The Bonny Hills surf life saver began the week-long course with 20 other selectees age 20 to 30 from Australia and New Zealand from February 2 to 8.

The group were put through their paces in leadership activities and challenges before meeting SLSA president Graham Ford, chief executive Adam Weir and Fire & Rescue NSW, ING, Engage Health representatives.

"In some sessions there's raw emotion and in other sessions you're celebrating success. You're outside of your comfort zone," said Mr Goggin.

"I've spent the week at NLC really trying to re-write my why. Why do I do lifesaving and I really want to be giving people the same opportunities or more opportunities, than I've had coming through.

"Nothing makes me happier than being able to give back and see a young nipper or a younger lifesaver either achieving or using my examples or something that I've taught them. Forging their own path ahead."

Mr Goggin started life saving as a five year old, attended volunteer surf patrols while studying at Australian Defence Force Academy and is now based in Western Australia as a lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy.

The Mid North Coast community is very proud of his achievements, said Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast president Rod McDonagh.

"Jedd is a great ambassador for his club and the surf lifesaving movement. We wish him all the best on his leadership journey," said Mr McDonagh.

"This program is a fantastic opportunity from SLSA and provides our young surf lifesavers with leadership skills to help them both in surf and in their everyday lives.

"It was obvious to me that from a young age Jedd showed potential as a future leader within lifesaving and what ever career he decided to pursue."

Up and coming leaders Bronte McAllister and Jacob Ross could follow the same journey and were recently named Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Branch Junior Lifesavers of the Year (JLOTY).

Both are from Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club and were recognised for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the community as under 14 members.

"I'm so excited to represent the Mid North Coast Branch for JLOTY and look forward to going to the next level in Sydney. Surf lifesaving has given me the opportunity to make new friends, attend development camps and learn skills that one day could help save a life," said Bronte.

Other finalists included Matilda Cole from South West Rocks, Zoe Crilley and Darcy Swain from Hat Head, Amy Hatherly and Ben Hamel from Port Macquarie, Tia McGrath and Josh Pike from Wauchope-Bonny Hills.

"Once again our under 14s member have proved their knowledge and understanding about surf lifesaving. It is great to see the finalists' enthusiasm and this programs enables our junior members to obtain an insight into other pathways within surf lifesaving," said Mr McDonagh.

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