Diversity & Inclusion - Emma Gallagher

During this season, I spent time discovering and settling into my role within the club. It was a rewarding experience to better understand not only my responsibilities but also the broader functions of the board. This insight gave me a deeper appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes at the club. 

Special patrols

Woolamai Beach hosted three special patrols throughout the season, each with a unique focus and a strong sense of community. 

Pink Zinc is a patrol dedicated to supporting and celebrating all women in lifesaving. We kicked off the day with a fabulous Bass Coast Pink Zinc brunch, which was well-attended by many Woolamai members. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other clubs and listen to inspiring stories from female leaders in the community. This year, we brought back the much-loved Pink Zinc Bake Sale. A big thank you to Grace Murphy and Millicent Bernardi for making it a success. Even though the weather wasn’t ideal, we were able to raise $374 for Share the Dignity, a charity working to end period poverty. The day continued with snacks and bonding activities, including a relaxing paint-and-sip session. It was heartwarming to see members of all ages sharing stories and getting creative together.  

Rainbow Zinc celebrates and supports members of the LGBTQ+ community within lifesaving. This patrol was another highlight of the season. A special thanks goes to Nick Reynolds for PCing and to Ava Close for helping organise the dinner. It was fantastic to see everyone on the beach proudly wearing rainbow zinc and embracing the spirit of inclusion and community. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, and it truly showcased the inclusive culture we strive for at Woolamai.  

Blue Zinc Patrol was another standout moment of the season. This initiative is dedicated to raising awareness for men’s mental health a cause that is incredibly important to our community. The day focused on supporting and uplifting one another, creating a safe and positive space for conversation and connection. Following a successful patrol, Ben Clark organised an incredible beach volleyball tournament, which brought plenty of energy and fun to the afternoon. It was a fantastic way for members to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition after a big day on the beach.  

The evening continued with a delicious BBQ dinner and a special guest speaker, Bobby Bajram. Bobby is an athlete living with MS who is on a mission to climb Mount Everest. Hearing Bobby share his journey and speak so openly about the physical and mental challenges he faces was truly inspiring. His story resonated deeply with many members and was the perfect way to round out a meaningful and uplifting day. 

Initiatives

This season, I aimed to foster a more inclusive and engaging environment by offering more member development and skills sessions. One of the highlights was an IRB skills session, which was a great success and well-received by those who participated. Unfortunately, due to poor conditions and limited availability, we weren’t able to run the planned board training sessions. However, I’m hopeful that we can continue building on this initiative next season, with more sessions on offer and even greater member involvement. 

During the off-season, I’ve been in contact with VicHealth regarding their new initiative to provide free pads and tampons via vending machines. This is a fantastic program that I believe would be of great benefit to our club and the wider Woolamai community. I’m hopeful that in the near future, we’ll be able to secure one of these machines to support both our members and beachgoers. 

Reflections

Reflecting on the season, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Board and have learned a great deal from the experience. I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have helped and guided me this this season, especially the other Board members. Unfortunately, due to increasing university and work commitments, I have made the decision to step down from my Board position. That said, I remain committed to Woolamai Beach SLSC and intend to continue supporting the club in any way I can during the next season. 

[include pic of Emma & Erin from her report Anual Report 2024_2025.docx]