MOUNT Martha Life Saving Club is celebrating a landmark achievement after four members of its adaptive “Starfish Nippers” program competed at the 2026 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
The championships, also known as “The Aussies”, were held at North Kirra and Tugun beaches on the Gold Coast and attracted more than 7,000 competitors from 316 clubs across Australia.
Destiny Grech won three gold medals in U17 Female Sprint, U17 Female 500m Run, and U17 Female Beach Flags. She also added a silver medal for the Female Wade Race.
Teammates Liam Slattery and Cooper Stringer added to the award tally, with Slattery taking home silver in the Youth Male Board Race and Stringer taking home the bronze. Their fourth team member, Jai Calder, came in 5th in flags out of a large field of 20, putting on an impressive performance.
Calder said he loves being a surf lifesaver and that going up to Queensland for the Aussies was amazing.
“I like to make sure everyone is okay,” Calder said.
“Everyone is important.”
Mt Martha Club president John Harvey said each of the competitors should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.
“We are incredibly proud of our four Adaptive SRCs,” Harvey said.
“They put themselves in unfamiliar territory and gave it their all. Watching their growth through our Starfish Nippers program has been an incredible journey.”
The four competitors all progressed through the club’s Starfish Nippers program, which supports people who may be unable to participate in mainstream programs due to disability or neurodiversity.
This past season, the club celebrated 10 years of the Starfish program at MMLSC, which is sponsored by Peninsula Injury Lawyers.
Marketing and communications manager Sheryl Cornish said it wouldn’t have been possible without coaches Julie Marshall and Sarah Hilli, who have grown the program from five to 19 Nippers. They ensure each Starfish Nipper is paired with a volunteer mentor who tailors activities to suit each individuals’ abilities.
Cornish said the Starfish program ensures inclusivity for those with special needs.
Earlier this year, the four competitors received their SLSA Surf Rescue Certificates, which is the first time members of the club’s Starfish program have achieved the qualification.
Cornish said the program they designed ran over a longer period, giving the four participants more time to practice, with each determined to complete the certificate.
“These four really wanted to compete after seeing fellow Starfish Nipper Flynn Davies compete at the ‘Aussies’ last year. They all want to give back by providing water safety for the young Starfish Nippers,” Cornish said.
The club and broader community rallied behind the lifesavers, helping fundraise for their trip and celebrating their achievements.
“To give special needs kids the opportunity to compete is an exciting first for our club,” Cornish said.
First published in the Mornington News – 5 May 2026
