Our honourees were given the opportunity to pick a charity that is meaningful to them, with all proceeds raised from our live auction split equally amongst these 3 charities. So, here is a little bit about each organisation…
OCEAN MIND | CHOSEN BY STEPHANIE GILMORE
Ocean Mind is a Surf Coast local community organisation that provides therapeutic surf programs for young people aged 8-18 years experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation and disabilities. Ocean Mind’s mission is to enrich young people’s mental health, relationships and potential through surfing. We create a supportive environment for young people to realise their potential and build self-efficacy, resilience and confidence. By harnessing the energy of nature, young people build healthy relationships, develop positive lifelong skills, become connected to a broader supportive community and are supported to achieve their goals.
SURFERS FOR CLIMATE | CHOSEN BY YVON CHOUINARD
Surfers for Climate is an Australian-based registered charity dedicated to turning the tide on climate change.
The movement started in October 2019, after surfing co-founders Johnny Abegg and Belinda Baggs attended a climate summit on Heron Island, Queensland. They were moved by what they learnt about climate science, the impacts of climate change and how many viable solutions there are from Australia’s leading scientists and policy experts. Most importantly, though, they were struck by the critical role the oceans play in our climate system.
The discovery left them breathless, like gasping for air after a solid beatdown.
This was the catalyst for Johnny and Belinda to form Surfers for Climate. Inspired by the collective power of surfers in the successful Fight for the Bight campaign in South Australia.
Since forming – Surfers for Climate has continued to grow, with thousands of people from the surfing community across Australia coming together to save our ocean playgrounds.
WOMEN’S SAFETY SERVICES OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA | CHOSEN BY SHAYNE PATTERSON
Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA), formerly the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter, was first established in 1975 as a small independent service called ‘The Women’s Centre’. It was set up by the local Women’s Electoral Lobby, was unfunded and run by volunteers.
The Women’s Centre became The Women’s Community House in 1981, The Alice Springs Women’s Shelter in 1991 and finally Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia in 2019.
Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA) is specialist domestic, family and sexual violence service that operates on a feminist framework. We work to respond and prevent gendered violence in Central Australia by providing safe accommodation and support services for women and children who are experiencing domestic family and sexual violence.