2024/2025 Committee
CHAIR: Jake Little (he/him) - North Bondi
I joined surf lifesaving as a nipper in the Under 6’s at Cronulla Surf Club, and 27 years later, I am still actively involved in surf lifesaving. Now, I am a member at North Bondi. I have been part of LWP since 2016 and have been on the LWP committee for the past 6 years.
As the Chair of Lifesavers with Pride, I am committed to leading and representing the diverse membership of both LWP and SLSA. I am excited to broaden our impact with local surf clubs across Australia, to increase our visibility on the beach, and to promote lifesaving as welcoming, progressive and inclusive. The ocean doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we.
When I am not on the beach, I work as an educational consultant and advisor to the NSW government. I have a PhD in education and can talk all day about all things mathematics!
SECRETARY: Nabil Alizai (he/him) - Palm Beach
I’m a member of Palm Beach Surf Club (NSW), but am still relatively new having only joined Surf Lifesaving a few years ago. I grew up in the UK, and have called Australia home since 2017. During that time, I’ve loved my time at the beach and have learned so much about the ocean – the good and the bad. For me, Surf Lifesaving has been as much about giving back as it has about finding a community of like-minded people in a new country.
As part of the Lifesavers with Pride committee, I hope to continue to grow the amazing diversity and engagement that this community has become known for, throughout the year and across the country.
Beyond Lifesaving, I work at Qantas in the head office – I’m all about iconic Aussie brands!
TREASURER: Matthew Werner (he/him) - Tamarama
I’ve had an amazing time participating in LWP events over the past 2 years and wanted to get more involved with the Committee to help continue building a safe, inclusive and accepting culture at Surf Life Saving Australia.
As a committee member, I’d like to expand our reach with local surf clubs, increase membership and support an active calendar of events across Australia throughout the year.
As a corporate innovation and entrepreneurship specialist, I help teams embrace change and transform into organisations of the future. I hope to bring these skills to the LWP committee.
I’ve been a Surf Life Saver at Bondi for 4 years. I joined Surf Life Saving because I wanted to take my love of the ocean to the next level and get involved in community service.
I’ve had an amazing time participating in LWP events over the past 2 years and wanted to get more involved with the Committee to help continue building a safe, inclusive and accepting culture at Surf Life Saving Australia.
As a committee member, I’d like to expand our reach with local surf clubs, increase membership and support an active calendar of events across Australia throughout the year.
As a corporate innovation and entrepreneurship specialist, I help teams embrace change and transform into organisations of the future. I hope to bring these skills to the LWP committee.
OPERATIONAL STRATEGY: Ryan Buaron (he/they) - North Wollongong
Ryan’s career is entrenched in marketing and advertising, with a knack for creating and leading strategies that connect brands with their audiences in meaningful ways. He's spent years shaping digital marketing campaigns across Asia-Pacific and EU, crafting compelling content, and leading global teams to deliver results that truly make a difference. Ryan loves finding creative solutions and bringing people together to achieve great things.
Currently on a work sabbatical, Ryan is focused on giving back to the community and protecting the environment. He's been involved in various volunteer projects, from helping to save endangered marine life through Save the Philippine Seas to supporting animal welfare during the bushfires in Australia. He’s also an active member of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting inclusivity.
Ryan is a proud patrol member and First Aid Officer at North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club, where he helps keep the beaches safe and enjoys the camaraderie of his fellow lifesavers. He's also a dedicated jiujitsu athlete, and a member of the global LGBTQIA+ grappling group, Triangles Everywhere, where he loves the challenge, discipline, and sense of community that comes with the sport.
