Outdoor Leadership

Surf Life Saving Australia is Australia’s peak coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority. With over 190,000 members and 314 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, Surf Life Saving Australia represents the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. Surf Life Saving is a unique not-for-profit community cause that exists through community donations, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and government grants. Since Surf Life Saving was established in 1907, over 715,000 people have been rescued by their surf lifesavers.

Royal Life Saving works to prevent drowning and facilitate healthy, active lifestyles by equipping all Australians with water safety skills.

Life Saving Victoria was formed in 2002 through the merger of Surf Life Saving Victoria and the Royal Life Saving Society Australia Victoria Branch. This formation of Life Saving Victoria created a single peak agency in the State for water safety that is recognised by the Victorian Government. We forge new lifesaving and water safety initiatives while respecting the proud traditions and programs of the Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving National organisations.

The Victorian Canoe Association Inc., (Paddle Victoria) formed in 1930 and was incorporated in 1984. It is the State body responsible for the management, co-ordination, development and promotion of paddling in Victoria. It represents the interests of its members, the public and the national body (Paddle Australia).
Paddle Victoria is committed to the provision of the highest standard of competition, safety, coaching, instruction, education and the creation of opportunities for participation.

Paddle Australia is the national governing body responsible for the management, co-ordination, development and promotion of paddling in Australia. These responsibilities include the delivery of the canoe slalom, canoe sprint and paracanoe Olympic and Paralympic programs, the delivery of non-Olympic competitive disciplines (canoe freestyle, canoe marathon, canoe ocean racing, canoe polo, stand up paddling and wildwater canoeing) as well as the promotion and delivery of paddling safety, education, training and recreation

Bushwalking Victoria welcomes all walkers, outdoor adventurers and nature lovers to their bushwalking community.
As Victoria’s peak body for bushwalking, they represent all bushwalkers and bushwalking clubs in the state. Now an incorporated organisation, their roots go back to 1934 when the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs was established. In 2006, a major restructure modernised the organisation and they adopted their current name to better reflect their key area of interest. They work to unite members of Victoria’s diverse walking community – bushwalking club members, people from organisations with similar interests and individuals.

Bushwalking Australia is the National body representing the interests of bushwalkers and other recreational walkers. There are many issues affecting bushwalkers which extend beyond the boundaries of any one State or that require some level of national coordination or support. Bushwalking Australia Inc. was formed in 2003 after many years of negotiation between the Walking Federations established in each State. They work to ensure Australia is an enjoyable, pleasant and safe place to walk for everyone.