College inspires Williams to make a difference

Secret Harbour Surf Lifesaver Jess Williams has returned from Surf Lifesaving Australia’s prestigious National Leadership College with a new understanding of her strengths and weaknesses, and renewed love and motivation for the sport.

Following in the footsteps of her parents and brother, Jess started training in surf lifesaving as a nipper at just five years old.

With more than 15 years experience under her belt, the 21-year-old has already achieved more than most within her club, representing the State in several national surf lifesaving competitions, and working as a volunteer rescue swimmer for the Westpac Lifesaving Rescue Helicopter.

Now a casual aircrew member, Williams spends several hours performing routine surveillance along the West Australian coastline as well as responding to Search and Rescue tasks.

Last month she put her leadership skills to the test outside the water, when she attended Surf Lifesaving Australia’s National Leadership College.

“The national leadership college is an incredible opportunity for people between the ages of 20 and 30 to come together from all over the country to learn how to be a better leader,” she said. “I applied initially because I’d heard a little bit about it from another member of my surf life saving club, who had been selected a few years before.”

Jess said the conference taught her that “even the little things you do, matter”.

“I was so grateful that I was a successful applicant,” she said. “I now have a renewed motivation to make a difference first on a small scale and later on a bigger one.

“My parents are my inspiration to be better and to keep doing the things they started so that the young ones coming through the years will know the same joy and excitement I did when I was a nipper.”