear of 25%
Honorary
By a two-thirds majority of the Committee Honorary Membership may be granted for one season or part there-of.
Responsibilities
Have a Working With Children Certificate (where requested)
Privileges
Not required to pay membership fees
Accommodation at the club at “Active Member” rates (with priority given to patrolling members)
Accommodation by arrangement with the Administrator at the residence subject to applicable rates and restrictions but normally with a discount of 90%
Access to the bar/meals area subject to the restrictions of our license
Able to sign in guests to the bar/meals
Access to the downstairs areas of the club (showers, bunk areas, storage areas)
Attendance at general meetings of the club, but ineligible to vote
Discounts on club gear of 25%
Junior non-patrolling
A junior non-patrolling financial member of the club – normally part of the Nipper program and participant in competition.
Responsibilities
Up-skilling through attending training as selected by the member
Paying membership and program fees when requested
Privileges
Participation in Nipper programs
Ability to compete at Nipper carnivals
Discounts on club gear of 25%
Social
An social membership of the club enables a range of privileges and responsibilities to be extended to a wider group of supporters of core club activities. The Club invests in building a strong support base of social members.
Responsibilities
Attending working-bee activities to maintain and improve Club assets
Have a Working With Children Certificate (where requested)
Participating in fundraising activities as requested
Supporting the delivery of the Nipper program as requested
Paying membership fees when requested
Privileges
Access to the bar/meals area subject to the restrictions of our license (NB access to other areas of the Club is not available to Social Members)
Able to sign in guests to the bar/meals
Attendance at general meetings of the club, but ineligible to vote
Accommodation by arrangement with the Administrator at the residence subject to applicable rates and restrictions but normally with a discount of 20%
Discounts on club gear of 10%
3.1.3 Membership conditions
Memberships will include conditions as set out below and across other sections of the By-Laws as relevant.
New members
Membership applications will be received online along with the required membership fees. By exception and at the discretion of the Committee an alternate membership form will be made available. The Committee has discretion to reject applications without giving reason for such objection. However without rejection the membership can be considered as accepted. New members must familiarise themselves with the Constitution and By-Laws prior to submitting an application.
Junior member confidentiality
Any application for membership by a person of less than 18 years shall be deemed to contain a request that their contact details remain confidential in accordance with section 59 of the Act.
Restrictions
The Club will not knowingly admit to membership and past or present member of any other Club associated with the Association who is financially indebted to or has been suspended or expelled from such club. Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club shall immediately provide LSV with the names and addresses of members who have been expelled or had their membership suspended (for a minimum of 3 months).
Renewals
Membership shall only be renewed on payment of the annual membership fees. These will normally be due following the AGM. Any member who has either not paid membership fees or not completed required requalifications shall forfeit all rights to membership and any interest in the property or assets of the Club.
3.1.4 Membership fees
Membership fees will be as follows and subject to change without notice.
Senior active $120
$25 discount for students
$25 discount for members in a committee or sub-committee role
Junior active $80
$25 discount for members in a committee or sub-committee role
Cadet $80
$25 discount for members in a committee or sub-committee role
Active reserve $150
$25 discount for students
$25 discount for members in a committee or sub-committee role
Associate $130
$25 discount for students
$25 discount for members in a committee or sub-committee role
Life member, Life governor, Honorary $0
Junior $70
Social $35
All the above are also eligible for a family membership discount as follows:
Family discount
For a family members purchasing memberships together a discount as set out below will apply to the total applicable membership fee:
2 members 5%
3 members 10%
4 members 20%
5 members or more 30%
All fees for a year commencing 1 July are due to be paid by 30 September of that year. If fees are not paid by 30 September the member shall be considered to be a non‑financial.
Part 4
Rules and procedures
By-law 4.1
Insurance
None
By-law 4.2
Club carnivals and competitions
None
By-law 4.3
Colours and badges
The club colours shall be emerald green, white and black.
Part 5
Grievance and judiciary procedures
The grievances, judicial and discipline regulations of SLSA as amended from time to time shall apply.
Part 6
Club officers and officials
By-law 6.1
Officers and officials
The officers and officials of the club shall be:
Patron/s,
President
All life governors,
All life members,
All directors
All managers
All officers
All assessors
All honorary officers (advisors)
6.1.1 Election of officers
Directors and managers will normally, where appropriate, be elected at the Annual General Meeting or any duly constituted meeting, all officers shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendation of the relevant portfolio director and manager.
6.1.2 Term of office
All positions are for a term of 12 month.
6.1.3 Appointment of a deputy
Where required the President, Directors and Managers may appoint a deputy to act on their behalf in the event of absence or as support in undertaking their role. A Deputy President must be selected from the current Directors. A Deputy Director must be appointed form the relevant portfolio Managers. A Deputy Manager must be appointed form their reporting Officers or where there are no reporting Officers from the broader membership. Such appointments shall be recorded in the relevant minutes. The appointed deputy shall exercise the powers and responsibilities normally vested in the role that they are deputised.
6.1.4 Management portfolios
Each Director will be elected to a management portfolio. The five management portfolios are:
Lifesaving operations
Administration and finance
Membership Development
Competition
Assets
Each Director will be responsible for the strategic management, direction and leadership of personnel, committees and working groups within the portfolio of responsibility.
6.1.5 Vice president positions
Following election by the members, the Board, consisting of the President and the 5 Directors may choose to appoint additionalone or more of the board members who will normally carry theas a title of Vice President. Vice Presidents will have the same voting and debating rights at Board meetings as other Directors. The responsibilities and duties of Vice-Presidents will be provided determined by the board at the time of appointment.
By-law 6.2
President
The role of the President is to preside over all activities of the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, have final responsibility for the integrity and development of the organisation and demonstrate leadership in representing the club at the highest level.
Responsibilities and duties
Provide leadership to Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club;
Act in the best interests of the club as a whole;
Subject to availability, represent the club at any function, conference, meeting or delegation when requested by the Board of Directors or when and if invited by another body or organisation;
Assist with the presentation of submissions to governments, or other bodies or organisations for financial and other assistance;
Maintain contact with the Directors;
Preside at General Meetings ;
Chair all meetings in accordance with the accepted rules for the conduct of meetings.
By-law 6.3
Lifesaving operations
6.3.1 Director lifesaving operations
The Director of Lifesaving Operations will also hold the position of Club Captain and has overall responsibility for lifesaving services.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for overall management of the clubs lifesaving services.
Responsible for reviewing and implementing any directives/policies provided by state centre and national council
Responsible for reporting at each committee meeting on area of management and submitting a written report to the administration manager
Submit an annual report on area of management to administration manager prior to the AGM
Liaise with Club Board on a regular basis on area of management
Responsible for fostering the standards, values and norms of the club.
6.3.2 Manager – Emergency response services
The manager for Emergency Response Services has responsibility for the management of the clubs emergency response activities; including callout services and offshore services.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the overall management of emergency callout services and systems across club services;
Responsible for liaising with Emergency Service Organisations and other applicable agencies;
Responsible for the skill development of personnel in emergency response;
Responsible for the establishment and communication of standards and process for emergency response services across club lifesaving services;
Responsible for the oversight of offshore, callout and other emergency response services; and
Ensure reporting of emergency event activities are carried out.
6.3.3 Manager – Beach services
The Manager Beach Services is responsible for the provision of lifesaving beach services.
Responsibilities and duties
Manage beach lifesaving services;
Promote skills advancement and lifesaving standards amongst patrolling members;
Produce and distribute a patrol roster prior to the commencement of the patrol season;
Supervise the work of and develop the leadership skills of patrol captains;
Ensure that all necessary patrol logs and relevant data are completed and returned (inputted into surfguard) to LSV in a timely fashion;
Provide regular patrolling services reports to Director – Lifesaving Services;
Liaise with other managers/officers on patrolling and other needs and issues (eg breakages of equipment);
Monitor and assess patrolling standards, rectify deficiencies and provide recommendations for improvements;
6.3.4 Manager – Lifesaving equipment
The Manager Lifesaving Equipment has the overall responsibility for the purchase, replacement and repair of club’s patrol equipment. The role while functioning under the direction of the Lifesaving Operations Director will require to have strong working links to the Director of Assets
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the overall management of patrol equipment to approved standards.
Responsible for ensuring all equipment is presented for gear inspection to approved standards.
Maintain a register of patrol equipment on surfguard and the club asset register.
Ensure that all safety regulations for the handling and storage of equipment and consumables are met and that all members are aware of such regulations.
Promote the development and communication of standards and processes relating to the use and maintenance of patrol equipment.
6.3.5 Manager – Special events operations
The Manager Lifesaving Equipment has the overall responsibility for the coordination of lifesaving personnel and equipment for special events. The role will liaise closely with Patrol Captains, event management committees, Manager Special Events and the Manager Lifesaving Equipment.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the overall management of lifesaving personnel and equipment at club endorsed events.
Responsible for liaising with other clubs and agencies to assist with use of equipment and personnel to support water safety at events (Also required to coordinate reciprocal support where applicable).
Assist the event management team in completing appropriate paperwork for events (special events form etc).
6.3.6 Manager – Lifesaving standards (Special operations)
The Manager of Lifesaving Standards has responsibility for the development and enhancement of lifesaving service standards. Ideally the role will be fulfilled by an experienced well qualified lifesaving member who has the capabilities to motivate and inspire active lifesavers.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the development and support to managers in establishing standards and processes across lifesaving services and the club in general.
Responsible for establishing, maintaining and developing an elite group of lifesavers (The Seals) that ultimately sets the benchmark for lifesaving service membership values, standards and norms.
Responsible for setting a calendar of events that supports the development and maintenance of the seals team.
6.3.7 Manager – Membership social activities
None
6.3.8 First aid officer
The first aid officer has overall responsibility for the provision of first aid services within the club. The officer must have a LSV recognised first-aid certificate.
Responsibilities and duties
Is responsible for maintaining adequate stocks of LSV/SLSA approved first aid material and equipment
Is responsible for maintaining the first aid room in a clean and orderly condition
Is responsible for ensuring that all first aid equipment is operational
Organise and arrange instruction for first aid awards in conjunction with the chief instructor
Is responsible for ensuring that a record of names, addresses symptoms, injuries and treatment of patients is maintained in the first-aid log book.
6.3.9 Inflatable rescue boat (IRB) officer
The IRB officer has overall responsibility for the provision of powercraft services for the club. The officer shall be the holder of the SLSA IRB award.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the correct use and care of all powercraft equipment
Organise and schedule training and examination of powercraft awards in conjunction with the chief instructor
Ensure that the correct procedures and regulations governing powercraft usage are adhered to at all times
Ensure that only suitably qualified patrolling members are in charge of powercraft at all times
Advise lifesaving services manager of any misconduct on and/or misuse of powercraft immediately it occurs
Advise rescue equipment officer of any repairs to equipment immediately it is damaged
6.3.10 Radio communications officer
The radio communications officer has overall responsibility for the provision of reliable radio and communication services within the club.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the maintenance and care of all the club’s radio and communications equipment
Organise and schedule training and examination of radio awards in conjunction with the chief instructor
Ensure all patrolling club members are familiar with the procedures of radio operations, including logging on and off command procedures
Coordinate any repairs to equipment immediately it is damaged and advise Manager Lifesaving Equipment.
6.3.11 Mobile vehicle officer
None
6.3.12 Patrol equipment officer
None
By-law 6.4
Administration and finance
6.4.1 Director administration and finance
The Director of Administration and Finance will also hold the position of Secretary and has overall responsibility for administration and finance functions within the club.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for directing the administration support
Responsible for reviewing and implementing any relevant directives/policies provided by LSV and SLSA
Responsible for reporting at each committee meeting on area of management and submitting a written report.
Submit an annual report on area of management.
Oversea the management of relevant databases and membership registers
Responsible for coordinating the production of the annual report and financial statements
Liaise with Club Board on a regular basis on area of management
Responsible for fostering the standards, values and norms of the club.
Perform the role of Secretary as required under the Act
6.4.2 Finance manager
Also known as the Treasurer
6.4.3 Book-keeping officer
None
6.4.4 Marketing and sponsorship manager
None
6.4.5 Grants officer
None
6.4.6 Sponsorship officer
None
6.4.7 Honorary auditor(s)
None
6.4.8 Administration and communications manager
None
6.4.9 Website officer
None
6.4.10 Publicity officer
None
6.4.11 History officer
None
6.4.12 Honorary legal officer(s)
None
6.4.13 Manager special events
None
By-law 6.5
Membership development
6.5.1 Director membership development
The Director of Membership Development has overall responsibility for the strategic direction and management of membership recruitment, training, education and development.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for direction of Junior Activities (Nippers);
Responsible for oversight of recruitment, induction and retention of membership;
Responsible for oversight of the school programs
Responsible for oversight of membership leadership development and lifesaving award training and assessment.
Responsible for reviewing and implementing any relevant directives/policies provided by LSV and SLSA
Responsible for reporting at each committee meeting on area of management and submitting a written report.
Submit an annual report on area of management.
6.5.2 Manager – Training
The Training Manager will also hold the position of Chief Instructor and should be the holder of the SLSA Training Officers Certificate, and any other qualifications as laid down by Surf Life Saving Australia. The role is responsible for the management of membership training and assessment in lifesaving certificates and qualifications.
Responsibilities and duties
Management of and preparation of new recruits in gaining the relevant patrolling awards;
Establishment and promotion of an annual training calendar for members wishing to develop further skills;
Work with the LSV appointed District Officer in coordinating training and assessment at the club and across the Bass District;
From time to time review current training gaps and requirements across the club and coordinate appropriate training and assessment to fill these gaps;
Remain current and where appropriate promote changes to SLSA and LSVs training and assessment procedures and policies.
Facilitate the development of members through trainer, assessor and other senior lifesaving qualifications.
6.5.3 Training and assessment officer(s)
None
6.5.4 Manager – School programs
None
6.5.5 Manager – Youth activities
None
6.5.6 Age management officers
None
By-law 6.6
Competition
6.6.1 Director competition
The Director of Competition has overall responsibility for strategic direction of the club in the areas of competition
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the overall management of summer, winter and lifesaving competition;
Responsible for establishing systems and processes to grow and support competition within the club;
Provide direction and leadership to support competitors and competition teams;
Responsible for reporting at each committee meeting on area of management and submitting a written report;
Submit an annual report on area of management;
Promote and coordinate members to gain coaching and officiating qualifications through SLSA and LSV.
6.6.2 Manager – Summer competition
None
6.6.3 Manager – Winter competition
None
6.6.4 Manager – Lifesaving Competition
None
6.6.5 Manager – Junior Competition
None
6.6.6 Surf boat officer
Also known as the Boat Captain.
6.6.7 Competition ski and board officer
Also known as the Board and Ski Captain
By-law 6.7
Assets
6.7.1 Director of assets
The Director of Assets has overall responsibility for the management and strategic direction of club assets. The position will also work closely with the relevant Managers and Officers in the Lifesaving Operations Portfolio responsible for lifesaving equipment.
Responsibilities and duties
Responsible for the overall management of Buildings development, repair, replacement and maintenance;
Responsible for establishing systems and processes to improve management of club assets including but not limited to buildings, rescue equipment, furniture, vehicles, electronic hardware and appliances;
Assist the finance manager maintain an assets register;.
Oversee the coordination of activities and programs that improve the purchase, repair, replacement and maintenance of club assets;
Establish programs and activities that promote the use of club assets and where possible generate income to support maintenance and replacement programs;
Responsible for reporting at each committee meeting on area of management and submitting a written report;
Submit an annual report on area of management.
6.7.2 Manager – Facilities
The Facilities Manager has overall responsibility for all matters pertaining to the Clubhouse, residence and other facility owned and or managed by the Club the management of Club
Responsibilities and duties
Ensuring that applicable facility by laws are communicated;
Coordinating the maintenance, repairs and cleanliness of the premises, including working bees and contracted cleaners;
Ensuring that the conditions of any Liquor Licence held by the Club are complied with;
The authority to roster members for particular duties associated with the Clubhouse and may direct members to particular duties.
Manage security requirements of buildings
6.7.3 Functions and bookings manager
None
6.7.4 Bar management officer(s)
To be finalised
Part 7
Directors
By-law 7.1
Directors’ duties and obligations
None
By-law 7.2
Board of directors code of ethics
None
-
Governance
- 3 Apr 2024 Member code of conduct
- 17 Sep 2022 Constitution
- 8 Sep 2022 Governance Charter
- 9 Aug 2022 By-laws
- 25 Nov 2020 Nippers Terms & Conditions
- 6 Oct 2019 Nippers Code of Conduct