Our People

Mary Farrell has been our illustrious leader for five years now and is very passionate about lifesaving and sharing her knowledge with members as a trainer and mentor. Mary grew up in Ireland and was afraid of the water; overcoming her fear after moving to the Gold Coast. Mary joined Palm Beach SLSC in 2010 and proceeded to do her Bronze Medallion and followed that with another 67 awards. Yes, she was hooked on lifesaving.

Mary became a keen competitor and has a goal of winning an Australian Medal – which she believes she is on track to do in 2040 when she turns 73. Mary would like to remind all members that it’s all about the journey to the goal, not just the goal itself, so make sure to enjoy every day of your lifesaving experience.

Greg Cox grew up at Burleigh Heads where he developed his love of the sea and in turn, surf life saving. Greg was a Palm Beach nipper before moving to Nobby Beach then Tweed Heads & Coolangatta during his teenage years and twenties. An accomplished athlete, Greg worked for many years at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Greg and his family returned to the Gold Coast in 2012 where he rejoined PBQSLSC to support his children through nippers. Greg has taken on various support roles within the club including Age Manager, Team Manager and Surf Sports Officer. In his Director role on the Board, Greg is committed to supporting the club’s growth and future development. Greg loves the water and wants our members to enjoy the wonder of the surf and is passionate about helping members develop confidence and competence, as well as providing competitive opportunities.

Anna Carroll is an experienced Board Director, CEO and Senior Executive with a background in the Australian Government and Not For Profit Sector. Anna has have been actively involved in the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club since 2011 as a parent of three children who compete and patrol, as a Level 1 Official and since 2017 elected as the Secretary of the Club. As former CEO of Netball Queensland Anna lead the State’s largest women’s participation sport, Anna knows first hand the positive role sport and community service plays in our community. As a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with a particular interest in governance, leadership and organisational development, Anna has enhanced the systems and member support at the Palm Beach Surf Club, for which we are extremely thankful.

Scott Lyall was appointed as Treasurer/Director of Finance at Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club in May 2022. Scott is Chief Operating Officer at Burleigh Brewing Co, Queensland’s largest independently owned brewery. Scott is a Chartered Accountant who has called the Gold Coast home since 2005. He enjoys the lifestyle southeast Queensland offers with his wife and two children. Prior to moving to the Gold Coast, Scott worked in various commercial, financial and people leadership roles in a variety of industries in Australasia, UK and Europe.

Richard Forbes joined the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club Board in 2021 after completing his Bronze Medallion in 2020 alongside his son Archie. Richard has held executive level corporate affairs and communications roles for over twenty years and is a highly effective adviser and communicator with a wealth of experience in strategically positioning local, national and international organizations for success. Richard has worked at the highest levels of Government and in private sector organisations across four continents.

Richard’s present role as CEO of Independent Food Distributors Australia keeps him busy alongside his patrolling and Board commitments.