In the world of surf lifesaving, some leaders emerge through commitment, community spirit, and years of steady contribution. Fiona Grant is one of those leaders. Now serving as North Queensland Branch President, her path has been shaped by family, service and the strong sense of community that defines the region she proudly calls home. Fiona first became involved in the movement in 2007, joining Ellis Beach SLSC alongside her sister and niece, who had signed up as a Nipper. What began as a family decision soon evolved into a longstanding commitment. “I loved being on the beach and participating particularly in the Nipper arenas,” she recalls. Her early involvement as an Official in 2009 quickly expanded when her family moved to Cairns SLSC in 2010. After completing her Age Managers Award, Fiona became deeply involved in supporting junior members. By 2011, she stepped into the Junior Activities Coordinator (JAC) role — her first leadership position — holding it for three years before transitioning to Club Secretary, a position she held for seven years. As her experience grew, so did her influence at the Branch level. Fiona served on the Branch Board of Surf Sports, progressed into senior officiating, and mentored new officials. She later became Deputy President for five years, stepped down briefly, and then returned to her roots. “This year I was asked to nominate as Branch JAC as my passion has remained with the nippers,” she says. However when the Branch President stepped down, the Board encouraged her to nominate — and in July, she was elected President of the North Queensland Branch. LIFESAVING UP NORTH Although Fiona grew up in Sydney near the northern beaches, her connection to north Queensland has become deeply personal. “After 20 years in North Queensland, I have become a very proud North Queenslander,” she says. She credits the region’s resilience and
independence to its unique challenges — including regularly being cut off from the rest of the state during the wet season. Surf lifesaving, she says, is at the core of that community strength. “Surf Lifesaving has become part of our family… Educating and protecting our community at our beaches is a privilege.” But for Fiona, the greatest reward is watching youth develop confidence and leadership. “Our youth develop a sense of pride with their commitment to their community… Over the years I have seen our youth go on to become leaders and role models in their communities and careers.” BALANCING LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY, AND CAREER Outside surf lifesaving, Fiona works in the Operating Theatre at Cairns Hospital — a demanding role that requires careful balance. “I work in the Operating Theatre at Cairns Hospital so juggle my surf lifesaving commitments around my roster,” she explains. In peak season, this means up to two meetings a week, regular planning sessions with her Board, and weekly catch-ups with the Regional Manager. She stays connected with other Branch Presidents, the CEO, and State President, often responding to emails between commitments. As President, logistical challenges are a constant consideration — ensuring projects and events have the necessary financial, equipment and volunteer resources. But even with the demands, the rewards are clear: “My rewards are simple it is the look on members faces when things run to plan and are successful.” REPRESENTATION, VISIBILITY, AND LEADING BY EXAMPLE North Queensland has a strong history of female leaders, and Fiona is proud to continue that legacy. “I am actually the 3rd Female Branch President in North Queensland, and I follow on from two very strong women,” she says. With five of seven Board positions this season filled by women, representation is strong — and meaningful.
FROM VOLUNTEERING TO BRANCH PRESIDENT FIONA GRANT’S LIFESAVING STORY
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