Between The Flags By RON LANE
For the Noosa Heads SLSC, last Friday evening was the night of the year — the annual dinner and presentation of trophies. It was well attended with a good cross section of the community represented. Among invited guests were Glen Elms MP, Frank Pardon Noosa Shire Council and representing Lifesaving Queensland, state deputy president Barry Woodger. Representing the Surf Club, the financial support group for the senior club, was chairman Ian Young. Add to this nine life members, and it gives some idea as to the high regard in which the club is now held.
In welcoming guests, club president Greg Cowie said, “It is a pleasure to welcome you to this the 86th Annual Dinner of the Noosa Heads SLSC. This must surely be one of the club’s most successful seasons. Our success in being named as the Australian Surf Club of the Year, maintaining our high standard of patrolling, and our achievements in competition from branch level through to the National Titles speaks for themselves. Therefore, it gives me much pleasure in congratulating all our people, patrol members, competitors and support groups; and in particular our sponsors, some of whom have been with us when times were tough. I would also like to take the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the great support given us by councilor Frank Pardon and our local council, with regard to the Seahorse Nippers. Without their support, attendance by the families would have been difficult indeed.”
In his speech, local member Glen Elms said: “Congratulations to you one and all. In particular, I wish to congratulate all those lifesavers involved in the Seahorse Nippers, the group that you have set up to help children in need. I think that this is something that not only your club, but also our entire community can take pride.”
To commence the presentation of awards deputy president Gerard O’Brien was called on. Gerard, who midway through the season stepped aside as president to take a chair on the State Center Finance Committee, first of all thanked members for their support during his five years as president.
“As the instigator of this award it gives me great pleasure in announcing that the recipient of this season’s President’s Medal has two winners. The first is Jo Power for her outstanding work in finance; and Phil Bowden for his work in consolidating the boat section in the area of competition.” For Gerard, the highlight of the evening was when he was presented with a new competition board in recognition of his dedication to the club.
The reason for our existence is of course surf lifesaving and in this the major awards were as followers: Patrol of the year Patrol 11; Patrol Captain, Jon Gommell; Vice PC James O’Connor; Most Patrol Hours Roger Apanill; Patrol Persons of the Year (Senior) Robin and Paul Jenkinson (Junior) Lucas Nielsen; IRB Driver and Crew Elvie Wytenburg and Lauren Reynolds; Radio Operator Pablo Aquirre; Trainer Barry Leek; Club Person Roger Aspinall; and Operational Support, Rebecca Cooper-Tregoning. Major Encouragement Awards were Rookie Melissa Aitken and Cadet Blake Digby. The Lobin Cup this year went to Daniel Capps.
In competition, the major awards were; Open Club Champion, Nick Kirby; Most Improved; Cadet Cooper Williams; Junior Rhys Burrows; Most Outstanding Jordan Mercer. In the boats, the Majan Strajnar Award went to Molly Stewart and Club Coaches Award Rohani Bakhach.
Official and coaches were also acknowledged. A major contribution to the success in carnival competition has been the dedication of Sport Administrator Peter French, and the stability and character of the coaching panel.
