Message from Jason Wyatt - Member Representative - Club Redevelopment

Dear Members,

I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to represent you during this pivotal phase

in the history of our club. Your trust and confidence in me mean a great deal, and I am

committed to ensuring that your voices are heard as we move forward with the

redevelopment project.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge that the communication and engagement

regarding the project have fallen short of expectations. It is clear that we need to do better,

and I assure you that we are committed to improving in this area. Moving forward, we will

strive to listen, adapt, and collaborate more effectively with all members of our club and the

broader community.

As we continue to refine our vision for the redevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming and

Lifesaving Club, it is essential that we unite around our shared goals and priorities.

Based on feedback from the recently conducted Club survey, clear priorities have emerged:

● 58% of members disagreed with the concept plans, feeling they do not align with the

Club's Strategic Plan 2019-2024

● 56% of members have identified the pool as their number one priority

● 90% of members agree that the Club Pool is an important part of our facilities

● 87% of members agree that the Club Pool is crucial in delivering our core

responsibilities

● 77% of members agree that the removal of the Club Pool would impact their future

decisions regarding membership

● 89% of members agree that the current front fence and Members Lawn space are

vital for the Club's security and member amenity

Considering these priorities and those required by Life Saving Victoria and/or law, my

collective goal is to build:a loved and thriving swimming and lifesaving club, that is:

● aligned with the needs of our members and the community and

● can serve as a thread that brings us together during this complex and demanding

phase of the project.

After discussing the project with numerous members, we have identified several pillars we

feel we can rally around together.

Modernisation for Safety, Efficiency and Service Delivery

We envision a newly renovated Club,equipped with state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment and

technology to help us deliver against our responsibilities in the State Emergency

Management Plan. This includes updated storage facilities, a modern patrolling experience,

and specialised training facilities to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency in

lifesaving operations.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:

Our redevelopment plan prioritises accessibility for all members of the community. This

means designing facilities and programs that are inclusive of people of all ages, abilities, and

backgrounds. We will ensure that our club is welcoming to everyone, regardless of their

socioeconomic status, their background or physical limitations.

Community Engagement and Education:

The redeveloped Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club will serve as more than just a

place for lifesaving activities; it will be a hub for community engagement and education. We

will continue to and expand our offer of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting water

safety and healthy lifestyles. From competition training for youth, to first aid training for

adults, our club will be a resource for lifelong learning and skill development with the ultimate

goal of creating better citizens and building a more resilient community.

Sustainable Design and Environmental Stewardship:

Environmental sustainability will be at the core of our redevelopment efforts. We are

committed to minimising our environmental footprint through green building practices,

energy-efficient design, and responsible waste management.

Preserving Heritage and Promoting Culture:

As we modernise the Williamstown Swimming & Lifesaving Club, we will honour its rich

history and heritage. Through thoughtful design elements and interpretive displays, we will

celebrate the club's legacy and the contribution of generations of volunteers. Although they

may not be exactly how they are today, key aspects of fabric of the club will be retained

including a pool, the kiosk, the front lawn section and the hall facade.

To ensure that your voices continue to be heard throughout the Club’s redevelopment, we

have outlined a process to move forward.The first step is to establish a new member

representative working group reflective of all member needs and with a cross section of

skills. So far, we have some wonderful club people who have offered support; including Sam

Cockfield, Iain Dickson and Kane Treloar. All long standing members of the club with

extensive life saving and relevant work and/or community engagement experience. If you

would also like to be involved in the working group or in other ways, please send me an

email at membersrep@williamstownslsc.org.au.

Our next step is to commence a series of member engagement sessions, with the first

session scheduled for this Thursday 29th February 2024 at 6pm at the club. These will

provide us the opportunity to hear your questions, and explain the process going forward.

Finally, based on your feedback the working group will create a new brief outlining member

and club requirements for the redevelopment project. Once we have an agreed brief the

working group will engage with key stakeholders, including the Hobsons Bay Council, to

inform them of our updated requirements.

We recognise that establishing an ongoing and open communication with all members and

stakeholders is important to giving members ownership of this project as we build our Club’s

home for the next 100+ years.

In closing, I want to thank you once again for entrusting me with the responsibility of

representing your views. I am confident that, together, we can create a clear plan that unites

us all, and ensures that this opportunity for our Club reaches its full potential.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at membersrep@williamstownslsc.org.au if you

have any questions or concerns. All feedback is welcome and I look forward to hearing from

you all

Sincerely,

Jason Wyatt

Member Representative - Club Redevelopment

Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club