Wooli Nipper News – January 2026

 
 

Photo credit: Athol Hill

 

Join in with Wooli Nippers!

“Our hugely popular summer intensive program teaches children aged 6–13 years surf education, life saving skills, and fitness, in a safe and fun environment”

In this edition:

  • Nippers 2025/26

  • Nippers 2025/26 program feedback

  • Support the businesses that support the Wooli Nippers

  • Nippers 2026/27 – Save the Date

  • Join the Committee

  • Nippers 2026/27 – Age Managers and Assistant Age Managers

  • Join the Nippers email list

  • Little Penguin Dash

Nippers 2025/26

That’s a wrap – Congratulations and thank you to all of the Nippers for your participation in the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club Nippers 2025/26 Program. Also, thanks to the parents, guardians, and family members who volunteered across the program, carrying out the myriad of activities and tasks that kept the program running and supported its success. The volunteer-run Wooli Nippers relies on parents and guardians taking on roles to make the program happen.

Nippers wouldn't happen without the support of parents and guardians. However, there is also a dedicated crew of volunteers who go above and beyond to put the program on. We would like to acknowledge and thank the following volunteers.

Our Junior Age Managers (JAMs), Age Managers (AMs), Assistant Age Managers (AAM), and water safety crew—the program could not run without you.

⁠Kieren Williams and Jenine Thomson for their BBQ efforts and ensuring that the Nippers Sausage Sizzle tradition didn’t end.

Athol Hill and Ivan Webb for the amazing program photos you have captured and shared.

A very special thanks to Barb Webb. Barb has been a member of the Woolamai SLSC for over 45 year and for much of this time has been making and donating all of our Nippers age group and special caps. Barb’s contribution is greatly appreciated.

Finally, the 2025/26 Nippers Committee:

  • Heather Ridley – Director of Nippers

  • Alex Webster – Treasurer

  • Bre McGrath – Membership Officer

  • Dave Costello – Volunteers/Equipment

  • Emma Lee – Volunteers/Social Events

  • Lisa Confoy – Raffle

  • Maddie Hungerford – Water Safety

  • Mary-Ann Schembri – Equipment/Events

  • Matt Hardy – Admin/Registrations/IT/Comms

  • Mel Davies – Merchandise

  • Ryan Andreola – Water Safety

  • Sophia Hungerford - JAMs

Nippers 2025/26 program feedback

We would love to hear your constructive feedback on the program. A short four-question anonymous survey has been sent to all registered Nipper parents and guardians. If you did not have a nipper participating in this year’s program but would like to provide feedback on the program, please email the Woolamai SLSC Nippers Admin.

Support the businesses that support the Wooli Nippers

This season we have received some very generous support from local businesses who have donated raffle prizes to the Club. Please show your support for these businesses wherever possible. 

A huge thank you to our generous raffle prize donors. We encourage families to support the local businesses that have kindly supported this important fundraising effort.

Nippers 2026/27 – Save the date

As Boxing Day falls on the last Saturday of December, Nippers 2026/27 will be run as a 6-day program, running from Monday 28th December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027 (inclusive).

More information will be posted via the email list in the coming months. Not on the email list? See the link below!

Join the Committee

The Nippers program is run entirely by volunteers, and we are now seeking parents and guardians who are interested in helping deliver the 2026/27 season by joining the Nippers Committee.

Being part of the committee is a great way to support the program, contribute to your child’s experience, and help shape the future of Nippers at Woolamai Beach SLSC. A range of roles are available, and support is provided—no prior surf lifesaving or committee experience is required.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please speak with a committee member or contact the Nippers Director, Heather Ridley, juniordevelopment@woolamaibeach.asn.au. We would love to have you on board.

Nippers 2025/26 – Age Managers and Assistant Age Managers

Our JAMs do an amazing job running the Nippers Sessions; however, we can’t run the program without our Age and Assistant Age Managers. To ensure we can offer our 2026/27 program, we will shortly be calling for expressions of interest for these roles. We will then seek confirmation from you in September, at which time we will be asking you to commit to the 2026/27 program and offering you early registration to guarantee your Nippers a place in the program.

Join the Nippers email list

Stay informed about the Wooli Nippers Program and make sure you don’t miss registration for our next program. Receive updates through emails and the Wooli Nipper News, which features information about the Program and the Woolamai Beach SLSC. Sign up now!

Little Penguin Dash

The ‘Little Penguin Dash’ is a nearshore kids aquathon for 7-14 year olds, run as part of the annual Bass Coast Series. It is a great Phillip Island community event and a wonderful way to use the skills gained through Nippers. All funds raised support the Woolamai Beach SLSC & Phillip Island Football and Netball Club. To find out more about the Little Penguin Dash, the Bass Coast Series events, or to register, please visit the links below.

Little Penguin Dash Details

Further Information

If you have any questions about Nippers or the Wooli Nippers Program, please check the Wooli Nippers website. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing the Wooli Nippers Admin.

See you down the beach!  

The 2025/26 Nippers Committee

Matthew HardyWoolamai Beach SLSC