Our Story & Committee

Protecting Fingal Beach since 1964

1964
Year Founded
August 23rd
60+
Years of Service
Protecting Fingal Bay
500+
Active Members
And growing
13
Hunter Branch Clubs
Part of a strong network

A Legacy of Community, Safety, and Excellence

Established August 23rd, 1964

Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club (FBSLSC) was born from a shared vision among residents who recognised the growing need for a patrolled beach. With Fingal Bay's population on the rise and an influx of tourists drawn to its pristine coastline, the community rallied to ensure beach safety and surf awareness were prioritised.

After thoughtful debate over whether Fingal Beach or Zenith Beach should be patrolled, Fingal Beach was chosen as the ideal location. Nestled off Marine Drive, Fingal Beach is a protected stretch of coastline, making it a safe and scenic destination for families, swimmers, and surfers alike.

Today, the beach is patrolled by both volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards, ensuring year-round safety for locals and visitors. Fingal Beach SLSC is proudly one of the 13 clubs under the Hunter Branch, affiliated with Surf Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving Australia.

1964

Club Founded

Fingal Beach SLSC established on August 23rd

1980s

Clubhouse Built

Modern facilities established

2000s

Major Growth

Membership expands to 500+ active members

2025

New Strategic Plan

One Club, One Future 2025-2030

Our Core Values

Eight principles that guide everything we do

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Integrity

Demonstrate a commitment to socially responsible community service, upholding the highest standards of ethical behaviour.

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Safety

Provide a safe aquatic environment for the public at Fingal Beach and ensure the wellbeing of our members.

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Education

Promote excellence through development and education programs that foster a safer aquatic environment.

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Respect

Respond to the needs of our community and members with empathy, fairness, and professionalism.

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Unity

Instil a culture of inclusiveness, responsibility, and equity to promote our spirit of 'One Club.'

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Family

Foster a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that encourages participation, enjoyment, and lifelong connections.

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Diversity

Build an inclusive club through structural support, education, and mentoring.

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Environmental Responsibility

Ensure all club decisions are made with an environmental lens, caring for our beaches and oceans.

Our Vision & Mission

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Our Vision

To deliver excellence in everything we do as one united club, continually enhancing our impact and bringing renewed energy and passion to every aspect of Surf Life Saving activity we undertake.

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Our Mission

To strive to continue supporting zero preventable deaths on Fingal Beach and throughout the Fingal Bay area. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment across all areas of our club, empowering our members to grow and become their best selves throughout their Surf Life Saving journey.

Our Strategic Future

2025-2030 Strategic Plan: 'One Club, One Future'

Making it Easier to be a Lifesaver

Streamline training pathways with flexible schedules, subsidised costs, and mentorship programs.

There's a Place for Everyone

Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Increase Competition Presence

Strengthen competitive presence across all Surf Life Saving disciplines.

Fit for Purpose Facilities

Ensure our facilities meet the needs of lifesaving, training, and community engagement.

Our Committee

Meet the leadership team guiding Fingal Beach SLSC

J

Jo Cooper

President

Leads Board, represents Club at SLSNSW State Council

president@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2024-2026

C

Caroline Deane

Director of Administration

Oversees operations, records, and compliance

admin@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2024-2026

A

Adrian Futterleib

Director of Lifesaving

Leads patrol operations, ensures 20+ Patrol Members

lifesaving@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2023-2025

J

James Worrall

Director of Education

Manages training, awards, and proficiencies

education@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2024-2026

A

Andrew Dart

Director of Surf Sports

Promotes competitive surf sports

sports@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2024-2026

N

Nick Angelos

Director of Club Services

Oversees facilities and community outreach

services@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2024-2026

L

Lachlan Gorrie

Director of Finance

Manages financial reporting and budgeting

finance@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2023-2025

M

Maddison Bradley

Director of Junior Activities

Leads Nipper programs and youth engagement

juniors@fingalslsc.org.au

Term: 2023-2025

View Full Board Details & Governance

For detailed information about each Director's constitutional role, strategic priorities, and our governance framework, visit our dedicated Board page.

Visit Board & Governance Page β†’

Our Affiliations

Part of the broader surf lifesaving community

SLSA

Surf Life Saving Australia

National governing body

SLS NSW

Surf Life Saving NSW

State association

Hunter Branch

Hunter Branch

1 of 13 clubs in the region

Port Stephens Council

Port Stephens Council

Local government partnership

Location & Clubhouse

Fingal Beach SLSC

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Address:

Marine Dr, Fingal Bay NSW 2315

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Clubhouse Hours:

Weekends 9am-5pm during patrol season

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Patrol Season:

September to April

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Postal Address:

PO Box 123, Fingal Bay NSW 2315

πŸ›οΈ Facilities

  • β€’ Clubhouse facilities are currently undergoing repairs and may be unavailable
  • β€’ First aid room
  • β€’ Beach access ramp
  • β€’ Parking available nearby
  • β€’ Wheelchair accessible

🚨 Emergency Contacts

  • Beach Emergency: 000 then notify patrol captain
  • SLS NSW State Operations Centre: (02) 9471 8000
  • Fingal Bay Police: (02) 4981 0299

Be Part of Our Story

Join 500+ members in protecting our beach and building community.