Article courtesy SLSA

Emerging surf lifesaving leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan came together in Sydney for Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) 2026 National Leadership College (NLC), marking a powerful example of the international collaboration that is helping to shape the future of the lifesaving movement.

Photo: lifesaver_japan Instagram

Twenty-four emerging leaders from across Australia, New Zealand, and Japan converged came together in Sydney in early February for the week-long program dedicated to cultivating leadership skills and fostering the development of young leaders aged 20 to 30 years within the Surf Life Saving movement.

 

From 1–7 February, participants immersed themselves in the intensive program designed to stretch them intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Now in its third decade, the NLC has earned a reputation for shaping the next generation of leaders who will carry Surf Life Saving into the future. 

This year’s cohort included representatives from across Australia and one participant from New Zealand. For the first time since its inception, the program also welcomed two representatives from Japan Lifesaving, a milestone that added a new layer of cultural and professional exchange. 

Takayuki Mieszko Ishii, from Kobi LSC in the Hyogo Prefecture, said the experience broadened his understanding of leadership and connection.  

“I have learned a lot about leadership and a lot about interpersonal relationships. I also now enjoy being able to put into words things that were previously intuitive to me. 

“I am very happy to have been able to connect with Australian lifesavers. The scale of lifesaving here is of course different to Japan, however, through discussions in the National Leadership Program, I have learned that the fundamental issue of drowning is the same in both our countries,” he said.

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Throughout the week, participants explored leadership tools, engaged in hands-on challenges, and heard from keynote speakers whose insights sparked reflection and inspiration. The program’s design encourages members to step outside their comfort zones and discover new ways to contribute to the movement’s success. 

SLSA’s Chair of Development, Nancy Joseph, said the week is about self discovery, leadership, and teambuilding. 

“This week we’ve been learning about ourselves, we’ve been learning about connection with other people, and we’ve been learning about leading teams,” she said. 

“We’ve been putting that into practical situations as well as activities, to reinforce this learning. This is an important week for them to learn about themselves and how they can move forward in their leadership roles in the organisation.” 

“I think that the National Leadership College is always evolving. And I think that’s the beauty with the program. We listen to what the young members are saying. And we try to make sure the program meets their needs, but also the needs of the organisation, because they are, ultimately, the future of this organisation. 

“And we need them to be disruptive, but to be thoughtful and be kind in their leadership journeys, wherever that may be.” 

Nancy said the inclusion of international participants enriches the experience for everyone.  

“We’ve had representation from New Zealand for a number of years. This is the first year with Japan and it’s absolutely fantastic. I think the international dimension adds depth to this program. And gives Australian surf lifesavers a new connection too. 

“But it also makes them see and look at things through a different lens. I think the more we can collaborate and the more work we can do together, we can only get better together. At the end of the day, we’re all here to do one job and that is to save lives. 

“So more mind power, more thinking, more collaboration. It’s a win-win.” 

Nancy also highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Multicultural and Indigenous Scholarship.  

“Diversity in our organisation is paramount. The Multicultural and Indigenous Scholarship gives someone an opportunity to come into the programme and really belong and be part of the group and I think the more diversity we have in this organisation, the better. 

“And that is through people. It’s through thought. It’s through diverse thought. And it’s through people thinking about things differently. So it benefits everyone in the organisation. And the Leadership College really benefits from having people from different backgrounds in the program,” she said. 

For Meg Irving from Gove Peninsula SLSC in the Northern Territory, the NLC offered both inspiration and practical tools she can take home to her remote club. She said programs like this are vital for young lifesavers. 

“It’s really giving a space to say, ‘you do matter, you are a leader, and you can achieve great things,’” she said. 

With her club facing low membership and geographic isolation, she saw the NLC as a chance to gather ideas and build connections.  

“Our numbers are really low and we’re hoping to change that. I love the club, I love the culture, I love all of that. And so getting ideas from everyone here, and the networking that happens, it just puts you in another space. We’re probably the most isolated club in the country, so to be able to be with other young lifesavers that are facing similar challenges was a massive drawcard of why I wanted to come. 

“Something I’ve learnt that I keep coming back to in our facilitation groups, is how practical the information we’ve been given has been. Practical steps of what to do, how to break through that momentum, stalling or stopping, and how to carry your ideas through motivating your team. And I can really see that being applicable at Gove Peninsula, which is really exciting to me.” 

Meg thoroughly enjoyed the week, which was packed with memorable moments, from energising guest speakers to shared activities that brought the group closer together. 

“I can’t pick one highlight from the week, but getting to know everyone is one of the biggest and the networking opportunities that we had. I have also left every guest speaker session feeling so incredibly inspired, feeling so incredibly in awe of people in our organisation and the work that they’re doing, the legacy that they’re leaving. And I think that those talks will stay with me for a long time.” 

As the 2026 National Leadership College wraps up, SLSA congratulates all graduates and wishes them every success as they return to their clubs, ready to lead, inspire, and shape the future of Surf Life Saving.