Major shake-up in Surf Life Saving NSW

The chief executive officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Vanny is the latest to leave after 16 years in the role that came with a Jaguar.

The NSW Supreme Court heard earlier this month former general manager Matthew Hanks had admitted to defrauding the organisation in his resignation letter on July 13.

Justice James Stevenson said Surf Life Saving NSW is still investigating how much Hanks stole, but its estimate exceeded $3 million.

After eight years as president, Tony Haven lost his position in an election in May to David Murray.

Former director of surf sport Michael Bate did not re-contest his position, which he held for six years, and Don van Keimpema was elected to replace him.

A spokeswoman for Surf Life Saving NSW said Mr Haven had sought to retain the presidency, and Mr Bate had left because of his business commitments. The spokeswoman said Mr Vanny announced on Wednesday he would retire in four to six weeks.

"He is going to remain in an advisory capacity for a number of months," the spokeswoman said.

"The board has asked if he can remain in that capacity until it can find somebody else to fill the role. To recruit a new CEO will take some time."

The spokeswoman said new president Mr Murray told staff on Wednesday he was disappointed Mr Vanny was retiring.

Asked if the resignation was influenced by the Hanks revelations, the spokeswoman said the circumstances of Mr Hanks' resignation had "taken a toll on the organisation".

"[Mr Vanny] had a plan to retire in any case," the spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman declined to disclose the size of Mr Vanny's salary package, which is not publicly reported on the charity register or in annual reports. However, she confirmed he had been provided with a Jaguar as his "company car".

"The CEO is entitled to the use of a vehicle in the mid-level executive category, SUV, 4WD or similar," she said.

Fairfax Media sought comment from Mr Vanny, Mr Haven and Mr Hanks but received no response. Mr Bate declined to comment about his term.

A freezing order has been placed on Mr Hanks' company, which owns two properties worth about $1.4 million each in Newport on Sydney's northern beaches.

Mr Hanks has offered to consent to a judgment in favour of Surf Life Saving NSW and applied for a variation on a freezing order on his assets to give him access to more money on his credit card.

He was allowed to sell a boat for $490,000 to help pay his debts.

He asked for an increase on the limit of his Mastercard withdrawals from $600 to $2000 per month.

The court agreed to increase the limit to $1000 after Mr Hanks said he could not afford to pay for any unexpected expenses for his pregnant partner.

He said he was "terrified" she would be denied care or urgent tests as a result of his inability to pay.

"This is causing me significant stress and worry," he said.

"My partner works one day a week because of the impending birth of our child.

"It is not possible to survive only on her income, which is approximately $600 per week."

In response to the request, Justice Stevenson said he was not greatly troubled by any inconvenience Westpac Bank's limit on his withdrawals may cause.

"Some inconvenience is an inevitable consequence of the making of a freezing order and only Mr Hanks is responsible for the circumstances that have brought about the making of that order," he said.

A spokesman for Surf Life Saving NSW said an internal investigation had been launched after allegations of misconduct by a former employee.

"Surf Life Saving NSW immediately referred the matter to its external auditor to lead this inquiry, and notified all regulatory and law enforcement authorities regarding this matter," the spokesman said. "As the investigation is ongoing and is now a legal matter, we are unable to provide additional comment."

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