The Coastal Ambassadors Program was developed for members of Northern Beaches Surf Clubs by Pittwater Council's Coastal Environment Centre (CEC), in partnership with Surf Lifesaving Northern Beaches (SLSNB) in 2005.

The program aims to equip members of some of the largest volunteer groups on our coast to:

• Understand their working environment
• Promote environmental understanding and care for our coast within diverse membership sectors
• Showcase sustainability initiatives within their facilities
• As Coastal Ambassadors, share the conservation message with the wider beach going public.

Volunteers who sign up for the project enjoy a blend of workshop sessions combined with hands-on field trip visits to rock platforms and sandy beaches. They receive free of charge, training by marine scientists and CEC staff in:

• Sandy beach ecology
• Animals of the drift line
• Human impacts on coastal systems
• Beach formation and coastal processes
• Animals and plants of the intertidal rocky shore
• Sensitive habitats including rock platforms and sand dunes
• Marine vegetation including beach plants and marine algae
• Potential impacts of global warming
• Communication skills

In return, graduates share their knowledge and promote responsible enjoyment of our coastal environment with fellow other members of their club or group.  They have the option to create beneficial links to community networks and actively look for ways to use their skills, either through on ground initiatives or raising awareness within their club or group.

Participating Clubs

To date courses have run from 2005 to 2010 with participation from all 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs in the region, Surfrider Foundation, EcoDivers and community volunteers. Bilgola, Newport, Mona Vale, Long Reef and North Steyne SurfClubs and Surfrider Foundation have had the most active memberships. 

2011 Coastal Ambassador Program

Enrolments

To secure a place in the 2011 Coastal Ambassadors Program download Expression of Interest Form. For more information please call:

• The Coastal Environment Centre on 99701675 or
• Cathy Hemery on 99701314

Achievements to Date

Initiatives developed by Coastal Ambassadors to date have included:
 

• successful applications for community water grants,
• environmental audits of club premises,
• bush regeneration adjacent to facilities,
• installation of solar panels,
• waste recycling procedures,
• training programs for youth development leaders,
• environmental programs for Nippers and families,
• outdoor environmental displays,
• water tank installation,
• development of Surf Club Action Plans and;
• talks and written information contributed to surf news club letters.

In December 2006, the Coastal Ambassadors Program was awarded a high commendation by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Senator Ian Campbell in the Australia-wide Coastal Custodians Award.
Several of the clubs who have joined Coastal Ambassadors have been finalists or highly commended in the Keep Australia Beautiful "Clean Beach Challenge".
North Steyne Surf Club, which piloted many environmental initiatives was voted Australian Surf Club of the Year for 2007.
In 2008, Coastal Ambassadors secured a three year Environmental Trust Grant to further equip participating clubs and groups with resources and expand the program.

Meet and contact Coastal Ambassadors in your area.

Thanks to our Supporters and Program Partners

The Coastal Ambassadors Program has been made possible through the generous support of Pittwater Council and the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust Program.