Surf Lifesaving Queensland Parliamentary Friends Function

Members of the Executive Council and Members of Parliament; Surf Life Saving Queensland, President, Mr Gerard O'Brien, and Members of the Board; CEO, Mr Dave Whimpey, and other staff and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this afternoon.

As Patron of Surf Lifesaving Queensland, it is very satisfying to see so many of our state’s leaders coming together at Parliament House to support this outstanding organisation and the vital work it does to promote and ensure safety on our beaches.

Your commitment to meet each year, as representatives of those you serve, not only demonstrates how much we all value Queensland’s surf lifesaving movement, but it also enables the exchange of valuable ideas that will help shape Surf Life Saving Queensland’s capabilities into the future.

It is very appropriate that this forum for discussion should be taking place during National Volunteer Week, with its theme “Connecting Communities”. That is because ever since the iconic red and yellow flags first flew as symbols of protection on our beaches, the organisation has relied on the involvement of those who generously donate their time and energy, to securing its success and growth.

The 37,000 or so volunteers are fiercely loyal to the organisation’s charter, and to their local clubs, and the positive effect of their contributions reaches deeply into the coastal regions they call home, forging a greater sense of togetherness, and a shared determination to make our beaches safer.

Yet, while Queensland is so fortunate to have an immense and attractive coastline, this boon comes with perils that sadly see far too many people encounter difficulties in our waters.

In fact, over the recent 2024/25 season, volunteer surf life savers in our state’s popular tourist regions, performed an incredible 1,052 rescues, and unfortunately 12 people lost their lives to drowning, with these fatalities all occurring outside patrolled areas.

The 10-year funding agreement—the first round of which was issued at last year’s Parliamentary Friends Function—is a very welcome boost that will benefit every surf lifesaving club in our state, and as a not-for-profit entity, Surf Life Saving Queensland relies on such funds to improve training, equipment and infrastructure.

I am very grateful for such positive outcomes that highlight the benefits that come from bringing together our state’s elected representatives and those from a range of community-based organisations—each of whom are here to celebrate the achievements of this amazing organisation that last season, watched over an astounding 4.3 million beachgoers statewide. 

I thank the Board, staff, members and volunteers of Surf Life Saving Queensland for making our beaches safer places to swim, and extend this gratitude to all of the “friends” here this afternoon, who ensure that this world-class, volunteer-led organisation continues to thrive.