Small surf club sends big message about belonging at the beach

BRUNSWICK Surf Life Saving Club proudly flew the flag for diversity and inclusion on Sunday as part of the national Rainbow Beaches initiative – literally.

Club members erected the Progress Flag on the beach to signal that Brunswick SLSC is a safe and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds. An updated version of the Pride Flag, the Progress Flag represents LGBTQIA+ pride, diversity and social movements, incorporating black and brown stripes to acknowledge First Nations people, along with white, pink and blue to represent the transgender community.

The message of inclusion was also embraced by the club’s youngest members, with nippers having their faces painted in rainbow colours to celebrate fun, belonging and acceptance.

“I had some nippers parents come up to me and say they are in same-sex relationships and it’s heartening to see these things discussed so openly and in a respectful manner,” Brunswick SLSC patrol captain Simon Ceglinski said.

Ceglinski, who began as a nipper at the club at just six years old, said Brunswick SLSC’s small size – with only 45 patrolling members – places it at risk of being unable to fully service the local community.

He said it was vital that potential patrol members knew they would be safe and welcomed at the club.

Ceglinski and his husband, Chris Ashton – also a member of Brunswick SLSC – were among the first couples in the Northern Rivers region to marry in 2018 following the plebiscite to legalise same-sex marriage. The pair also march with Lifesavers with Pride in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The organisation works within the Australian surf lifesaving movement to strengthen community harmony, help clubs better reflect the diversity of their local areas and support surf clubs to attract and retain a broader range of members. It also provides resources, training and events to build understanding and connection, helping to create safe and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ members. More than 150 clubs are participating in this year’s Rainbow Beaches celebrations, including Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club and Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club.