23 October 2026
117th AGM celebrates dedication and service to water safety
Royal Life Saving WA's 117th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 22 October 2026 celebrated the outstanding contributions of members, staff and volunteers who continue to make Western Australia safer around water.
Held at Royal Life Saving WA's Head Office in Mt Claremont, with members also joining online, the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the organisation's achievements over the past year and recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to swimming, water safety and drowning prevention.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Leaversuch presented the 2025/26 Annual Report, highlighting the organisation's ongoing work across Western Australia. Members also received and accepted the Annual Report and Financial Statements, approved the appointment of the recommended auditor and voted on Board appointments.
Members elected Jae Moffat as a new Board Director and re-elected Donna Oxenham and Dr Justine Leavy.
The meeting also acknowledged two outgoing Board Directors, Emily Munro and Aaron Brinkworth, for their valued service and leadership.
Emily, who joined the Board in 2024, brought a strong public health and youth engagement perspective to the organisation. Her contributions included leading improvements to the Director Induction Program and championing evidence-based approaches to drowning prevention, particularly among young adults.
Aaron concluded six years of service, having played an instrumental role in strengthening the organisation's governance, strategic planning and financial oversight. His contributions included the development of the new Constitution in 2024 and supporting important sector collaboration initiatives, including the organisation's work with Swimming WA.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia's Fellow Award to Board Director Lisa Lilleyman, recognising more than 25 years of distinguished service to the Society.
Lisa's involvement began in 1999 as a staff member supporting aquatic education and community programs. She later became a founding member of the WA Honours and Awards Committee in 2015, helping strengthen the Society's recognition programs, including the annual Bravery Awards.
Since joining the Board in 2021, Lisa has played an important role in strategic planning, governance and strengthening relationships across the aquatic sector. Her dedication to reconciliation and improving opportunities for First Nations communities has also made a lasting impact on the organisation.
Lisa was presented with her Fellow Certificate and a framed artwork from the Bidyadanga Arts Centre in recognition of her outstanding service.
The evening also recognised three valued members for their continued dedication to swimming and water safety education.
Leanne Carruthers received the Royal Life Saving WA Service Order for five years of service. As a member of the Endorsed Swim School Committee and Swim School Coordinator at Perth High Performance Centre, Leanne has made an important contribution to mentoring and developing future swimming teachers.
Nicole Durrant was awarded the Royal Life Saving WA Long Service Order for ten years of service. A Community Trainer, Swim Teacher Trainer and Endorsed Swim School Committee member, Nicole has generously shared her expertise to support the development of Swim & Survive training resources and promote quality swimming education.
Nick Wilkinson received the Royal Life Saving WA Long Service Order in recognition of more than 25 years as a Pool Lifeguard. Throughout his extensive career in aquatic facility management and community recreation, Nick has remained committed to frontline aquatic safety and mentoring the next generation of lifeguards.
Royal Life Saving WA also celebrated the significant service milestones of five staff members who have contributed to the organisation's growth and success over many years.
Service pins were presented to Travis Doye for 10 years, Alison Classen for 15 years, Supatmah Roberts for 20 years, and Trent Hotchkin and Kelly Brown for 25 years of service each.
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise Western Australia's outstanding achievements in pool lifesaving.
Following a successful campaign at the 2026 Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships in Perth, where the WA State Team finished second overall with 36 individual medals, four Western Australians were acknowledged for their selection to represent Australia at the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships in South Africa this December.
Harrison Hynes and Jake Smith were selected for the National Open Team, Eleanor Flowers for the National Youth Team and Rebecca Hartman as Open Pool Coach. Each received a contribution from Royal Life Saving WA in support of their journey to the Championships.
The Annual General Meeting was a fitting opportunity to celebrate the dedication, expertise and commitment of those who continue to support Royal Life Saving WA's mission.
Congratulations to all award recipients, and thank you to our members, staff, volunteers and partners for their ongoing contributions to making Western Australia safer around water.
