Please be advised that after six years as CEO of Surf Life Saving Queensland, Dave Whimpey has advised of his resignation.  Dave has been given an opportunity with another prominent Queensland organisation that will be made public in due course.

On behalf of the Board, I want to acknowledge the significant contribution Dave has made to our organisation during his time as CEO.  Whilst coming into the organisation from a non-lifesaving background, there is no doubt that Dave has proven to be a transformational leader for SLSQ with a particular focus on building the resilience and diversity of the organisation’s revenue base.

SLSQ is a complex organisation, featuring various mission-related, profit-for-purpose business units in support of our 37,000 strong volunteer-base across 58 Clubs and other services.  We have very strong and secure relationships with Government and Sponsors and a positive relationship with Surf Life Saving Australia.

Dave will leave the organisation in a stronger position, both financially and organisationally and we wish him well in his future endeavours.  While his resignation will take effect from Friday 27 February 2026, Dave will remain available to support a smooth leadership transition through March and April to ensure organisational priorities continue to be progressed.

The Board will consider an appropriate means to celebrate Dave’s achievements over the coming weeks.

An internally co-ordinated recruitment campaign will commence next week with a target to appoint a successor as soon as possible.

Gerard O’Brien

President