Barbara Morgan OAM

It worked, and while Barbara's confidence grew so did her love for the sport. She took on leading roles for many lifesaving committees and quickly gained recognition within the Royal Life Saving Society and the Surf Life Saving Association of Victoria.

In 1987, Barbara became one of the first female members of the South Melbourne Life Saving Club to gain her Surf Bronze, an achievement which encouraged many other women to take up the challenge. She now holds numerous qualifications in lifesaving and the wider aquatics industry.

Barbara has dedicated a great deal of personal time to lifesaving, volunteering as a patrolling member, instructor, examiner, official, coach, committee member and mentor to young lifesavers. Her commitment has helped advance lifesaving around Australia, and she has been presented with countless awards in recognition of her contribution.

During the past decade she has taken her expertise to the pools and beaches of Vietnam, Taipei, Singapore and Hong Kong, where she has helped establish lifesaving training programs.

As the leading female referee within the International Lifesaving Federation, her international influence also extends to officiating. In fact, it is only since Barbara blazed in as the first female chief referee at the World Lifesaving Championships that women are starting to be considered for these roles at high profile events.

Thanks to Barbara's passion and leadership, girls and women around the world have been inspired to get involved in lifesaving and to take on roles traditionally not held by women.