Lynda Cremer has a long involvement in surf lifesaving, starting from a simple love for the sun, sand and surf.
That passion then spanned over many years of working as a volunteer and making her way up to President at the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club.
Lynda has been profiled as part of Bundaberg Regional Council's Our People Our Stories project which aims to shine a light on the residents that make up the local community.
The Cremer family moved to Bundaberg in 1992 and just like Lynda, they all shared a love for the sand and the ocean with trips to the beach becoming a Sunday ritual.
One day, Lynda's eldest daughter Lani pointed to the lifesavers and said “I want to be like them” which led the family to its involvement in the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club by joining nippers in 1997.
In 1999 Lynda took on the voluntary role of junior secretary before holding the role of club secretary for more than 10 years.
She completed her bronze medallion in 2006 and held this qualification until she could patrol with both her girls.
Lynda has worked hard over the years in her voluntary positions within Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club and is very passionate about motivating women to become involved.
“Women can do anything with a lot of hard work,” she said.
Adding another feather to her cap, Lynda was recently recognised as the first female life member of the BSLSC after 90 years of all-male recipients.
She is also the first female President of the BSLSC in its 100-year history.
Lynda volunteers to build community
Lynda said her volunteering roles within Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club had always provided professional development that has not only been transferable to her working life but also in building a strong community.
“If you want to improve a community, you need to be a part of it and take on a role,” she said.
“It’s satisfying and you’re able to meet people through volunteering which creates those social connections.
If you want a better community, make a difference.”
As a life member, Lynda said she had a vested interest in the future of the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club and is currently working on the centenary celebrations which had been moved to 2022 due to COVID restrictions.
“The essence of Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club is a lot of amazing people,” she said.
