The heavy rains and massive flooding experienced by our people in regions of NSW, have once again showed how much the role of the Australian Surf Life Saver has changed. Via the media, you can sit in the safety of the family lounge and see first- hand the work being done by our IRB crews; as they work the flooded regions doing rescue and support work as allocated by those in charge.
On several occasions, we have mentioned the outstanding work done by the members of the ERG (Emergency Response Group) and the importance of their role in helping those who go in harms’ way: regardless of the weather factor or the time. It is good to note that recently the Noosa club IRB training team, whose purpose it is to train and assess volunteer drivers and crewies, have just completed a full- on training course of 17 personel. Happy to relate, all passed their assessment: it will now be a matter of time, attitude, experience and knowledge gained, of the North Shore, Noosa Park coastline, that tells the ERG Trainers, weather or not there will be a number of new applicants, eligible for selection into the IRB, Emergency Response Group.
Because they completed and passed this rigid training course, does not mean that they will be automatically eligible for the ERG. First and foremost, they must develop the mental attitude required for this advanced and sometimes dangerous patrol work and all- weather call outs.
A spokesman for the training team said, “For a group as big as this we were required to use six IRBs. Additional to the normal club IRB driver trainers, a further four drivers from the Content Experts,(qualified as drivers but not as trainers) were required. Apart from the exceptionally high standard of training, it is good to note that amongst the drivers and trainer there were members of both Noosa and Sunshine Beach Surf Clubs. The good teamwork displayed by the two clubs was good to see. A major factor that we must always bear in mind, is that between Sunshine Beach and Noosa clubs, is the very beautiful, but with its many unpatrolled beaches, sometimes very dangerous National Park.
The importance of our clubs working together is emphasised by the fact that at the southern end of the Park is the beautiful, dangerous, devils’ playground, Alexandra Bay. Known as A Bay, and with the Sunshine Beach Club being just around the most southern point, they are naturally on first call. Their high standard of IRB patrolling and rescue work in this particularly big surf area, is second to none. There have been occasions when both clubs were required to work together in this area: rescue situations and search patterns.
Despite being somewhat down in numbers the recent Noosa Clubs 18th Annual Bruce Warren, ‘’Shirley’’ Strachan Memorial Swim, was still a success. With some 53 swimmers completing the 2.5 Km swim, from Noosa’s Little Cove to Main Beach in good conditions, the organisers were very happy indeed with all aspects of the swim. Regarding the winners, first woman home was Electra Outram and first in the men’s division was Zane Hadley. It was good to see Electra competing as this was her first event since competing at the Northcliffe Iron Women’s Events. Despite not making the final her entry in the event was a great experience for the young competitor.
The swim which was attended by several of the Warren family, has succeeded in achieving the goal set by Bruce and John McDermott . Their goal was to maintain a high standard of surf swimming amongst the young club members. Both were concerned that with all the rescue craft now available, swimming would be pushed back to second place. As Bruce so often stated, there will come a time when the patrol members will find that they just have to swim for it when trouble starts.”
This belief was something that major sponsor John McDermott,(of McDermott Aviation) himself a former patrolman on Noosa Beach, totally supported. “My involvement was not just in memory of my good mate Shirley, but also to join with Bruce in helping to maintain a high standard of swimming in the club.” The swim has continued to be one of the traditions of the club: this is due mainly through the outstanding efforts of his wife Sandy and a group of club supporters and friends. A faithful group of sponsors, McDermott Aviation, Rip Curl, Iron Man, Office Works and the Surf Club, ensure that the tradition will continue. Once again words are not enough to pay tribute to Sandy Warren for her outstanding contribution: organising the swim, and helping to help keep Bruce’s’ idea alive and part of this clubs’ great tradition.
Last Sunday at the Peregian clubhouse the Noosa Nippers held their presentation of trophies for the season past. These nippers whose age group goes from u/11 to u/15 have just finished a very successful season. At present there is a very good culture with a lot of parent involvement. At the recent state titles, with a team of 60 plus representing their club the results despite the pandemic restrictions, were good and with the possible improvement in health regulations we can look towards a good 2001/2 season.
When we talk of sponsors helping at the club, a big round of thanks to the St. Teresa’s Catholic College for the use of their school bus during one of the most important time of our season; the Seahorse Nippers morning. Getting the parents and handicap children close to the beach area is of the most importance, so many thanks not only to St Teresa’s, but all sponsors. This Friday, weather permitting the Noosa Surf Club will hold its annual fund- raising golf day at the Noosa Springs Golf Club. It is now ten years since this this event came into being. Registration will be open at 11am with the tee-off at 12noon and again the day will be under the control of Noosa Supporter Clubs, ever green, General Manager, Anton Mogg.( Better known as “Moggie.”)
Over the hill at Sunshine Beach, their Nippers celebrated the end of the season with their presentation of trophies. It was well attended and in the words of a club spokesman the fact that some six life members were also in attendance, spoke volumes for the great support by the senior club. Another highlight for Sunshine is the fact that the Supporter Club has just finished their first year of trading in the new club. Supporter Club Chairman Warick Redwood said, “We are very happy. After our first year of operation the club has been well received within our community and we thank all people for their support.” For Warick, who took over as club chairman in 2009, he could not be happier. “The rebuilding of the premises and success of the Supporter Club, have indeed been very gratifying.” Well done to all.
