TasPorts SLST Leadership Scholarship winner announced
Devonport Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) member Amber Loone has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the TasPorts-funded leadership scholarship program.
Posted
01 September 2023
Ms Loone has been an active member of the Devonport SLST club for 15 years, undertaking volunteer roles, surf-lifesaving training, and emergency rescue, as well as being a significant role model for future generations of female surf-lifesavers.
The TasPorts scholarship program is open to all members of affiliated SLST clubs and provides opportunities to access professional development programs
The scholarship will financially assist Ms Loone to attend a women’s focused rescue craft program in New South Wales with the plan to implement a similar initiative in Tasmania.
The training program is focused on assisting women achieve certification to drive inflatable powered boats which are used in marine safety and emergency situations.
“It’s fantastic that SLST can see the benefit in the training program and I’m honoured to have it supporting my efforts to bring a similar program to Tasmania,” Ms Loone said.
“While SLST is incredibly supportive of all its female members, I do feel that sometimes women lack the confidence to try and achieve these goals.
“Women are more than capable of excelling in these programs so I’m eager to learn and bring back some of the training principals to break down any barriers.”
SLST Chief Executive Officer Tony van den Enden says Amber is a significant role model in the SLST community and represents the positive values and initiative of its members.
“Amber volunteers both as a patrolling lifesaver and ‘beyond the flags’ participating in programs such as our flood swift water rescue team with Tas Police,” he said.
“Amber’s work and enthusiasm is inspiring the next generation of female surf-lifesavers.
“Her initiative in seeking out the women’s focused power craft program will allow us to provide more opportunities to our diverse member base.
“With the generous support of TasPorts, we can encourage all our members to reach their full potential as we work together to improve marine safety in Tasmania.”
TasPorts Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Casey presented Amber with the inaugural scholarship at the 2023 Surf Life Saving Tasmania Awards of Excellence held in Devonport.
“The newly created TasPorts Leadership Scholarship program provides the opportunity for club members to apply for funding to participate in professional development activities to build a stronger and more capable lifesaving community across the state.
We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of services and individuals that provide essential emergency support and are working to facilitate training, education, and awareness outcomes.”