These newsletters aim to share updates, learnings, and guidance about our current (and future!) service deliveries. If you wish to subscribe, please email uav@surflifesaving.com.au
LDOP Drone Training Course offered to Surf Clubs
AUAVS, in partnership with SheMaps, offered Surf Life Saving Clubs a subsidised opportunity to participate in our Lifesaver Drone Outreach Program sessions. In line with the conditions of the WISE grant, the program is designed to promote inclusivity and encourage greater female participation in the aviation, science and technology industries. The course was offered to either Nipper (U11-U14) or Junior Lifesaver (14-16) groups.
The LDOP sessions actively involve children in an educational and interactive experience. Our UAV Educators present the sessions including an overview of the role of SLS and UAVs, pathways for a career in the industry and practical hands-on experience for youth and students with drone flight and simple coding exercises.
Our aim is to inspire the next generation of Surf Lifesavers and students, encourage greater female engagement and foster a sense of drone safety and awareness.
We look forward to continuing to deliver more LDOP training sessions to the community. If your organisation, school, or club may be interested, please email uav@surflifesaving.com.au
Appreciation for Gabriel & AJ’s Dedication to Equipment Maintenance
We’d like to recognise Gabriel Roxburgh from Evans Head and Andrew Jones (AJ) from Capehawke, who work as UAV Pilots and LEOs, for their outstanding commitment to equipment maintenance.
Gabriel and AJ recently took the initiative to conduct thorough end-of-season cleanups of all the gear and working areas at their respective locations. Their proactive approach included a full wash-down of the equipment, air dusting, wiping down surfaces and cupboards, cleaning motors, and removing propellers for inspection. They also took the time to organise and pack up each kit neatly, contributing to efficient and organised workspaces for their entire teams.
Thank you, Gabriel, AJ, and all our outstanding LEOs, for your dedication to keeping our equipment in prime condition and for setting a great example for the whole team across the state!
We encourage other LEOs to follow Gabriel and AJ’s lead and send in their images of equipment maintenance, contributing to a culture of excellence and teamwork within our operations.
Youth Program
Paul Hardy and Cooper Levit recently hosted an engaging youth program at Belrose HQ, inviting a group of over 30 SLSMNC members. The purpose of the visit was to highlight some of the different pathways
available to these young members within Surf Life Saving.
The group was firstly shown the State Operations Centre (SOC) for a tour and overview of the SOC’s role and emergency resources. Next, they went to the Training Room for a session with the AUAVS Team. Paul Hardy showcased drone capabilities with a live-stream from Josh at Tacking Point Beach and discussed fleet functions and upcoming developments. Finally, they visited the Sahara for a session with Cooper Levitt and Paul, for a flight demonstration of the M30. Through this initiative, Paul and Cooper aimed to inspire the next generation of Surf Life Savers.
