Members of WBSLSC took part in the Pink Zinc patrol on the weekend, to celebrate female leadership in lifesaving. From left: Annie Coleman, Maddy Reynolds, Jess Baird and Louise Smith.
Maddy Reynolds on Pink Zinc patrol.
WBSLSC held its eleventh year of Pink Patrol, after Covid impacted the club’s 10-year celebrations in 2021. Front: Georgie Wettenhall and Michelle Murphy. Back: Annie Coleman, Jess Baird, Maddy Reynolds and Louise Smith.
On Sunday February 20, Woolamai hosted a Pink Zinc breakfast where members and guests heard from a panel of exceptional female leaders. Attending were Hannah Tzimokas, Barb Webb, Grace Murphy, Michelle Murphy, Annie Coleman and Georgie Wettenhall.
Lifesavers at the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club (WBSLSC) took part in a state-wide initiative to celebrate women in leadership on the weekend.
For the first time lifesavers from across Victoria banded together in pink to celebrate female leadership in lifesaving.
Pink Patrols are a club led initiative which aim to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions women past and present, have played in lifesaving, and showcase operational and leadership capabilities of women and girls.
WBSLSC hosted its eleventh year of Pink Zinc patrol through weekend celebrations on the sand, after Covid impacted the club’s 10-year celebrations in 2021.
Saturday kicked off with a patrol, involving over 15 patrollers taking to the sand to celebrate the contributions of women in the club.
Director of Diversity and Pink Zinc patrol captain Annie Coleman said the initiative is a huge part of their club and is always special day of mentoring and fun for all.
“On Sunday February 20, Woolamai hosted a Pink Zinc breakfast where we heard from a panel of exceptional female leaders including Michelle Murphy, Hannah Tzimokas and Barb Webb.
“The panel spoke about leadership pathways and experiences, the importance of strong female voices, and each individual having a role in the club,” Annie said.
“We then had a presentation from Georgie Wettenhall on why Pink Zinc patrol was started in 2011, and how the clubs gender equality and balance has grown since. The morning was filled with discussion amongst generations and inspiration for Woolamai’s future.
“Pink Zinc patrol continues to be an integral part of Woolamai’s culture and has once again provided female identifying members with a space to be inspired, grow and unlock potential,” Annie said.
“It's such a point of growth for our young members, it's about breaking down barriers.
“This initiative is another opportunity to showcase their strength and talents, and most importantly to be mentored by the more experienced members of our club.
“It’s a big part of our club, it's natural for us.
“It's exciting to see how we have evolved. We now have blue and rainbow zinc, inclusive of every gender. The huge spread of people makes it more special.”
This year for the first time, Pink Patrols were held at lifesaving clubs and aquatic facilities across the state, with 36 host clubs and 16 aquatic facilities taking part in a coordinated Pink Patrol on 19 February.
Life Saving Victoria’s board director of membership and leadership development Rebecca Schot-Guppy said the day involved all-women or women-led lifesaving patrols showcasing the capacity and capability of women and girls in leadership roles.
“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it. We know that representation is key and our is hope is that this positive role modelling of women in leadership roles, will inspire and empower future generations of women and girls, to confidently pursue opportunities in lifesaving, aquatics and beyond.”
