Ron Lane
For the Noosa Seahorse Nippers another great program and Christmas celebration has been completed. On Saturday 9th at 8am, some 40 of our Seahorse Nippers gathered on Noosa’s Main Beach to go through their last program before Christmas and also meet up with Santa and his helpers.
Under the guidance and protection of 72 qualified Noosa Lifesavers, the morning activities were once again a morning of swimming, ski and board riding. To make it a great morning some families from Sunshine Beach and Dicky Beach, along with their siblings, were also there to join in the celebrations.
A final count tells us that a total of 82 mums, dads, siblings and family members were in attendance. As is now the tradition, the usual team of Bus Boys, Big Pete Williams (the greeter) driver Ken Edwards, Tony Frost and patrol helpers of the Noosa Surf Club, worked to transport those in need of assistance from Lions Park to Main Beach: only this year there was a difference.
A delightful little Nipper, seven-years-of-age informed Big Pete that she wanted to be with him when the families stepped from the bus and say Merry Christmas. This little lady, dressed in her club swimmers and answering to the name of Clementine, definitely stole the show and put a lot of smiles on the faces of both parents and fellow nippers. Down on the beach, water and beach events were conducted. Following this Dawn Fraser MBE, AO Patron of Seahorse Nippers spoke to parents and presented awards to members.
This was followed by a visit from Santa and his helper (aka Paul and Robin Jenkinson). After gifts were handed out, Chairman of the Seahorse Nippers Steve Mawby and wife Nikki, thanked the parents and all the helpers for their work during the programs: also, the Bus Boys and the Bar-b-que team that fed the workers.
Regarding the season ahead the Chairman said, “We start back again on February 10th and plans are underway to invite members of other Seahorse clubs to a big day, on 2 March. Our organisation has become very successful, so it is important that we work together.” As this club goes from strength to strength, it is absolutely essential that their people maintain full control- without interference. They are without a doubt organised, successful and independent. It is to be hoped that the work done by Steve and Nikki Mawby, is indeed appreciated throughout our community.
While the parents were in attendance, Supporter Club Manager Anton Mogg thanked Smile for a Child fundraiser Glen Puckridge, Mike O’Connor, sponsors and workers for their outstanding contribution regarding finance: also, Dawn Fraser for her continued support. All the support team then gathered for a team photo and Christmas greetings.
The Nutri Grain series is with us once again: and for Sunshine Beach Club it has been a great result. Electra Outram, formerly in Noosa, but now happy and relaxed in Sunshine Beach, was outstanding. On the Saturday she performed well to finish back on the podium in third place. For the Sunday race she again performed well coming in 6th.
For this young athlete, settling into a new club and training with new coaches, this is certainly a great effort. During the Sunday TV commentary, it was interesting to hear the remarks from the commentators. “One of the new stars’ coming through, definitely one to watch” Sunshine’s Head coach Wes Berg said, “Good to see another Sunshine Coast clubbie back on the podium. This will have an on-going effect on the next generation.”
Another outstanding effort was also a former Noosa lady, Lana Rogers. Now performing with Northcliffe and a two-time winner of the series, Lana finished first on Saturday and second on Sunday. “I am so happy with the race as I had no pressure on me going into the events,” said Lana. It was quite obvious happy girls make happy winners. Good luck to both.
Once again, it is that time of the year for all our team at Noosa Today to say have a Happy Christmas: and above all, when visiting our beaches stay safe. We extend to our visitors a big welcome and few words of advice, when the family walk through National Park – becomes the thing to do.
If you and your crew are first timers to the park, or you need a refresher, please talk to our Lifeguards or Lifesavers patrolling our beachers; don’t hesitate as giving advice is part of the job. There are no patrolled beachers between Noosa’s Main Beach and Sunshine Beach. For those wishing to visit the devils playground, the beautiful Alexandria Bay, commonly referred to, as A Bay, remember there are no patrols: so, have a chat to the Sunshine beach patrol and they will be only too happy to help.
These people are top shelf and have the experience that will enable you to have a good family outing. If by chance while walking, you happen to see people in trouble, grab the mobile ring 000, give location, situation (how far out to sea) and how many people in distress. Then grab a shirt or towel, wave to attract attention when the IRB patrol arrives, this, if necessary, will help give direction. But above all, stay where you are – Don’t Move – this could be vital in giving direction.
