By RON LANE
IT’S 4.30pm, Friday 26 May 2013, and a small group of people are crowding into the training room of the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club. Among those in attendance are two people, husband and wife team, who have travelled all the way from Pambula Surf Life Saving Club in NSW.
The reason for the meeting and the attendance of special guests, Peter and Michele Boots, was to explain the purpose, goals and program of this group. Known as the Noosa Seahorse Nippers, and under the control of organisers Steve and Nikki Mawby of the Noosa club, their purpose was to give children with special needs the opportunity to take part in activities, which under normal circumstances, would be beyond their capabilities.
Last Saturday, 30 April 2016 at noon a group of delegates from Victoria, NSW and Queensland attended what we can proudly say, was the first think tank instigated by the Noosa club for the purpose of consolidating and planning the future of this great organisation, currently known as the Seahorse Nippers.
Prior to this, the Noosa Seahorse club conducted their normal Saturday morning activities which got underway at 9am. Visiting delegates were invited to observe, meet helpers and participate in the program. Visitors were given a demonstration by Donald McKill of a new game, the obstacle course. This course set up on the sand has three disciplines the purpose of which is to create a feeling of first running through pot holes, second of going out through waves and finally diving under big surf.
As this was the last session for this season, a presentation of awards was made at the completion of the program by patron Dawn Fraser, and many photos were snapped.
This occasion was a good chance to give delegates an opportunity to see how successful and advanced the Noosa club has become; and for Peter and Michael Boots the seminar was of utmost importance.
“For us, it takes quite a journey to get here, but we wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” Peter said. Their journey started with a four-hour car trip from their home in Merinbula to Nowra, followed by a three- hour train trip to Sydney; then a connecting flight from Sydney to Maroochydore. At the airport they were greeted by the Mawbys who were to be their host family during their stay.
“Since that first meeting three years ago, the people of Noosa have achieved wonders,” Michele said. “To be here is our pleasure. For Peter and I our dream is to see this type of program spread right throughout Australia; now it is starting to happen.”
Another delegate to support this was Naomi Symington. Naomi, who travelled from the Anglesea Club in Victoria said, “Our hope is to see this type of program spread into every club in Australia.”
But perhaps one of the most supportive remarks came from a delegate from outside Surf Life Saving, Catherine Campbell. Catherine who was representing the Government Office of Sport, and Sport Recreation for NSW said, “What has been achieved here has given lots of scope to progress through all other clubs, and to develop a common partnership. Well done to all.”
Following this the delegates, 45 in all, assembled in the Noosa Board Room and under facilitator Tim Mackew the first ever think tank was called to order. In his opening remarks, Tim drew attention to the “importance of specialising in upgrading the calibre of your team and the loyalty of your best talent.”
Before starting on the agenda, he invited Dawn Fraser Noosa Seahorse patron to speak. In her remarks, Dawn said, “I have been involved with another (similar) Australian group, so I understand what it is all about; and to see the smile on those kids’ faces when they come out of the water, even when it’s cold, makes it all worthwhile. I wish you all the very best.”
Mackew’s opening remarks were of the utmost importance. When we take into consideration that we now have 20 clubs in NSW, three in South Australia, six in Victoria, seven in Queensland, plus Victoria and Queensland also having a further one and three respectively being formed, “the loyalty of the teams is absolutely imperative.”
Regarding outcomes, listed on the agenda, one in particular was to establish an online network to provide support, resources and assistance to other clubs across Australia; and to implement a Special Needs Nipper or Surf Awareness program at their surf life saving clubs.
Other club delegates were invited to make a short presentation regarding the situation in their clubs; and some of the presentations were as follows:
Redcliffe delegate said, “We have been going three years, and have just completed our fifth program with about 15 nippers in attendance. We are working hard toward the retention of helpers.” North Burleigh spoke of having completed two seasons with members being aged 5-13 years, and having among their nippers three that are in wheelchairs.
From Alexander Headlands, we were informed that they now have 36 Seahorse Nippers attending their programs. However, for them the highlight has been the fact that patrolling senior members have taken it upon themselves to invite the Seahorse Nippers to visit their patrols, and the response has been incredible.
Diana Palmer from IDEAS a NSW organisation, “As outsiders, we thank you for the opportunity to attend and express our ideas.”
Cooks Hill in the Newcastle area said, “Four sessions a year have been performed with two before Christmas and two after and media support has been incredible. And from the Pambula Club, where in the year 2000 Peter and Michele Boots first started the movement, “We have gone from just five kids to 18 and one has been with us for 15 years.’’
For the Boots, things are a bit different. “We now call our group the Same Wave Program. This is because we have members from five-45; half of our group is young adults.” Representing the Anglesea club Naomi Symington said, “We call our group the Starfish Nippers. We started five years ago and are now working with 15 members. We have our program the same time as our other nippers and we join with them in such events as wading and beach relays. We have great support from our Life Member group and work hard to promote family values within the club”
However, working with special nippers is not her only major achievement; she made history by becoming Anglesea’s first lady president. “All my life has been devoted to surf lifesaving.” At present Naomi holds the position of Director of Youth Activities.
After the delegates spoke and various points discussed, the facilitator introduced the keynote speaker Michael Scanlon. Michael, who hails from America, is a senior behavioural therapist with the AEIOU foundation, and his speech was aimed at helping all involved who are working directly with our special nippers.
Points he highlighted included: remember all children are different, the importance of visualisation in teaching, and above all teach them to help themselves.
Following this, delegates were broken up into workshops, after which spokespersons highlighted points considered important in the consolidating and planning for the future. These were: pathways and personal development, engaging state and national bodies, retention of volunteers from both within and outside our clubs, funding and education of our helpers.
Perhaps, one of the most important was the adoption of a new name. This has come about because a lot of clubs are now embracing older members, and the name nipper is no longer appropriate. It would also serve to bring all involved under the one banner. This would be a positive in marketing the organisation.
To close off the afternoon John Dokon of the Noosa Club was invited to speak on what the lifesaving movement, and in particular the Seahorse nippers meant to him and his family. In what was sometimes an emotional address, this former veteran of 16 years naval service, which included service in the Middle East, explained how, along with his wife and two sons there was indeed a role for each member of his family in the Noosa club. For this he would be forever grateful. He needed help and it was there for the asking.
At the conclusion of the day, it was obvious to all that the timing for the think tank was perfect; spot on.
The work done by the Noosa Seahorse team and their group of supporters was second to none. Now the time is right to take it to the next level of being nationwide; consolidate, plan and move on. To the entire Noosa Seahorse group proud to say they are Our People.
