VENUS Bay Surf Life Saving Club has cemented its reputation as a leader in lifesaving innovation, taking home multiple prestigious awards and now heading to the national stage.
In August, the club was honoured with the Dr Nigel Taylor ESM Innovation Award at the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence for its groundbreaking work in developing new communication technology to support lifesaving operations.
Last Wednesday, Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) and Life Saving Victoria were also recognised by the Australian Radio Communications Industry Association (ARCIA), receiving the Outstanding Critical Communications Project Award at the ARCIA Industry Gala Dinner, held in conjunction with the Comms Connect Critical Comms Conference at the Sofitel Melbourne.
The award recognises a critical communications project that has delivered outstanding results in project delivery and client outcomes – in this case, Venus Bay’s Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) project, which integrates advanced communication technology to enhance emergency response capability and safety on the coast.
The club extended its thanks to Chris Stevens from CartGIS and his team for their ongoing support in developing the technology that has significantly enhanced patrol communication, coordination and safety outcomes.
Following these achievements, Venus Bay SLSC will now represent Victoria at the Surf Life Saving Australia National Awards of Excellence in Sydney on November 1, where it is a finalist for the National Innovation Award.
Club president Kimberley Gee said the recognition reflects the creativity and dedication of Venus Bay’s volunteer members.
“We’re proud to see a small regional club making a big impact through innovation,” she said.
“Our partnerships with Life Saving Victoria and CartGIS have allowed us to find smarter, more efficient ways to keep the community safe, and these awards are recognition of that commitment.”
As the patrol season approaches, Venus Bay SLSC memberships for 2025/26 are now open.
The club welcomes new and returning members of all ages to join a passionate and community-minded team dedicated to saving lives and promoting beach safety.
Memberships can be accessed via the club’s website venusbayslsc.org.au.