Our Team
| Name | Role | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Doug Hawkins | Director, Member Services |  Coogee |
| Karon Lekeu | Diversity and Inclusion Officer |  Clovelly |
| Tim Wright | Member Engagement Officer |  Tamarama |
| Dominic Winkle | Member Recognition and Retention Officer | Clovelly |
Across our coastline, Surf Life Saving Sydney continues to adapt and evolve in response to emerging challenges, embracing diversity and inclusion as central strengths. Our members not only save lives but also educate, connect, and protect our communities, by the community, for the community, and that is something we are deeply proud of.
Surf Life Saving Sydney respects and acknowledges the traditional custodians across all the lands on which we live, work and patrol, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Background Image credit: 'Eora Dreaming' depicts the community of the fifteen Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout Sydney, stretching from North Bondi south to Burning Palms in the Royal National Park - Artist 'Billy Reynolds', proud Dharawal and Yuin man.
From administrative support to providing our members with valuable benefits, our Member Services section is committed to enhancing your Surf Life Saving experience.
Our Member Services team provides resources, updates, and information that cater to your needs and help you make the most of your club’s membership and the broader lifesaving community. We aim to create a seamless and enriching experience for all our members, catering to their specific needs and interests within the realm of Surf Life Saving. By fostering active engagement, open communication, and collaboration, we strengthen our organisation and empower our members to play a key role in driving positive programs and changes. Together, we can build a vibrant and united community that upholds the true spirit of lifesaving and embraces the value of every member’s contribution.
Member Services Resources
SLSS 2025/26 Pre-season Briefing: Member Services
SLSS 2025/26 Pre-season Briefing: Session 1
Member Protection – Guidance for Trainers, Assessors and Facilitators
Member Services Announcements
Awards and Recognition
Member Services
Announcement 28:25/26 Bounce Free Fun Night Out – 10 December 2025
Education
Member Services
Announcement 25:25/26 SLSS Mental Health First Aid Course – 10 & 11 February 2026
Member Services
Announcement 06:25/26 18-25 years Leadership Development Day 18 October 2025
Member Services
Memo: All Things Membership (Pre-Season Session)
Pre Season Briefing
We run our annual pre-season event which provides not only technical information required for the season ahead, such as education requirements, proficiency updates and gear inspection details, but also informs our members about our successes and how each of our members can contribute to making their club, our branch, and the organisation as a whole, a better place for all members.
Once we have released the information for the next pre-season event, we’ll put a link below to all the details.
Leadership Development Day
Sydney’s Leadership Program is an engaging and active day focused on promoting the leaders of tomorrow. We are keen to focus on succession planning for future leadership within Surf Life Saving.
Our focus is on positive engagement, active challenges, enhancing leadership skills, and embedding integrity and respect as a part of everyday activity.
We’ll add the details to the upcoming Leadership Development day below when it’s ready to be circulated.
Mental Health Training
We are keen to ensure that our members and lifesavers are fit and healthy to undertake their roles, be that physically and mentally. Some of the activities and events our members deal with can be overwhelming and we are determined to work with our members through these times with robust guidance and support.
Keep an eye out for the next training we’ll be hosting. We’ll add the details to the link below when it’s ready for release.
Inclusion and Diversity
We welcome everyone within lifesaving. Find out how we are broadening our membership to include you and the support available to all our members.
Member Development Opportunity
We run a number of opportunities for leadership and development for our members. Find out what is available to help you through your lifesaving journey.
Critical Incident Support
Part of lifesaving includes supporting and dealing with critical incidents. We provide support and assistance to our members after these incidents.
Work Health and Safety
Work Health and Safety is important to lifesaving, ensuring that all our members are able to operate without concern for their wellbeing.
Member Wellbeing and Support
Find out about the wellbeing services that we provide ensuring that all our members are supported throughout their lifesaving journey.
Awards and Recognition
Member Services News
26/11/2025
The Australian Lifeguard Service is recruiting lifeguards across NSW!
16/09/2025
Surf Life Saving Sydney is looking to build the capacity of our 18-25 yrs members from across the Branch in Leadership and Personal Development within Surf Life Saving.
23/08/2025
The countdown is on! Join us next Saturday for the Sydney Branch Pre-Season Briefing.
All the info you need for the season ahead – from operations to training updates – is in Branch Circular 5.
📅 Next Saturday
📍 Details in Circular 5
21/08/2025
3 days to go! This Saturday, Surf Life Saving Sydney kicks off our Pre-Season Briefing sessions.
05/07/2025
The Best of the Best
The most anticipated honours of the night.
Congratulations to Clovelly’s Dominic Winkle
05/07/2025
That’s a wrap on the 2025 Surf Life Saving Sydney Awards of Excellence 
Congrats to Clovelly’s Dominic Winkle
05/06/2025
Surf Life Saving Sydney represented the lifesavers across the State at the launch of the 2025 NSW Emergency Series NRL game between the Sydney Roosters and North Queensland Cowboys on June 22nd at Allianz Stadium.
09/05/2025
Join Michael Bonnici, Director of Lifesaving and Rescue Services at SLS Sydney, as he shares a message of thanks and reflection on the season.
Member Services Events
20May
National Volunteers Week
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This special event highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give
Last updated: November 17, 2025