Indigenous Surf Sport Development Program
The Indigenous Surf Sport Development Program is designed to support First Nations peoples in developing Surf Life Saving skills whilst providing pathways for training, certification, and athlete development at local, state and national competition levels. The program aims to address barriers to participation whilst strengthening relationships with Surf Life Saving Clubs and community partners such as Clontarf and Harbrow Mentoring.
By increasing engagement with clubs and branches, the program seeks to expand participation in Surf Life Saving and contribute to the growth of the movement. Additionally, it fosters leadership, skill development and pathways within Surf Life Saving.
SLSQ is proud to lead the Indigenous Surf Sport Development Program in collaboration with our clubs, with the support of the Queensland Government Active Industry Project Fund Super Round.
Objectives:
- Introduce First Nations youth to surf lifesaving through beach sports and surf lifesaving skills.
- Provide training and certification opportunities in Observers, First Aid and Bronze Medallion awards.
- Establish pathways for First Nations athletes to compete in local, state, and national surf sport competitions.
- Strengthen partnerships with Clontarf Academies and other community stakeholders and foster a culture of belonging and inclusion within the organisation
- Facilitate the growth of Surf Life Saving by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ participation and leadership within the movement.
Program Deliverables :
Art in Action
As part of the Indigenous Surf Sports Development Program, SLSQ recently called for expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists for a commissioned artwork that would foster acknowledgement, belonging and cultural pride within Surf Life Saving. This artwork will be incorporated into SLSQ assets and communication to inspire participation and strengthen connections between First Nations communities and the Surf Life Saving movement.
The response was extraordinary, with over 20 submissions from across the country showcasing remarkable creativity, cultural storytelling, and artistic excellence. The depth of meaning and expression in each piecewas humbling and inspirational.
Christopher Ketchup and Darius Lewin- Pearson of Forest Beach Surf Life Saving Club and St Teresa’s Catholic College, Abergowrie, who are awarded athletes in their own right, were awarded the commission. Their artwork will serve as a powerful representation of inclusion, identity, and the shared connection between First Nations culture and the surf lifesaving community.
Come and Try Beach Sessions (March–July 2025) |
| Intended Participants: Individuals, community groups and partners who will be introduced to Surf Life Saving activities and sport disciplines, fostering engagement and encouraging future participation in lifesaving and competitions |
| Locations: North Queensland (NQ), North Barrier (NB), and Wide Bay Capricornia (WBC). |
Clubs involved:
Focus: Introduction to surf lifesaving techniques, flags and beach sprint events, and surf safety. Goal: Engage youth in fun, safe, and competitive activities that provide a taste of the surf lifesaving and sport |
Indigenous Round Beach EventIntended Participants: Individuals, athletes, and members of community groups, including partners such as Clontarf, as well as Surf Life Saving branch and club members. |
This event will feature:
with participation open to all ages, from 5 years to Masters (99+) The event will not only highlight athletic talent but also celebrate First Nations culture, promote community engagement, and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.
Key elements include:
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Surf Sports Development Camp
Participants: Selected participants showing potential at the Indigenous Round Beach Events will be selected for the surf sport development camps from across the three branches
Development camps to be held early October 2025 and will focus on advanced surf lifesaving skills, fitness, and competition preparation for state and national surf lifesaving competitions, develop skills, and foster teamwork.
Surf Sports Scholarship Support ProgramAthletes identified during the Development Camps will be provided scholarship funding to participate in state and national championships in March 2026. |
Partnerships:
This program aims to inspire and engage First Nations youth, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed in Surf Life Saving and beyond.