Member Ed Conference: Launch, Lead and Unite!
Nearly 100 volunteer Trainers and Assessors (TAFs) came together over the weekend for the two-day 2026 Member Education Conference, preparing for the season ahead under the theme Launch, Lead and Unite.
The conference brought TAF together to launch new initiatives, lead the way in member education and unite as a professional volunteer network.
Launching the season ahead
Attendees heard national updates from Tracey Hare-Boyd, Chair of the National Education Advisory Committee, and from newly appointed SLSSA EAC Chair Hannah Darling, who shared the EAC's priorities for 2026/27.
The conference also launched Skills Maintenance for the 2026/27 season, including updates to Lifesaving CPR, Bronze first aid scenarios and IRB patient pick-ups. South Australia will also lead the way in trialling the new national Endorsed Delegate framework to support Skills Maintenance.
TAF also took part in practical moderation sessions, working through assessment scenarios to improve consistency and clarity around assessment decisions across Board Rescue, CPR and IRB.
Welcoming new TAF and embracing technology
Around 20 newly qualified trainers joined the conference and took part in a What's Next? session, providing them with guidance on their probationary journey, mentoring and the support available as they begin their roles.
SLSSA also officially launched the aXcelerate app for trainers and assessors, marking an exciting new chapter in assessment. The app will support online assessment, improve collaboration between trainers and assessors, reduce assessment administration and help streamline award processing.
As Ian Grant, OAM, Port Elliot Trainer and Assessor, shared, “The whole weekend was a huge success, and I look forward to the new chapter with aXcelerate as we progress into the future.” Sue Mitchell, Henley SLSC Chief Instructor, also highlighted the positive progress: “There has been some great moves forward in support for members and trainers, and this is awesome.”
Celebrating our TAF
The conference was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of our volunteer educators, with Trainer and Assessor Service Awards recognising 5, 10, 15, 25 and 35 years of service.
Congratulations also to our 2026 Rookie Award recipients:
Rookie Trainer of the Year – Camron Lane, Semaphore
Camron has been a driving force behind the revitalisation of training at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club. Known for his energy, organisation, and positive approach, Camron has quickly become a highly respected and influential member of the club. He is the club’s IRB Crew Trainer and Assessor, Bronze Assessor, and Head Trainer. He was also a finalist in the State Awards of Excellence for Trainer of the Year. As a result of Cam’s influence, the club has seen an increase in qualified patrol members, improved engagement in training, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm within the training environment. This has strengthened the club’s ability to provide a safer beach for the community, while also fostering a culture where members are motivated to do their best and support one another.
Rookie Assessor of the Year – Sandra Conroy, West Beach
Sandy has made an exceptional start to her role as an assessor, quickly establishing herself as a knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive member of the West Beach education team. As a newly qualified assessor for Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and Bronze Medallion courses, Sandy has embraced every opportunity to contribute to member development - dedicating her time to assessing candidates fairly and consistently, while providing constructive feedback that supports ongoing learning and development. Her commitment has helped ensure members complete their awards with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to perform lifesaving duties effectively. Despite being new to the role, Sandy has already demonstrated the dedication, integrity, and commitment expected of an outstanding assessor and her professionalism, reliability, and passion for developing lifesavers have made her a valued member of the club.
Years of Service Awards
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TRAINERS
Siobhan Jackson
Joshua Warne
Hayley Hosking
Timothy Riley
Cacilia Ewenz
Nicola Lieff
Linda Carter-Shepard
ASSESSORS
Ralph Bock
Julie Moran
Sarah Schenscher
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TRAINERS
Shayan Gunawardena
Craig Van Tenac
Karen Wilmot
Michael Kenny
ASSESSORS
Ingrid Cobiac
Neil Wilson
Michael Kenny
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TRAINERS
Peter Kerrison
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TRAINERS
Mandi Bedford
Thank you to our volunteer leaders
A huge thank you to the TAF who contributed their time and expertise to lead sessions and make the conference a success:
Hannah Darling, Kate Stanton, Kristy Bedford, Leo Oliver, Tracey Hare-Boyd, Sean Faulkner, Josh Warne, Bobby Tanner, David Lucas, Andy Bedford, Ingrid Cobiac, Julie Moran, Ralph Bock, Amanda Deieso, Iain Mitchell, Richard Nurmi, Brianna Kruger, Karen Wilmot, Cacilia Ewenz, Trevor Wilkinson, Ian Grant, Laura Coote, Sue Mitchell and Dave Candy.
And, of course, thank you to every TAF who attended, contributed and continues to give their time to support and develop our members.
Click here to see all the photos from the weekend!
