Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance marked Life Saving Victoria’s annual Pink Patrol on Saturday with its largest event to date, bringing together 60 participants to celebrate the impact of women and girls in shaping the lifesaving movement.
The event highlighted growing opportunities and pathways for female participation in surf lifesaving and, for the first time, extended the celebration to include local emergency services.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, underpinned the program and was explored through a panel discussion featuring leaders from across the sector.
Among the speakers was Cherie Dear, founder and chief executive officer of Dare to Hope, who shared her personal journey of turning grief into action by establishing a national volunteer-led charity supporting pancreatic cancer research and awareness.
Hampton Life Saving Club patrol captain and Central Region lifeguard supervisor Erin Reed spoke about her leadership pathway, including roles as director of junior activities and her involvement in Life Saving Victoria’s youth programs.
Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club captain Holly Foster also shared insights into her experience across operations, training and leadership, as well as her work as an area response officer and beach lifeguard.
The panel discussed the future of volunteerism and outlined their aspirations for 2026, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, generosity and active participation in community service.
A key feature of the day was the Pink Patrol itself, delivered as a collaboration between Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota surf life
saving clubs.
The program concluded with a practical session led by 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Madi Adams, who facilitated an inflatable rescue boat racing demonstration.
The event was supported by the LSV Gippsland Sporting Hub Project, funded through the Victorian Government’s Strengthening Regional Community Sports Program.
