2023 Surf Lifesaving Aussie Titles

My name is Milla Bornas. I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Monash Uni and am about to start my final year to hopefully get a job as a paramedic in 2024. Apart from studying hard and having some fun during the uni year, I also have 2 part time jobs: as an Ambulance Community Officer for Ambulance Victoria and a job in hospitality. I have always had a love of sport and believe it is important for everyone’s physical and mental health. This year I discovered Surfboat Rowing as a part of the Australian Surf Rowers League and Surf Lifesaving Victoria and Australia. Luckily for me, I have had a fair bit of experience rowing on the Yarra all through high school and have been also been coaching rowing for the last 3 years. I’m quickly learning that surfboats are a whole new level of adventure.

Surfboat rowing is high intensity, fast paced and to be honest, a tiny bit scary. It involves a big boat, big waves, a crew of 4 plus 1 sweep and a whole lot of sunscreen. Some big events for our crew this season have been the Australian National Team Selection Trails in Manly NSW in which we came 7th in Australia, Young Guns Collaroy NSW where we placed 2nd. Most recently we were named as the Victorian U23 Female State Surfboat Rowing Team. The season culminates in the Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles, this year being held in Perth from 28th March to 4th April

When I started this sport, I didn’t fully appreciate how expensive it is to participate in. This season has already involved 3 trips to Sydney (flights and accommodation). Luckily the other carnivals have been along the west coast of Victoria. As part of Monash University, I am a member of the Elite Student Performer Scheme due to my involvement in high-level competition surf boat racing. Through this program, I applied for a grant to assist me with the costs associated with participation in the Australian Titles, however as it is not an international event, the application was denied.

Now I know this isn’t asking for a donation for a human rights issue or supporting medical research, but I am looking for any donation no matter how big or small to help me get over to Perth to compete with my crew and represent Victoria. To cover the costs of flights and accommodation I need $2000 for the week. For some reason the flights and accommodation are super expensive. It doesn’t help that the Australian Rowing Championships are on in Perth at the same time! Any donation to help me towards this target is greatly appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read this :)

The photo is of us getting smashed by a wave at the National Team Selection in Manly, NSW last December (that’s me in the front)