By Ron Lane
It was the perfect day to celebrate the fifth birthday of the Noosa Seahorse Nippers.
Bright and sunny and with a safe gentle one metre wave rolling onto the beach – and out beyond the small break, calm clear waters.
With the support of the Noosa Shire Council, car park attendants Ken Edwards and Peter Williams – members of the Noosa Surf Club – conducted a bus shuttle from the Lions Park to Noosa’s Main Beach car park.
This council gesture has been greatly appreciated as getting the families and the Nippers to the beaches, in particular when some are in wheelchairs, had indeed created a problem. Now it is all done – safely and quickly.
For the opening day, enrolment was good with 38 Nippers registered and 65 lifesavers signing on to work as minders and water safety officers.
This was backed up by the duty patrol and the patrol captain could be seen moving around. Water safety at its best.
“This has been a good start to our season. On the first day we usually hold our breath and pray for good weather, good attendance and a big support group. Happy to say we have all,” chief organiser Steve Mawby said.
Standing on the water’s edge, I spotted a familiar face.
As I approached, he turned and extended his hand, and with a happy smile announced, “We are back for another season.”
We shook hands and on behalf of the Noosa Surf club I extended a warm and sincere welcome.
His name is Justin McDonald, and along with his son Rohan who is combating a major leg problem, they have been with the Seahorses right from the start.
“My young bloke and I have been members from day one and I can tell you he would not miss a day. If anything happens that I am running a bit late he lets me know in no uncertain terms. His change in attitude has been fantastic and as his dad I am very grateful. Many thanks to everybody involved.’’
As the morning progressed, one couldn’t help but notice familiar faces, such as Nikki Mawby, along with husband Steve an original co-organiser, Donald McKill, Little Joe, Steve “Precious” Hatton and the young “Locke” Landsdown the list goes on and on.
I think the words, uttered by senior veteran member John Little some two seasons ago are still relevant today,when he said, “To hear the laughter and see the smiles on the faces of these young kids, it makes all the hardships and difficulties that we have been through over the years, all worthwhile.”
Also giving support by mixing and talking to parents was surf club President Ross Fisher. While mingling he took the opportunity to welcome a special guest. Her name was Tina Logan and she hails from San Diego, USA.
“Back home I work for an organisation known as The National Ability Center and we do a similar thing. We also work for children, adults and wounded veterans with special needs. We help by supplying certified instructors and amongst the many things we are involved with are skiing and tandem bike riding for the blind. In this one we provide a person with no disabilities on the front and the blind riding behind. This is just one of the many events that prove very popular.”
During the morning she took the opportunity to take photographs and ask questions of the work team.
“This is a great concept and I can’t wait to show folks back home what you Aussies are doing. This is very, very interesting – really outstanding.”
