Meet the Environment Advisory Committee (EnvAC)
Without healthy coastlines and waterways, surf lifesaving does not exist.
The Environmental Advisory Committee (EnvAC) supports SLSSA and its members in navigating a changing climate and sustainability issues that impact on the core mission of saving lives and building connected, inclusive communities.
Supported by the SLSSA Club & Member Development team, EnvAC committee members are surf lifesavers who have passion and professional experience in environmental sciences and sustainability practices. The EnVAC comittee member for 2024-2025 are:
Adam Luscombe (Chair)
Joe Pedicini
Georgia Sumner
Sarah Keenihan
Rebecca Newton-McLean
Michelle Blewitt
Warwick Noble
2024-2025 Comittee Members
Adam Luscombe (Chair)
Seacliff SLSC
Adam Luscombe is a strategic leader advancing sustainability, inclusion, and Indigenous participation in sport. A former Sport Environment Alliance and SLSSA board member, SLSSA Chair of Development, Surf Sports panel member, and Rescue 2018 Chair, he drives environmental responsibility in sport and recreation. As SLSSA’s Environment Panel Chair and 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Adam has led sustainability initiatives, reinforcing his commitment as an Al Gore Climate Reality alumnus and UN Global Compact member. As the General Manager of the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, he embeds sustainability into sport, forging partnerships that deliver lasting environmental, social, and community impact.
Joe Pedicini
Grange SLSC
Joe Pedicini is an environmental engineer with over 30 years of experience in helping clients comply with environmental laws, and improving their environmemtal performance and awareness through his consultancy work. Joe's most rewarding work involves projects in coastal and marine environments, and remote areas, and work that results in cleaning up legacy issues for better use of impacted land. Joe is a patrolling member, with several certifications, an ERT member and bronze medallion instructor at Grange SLSC, as well as being a jet rescue boat crew member in the EOG. Joe is a strong supporter of marine protection and is passionate about protecting environmental values for long term recovery of ecosystems.
Georgia Sumner
Glenelg SLSC
Georgia is a passionate environment and sustainability advisor with over six years' experience in environmental assessments, approvals and management focusing on major infrastructure projects. Georgia is an active member of Glenelg SLSC bringing together her love for the ocean and sense of community.
Sarah Keenihan
Henley SLSC
Sarah Keenihan PhD is a science writer and editor living and working on Kaurna land. A member at Henley SLSC since 2017, Sarah loves the opportunities that surf lifesaving brings: serving communities, hanging out with fantastic people, and spending time in nature. When she's not on the beach, Sarah works with clients across media, the private sector, government and academia. Her superpower is wrangling with complex information and applying it to create compelling stories that anyone can understand and enjoy. She is a member of the Advisory Board at the Environment Institute at the University of Adelaide.
Rebecca Newton-McLean
Chiton Rocks SLSC
Rebecca Newton-McLean is an experienced Advanced Nurse Consultant with a passion for healthcare and the environment. As a dedicated member of Chiton Rocks Surf Life Saving Club, she embraces outdoor activities and is committed to promoting safety and well-being within her community. With a strong environmental focus throughout both her personal life and professional work, Rebecca advocates for sustainable practices and conservation. Her expertise and dedication to nursing are complemented by her deep appreciation for nature, which fuels her drive to make a positive impact on both the healthcare sector and the environment.
Dr Michelle Blewitt
Brighton SLSC
Michelle is a Marine Scientist with over 30 years of experience in research, education, and community engagement. With a PhD in marine bioacoustics, focusing on the anthropogenic disturbance on marine mammals, her focus is now educating, engaging, and empowering local communities on the impact of aquatic debris. A former SLSSA board member, Michelle is currently the environmental officer for Brighton SLSC and brings extensive expertise in working with surf clubs across NSW and SA to engage coastal communities in environmental conservation. She is passionate about raising awareness, finding innovative ways to research and communicate the impact of debris, and designing effective solutions for the future.
Dr Warwick Noble
West Beach SLSC
Dr Warwick Noble is a marine scientist with over 20 years experience in water quality, ecology, environmental regulation, restoration, risk assessment and pollution control. Warwick has been fortunate to gain deep understanding of marine and coastal issues through his work in Australian waters as well as international experience in Antarctica, the United States, Thailand and Vietnam. Warwick has been a member of West Beach SLSC and Coolangatta SLSC and remains dedicated to protecting environmental values and community safety for all South Australians.