Who we are

Ocean Heroes started in 2016 with three surfers and one simple idea: everyone should get to feel the thrill of riding a wave. Through surfing, we foster confidence and connection for autistic people and their families.

Ten years on, we’ve run hundreds of free events and delivered over 12,000 free surf sessions around Australia. A single event can see up to 120 participants in the water, supported by around 70 volunteers. We’re almost entirely volunteer-powered, with more than 1,500 people who give up their weekends to share the stoke. Spots at our free events book out within the hour.

Parents tell us that participants get confidence from surfing that they carry with them beyond the waves. That’s the impact we’re chasing.

Where we’re heading

We’ve just set our strategy to 2030. The goal: 10,000 more opportunities for autistic people and their families to share the joy of the ocean, and Ocean Heroes embedded in Australia’s surf culture. We’re still growing WA, NSW and QLD and will venture into Victoria and South Australia, with events led by local community leaders in each region.

The plan rests on three pillars:

- Growing our people – clear pathways, training and support for our volunteers and local leaders
- Programs and partnerships with purpose – becoming the most trusted surf program for the autism community, delivered consistently across the country
- Serving our community – changing how Australia connects with autism, well beyond the beach

This year’s work includes an east coast growth plan, a new partnerships framework, launching a new website and 2026 impact report, all while building the systems that let a national team run smoothly,



so there’s more room for the fun stuff.

The role

You’ll join a hands-on, collaborative board working alongside our CEO and leadership team. You’ll help steer the 2030 strategy, ask the good questions, keep us secure and sustainable, and back the team as we scale. Expect around 6 board meetings a year, a seat on a committee where it fits your skills, and an open invitation to come down to an event and get wet.

Who we’re looking for

Based on the current skills matrix of our directors, we’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:

- Autism and the autism community AND/OR
- Commercial partnerships, sponsorship or fundraising

And our board can always benefit from experience in:
- Governance and Board roles
- Finance, audit and risk
- Growing a national or multi-site organisation

Whoever is successful, you’ll definitely share our values:
- Safe – families trust us with their loved ones, and that trust is everything
- Authentic – open, honest and kind because we care
- Community – inclusive, meeting everyone where they’re at
- Stoke – the joy of surfing, shared

You don’t need to surf. You do need to care about the people we serve and be ready to roll up your sleeves – plenty of our work gets done outside the Boardroom. Board experience or AICD qualifications are welcome but not essential. We’re committed to a diverse board and encourage those with lived experience to apply.

How to apply

Provide a short CV and a cover note (one page is plenty) about why Ocean Heroes and what you’d bring to our Board. Questions? Reach out to Tim Dettmann, Chair, at [email protected]

Applications close 1/12/26

📌 Non Executive Director (Australia)
🏢 Ocean Heroes
📍 Australia