After a recent tour of the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving building project, it became quite apparent that on completion the club will be giving the lifesavers, supporters and visitors a building in which they can take immense pride.
From the old days of a small tin shed on the sand dooms at the back of the beach, to the present concept has been a long and sometimes difficult journey: but now as the journeys end is in sight and the dream becomes a reality, all the hardships and setbacks become worthwhile.
Under the guidance of Building Committee Chairman Warick Redwood and architect Andrew Bock, questions regarding designs and concepts were answered without hesitation.
Perhaps one of the most pleasing aspects is that the design has, at all times, taken into full consideration, the magnificent view that nature has made available.
Part of the construction includes a playroom for children and as most clubs push the family environment (remembering that in todays surf clubs many patrolmen and women are parents) this is sure to be a major plus.
The reaction to the building from the surrounding community has been nothing but positive; no objections to height or ugly roof design.
These can as we all know, sometimes lead to bitter arguments and in extreme cases delays. Weather permitting the big day should be late January.
“What we have aimed at,” said Andrew, “is a new building but one that still maintains its history.”
Last weekend surf life savers from all over Australia gathered at the Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre for the annual Surf Life Saving National Awards of Excellence; and proud to say that two members of Sunshine Beach and Noosa Heads were amongst those nominated.
The first member to receive accolades was Lenore Grice of the Noosa club when she was named Life Member of Surf Life Saving Australis. Her award stated in part that Lenore, is highly respected at all levels of the movement for her 45 years of tireless voluntary contribution and dedication, particularly in the advancement and promotion of women in Surf Life Saving. Her record of having coached 38 Australian champions in the field of first aid competition was also acknowledged.
A major award of the evening, the DHL Volunteer of the Year, went to Craig Law of Sunshine Beach. His volunteer roles at both club and state level are numerous: so many in fact that he was recently awarded both the Sunshine Coast Life Saving Volunteer of the Year and Clive Hammond Silver Medal. Amongst his many awards four have been for his work in team groups. This shows that he possesses the two main attributes of a good clubman; the ability to work as both an individual or as a team man.
Despite not coming home with the major award of his division, DHL Lifeguard of the Year, Rowan Simpson, an old boy of the Noosa Club, was as the Queensland Lifeguard of the Year, a National Finalist: his submission leaves no doubt as to why he achieved this high distinction. Since 2008 he has served an amazing total of 16,477 hours in performance of his duties: he places priority in knowing all emergency personal and promotes the lifeguard service by example. He was also involved in the organization and execution of three major search and rescue incidents while communicating with Queensland Water Police. He is always willing to step up into acting supervisor roles without hesitation.
Rowan started his career as a six year old nipper at Noosa, then moved up to the senior club where he obtained his bronze medallion. This is just one of the many members from Noosa and Sunshine who have started as nippers and gone on to a distinguished career as a lifeguard; a group of men and women who now play a vital role in the tourism industry of our community.
