Ron Lane
From Between the Flags of the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club the month of August 2024, will go down in the clubs 96-year history as the saddest month ever. For it was in this month that the unbelievable happened: three Life Members, Kerry (Pencil) Sorensen, Merv Schreiber and Wally Schaller passed away. All within one week.
For Merv, aged 93 his major input was patrolling and assisting instructors with the never-ending task of turning us six-man rookie squads into lifesavers. One thing he was adamant about, was getting all rookies around to what was then the lonely, desolate and sometimes dangerous, Sunshine Beach.
It was here that we were introduced to the art of body surfing: the greatest builder of self confidence in surf swimming. An essential virtue in lifesaving. It was in that era that the rescue equipment of today, was not only unavailable, but also unheard of. His favourite expression was, “If you learn to body surf Sunshine, you will body surf anywhere.” He also served as club captain and club President.
Kerry Sorensen, referred to as Pencil, served for many seasons as a patrolman and jet rescue boat operator. Add to this he held office as club secretary, Deputy President and was a recipient of the clubs’ major award Lobban Cup (Club man of the year) the club’s major award. The highlight of his career came in 2003/2004 when he was appointed Club President.
Wally Schaller was another who obtained his bronze medallion during the time of the six-man training squads: and as such was also subjected to the strict discipline and teamwork of the time. Obtaining his bronze he started beach patrolling and after several years was appointed to the responsible position of patrol captain.
Regarding club administration, Wally’s speciality was in club finance. As a result of this, he was appointed to the finance committee of the senior club. His performance saw him elected to the higher office of Treasurer of the of the Board of Directors for the Noosa Supporters Club (referred to as the Surf Club).
Such was his reputation for integrity that he served in office for a period of some 15 years: only retiring from office because of ill health. It was during his time in office that he also was awarded the Lobban Cup. This was followed sometime later by the high Honor of Life Member, Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club.
To Merv, Kerry and Wally, Vaya con Dios old friends. Your company was our pleasure.
With the 2024/25 season just a short time away, those young people who we hope will be our future, the Noosa Nippers are starting to move. According to newly elected Nipper boss Andrea Baker the Noosa Nippers have an exciting year ahead with plenty of fun planned on the sand and in the water.
“We are striving to build our Nippers into the lifesavers of the future, people who can save lives, become great Australians and help build greater communities. The heart of our program is to build nippers confidence, surf awareness and skills to become our lifesavers of the future.”
The pool evaluation sessions will be held on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 8 September at Diamond Swim: and for registered families and Nippers they will commence on Sunday 29 September. For Andrea the new lady on the sand we wish her and her coaching team all the best.
For those who are interested in joining the Nipper program please register via, www. noosasurfclub.au.
Talking Sport.
This is certainly a big year for the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, as they celebrate 50 years of going in pleasant pursuit of the pill. Situated in Pirate Park, with a well-established club house and playing field the club is on the up and up.
On Friday the 9th some 250 Life Members, old boys, players, sponsors and supporters, gathered at the club to celebrate the occasion with a long lunch. In summarising the event, Club President Liam Anlezark said, “I was extremely pleased with our 50th anniversary luncheon. It was a hugh credit to all involved in organising, and our amazing community partners for assisting on the day.
A special mention to our MC Rob Burgin who did an amazing job and put together a fantastic video timeline of our history. Having two tables full of life members was for me a real highlight: and I would like to thank them for their support and loyalty down through the years.”
The club now has a total of some 300 members with teams of all ages and genders, from U6 right through to A grade men’s and Open Women’. We have now established a partnership with the NRL Dolphins. This will enable us to attend elite coaching clinics and developing pathways for junior players interested in a professional career. This comes under the guidance of Junior Development Program Officer Beau Condon.’’
Then President Anlezark, acknowledged the presence of the Old Boys. Now known as the Grey Beards and working in conjunction with senior member Anthony Zipf, they have the vital role of helping to keep club traditions and history alive. Some may not understand the importance of their role, but it is through these men that the essential virtue, club pride, becomes a major factor.
The MC Rob Burgin then took us through the years of club history and took the opportunity to introduce some original team members. He then interviewed former player coach, captain and premiership winner Noel Goldthorpe who spoke of his years in the club.
The importance of sponsorship was emphasised, and they were thanked for their ongoing support. He then went on to thank the workers, for helping to make the 50th Anniversary Long Lunch a day to remember.
At the finish of the formalities, the President then conducting fund raising auctions of club memorabilia. This, as was the Long Lunch, an outstanding success.
The celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Pirates Club came to a bit of a disappointing end when on Saturday (10th) Third Grade drew with Beachmere 16 all, Reserve Grade had a good win beating Maroochydore 20 to 6, but A grade had a disappointing result going down 36 to 30. A sad finish to a weekend of celebrations, but that my friends is sport.
Last weekend for the Pirates it was against Coolum for the minor premiership. However, before taking to the field there were major changes to the team. Kris Williams, team captain and front row partner Jackson Riccotta, were ruled out the morning before the game and with star fullback and top goal kicker Patrick Mc Ginn also missing, Pirates were forced to make a major re-shuffle to the side.
“It was a game of two halves for us, we came out of the game firing in defence and attack, leading 18 to 4 at half time with tries to Dylan Cousens, Terry Carroll and a double to Ethan Pohlner. We maintained control in the start of the second half with Ethon scoring his third try of the game.
However, this was to be Pirates only highlight of the game as they copped some strange decisions, allowing Coolum to score tries levelling the game at 22 apiece. Then Coolum kicked a field goal in the dying minutes to take the win. Our side was led strongly by Rohan Messer and Caleb Van Lawrick who was massive in the front row.
The result means that we came second and therefore will host Beerwah at home this Saturday for the chance to play Coolum again in the grand final qualifier. In the reserve grade Pirates 32 defeated Coolum 10.
Weightlifting.
Like a lot of clubs around town, the Noosa Barbell Club is on a big drive to prepare for championships ahead. The club’s youth athletes are preparing for the Queensland state titles to be held in Harvey Bay on the weekend of September the 24th. Cooper Ward and Kase Dowd are in final preparations.
Junior athlete Taj Marsh is six weeks out from the Commonwealth Championships in Fiji: this will be his final international for the season. Club masters are in a rebuilding phase working towards next year’s season. This is a great time to come and find what the club is all about and learn the sport of weightlifting.
You can contact the club via instagram@noosabarbellclub. The welcome mat is always there
