Recently twenty-five members of the Cave family of Noosa Heads, gathered together as one, on Noosa’s Main Beach. Reason: To say goodbye to family matriarch Nancy Cave, wife of the late Phil Cave, Life Member of Noosa Heads SLSC.
In accordance with the wishes of both Nancy and Phil their ashers were to be scattered to the waters of Noosa’s Main Beach, where Phils already lay in wait. For Noosa senior surf clubs’ members, it is certainly a time of remembrance and respect. Phils career as a Life Member earned him the respect, not only of his club mates, but also the respect of officials throughout the state of Queensland
Without the support of wife Nancy down through the years, this would have not been possible. Phil joined Noosa in 1945, passed his bronze in 46 and earned his Instructors Certificate in 49. Also in 49 Phil was only one of two Queensland Instructors selected to travel to Tasmania to assist the lifesaving movement.
However, in 1952 Phil met Nancy Powell, on Noosa Bech and for the next 66 years were happily married. Because of his reputation in the lifesaving movement, he continued his career: this was only made possible by the total support of wife Nancy.
This was the good old days, when women were not permitted in the surf club. When husbands officiated on the beach, wives had to sit under the trees on Main Beach and as the families started to grow, keep the kids under the shade. When duties were finished for the day, wives were not invited to join in refreshments with their husbands, so they took a billy of hot water and made themselves a cup of tea.
Such was the life of the ladies married to a dedicated clubbie. However, in the early 80s along came a Noosa President who put a stop to this. His name was John Jenkins. Affectionately known to his clubmates as Jerker, he insisted on inviting the wives and girlfriends into the Supporter Club for dinner and drinks. Not only that, but they received the choice of the menu.
Nancy’s days of enjoying tea beneath the trees had ended; that is the key point. What would have happened to our movement were it not for ladies such as Nancy?
As the years rolled and Phill was still helping at the club, Nancy had become known to the senior members and was treated with due respect. This extraordinary woman enjoyed sitting in the Supporter club, contentedly listening to tales from days gone by as she calmly savored a glass of white wine.
Her support and loyalty to her family was well known and respected. After 66 years of marriage, Phil died at 94, followed later by Nancy. Honoring their wishes, their ashes were joined in the waters at Main Beach, surrounded by a family of 24,—5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
Taken out to sea in the surf boat, (a club tradition of respect) when all oars rose, Nancie’s ashes were gently given to the seas. The seas where Nancy Powell and Phil Cave, Life Member Noosa Head SLSC, had their first encounter. And so, we sadly say to both, Vaya Con Dios, dear club mates, Vaya Con Dios.
It has often been said that the true strength of a good surf club lays in family unity. Food for thought?
Rugby League
With the silly season now over, it is time for our Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club to get settled and plan for the season ahead. With a just released flyer from Pirates Secretary Tim Burger, he gives us a good interaction of the season ahead.
The Noosa Pirates are preparing for an exciting 2026 season, with registration now officially open for both junior and senior players. The club is already buzzing with anticipation as preparations ramp up, for what promises to be another exciting year on the field.
The senior team will open with a home trial match against Toowoomba Souths on Saturday, 7 March in a four-game program. This will consist of the U19s, Open Women’s, Reserve Grade and A grade teams. The official senior season will then kick off on the weekend of 28th March: this will mark the start of another competitive year for the Pirates.
Junior Internationals (u/13 to u/17) will also get their first hit out of the year with a home trial against Waves Bundaberg on Saturday, 28th February in Tewantin. Boys and girls (u13-u17) will take the field before heading into three weeks of grading games, beginning the weekend of the 6th March leading into Round One for all juniors on 27th March. The club will hold a Masters tournament on the weekend of March 21st, adding to pre-season excitement.
This event is always a crowd favorite, offering a chance to see former players lace up the boots share a laugh and enjoy a spirited run before the season officially begins. Strong registrations is expected across all grades and a full calendar of pre- season the Noosa Pirates are set for a vibrant and competitive 2026 season.
The club urges all players to register early for what promises to be a memorable year.
