Surf Lifesaving is one of the most iconic volunteer organisations in Australia. Queensland has over 34,000 volunteers protecting $18 M beach visitations. in 2023/24 Season.

There is an inherent obligation from our members to without hesitation put their skills to work. Each season they carry out rescues, first aid treatment and Resuscitation to the beach goers both on and off the beach. These can be single events of major event involving multiple casualties.
We are a diverse organisation with members coming from a variety of backgrounds in the areas of age, gender, cultural and both life and professional experience.

To assist them following participation in significant incidents Surf Lifesaving introduced a Peer Support Program that has been in operation for 20years. With the changing demographic within the movement there was a need to review the established programs to ensure the delivery of the service was continuing to meet the needs of the membership and remained relevant in today's modern world.

Surf Lifesaving embarked on a review of the overall program offering including the policies procedures through to the training and supported offer to the PSO.

The presentation outlines the journey taken including the approach developed including some of the findings both positive and negative and outlines the progress to date in terms of the recommendations made and future enhancements. John Palmer Member Welfare Advisor (Volunteer).

Presentation Key Learnings:
1. Continual review required.
2. Intergrated approach required.
3. Staying relevant as time change.