Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 26: Sandra Fox, President, Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club.

Tamarama: small club, big heart, taking the lead on many issues

Sandra is currently President of Tamarama SLSC, the first woman to be in this role. She has been at Tamarama SLSC just over 20 years and has served in many roles in the surf club and seen many changes over that time both at a Club level and within surf life saving. Sandra works for CSIRO in business development in the environment and climate area.

Tamarama is a small and often challenging beach in between Bondi and Bronte. Much of the work the surf life savers do is preventative and involves speaking to people before they go into the surf.

In this podcast we discuss Sandra’s entry into the club, various roles she has held for over 20 years, and now her role as President.

Sandra talks through the redevelopment of the Tama club house – how it took longer than expected.

Sandra takes the time to share how clubs have the power to champion certain causes and issues, and how although Tama is a small club, they have a big heart, and choose to lead the way on a number of issues.

What do members really value? Social activities, competitions, and the many volunteer roles available at any club.

https://www.tamaramaslsc.org/

What does it take to be a great Club President?

In this episode, Glen talks with President of Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club, Susie Peterson.

Susie talks about her love of surf life saving, how she has held various roles in the club, and came into the role of President ‘by accident’ on her retirement, and how she loves the role.

Susie reflects on what makes a great President, from having a vision for the club, understanding the diversity of members, appreciating that people are volunteers, and how and when to get involved in the numerous issues that crop up all the time at every club.

If you live in or near Clovelly and are thinking of joining, you can contact the club via their website:

https://www.clovellysurfclub.com.au/

Bondi Surf Life Saver Lauren Tischendorf first woman to swim solo around Lord Howe Island!

Lauren recently became the first woman to swim a solo, single session, 32km swim around Lord Howe Island where she faced sharks, strong currents, 25 knot winds and 2.5m swell. Lauren is an Athlete for The Minerva Network, a group that supports female athletes, and a member of various global swimming clubs and associations. Lauren grew up in South Africa, came to Australian in 1999, joined Bondi Bathers Surf Life Saving Club in 2024.

In this interview, we discuss:
1.What was it like growing up in South Africa?
2.Why swim around Lord Howe island?
3.How do you prepare? What are the mental and physical challenges?
4.You’ve made a film about the swim; tell us more!
5.What is the Minerva Network?
6.Who is your patrol named after? McDonald?
7.What do you think of shark nets?

If you want to contact Lauren about her film, here are the contact details:

Email: nextepicadventure01@gmail.com
Website: https://laurentischendorf.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextepicadventure_lt21/profilecard/?igsh=MWltaTFuanJ3a2Nraw==


Thank you for listening to this episode. thank you to our long term supporters City Ford Sydney; we appreciate your support of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge – this enables our club to raise money for the life saving service we provide the community; if you want to get involved, wether for our Nippers program if you have young kids, or you want to become a volunteer surf life saver, you can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

Over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.