In early March this season volunteers (working under the guidance of chairman Steve and wife Niki Mawby) nine surf clubs came together at Noosa’s Main Beach to deliver the second annual Joint Seahorse Nipper Program (an adaptive nipper program) with clubs from all up the Queensland coast. These included, Port Douglas, Ellis Beach, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, Alexandra Headlands, Mooloolaba, Dicky Beach, North Burleigh and Noosa.
This resulted in a collaboration of 70 surf lifesavers, assisting 50 participants under the supervision of 100 parents and carers. The ownership of this program, belongs to the people in the surf lifesaving movement and is an annual event: and in some cases, could be conducted on various beaches.
Starting in the 2013 season, this unique program had clubbies from all over asking the question. “Just who the hell are these Seahorse Nippers?” Now some 13 years on, it is not just a success on some local beaches (some working under their own name) but its popularity has been such, that National Council, (lifesavings governing body) has taken the unexpected step of having a “Special events program,” included in the biggest carnival of the year – The National Championships of the Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia.
And now, we take the opportunity to give our supporters the chance to read a full report on the running of a Seahorse Nipper Program: a good look at the very positive- “other side of the coin.
“The final day of the season was to be a good indicator of just what a great success for lifesaving and our community, the Seahorse Nippers has been.
Being a big full-on day, it began with Noosa Patrol captain Jenny Glassock meeting with Water Safety Officer Steve Freckelton to assess and discuss conditions.
Surf conditions created by a peak hightide and cyclone Alfred, this year were challenging, and a decision was made early, to expand beach activities and restrict water access, to a waste deep wade routine, with a maximum group size of 10 in the water at any time: all groups to be strictly supervised. Following this Lorna Garden, Nikki Mawby, Lucia Neeley and Jo Power, arrived to finalise attendances and fine tune leaders, before registration and volunteer briefing was given.
Following this Big Peter Williams and his team known as the Bus Boys, co-ordinated car parking and bus transfers for volunteers and families attending on the day: their job being to assist participants on and off busses at all locations. Lots of smiles and jokes shared with bus drivers on their return to their cars, was a good indication as to the success of the day.
A big thank you to the Sunshine Beach Surf Club for the loan of their bus, and to the staff of the Noosa Shire Council (Larry, Amelia, Clint, Hayley and Andrea) who assisted in making the beach accessible: as well as access for the Lions and Noosa J car park, for all Seahorse Programs.
Also, a big vote of thanks goes to the Noosa Surf Club Office team for their communication skills, with families and volunteers: also, their skills in preparing the smooth running of the programs: Renee, Sheridan, Justine, Sharon, Anna and Tanya.
A big well done goes to the key players who have been in attendance year after year: Donald Mc Kill, Steve Freckleton, Peter Williams, Jo Power and Sunshine Beach Surf Club CTO, John Reeves. However, the overall success of these programs, is also the result of the loyalty and devotion to the Seahorse kids by many others, just too many to name. We see them, we acknowledge them, and we salute them.
On occasions such as this, at days end the same problem always arises. Just how are we going to entice Seahorse Nippers out of the water, when they are having a ball: simple. Get volunteers, Colleen Kneale, Sandy Warren and Felicity O’Brien, to expertly whip up 150 banana smoothies: all in the day’s fun.
Regarding the presentation of the certificates, trophies and gifts to all visiting participants, this pleasant happening was given to Councillor, Noosa Heads clubbie, and Seahorse program volunteer Amelia Lorentson. Founding Patron, Dawn Fraser sent her apologies, as she was still recovering from recent injuries. To this great lady we extend our heart felt wishers for a full recovery. As always, a major factor in a program such as this is generous financial support from various sponsors, many of whom are ever present. Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, the Burleigh Lions Club, North Burleigh SLSC, Noosa Heads Supporters Club, Surf Club Restaurant as well as Darren, Sue Jo and team at RACV, who donate rooms at subsidised rates: thus, hosting visiting families and helpers with their great hospitality and customer service. Without these people, where would we be?
‘’We are inspired to continue developing a positive culture of inclusiveness in surf lifesaving throughout the network with other surf lifesaving clubs. Delivering lifesaving programs within our community, that have a positive impact on the lives of families living with circumstances and physical restrictions, that limit their ability to learn beach and ocean skills, is of the utmost importance.’’
In a letter of gratitude from Judy and Candice Green, regarding all aspects of the event their comments are well noted. Thank you to Debbie Hazlewood (10 years in the Nipper movement and now program co-ordinator) and her team for an amazing weekend away with the Seahorse Nippers. She is good, with not only the kids, but also the parents and carers: that was especially the case, regarding emails and text updates, which even continued during the event.
Yet another vote of thanks to those unsung heroes, the sponsors. They bought normality, luxury and a little getaway from the norm to families who really need things to brighten their day. RACV was a stunning place to stay accommodation, location, great food, swimming pool and surroundings.
Big welcome on the Saturday from all involved: thoroughly enjoying the activities on the beach as well as in the water. Most impressive was the amount of help and safety measures that were evident during the event: also the lunch, put on by the surf club, the thoughtful gesture of bringing up the beach wheel chairs and the supplying of the Seahorse Nipper Rashies. All gratefully appreciated.
Judy went on to thank North Burleigh SLSC, for continuing their Seahorse Nipper Programs. “Candice had the best time: she was excited before and really enjoyed her little holiday. The affordable accommodation, which was big enough to house a carer as well, enabled me to take a break, which I did. These memories will stay in our hearts, and we hope that we can look forward to something similar next year.”
The attendance figures, plus the support of National Council, (adding the beach events at the National Titles for Nippers in need) tell us that support is spreading and consolidated. Add to this, the attitude of th local sponors in recent times, shows that the long endless hours put in by Steve and Niki Mawby have not been in vain. So, to the Mawbys the Red and Yellow army, and everyone involved we say congratulations.
Rugby League.
Recent bad weather put stop to all football codes. However, from Noosa Pirates the news is now good. On Friday night and Saturday morning seven grading games for juniors will be conducted at Pirates Park. Until TC Alfie interfered, training sessions at Pirate Park have been well attended by all grades. After last season’s good efforts, plus the signing of several new well-respected players, it is all stations go.
