COMMITTEE MEMBERS and PDs

Our Executive Team

Ben Lockwood

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?
I joined the life saving club in 2016

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?
I began as a nipper parent and eventually became a Committee member in various roles, junior sports coordinator, then GM Membership Development, followed by GM Sport and now in the role of President.

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?
A re-energised club with a new home and fantastic growth in membership and participation. Lots of fun and enjoyment.

Marianne Kirk

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?
We joined in 2009 so that our son could participate in Nippers.

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?
I’ve held a range of roles at Mentone Life Saving Club, including Starfish Program Manager and Coach, Surf Boat Manager, Assistant Secretary, and Secretary. Since the introduction of surf boat patrols, I’ve served as Vice Patrol Captain, and now lead one of our teams as Patrol Captain, helping guide and support our volunteer lifesaving efforts on the beach.

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?
Looking forward to another season of patrolling—getting out on the water, whether swimming or rowing—and enjoying time with old and new friends, all while contributing to a safe and welcoming beach environment.

Matt Atkinson

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?
I joined Mentone LSC in 2021. I have been involved in lifesaving since I was 5 and wanted to find a club on the bay where I could get involved. We live locally and seeing Mentone LSC's great community, it was a no brainer to join and become involved.

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?
Prior to my role as Treasurer I was the Assistant Treasurer.

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?
Getting down to the club more over summer and introducing my two young boys to the lifesaving community.

Shad Wall

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?
Our family joined in 2011, as we enjoy the water and wanted to nurture that relationship with our boys.

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?
I answered a club call out for people to assist "our coaches", to be told your group doesn't have a coach, "you're it". Coached that group for seven years, general & executive committee positions, youth manager, patrol captain, IRB coach and for the last four to five years, U6 coach.

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?
A good respectful community that look's out for one another, safe beach and development of our young people.

Susan Williams

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?

Simone Corin headshot

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?
I joined the club in 2012 when my son came down to Nippers as a six year old. We wanted to make the most of our beautiful Mentone beach, get fit and connect with people after moving to the suburb.

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?
I’ve been patrolling since 2016 and started competing in surf boat carnivals in 2017. I have been Vice patrol captain since the inception of boaties patrols.
I’m looking forward to contributing to the club through the Executive Committee.

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?
I’m looking forward to connecting with friends, patrolling and hopefully getting back out in the boats.

Brian Kirk

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?

Michelle Furniss

When and why did you join Mentone LSC?
We joined in 2021 when we moved to Mentone. The club was being rebuilt at the time and the facilities were a makeshift portable at the top of the hill. I grew up without knowledge of rips or how to be safe around the ocean, and I wanted my kids to have that. What we got was a lot more than safety skills - the club is a community that has become part of our family.

What roles have you had over your time at the Club?
I have been an Age Group Manager and an LSV Official, and I hold my Bronze Medallion. Away from the beach I have spent 25 years in the fitness industry, the last 13 running sport and fitness technology businesses. What I hope to bring to the role is governance and strategic planning across our sport programs, so there are clear growth and development pathways for our members.

What are you looking forward to this season at Mentone LSC?
Watching kids who started out nervous in the shallows learn something new and enjoy themselves doing it. Only a small handful will ever be carnival kids, and that is fine. We have a strong group of coaches and volunteers, and my job is to make it easier for them to do what they already do well. I would like every kid at this club to be able to see the next step in front of them, whether that is a carnival, a coaching role, a patrol or simply staying part of the club as they get older. The move from Nippers into our youth and senior programs is where I think we can do the most good.

General Committee

Click the committee member's name to email them directly

Administration Manager - vacant
​Assistant Secretary - vacant
Assistant Treasurer - Kate Wieringa
Building Manager - Bruce Longden
Training Manager - Simeone Appleby
Community Manager - Susan Williams

Food & Beverage Manager - vacant
Junior Program Manager - vacant
Junior Sports Manager - vacant
​Marketing Manager - Joanne Hawkins
​Member Protection Officer - vacant
Merchandise Manager - vacant

Club Patrol Captain - Annabelle Harpley
Club Patrol Captain - Heath Cananzi
Senior Sports Manager - vacant
Sponsorship Manager - Grant Leibbrandt
Surfboat Manager - Mark Parsons
Youth Program Manager - vacant