Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
THE “GLUE” THAT KEEPS US CONNECTED AND COORDINATED Behind every patrol, every rescue, and every call for help, the SOCC is there - guiding responses, connecting teams, and ensuring help is never far away. It’s a reminder that lifesaving extends far beyond the beach, and that every voice, every volunteer, and every moment of teamwork contributes to one shared mission: keeping Queensland’s beaches safe. “My advice to anyone considering volunteering in the SOCC is to take the time to understand what the role truly involves. It’s a rewarding position, but it’s also one that demands focus, emotional resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.”
Kate believes visibility like this plays a vital role in encouraging more women to pursue operational and leadership positions within lifesaving. “For many members, especially younger women or new volunteers, seeing an all- female team running the SOCC serves as both representation and motivation. It fosters a sense of belonging, shows clear pathways for advancement, and strengthens confidence to step forward into roles in coordination, communication, and incident management” she says. “Leadership in lifesaving is defined by skill, capability, and teamwork — not gender.” ADVICE FOR ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS For those considering volunteering in the SOCC, Kate describes the role as both rewarding and deeply meaningful. For those who thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about contributing to lifesaving operations in a meaningful way, this role is for you. Kate explains that “you gain a unique perspective on how our patrols, clubs, and support services come together to keep the public safe — and you play a direct role in that success every day.” Opportunities will be increasing in the new year as the SOCC expands its capability into the Sunshine Coast, with a second facility operating to cater for increasing demand. “We are one SOCC that will soon be operating across two locations, which will provide increased volunteering opportunities and also provide network redundancy,” said Kate
26
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator