The QA Surf Lifesavers were presented with their official awards during assembly this week. The newly qualified group has already commenced voluntary patrols for the season, keeping the public safe on our Gold Coast beaches. We once again thank Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving for their continued support and ongoing partnership with QAHS in delivering this experience for students. Among the many benefits to the program, QAHS students utilise this as a CAS experience and opportunity to engage with the community. Over 85% of our QA Lifesavers have had no prior Surf Life Saving experience before joining the group. Water and land-based qualifications are available.
Congratulations to the following students who achieved either a Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue Certificate, Observer's and Radio Operation Certificate. In the pictures below, we also have some of our experienced participants who volunteered as Water Safety Officers to support our new members.
We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Bonnie Hancock on campus to present the awards to students. Bonnie is an accomplished athlete, writer, producer, and advocate for mental health. She spent seven years competing in the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series, establishing herself as one of Australia's leading surf lifesavers before transitioning to endurance challenges. Most notably, she became the fastest person to paddle around Australia, completing the 12,700 km journey in 254 days. She holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest paddle around Australia and the most KMs covered in 24 hrs by any human. Bonnie's journey wasn't just a physical challenge; it was also a mental and emotional one. She used the expedition to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives through Gotcha4Life, promoting the concept of "mental fitness." Her experiences highlight key values such as resilience, adaptability, and the importance of teamwork, which she now shares as a keynote speaker at various events, including a TED talk in Paris in late 2023 .
In 2024, she published her memoir "The Girl Who Touched The Stars", which details the physical and mental demands of her circumnavigation, alongside producing the documentary "Diamond Of The Sea, which premiered at the Gold Coast Film Festival. Both projects showcase her advocacy for mental fitness, using her platform to raise awareness and funds for Gotcha4Life, a mental health charity. Her work as a public speaker, focusing on resilience and mental strength, further highlights her dedication to promoting mental well-being . The book is now available in our QAHS library.
Bonnie was a special guest speaker as part of QAHS Thrive sessions earlier this year, where she shared insights from her journey around Australia. Additionally, she attended the Academy Awards last week, where she had the opportunity to watch QAHS students grace the stage, reflecting her continued involvement and support for the Academy community .
We look forward to you continuing to volunteer and keep the community safe on Gold Coast beaches this upcoming season.
Dion Obst and Carolyn Hudson
Surf Lifesaving Coordinators