Three Surf Life Saving Queensland members have been selected to represent the organisation as part of an exchange program with the Japan Life Saving Association.

The longstanding relationship between SLSQ and JLA, dating back to 1983, will be strengthened next week following the renewal of an exchange program undertaken last in 2019.

SLSQ Members Melinda Jackson, Nicola Moore and Natalie Pascoe will travel to Japan from October 26 to 31 to assist in the development, improvement and longevity of Japan’s Surf Rescue Competitions.

The trip follows delegates from Japan visiting Australia in March to view an Australian Surf Rescue competition and further their coaching development.

The Australia-Japan Foundation has provided funding support for this beneficial program for three years to bolster the relationship between the two organisations.

This program will promote Queensland’s image as the world leader in surf lifesaving to young Japanese lifesavers and foster the values that Australia and Japan already share through a united culture of volunteerism, community service and dedication to the preservation of human life in the aquatic environment.

“Surf Life Saving Queensland is pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Japan thanks to the generosity of the Australian Japan Foundation,” said Michael White, SLSQ Life Member.

“For three of our members to have the opportunity to travel to Japan and offer assistance is a great privilege.

“We hope our services can provide learnings and training opportunities to safeguard the longevity of Japan’s Surf Rescue Competitions.”

The Delegates 
Melinda Jackson

A member of Kurrawa SLSC, Northcliffe SLSC, Life Member of Ellis Beach SLSC and Surf Life Saving Queensland, Melinda has dedicated a lifetime to surf lifesaving.

She is renowned in the surf sports community as a coach, official and team manager at all levels. She has been a sectional referee at State Championships, judge at Branch, State and National Championships and has undertaken theory test writing for North Queensland and South Coast Branches.

Melinda has spent considerable time developing the sport through workshops, stakeholder engagement and participation in reviews of the sport. Her dedication to this sport is undeniable.
Melinda also holds a postgraduate degree in Japanese language.

Nicola Moore

Nicola has been a member of Surf Life Saving Queensland since 2006, starting her lifesaving career at Southport SLSC before moving to Northcliffe SLSC.

Nicola has dedicated much of her time within surf lifesaving as an official – gaining her Level 1 accreditation in 2009. She went on to upgrade this to Technical Official 2017 and later successfully gained her Senior Official accreditation in 2021. Nicola has officiated in major roles at Branch, State and National levels and has been recognised as both an Official and Senior Official Mentor.

Nicola started her journey as an official as a result of her family competing in the event and considers that “Surf Rescue competition epitomises what lifesaving is about – saving lives and enhancing skills to save lives.”

Natalie Pascoe

Natalie joined Bundaberg SLSC in 2007 and has contributed to the Club for 16 years.

Building on her professional role as a primary school PE teacher, Natalie has continued this passion for education and development into surf rescue competition coaching.

Natalie has experienced some wonderful success with the team including a historical Gold Medal win by the Under 15 team, the first in the Club’s history in this event in the Queensland Championships. The same team as Under 17s took silver in the Australian Championships earlier this year.

Natalie contributes to her club as a registrar, a role she has held for 15 years. Natalie participates in this activity with her family and loves the fact that surf rescue involves teamwork.