Ron Lane
As the start of the 2022/23 Surf Lifesaving season draws near, we stop and look at the season past and acknowledge the input from members of the Noosa Heads SLSC to the community of Noosa. First of all we bid a sad farewell to two of our Life Members Mervyn (Sputie) Cummings and Terry (Skeeter) Williams. Both men made an outstanding contribution to the patrolling of our beach: their loyalty and devotion to the club and our community is something that we will long remember.
With a service that started in the early 60s and the fact they would travel from Brisbane to Noosa to fulfill their duties only emphasises their dedication and loyalty to Noosa. There were many other clubs closer to Brisbane but for Sputty and Skeeter, there was only one club and that was Noosa. Away from their club Sputa was a high-ranking executive in the PMG and Skeeter was to spend many years as a PT Instructor in the Royal Australian Air Force. Gone but not forgotten.
When it comes to our core business which is lifesaving the statistics for the combined Noosa – Peregian beaches is indeed very gratifying. Rescues at Noosa 52 and Peregian 2: first aid Noosa 1077, Peregian 52. For the season there were 1437 preventative actions at Noosa and 1924 at Peregian. The total number of hours patrolled by members 16,239: all of which came from 260 male and 145 female members. The successful completion of our core duties, reflects heavily on the shoulders of Club Captain Roger Aspinall, Mobile Services Officer Chris Grandemange and Patrol Captain Representative Trevor King. But a big thank you to all the support team: Patrol Captains, patrol members, radio, first aid officers and Lifeguards
But above all a big pat on the back to our Emergency Response Group. This team (known as the ERG) who performs on a 24 hr call out schedule, regardless of the weather and time of night, must know the coast like the back of their hand and have IRB skills that are second to none. It is not only surf rescue that is their forte but also our rivers and creeks for, as in our recent Noosa Shire floods, their work knew no boundaries.
These are members who make themselves available 7 days a week and 24 hrs a day: so, a big thank you to their club support group is in order. It is no wonder that membership of this group is on invitation only. Something that should be noted is that this year David James Coordinator Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club ERG, received the 40-year National Long Service Award.
In the world of surf sports Alan Rogers Director and Head Coach Darren Mercer OAM,(also a recipient of the 40 year Long Service Badge) have guided the club through a successful year: having produced a team that is successful in all disciplines. Getting our young members away to compete at beaches that are renown for big surf is of the utmost importance. Apart from winning the gold, silver and bronze, it gives our clubbies confidence to handle all conditions when on patrol during big days. Plus, it creates pride and discipline within the ranks of the club.
For Barry Leek Director of Administration, it was another great year of Community Education. Noosa has built a program that provides an individual service to its wider community. Thirty schools have attended our programs: that is a forty percent increase on last season. During peak time the educational team is also delivering, CPR, First Aid, SRC and Bronze Courses to public and local businesses. A total of 2338 participants have been reached,135 lifesaving courses and 80 school courses have been conducted. “To our sponsors McGrath and Bendigo Bank you have helped keep our staff sun safe and make sure our participants are safe in the water.”
To the Director of Junior Activities Shaun Baker and team, your work (with our nippers) is our future. At present there are lifeguards on duty at Noosa, plus outstanding senior members, who started their careers as a Noosa Nipper.
For the ladies of Noosa, it has indeed been a successful year. First of all, Gina Lynch, who joined the club in 1999 was in 2003/04 and 2005/06 elected Club Person of the year for her outstanding contribution. Finally for her continued work, which has included 1056 volunteer hours Gina was this season awarded Life Membership.
It was 2001 that on relocating from Sydney, Felicity O’Brien joined Noosa. In 2002 she completed her SRC: then 2004 obtained her Bronze Medallion. In recognition for her outstanding service to the club 2006/7, saw Felicity receive the very prestigious Lobin Cup. Her dedication resulted in her completing 17 years as a patrolling member with a total of 798 hours on duty: Felicity this year was awarded Life Membership.
Also, club President and Life Member Ross Fisher was awarded Life Governorship for his ongoing dedication. Then to cap off the year, Lenore Grice already a Life Member and member of the Hall of Fame for outstanding service to the Association, became an OAM. Her work in the area of First Aid as a coach, broke down many barriers: this arena received very little support. This has been just one of her many achievements.
The fact that we were in a Covid epidemic , did not deter our Supporter Club. Under the leadership of Chairman Ian Young, OAM, Life Member/Life Governer, Wally Schaller Life Member and Treasurer and General Manager Anton Mogg, their management has been superb. With a support team of Assistant Manager Les Evans, Carmel Savege, and long serving Duty Manager Matt Holland, their performance and loyalty has been above and beyond.
To the many sponsors and supporters who have stood by us in these tough times we extend to you, our everlasting gratitude.
