Member Wellbeing & Club Co-Captain - Erin Close

The 2024/25 season saw many positives for the Member Wellbeing Space.

Our new Member Protection Officers (MPOs) comprised of Emma Gallagher, Rex Mynott and myself ensured that our members felt encouraged to seek confidential support for any club matters. We completed an MPO training course through Lifesaving Victoria and are all now qualified MPOs. Our MPO team was advertised on physical posters around the club, on our member Facebook page and on bronze camps during the Wellbeing module. The strength of this accessibility translated   into the utilisation of MPOs at various points throughout the season. 

We had various call-outs and rescue incidents this season. Whilst a relief it was not a replica of the 2023/24 season, these events still have a profound impact on people. In addition to club and LSV wellbeing support offered, it was great to see people reach out to one another without hesitation and so naturally. It is very telling of the close-knit community and ingrained support system at Woolamai. In saying this, if you do ever need to reach out or would like to speak to anyone, confidential support is  always available. 

And I am excited to announce that towards the start of next season, we will be running our first Mental First Aid Course at Woolamai thanks to a successful grant! Stay tuned for more details in this space. 

Enjoy the break,

Erin Close - Director Member Wellbeing & Club Co-Captain