Ron Lane
It was back in 2010 that Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club, hosted its first elite 7’s Rugby tournament and since then it has hosted, junior, women’s social and elite 7’s competition each year. This year they are going one step further. On the 13 and 14 November, the Noosa Dolphins will proudly host the inaugural Queensland State 7’s Rugby Championships.
Speaking on behalf of the club, president Donald McKill said, “We as a club are proud of the contribution the Noosa 7’s has made to the development of 7’s rugby, with many of the current male and female players, within elite junior and senior programs, gracing Dolphin Oval over the years. We are looking forward to continuing our support of the development of 7’s Rugby, through the Queensland 7’s in future years.”
With the 7’s Rugby being so popular, the fact that Noosa Dolphins will host the Queensland Championships, (13/14 November) big crowds for the two-day event, are indeed a very safe bet. This of course means that accommodation will be needed for all the visiting teams, both men’s and women’s, their support groups plus families. This is just another example of what well organised sporting events can do for Tourism Noosa. We at Noosa Today, wish all involved in the event every success.
On Sunday morning the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club gathered at Pirate Park for its Annual General Meeting. This proud club, which was formed in 1975 and based in Cooroy, has, despite all the problems created by Covid-19, (one of which was the cancellation of the 2020 Senior season) finished this season with a very positive and successful ending.
After his words of welcome, club president Paul Dwyer tabled his Annual Report. “In yet another testing and demanding season, that impacted us so heavily in 2020, the Noosa District Rugby League Football Club, has again managed to thrive and prosper across all facets of our operation: both on and off the field, during the season 2021.Following the cancellation of the 2020 senior season, it was amazing to see our four Senior grades were able to get back on the field and compete once again.”
In his address to the meeting, the president made those in attendance fully aware that to succeed in such a season of turmoil and restrictions, there were many groups and individuals to acknowledge, and thank. Coaches, managers, players, both junior and senior, game officials and parents: a massive team effort. “A special thanks must go out particularly to the QRL and the Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League, for working so hard to make it happen, and to get us to the finish line,” he said. “Special thanks went to the Noosa Council, to State and Federal MP’s, Sandy Bolton and Llew O’ Brien and their staff …who provided us with a range of support and services, that helped us to remain viable and functional, in the work that we do as a community organisation.”
Regarding the sponsors, the backbone of all sporting organisations, the president said, “To our amazing sponsors who once again stuck with us in very difficult and uncertain times, your unwavering support during the season, has been pivotal in keeping this great club and its 46 year- heritage intact.”
Regarding the playing field he drew attention, when he stated that two seasons ago, the Pirates were the wooden spooners in Division 1. However, this season saw them finish in third position. He acknowledged all teams, from the youngest of the juniors, through to the seniors and thanked all involved. A major highlight for the season was the announcement that Harry Dwyer was named Sunshine Coast Mal Meninga Player of the Year and Seaton Reid Division 1 Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League, Player of the Year.
“To our management committee and general manager Brett Winkler, I owe a great deal of gratitude and thanks in consistently delivering for the Pirates club in such circumstances,” he said.
“Special thanks must go to Brett, general manager, for his ability to continually steer us through the continuation of the Covid19 crisis.” Brett will finish in his role as general manager at the end of the year as we restructure, the administration and operational functions of the club to ensure its ongoing success and viability. This alteration, will see it go from full to part time. We wish him well in his future endeavours. With regard to the proposed Community Hub redevelopment of the Tewantin sight, we will continue to keep you up to date.
In his report to the meeting, the general manager first of all, expressed his warm thanks to the club and its members for again allowing the opportunity to lead the clubs’ business operations as general manager of the Noosa District Rugby League Football Club. “Thank you to the tremendous people that I worked with and on behalf of. The success and determination of any club ultimately comes down to its people.” He then acknowledged all committees, sub committees and all people involved in assisting their club: and the often-forgotten ground staff, at both Cooroy and Tewantin. And in particular, his partner Kaylene, who had supported him at so many levels throughout his epic journey. Also acknowledged was the outstanding work of two unsung volunteers Guy Porter and Greg Furner.
“As I prepare to sign off at the end of the year, I look upon some of the highlights of my time as general manager – a successful merger (between Junior and Senior clubs), improved registration and performance from all teams: and above all improved and sustained financial performance,” he said. On a lighter side, he drew attention to the fact that Pirates had played host to the Sydney NRL club West Tigers, courtesy of former Pirate player Moses Mbye now Tigers: and arguably, the leading NRL league club Melbourne Storm, who based at Pirate Park for 3 months during the season. To cap it off it is not too often that a billionaire, in the form of Richard Branson, rings you up (for permission) to land on your footy field.
“But the real highlight has certainly been working with the club members, players, sponsors and supporters who make this great club great,’’ he said.
In her report, secretary Nichole Christensen tabled; “A good result this season after our interrupted 2020 season. It was great to get our Junior and Senior teams back on the field. Special thanks to Joe Cirillo for his assistance, also parents, carers, volunteers and supporters. Registrations were up compared to the pre-Covid season in 2019;some highlights were as follows. Total club registrations, 345-217 juniors 128 seniors: total teams fielded-22 teams,17 juniors 4 seniors. All age groups represented-u/6 to u/17boys and girls. Divisions 1and 2,u/18s and Open Women’s.
High number of representative players (chosen) from all divisions at Local, Falcon and State levels, with some being winners of major awards. The club has managed to meet all its legal statutory and financial obligations, with all local governing bodies, Queensland Rugby league and the various departments of Queensland State Government that the club deals with.”
In closing secretary Christensen thanked all involved with the club, including sponsors, supporters and committees.
Considering the erratic financial atmosphere, that the world of business has experienced over the past 12 months, the report tabled by the treasurer Conrad Voss, could have not been better. In his closing remarks, he gave a big vote of thanks to management, all those involved with sponsorship and above all, those who worked the club bar, manned the gates and cooked the barby: people, who sometimes get to see very little of the game. All this team work, has resulted in a surplus for Pirates, that would be the envy of many kindred clubs.
Regarding the election of positions for the forth coming season, all office bearers were unopposed.
