With the 2025/ 26 season now well under way, comes very positive news from the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving club. The Lobin Cup, once the most coveted trophy for members, has been reinstated. This award was so highly esteemed, that if no member was deemed to have performed exceptionally, beyond everyone else, it would be, “held in abeyance until next season.”
The idea for this award originated at Christmas 1961, thanks to former Bondi Old Boy Peter Lobin. Peter and his family had moved to Noosa a few years ago. After accidently being involved in a mass rescue at Noosa’s Main Beach in 1960, and noting that Noosa was short of members, he stepped forward and joined.
It wasn’t long after this that Peter approached the club asking for a meeting with some senior members. After members agreed to the proposal, a two-hour meeting was held. As a result of the discussion, the Lobin Cup came into being. Peter’s innovative ideas for awarding the trophy were quickly valued and adopted by Noosa.
Primarily, it is intended exclusively for our core business of Surf Lifesaving and for no other purpose. Patrolling, working for the club, attitude towards fellow members and general conduct in all aspects regarding club life.
Club captains could not receive this award. Reason. A good club captain is consistently involved in the daily activities of the club. Surf sports competitions were excluded, as carnival events are not central to lifesavers’ roles. The Lobin family was asked to choose and donate the trophy themselves, with the goal of providing something outstanding.
All aspects of the Lobin Cup were agreed to. Because the award maintained such a high standard, management decided that the recipient would also receive an honor blazer. Recipients, frequently exhibited visible emotional responses, including occasionally becoming tearful during award ceremonies. Sometimes, when younger members were involved, parents would call the club to express their thanks.
With the return to club life as such, it would not be uncommon to see a deep sense of pride and gratitude appearing amongst the patrolling members. This recognition shows that their dedication, sense of pride, and discipline is valued and recognized. Above all, this initiative represents significant progress toward reestablishing a previously distinguished tradition.
Amateur Boxing.
Mark Evans, the owner and head coach of Cooray’s Impact Boxing Academy, once remarked, “Coaching boxing may seem simple from an outsider’s perspective—until you have lived inside.’’ Recognized as one of Australia’s most successful clubs, their boxing team’s achievements, under Coach Evans are of the highest grading. This is a reputation that has been in place since 2018, when the team worked out of a small gym, amongst the trees in Blueberry Drive Black Mountain Road Cooroy.
Now, after many years Coach Evans takes the time to stop and give us his feelings as to what it takes to be rated as one of Australia’s finest: a reputation gained after several years of competition, not just locally, but above all, at international level. Here, therefore in his own words, are his personal feelings. As Australian Head Coach, he has led teams to countries including Ireland, Russia, the USA, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Southeast Asia.
“People see only the fight nights and the bright lights, not the early mornings and the late nights. They see the corner advice, not the years of preparation behind it. Criticism is abundant, stress remains persistent, and sleep often arrives much later than it ought to. That’s the reality. Results take time, and it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.”
“It’s not possible to manage every eventuality, once proceedings have commenced. Progress is slow and pressure never leaves. And your family carries part of the load with you, even though they never signed up for this crazy life. However, if you truly love it, you keep showing up. “
“You teach, guide, build, and shape. You keep standing in the corner for the kids who need structure, discipline, self-belief and accountability: far more than they need the applause.” Through the years, he has shown a remarkable understanding toward kids. Not just your ordinary kids, but most important of all, kids who are starting to stumble along life’s bumpy road.
During an interview, which I conducted some time ago, he offered a remark that truly gives us something to ponder. ‘‘I honestly believe that there is no such thing as a bad kid. Sadely, most of our troubled kids are purely a product of a bad environment.” Being a coach who practises what he preachers, his creation of the Pee Wee club, which members can join from4-6 yrs of age, has been yet another success story. Above all, one that is fully appreciated by parents.
A coach who can effectively communicate with young people, is someone whose insights deserve attention. Who better to speak in support than those whose every day concern is the welfare of our youth.
Karate.
Karate Noosa is gearing up for another year. This year the training will start on February 2nd at the Noosaville State School and will do so under again the control of Head Sensi Bryan Dukas Black Belt 6th Dan. Training programs will be as followers with a 4 pm start: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Now in its 10th year, the club has grown to around 80 members. Over the years, it has taken several teams to Japan for advanced training and to compete in both World and Oceanic Titles. We wish them well for the year ahead.
