Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club elects its first female surf club president

Sunshine Coast’s Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club has elected Victoria Berry as its first female surf club president, taking on the role from Rob Elford, who stepped down after five years of leadership.

The announcement was made following Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club’s 109th annual general meeting last month with Berry’s election marking a significant milestone for both the club and the broader surf lifesaving community on the Coast.

She has a long history of service to the club and has been instrumental in shaping its success and future direction.

Maroochydore SLSC shared “a member since 1989, Victoria has done it all - from patrolling the beach to holding key leadership roles like Director of Lifesaving and Deputy President. Her passion, experience, and vision make her the perfect person to guide us into the future.”

As the first female president of the club, Berry is poised to bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a strong vision for the future of Maroochydore.

Her appointment is a significant step towards greater inclusivity and gender equality within the sport and the broader lifesaving community.

Berry told Sunshine Coast News “I am both humbled and honoured to have been elected as the first female president of this incredible club.

“Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club has played an important role in my life and I am excited to continue serving our members, volunteers and the local community.

“I look forward to building on the club’s legacy, ensuring its continued success, and helping to nurture the next generation of lifesavers.”

Berry’s leadership will be focused on enhancing the club’s programs, improving member engagement and further strengthening the club’s role as a key pillar of the Coast’s lifesaving efforts.

Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club 2025–26 Board of Management:

• Deputy President: Danny Short

• Director of Admin & Membership: Terese Starr - Thomas

• Director of Finance & Resources: Nathan Lee

• Director of Lifesaving: Andrew Youngman

• Director of Marketing: Darren Kerr

• Director of Surf Sports: Ben Ray

• Director of Junior Activities: Earl Hicks