Meet the Team - Marcelo

What’s your full name? Marcelo Garay
What is your nickname? MG - From my work email, as I use my initial to sign off
What’s your current position in the club? Director of Finance
How long have you been in the role ?  It's my second term (2 year term)
When did you first join? October 2012
Can you tell us about your lifesaving journey? My wife and I joined South Maroubra in 2012, our kids went to a Catholic school in Mascot and the club was highly recommended by a large number of families, so we joined in, best decision ever made. Growing in a non-lifesaving country/culture (Chile) I was never exposed to the SLSA movement, once I joined the club I knew we were in the right place, somewhere I could make a difference and provide to the community. My eldest started in U8s and second eldest in U6s, the other 2 followed once they were at age to join in. My wife and I helped as beach crew, and when one of my kids' Age Manager resigned, I was asked to look after her group, becoming their Age Manager. When I achieved my Bronze, I was asked if I'd like to be the Nipper Director, becoming the Nipper Director and managing the section for 5 years, establishing the foundations for the great section we have now. I have been a Technical Official for 10+ years, now completing my Level 2 Officials, which will allow me to be a Carnival Referee or manage other senior roles at carnivals. From a lifesaving perspective, I did water safety when I was the nipper director, and then became an active patrol member in the old nipper patrol (P14). I continue patrolling with my whole family (6 of us) in Patrol 14 and my second eldest daughter is our Patrol Captain.
What positions have you held in the club? Director of Nippers - 5 Years, Club Secretary - 3 Years and Director of Finance (current)
Any highlights? When I became the Nipper Director, I saw an opportunity to further the program and the club, and to make a difference. I ensured the program was available to all, regardless of your background or abilities, everyone is welcome. To this day, the program maintains that view. During my tenure, I worked with ABC Me and a production company to deliver the Nipper Show (Nippers) - a 12 episode series, this show helped our club to be well known Australia wide and Overseas. We had a large number of our nippers becoming popular TV stars. The series are still available online here: https://www.tvcatchupaustralia.com/nippers
What does the future hold and any advice to fellow members? My advice to fellow members is to get involved and keep building your skills! ​Continue working with my fellow Board members and club members to develop our club even further, continue creating the family environment we proudly have and being part of this great club. My advise to fellow members is not to be afraid in being part of this great organisation and the SLSA movement, any little help you provide goes towards making our club and the movement great. It's a great feeling to be able to give back to the community.