By Ron Lane
The recent Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers of the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club, is one that Life Member Ross Bartlett will forever remember.
It was on this occasion, that after 39 years of outstanding service and loyalty, that he became the first ever recipient of the badge of Life Governor of the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
‘’When Craig Law announced it at our Annual Dinner, I was totally stunned. To receive such an honor was unbelievable and I uttered a remark that I can’t repeat,” he said with a laugh. “A mate sitting next to me said I hope that’s not your acceptance speech. Everyone at our table laughed and that snapped me out of it.’’ To receive such an honor (one above life member) and to be the first in the clubs history is indeed outstanding. And he added, “The total support of my wife Helen has made this whole thing possible.”
On being named a recipient, it tells us that the member, after receiving his Life Membership, has over a long period of time continued to not only work for his club, but also promote it within the community: and while doing so conduct himself in a fashion that is beyond reproach.
For Ross his journey through the sands of lifesaving started on the November 17 1957 when he obtained his bronze medallion at Yamba club NSW. Then following this he spent time as a member of the Bondi club. Then after living some years in Sydney, the family in 1979, moved to the Sunshine Coast joining the club at Sunshine Beach in 1981.
Over the years his capacity for hard work has been witness to several other high awards; Queensland examiner of the year 1988, Life Member of Sunshine Coast Branch 1999, and Life Member of Queensland Surf Lifesaving 2005. Add to this his work at state and national titles as an official, plus holding high office at club and state level, it makes one aware that here is a man who deservedly carries the title of quite achiever. Congratulations, Ross Bartlett Life Governor Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club. You did us proud.
