Margie Maccoll
Surf Life Saving Australia president John Baker travelled from Adelaide last Friday for the official opening of Noosa Heads Training Centre of Excellence in Noosaville, congratulating the club on its innovation and alignment with the mission of the surf life saving federation.
“As we work toward our mission of zero water deaths in Australia it’s facilities like this that offer training that are so vitally important,“ he said.
“This centre will also drive engagement with fellow emergency services and local council and their disaster management teams and provide efficient and effective and accessible training to the community and local business.
“As a federation our success depends on our frontline volunteers.“
With more than 60,000 volunteer lifesavers and highly skilled crews including helicopter rescue, marine search and rescue and 24/7 emergency response more and more their members are being called on in times of emergencies, not just those on the beach, Mr Baker said.
“During the height of the 2022 floods across country we had over 1000 lifesavers doing frontline service and response, search and rescue, flood relief, manning flood centres,“ he said.
“We also deliver safety and water safety education programs across the country. It’s important to understand what we do is about serving the community.“
In front of representatives from emergency services and Noosa Council Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club president Ross Fisher said the club was immensely proud of the new facility which was the culmination of a six-year project and built to meet the strategic goals of the NHSLSC Strategic Plan 2020-25.
“Following the purchase of the property in early 2020, a review was undertaken by a Club Working Group to assess the options and opportunities for the Board to consider,“ he said.
“In 2022 a suitable design including the mezzanine floor, lift and modern internal fit out, was created and submitted to the Noosa Shire Council and approved mid-2023.
“The new facility will serve as a hub for club training events, enhancing the skills and preparedness of our members and to serve our community. It will also be a venue for club meetings, fostering stronger community ties and collaboration.
“Additionally, the centre has the opportunity to play a crucial role in supporting the local community in disaster management efforts, providing a well-equipped space for coordination and response during emergencies.
“This facility stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, community service, and the enduring spirit of our club. As we prepare to celebrate our centenary in 2028, the Training Centre will not only enhance the skills and readiness of our lifesavers but also strengthen our bonds within the community and support local emergency efforts.“
“Noosa is seen by many as world class destination and certainly the work of Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club does makes it a world class beach,“ Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said. Cr Wilkie said the new facility was testament to the club’s dedication to maintaining its professional standards as he
acknowledged the work of its project manager Byron Mills. “They’re the ones who see the project from woe to go,“ he said.
Former NHSLS club president and life member Ron Lane stressed the importance of maintaining good lines of communication in saving lives.
“In a small community like this it’d be a good thing to once a year get together and get to know each other. I have found in emergencies there’s nothing like good communication to get it off the ground and get it running, particularly if you know who the people are giving the orders,“ he said.
“Communication in a small community is absolutely vital.“
