Giving Back

 

Dr Tererai Trent says to ask yourself what breaks your heart? Then use that as a compass to find your purpose and where you can give back.

For me there’s no one thing, so I am involved in multiple organisations.

Surf Lifesaving

Becoming a surf lifesaver was one of the best decisions I have made - from skills I’ve developed, lifelong friends made, to the sports it got me involved in. If I hadn’t done this, Paddle the Nile would never have happened.

My lifesaving journey began at North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club in 2007 and was fortunate to get heavily involved in the club from the day I got my bronze - everything from teaching the Bronze Medallion (the qualification to become a surf lifesaver) and Advanced Resuscitation, to beciming Club Vice Captain and joining to the Board to getting my Gold Medalllion and competing in masters.

In 2020 I became a patrolling member at South Maroubra SLSC, while continuing to compete for, and be involved with, North Bondi.

Volleyball

In 2025 I joined the board of Volleyball NSW, specifically to bring my risk expertise to the role. It has been an exciting time to join the organisation as we recently developed a new strategy for the association and have some fantastic goals to work toward that will expand the reach of volleyball, from the grassroots level through to the elites.

Mentoring Women

I am fortunate to be a mentor for several organisations:

  • Minerva Network, which supports more than 1000 of Australia’s most outstanding sportswomen to help them thrive during and beyond their sporting careers

  • Outdoors NSW+ACT, through their Pinnacle Program, aimed at bringing more women into leadership roles in the outdoors industry

  • Success Work, which supports women who have been through the criminal justice system to gain employment.

Mental Health

From May 2019 to September 2022 I was a Board member and organisation Secretary (volunteer) for Mood Active. They’re an amazing organisation that helps people dealing with mild to moderate mental health challenges get back on their feet through exercise. It’s something I’m passionate about, knowing from personal experience the difference exercise makes to my mental health. I deal with depression and exercise is one of the key elements in my toolkit to manage it.