2023-2024 Sandringham Life Saving Club Board of Management
“We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our young members and strive to communicate honestly and openly with parents and carers about their wellbeing and safety”- taken from SLSA 6.5 Surf Life Saving Australia Member Protection Policy 6.05
• President – Vicky McKay
• Vice President – Gary Beer
• Treasurers – Cecile and Xavier Dutrieux
• Admin Officer – Christina Peace
• Administration Support – Meagan Holstrom
• Lifesaving Operations – Daniel and Claire Pardo
• Chief Instructor – Bianca Pither
• Junior Activities Coordinator (Nippers) – Hamish McKay
• Sponsorship/Community Partnerships – Ross Lavender
Vicky McKay
President
Having grown up by the water, I have a love of the outdoors, all sports and health & fitness. Joining the SLSC Board in September 2018, I’m excited to bring my commercial and community experience to this vibrant community organisation. I was elected as Club President in August 2021 and I am proud to be entrusted with the honour of leading this terrific community club.
Gary Beer
Vice President
I’ve been involved in lifesaving for almost a decade and find it a rewarding way to contribute to my beach community. A love of paddling drew me from the water to the clubhouse and eventually into patrolling and after recently becoming locals my family has joined the team at Sandringham.
In fulfilling the Vice President role I’m looking forward to contributing both on the beach and with the Committee in helping it deliver its goals of beach safety and community involvement.
Cecile and Xavier Dutrieux
Treasurers
We arrived from France in 2017 and joined Sandringham Life Saving Club as a family, with our 3 children, in October that same year. Ever since, we have all done our Bronze Medallion and have patrolled on the beach every Summer. Cecile completed her Bronze Medallion with two of their kids in 2017. Xavier started his journey at SLSC as an Age Manager and became a patroller when our youngest boy did his SRC. Last year, he did his drivers and our oldest son, his crew so we are all fully qualified to enjoy family time looking after our wonderful community at the beach. We have found a second family at SLSC and are delighted to give some of our time to keep this wonderful club going. Live saving has been our best Australian experience making us feel we truly belong !
Christina Peace
Admin Officer
My first involvement with the lifesaving community was through my daughter’s participation in the Nippers program. I have taken a keen interest ever since. I am excited to take on the role of Administration Officer for the next two years and look forward to becoming actively involved by managing the governance side of things for the club.
Meagan Holstrom
Admin Support
I’ve been involved with the Sandringham Lifesaving Club for a number of years, with two children going through the Nippers program. I love the community atmosphere and the way all the kids and members support each other to try hard and have fun. I’m looking forward to helping other families and individuals to engage with this wonderful community organisation, and to take advantage of our proximity to the sand and the sea.
Claire and Daniel Pardo
Co-Club Captains
Claire: I’ve been involved with Sandringham Lifesaving Club since I was a little Nipper over 13 years ago. Since then I have gotten my Bronze Medallion and done many patrols here at Sandy. Around the club, I help out as a patrol captain, Bronze Medallion trainer and am now jumping into a new role as co-club captain. Outside of lifesaving, I work as an Occupational Therapist in the area of mental health. I spend my free time making a mess in the kitchen, getting out into nature and listening to all different kinds of music. I am excited to support our wonderful patrollers and I hope to contribute to a safe, fun and sustainable environment for all members and beachgoers.
Bianca Pither (née Pardo)
Chief Instructor
My lifesaving journey began when I was 9 and our whole family joined Sandy for Nippers. From there, my passion for our beach and water safety has only grown. When I was 14, I completed my Surf Rescue Certificate and started patrolling. At 15, I completed my Bronze Medallion and at 16 became a Patrol Captain and Bronze trainer. I completed four years as Club Captain in 2020 and have since made the transition to Chief Instructor. My aim is to facilitate a cohesive patrolling team who are well trained, skilled and a true asset to our community. I am so blessed to be a part of such a family focused and community orientated club. It is my second home and I only hope it can be the same for others.
Hamish McKay
Junior Activities Coordinator (Nippers)
As a local resident, the Sandringham beach has always been important to me as I love all things water related. So it was an easy decision to get involved in the SLSC with my family and we have loved the community environment and the fun times spent at the beach through all seasons.
Recently participating at SLSC as an age group manager and coaching kids in other sports has shown me the joy of developing young people’s skills, abilities and confidence. I am really excited to see how we can continue evolving the nipper program to teach our children such valuable life skills.
Ross Lavender
Sponsorship/Community Partnerships
There are still board positions available, if you are interested in volunteering for a board role please email Christina at admin@sandringhamlsc.org.au.