Kate Bell Surf Life Saving Australia Interview

Every year, more than 45,000 surf lifesavers nationwide volunteer almost 1.4 million hours of their time to ensure Australians can enjoy their day at the beach safely.

To mark over 10 years of partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, Telstra has captured stories from the world's largest volunteer movement of its kind for a mini documentary series.

Mentone Life Saving Club member and volunteer for 24 years, Kate Bell, has been selected for the series.

Kate's passion for Surf Life Saving began at the age of seven when she was enrolled in nippers. Throughout the years Kate has obtained her bronze and silver medallions, has been made Team Patrol Captain and has risen through the ranks to become the Mentone Life Saving Club President.

Kate is the 11th and youngest President in the Club's 93 year history and is also breaking ground for women by becoming the first female President in her club.

Kate recalls a personal highlight at being made a Life Member of her club in 2012 and having her name engraved on the honour board; 'Surf Life Saving has been a huge part of my life and to be made a Life Member was completely overwhelming and a great acknowledgement of my dedication and passion for the club." she said.

As President of Mentone Lifesaving Club, no day is the same for Kate; from being involved in patrols, to helping save lives to working with the committee and administration side of things.

It's working with youth where Kate is most interested; 'I spend a significant amount of time with our youth members, taking the time to understand their needs and what inspires and motivates them to stay involved in the club. Youth development is one of my biggest passions. They're our future, so we need to make sure we keep them engaged."

'I have also recently been involved in setting up the Female Leadership Network in Victoria as part of the project team. I'm working closely with Life Saving Victoria and proud to be making a difference for women," continued Kate.

Telstra Area General Manager for Melbourne South East, Vicky Allen, said Telstra has captured Kate's inspiring story for a three part mini documentary series about surf lifesavers from across the country.

'We are proud to be celebrating over 10 years of partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, one of our greatest community partnerships that helps keep our beaches safe. This campaign is all about paying tribute to the ethos of the Surf Life Saving movement and we hope these videos serve as a reminder to the Australian community about the important contribution surf lifesavers make day in, day out," said Ms Allen.

"The first video, released earlier this month explored the story of Graham Ford, who has been a member of NSW's Bronte Surf Club for 25 years, and the President of Surf Life Saving Australia. The second video centred on the story of a teenager who saved a life while holidaying in Thailand," continued Ms Allen.

For more information or to view Kate's video go to sls.com.au/Telstra

Interview with Kate Bell

Question: What originally inspired you to begin Surf Life Saving?

Kate Bell: I started Surf Lifesaving when I was seven years old as a nipper. My Mum had been involved in lifesaving throughout her youth, so she thought it would be a great idea to get my brother, sister and I involved. She loved the community service and volunteering aspect as well as the active lifestyle that Surf Life Saving promotes.


Question: What do you enjoy most about Surf Life Saving?

Kate Bell: I love being around the club and spending time with our members. The members of the club become like a family, we all look out for each other, inspire each other to achieve our goals and above all have a lot of fun doing it. It's a pretty amazing culture to be a part of. Beyond our club I've met and collaborated with some really inspirational people through the leadership programs offered by Surf Life Saving Australia and Life Saving Victoria, which has been life changing for me.


Question: Can you tell us about your title of the President of Mentone Surf Life Saving Club and what this role involves?

Kate Bell: My main role as President is to chair the Committee of Mentone LSC and oversee the running of the club. This can involve making financial decisions, strategic decisions, people management, leadership and generally ensuring the club is heading in the direction the current Committee is striving towards. One of the biggest parts of my role is making sure we are working as a team; we are all volunteers, so helping each other out to achieve the club's goals is critical to the future success of our team.


Question: What's it like being the youngest and first female President of Mentone Surf Life Saving Club?

Kate Bell: To be honest I don't think about it too much. I have an amazing team around me who I know support me in my role and the direction the club is heading in. I also have some great mentors and role models who have pushed me to develop myself further. The best thing for our club about being young and female is it demonstrates to our members (both male and female) that the club is striving to be successful for the next generation and beyond. To have someone young in a club president role in lifesaving is not that common, so it really shows that our club is ready to give responsibility to our youth and engage with them as they will be the future.


Question: How many hours a week does this role entail and how do you fit that in alongside your work?

Kate Bell: It varies week to week – so it would be hard to put an actual figure on it. There are definitely times when it becomes difficult juggling my career, lifesaving and my life in general! I have been really lucky that my employers over the years have been supportive of me and my lifesaving -career' and have allowed me the time I need to fit both in. It all comes down to prioritizing things and having a great support network. When things get a little too much (which they can when juggling multiple roles in life) it's great to know there are people that are more than willing to put their hand up to help out – and I do the same in return for them.

Question: Can you describe your typical day as the President of Mentone Surf Life Saving Club?

Kate Bell: This varies – and all depends on what's going on down at the club. One of my main roles is to chair our management committee. Summer is our busiest period where you'll often find me on patrol (I am also a Patrol Captain), helping out with a BBQ for a fundraiser, or with other tasks around the club. On a daily basis you will usually find me on my emails, responding to numerous member enquiries or liaising with SLSA or LSV. I will often have a few things on the go such as working with our members on an initiative we want to complete etc. On the -rare' occasion you'll find me -relaxing' on our beautiful beach.


Question: How important is community support for Surf Life Saving?

Kate Bell: Community support is critical to the success of lifesaving clubs. Without community support we would not be able to exist and it comes in many different forms, for example, donations, assistance in gaining particular item we might need (e.g. a new notice board) and above all the general support we get from the community when they acknowledge our volunteers (this is critical for morale of members and is one of the driving forces behind why we keep volunteering). The gratification we get from the community can really make your day – it's an amazing feeling to know you've helped someone find their lost child, treated them for first aid or even just had a chat with them on the beach!


Question: What are the top five tips you'd like to give everyone heading to the beach?

Kate Bell: Always swim between the flags
Never swim alone!
Listen to the lifesavers – they're experts on the conditions.
Slip, slop, slap…so you don't get burnt!
And most of all – HAVE FUN!


Question: Can you talk about the challenges you've over come in Surf Life Saving?

Kate Bell: Probably one of the biggest challenges I have had to overcome is finding a balance between all the things I do in my life. It can get really hectic at times, so prioritizing tasks becomes critical to keeping everything going.

Question: How did it feel to be profiled as part of Telstra's mini documentary series?

Kate Bell: It was an absolute honour to be asked to be involved in the series. I was completely out of my comfort zone doing the filming – I had never done anything like it before. I'm really happy with the video and it was really nice to have some of our younger members who I have spent a lot of time with over the years and watched them grow up be a part of it as well. Telstra have been wonderful supporters of Surf Life Saving for many years – so it was a great opportunity for me to work closely with them on the video and profile the work our volunteers do. The video is one of three in Telstra's mini-documentary series and can be viewed online at http://sls.com.au/Telstra.


Question: What advice do you have for young nippers who want to continue to climb the Surf Life Saving Club ranks?

Kate Bell: I was a quiet achiever at our club through my youth – many of our members who have known me since I was 7 can't believe the transformation I have made during my lifesaving career. From being the -quiet' sibling out of the 3 of us – never wanting to create too much noise, to the young woman who is now the club president and loves getting up in front of an audience to present!

These are some of the key things that have helped me with my journey:
Take every opportunity you can in lifesaving – the movement offers some wonderful opportunities to develop and grow. Not only the formal leadership programs offered at state and national level, but also informally at club level. If there's something you want to get involved with – put your hand up and do it!
Networking – don't be afraid to mingle! There are some very talented and inspiring people involved in Surf Life Saving, get to know them and work with them to help achieve your goals.
If you want to be a part of your club committee let people know and put yourself forward for a position. Most clubs will welcome new members to their committee and will be happy to have youth and new ideas coming through.
If you don't succeed the first time, don't give up! It can get really tough at times, but if you've set yourself a goal and it's something you are really passionate about, keep striving towards it. You might need to reset and approach it from a different angle, but you will get there. It may just take a bit of patience, courage and whole lot of willpower and determination, but I promise you, the journey will be worth it!


Interview by Brooke Hunter