Join us on Saturday 18th of February
to celebrate the amazing women of PLSLSC at our annual Pink Zinc patrol.
About the Pink Zinc Patrol
On Sunday 10th January 2016 the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club and Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club held their first ever all female patrol at the Point Lonsdale Back Beach. All female ‘Active’ patrolling members of both clubs were invited to attend with over 30 girls patrolling on the day. The aim of this patrol was to encourage and celebrate the female patrolling members of the Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove SLSC’s and to promote female leadership within in these clubs and the Surf Life Saving community.
Surf Life Saving is the largest volunteer organisation of its kind in Australia and has a proud history that resonates with the entire nation. However it was not until 1980 when females became eligible to be active patrolling members and not until 2015 when the first ever female CEO of Surf Life Saving Australia was elected- Melissa King. A gender gap does still exist in SLS and women’s sport. The aim of this patrol was and is to close this gap and encourage female’s to get involved.
Guest speaker, Jo Burch- Point Lonsdale SLSC
I joined Nippers at PLSLSC when I was 10 years old because my parents wanted to ensure I learnt surf skills and was safe swimming at the beach. Since then I have spent every summer involved with the club in some aspect.
My leadership positions include the following:
Club Captain 2015-2018
National Leadership College 2015
Club Vice- Captain 2013/2014
Youth Leadership & Development Officer (Nippers) 2009-2013
Head Instructor Nippers 2006-2009
Patrol Captain
2013 Recipient of the President’s Award- Point Lonsdale SLSC
2008/2009 and 2011/12 Club Person of the Year- Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club
5 years Patrol Service Award- Life Saving Victoria
I was instrumental in initiating the Pink Zinc all Female Patrol for the Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove SLSC’s something I hope to work on and develop further. I am also a member of the FLN and feel these opportunities are great for engaging women.
I am often asked, “Why do you give up some much time and all your weekends doing SLS?” I think the answer is that deep down enjoy giving/ volunteering and the values that SLS promote are similar to my own personal ones.
I currently work as a child Psychologist and often talk about SLS in sessions with my clients as a suggestion of sports/ hobbies that may help keep kids engaged and mentally/ physically healthy. My aim for surf life saving is to continue to promote female leadership and ensure all girls are given an opportunity to lead.
Order of events
10 am Yoga at the clubhouse – all welcome (free event)
11 am Speeches and special guests followed by morning tea and networking
12.45 - 6.15 pm Pink Zinc Patrol – all active members welcome to participate (female & male)
6.30 pm Drinks and nibbles at the clubhouse
