Life Saving Victoria appoints new Chief Executive

Catherine Greaves has been named as the new Chief Executive of Life Saving Victoria (LSV), replacing current postholder Dr Nigel Taylor who is set to retire after almost two decades in the role and another decade serving at the helm of Surf Life Saving Victoria, before LSV was formed in 2002.

Becoming only LSV’s second Chief Executive, Greaves joins Victoria’s peak water safety and lifesaving authority with more than 20 years’ experience in the community, health, education and emergency management sectors.

LSV President Paul James said Greaves (pictured) would replace Dr Taylor from 1st June, going on to stated “we’re excited to announce Catherine Greaves is the new CEO of Life Saving Victoria.

“With an extensive background in behavioural science, law and governance, Catherine has successfully led reform and improvement initiatives across a range of sectors including local and state government - skills we’re very much looking forward to utilising in lifesaving.

“This includes her work as the interim CEO of the Country Fire Authority last year, where she led their transition through the Victorian Fire Services Reform.

“I want to take this opportunity to welcome Catherine to our organisation and thank our incumbent CEO Nigel Taylor for his significant contribution to the Victorian lifesaving movement.

“The water safety landscape has changed considerably during his time serving as our CEO, with the merging of Royal and Surf lifesaving in Victoria to form Life Saving Victoria almost 20 years ago, the addition of lifesaving to the emergency services sector, the inclusion of swimming and water safety as a compulsory part of primary education, and countless other influential developments that have seen a significant rise in water literacy across Victoria.

“Nigel has been an instrumental asset to Life Saving Victoria, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Greaves is set to continue this legacy in lifesaving through her strong commitment to community and volunteers, and says an emphasis on values-driven and people-focused leadership is crucial to shaping culture and achieving organisational outcomes.

Looking forward to her new role, Greaves commented “I’m acutely aware that I’ll be stepping into the role following one of the most tragic drowning tolls in Victoria since record keeping began, and plan to use my skills and experience gained across the health, education and emergency management sectors to work with staff, volunteers and communities to reverse this unacceptable trend.

“This includes further reinforcing Life Saving Victoria’s strong foundations and iconic brand by securing sustainable funding solutions, promoting the value of volunteerism, and cementing our position as the trusted go-to authority when it comes to water safety education, research and innovation.

“This will help to further the important work already underway at Life Saving Victoria, including the renewal of public pools, swimming and water safety programs in regional centres, and enhancing the value we contribute to local emergency response plans through our strong network of volunteers, lifesaving clubs, partners and aquatic facilities in our role as a recognised agency of Emergency Management Victoria.

“This really is just the tip of the iceberg, which is one of the things I’m most looking forward to about starting in the new role - the sheer variety of the organisation and being able to use my experience and skillset to keep people safe around water.

“The end goal is of course to see the entire Victorian population learn swimming and water safety skills, and I’m absolutely committed to continue Life Saving Victoria’s trajectory of one day making this a reality.”