By RON LANE
WHEN one reads the annual report of the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club for the 2014/’15 season, it becomes quite apparent that the words of club president Craig Law were spot on when he said, “It was, one of our most enjoyable and exciting seasons in many years.”
Addressing the performance of his directors Law said, “Each of you embraced your roles with passion and enthusiasm which has now taken our club to unprecedented heights and set the tone for many years to come.”
With regard to support groups, he said, ‘Most importantly I would like to acknowledge and thank all our club’s sponsors and supporters, who allow us the ability to continue to deliver a quality lifesaving service to both the local and tourist communities that visit our beach.”
However, one point in his report that speaks volumes for the future of the club was that during the season they conducted a major overhaul of the club’s constitution and by-laws.
This indicates that the club has its sights set in the right direction. With regards to beach patrols club captain (director of Lifesaving) Scott Summers said, “For the first time in at least three years, we have used only our own members to comply with our Patrol obligations and did not need to draw on the workforce of the Brisbane Life Saving Service, nor any of our neighbouring clubs for supplemental patrol support.” Regarding patrolling members, he acknowledged the outstanding work of chief training officers Steve Boyd and Bill Twigger during the last two seasons. For the IRB and ATV, patrol work which is becoming so vital in today’s patrol system, the Captain noted “the incredible support of their major supporter Norris Motor Group.”
Beach statistics for the year tell us that there were 57,806 beach attendances, 38 total rescue incidents and 1695 preventative actions.
Major Awards in Lifesaving were; Best Patrol, Patrol 2, Patrol Captain of the Year Julian Ashmore, Lifesaver of the Year Natalie McMaster and Club Man of the Year (Dave Higgins Memorial Award) Peter Brewer. Most Patrol Hours James Ross 91.5 hrs.
Director of Junior Activities David Gleeson said, “With great assistance from our entire parent group this season must go down as the best ever.”
He then went on to thank all those who had helped down through the years but were now retiring. Among their major award winners were: Sunshine Spirit Award Cooper Turner, Max Pettigrove Outstanding Achievement Award, Maverick Pettigrove and Redwood Nipper of the Year Award, Jonty Redwood.
In the Surf Sports arena, this season has been truly outstanding for Sunshine. Director Craig Law said, “I am not really sure I could write an annual Surf Sports report that would do justice to what has been achieved.” With so many members winning medals at State and National level in events right across the board, to name just a few would be unfair. So to Sunshines entire competition team and their coaches, on behalf of all us in our community, “You did us proud.” “The increasing number of patrol members on our beach is testament to the way our club is running,” said Bill Twigger, director of Education and Development. To sum up the feeling in the club, Twigger said in his report, “To my mind the giving, the selflessness and the friendship are what make our club so great.” Well said Bill, well said. On the weekend, the Noosa IRB team took part in their State championships held at Mooloolaba. This squad which is still in the learning process, had teams in semifinals as well as the girls into the final of the Tube Rescue event. Racing Team captain Chris Vaughn said, “We are happy with our progress and will contest the National Titles at Mooloolaba in two weeks.”
“To strengthen our work as patrolling members, crewies are now also doing advanced courses in first aid. Always remember these teams can be called on to do rescue work in remote areas so every bit of knowledge is vital,” Vaughn said.
