By Ron Lane
It is now nine years since the Surf Club on Hasting St. conducted its last renovations. Now happy to relate refurbishments are again under way. Chairman of the Board of Directors Ian Young O.A.M. said, ‘’With our obligation as lifesavers to protect the tourists and locals who visit our beaches, we see ourselves as being a responsible and important member of Tourism Noosa. As such we are happy to be involved and provide a club that is in-keeping with todays trends.”
Regarding the project club general manager Anton (Moggie) Mogg said, “Our aim is to enhance the experience of dining and relaxing in a club that is both modern and inviting to members and visitors. In an atmosphere that is also family orientated, we look forward to playing host to all who pass through our doors.”
All indications are that major emphases will be placed on the entrance, bar, verandah and stage areas; with upgrade to kitchen facilities also on the drawing board. All renovations will be conducted within the existing boundaries.
The reason for the clubs existence is to provide the finance necessary to maintain a high standard of beach safety supported by state-of-the-art rescue equipment. With ever increasing crowds and expanding areas of courtesy patrols, the cost of providing beach safety is very much on the increase.
“With our club being situated on the immediate beach front at Noosa,” said Moggie, “it not only gives our visitors a glorious view, but also when our beach is being fully patrolled and manned with IRBs, jet rescue skis and ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) it shows our visitors where their money goes.”
Apart from supporting beach safety, over the years the Surf Club has proudly made grants available to various organisations, thus ensuring it maintains its character of being a local club. In the words of assistant manager Les Evans, “We want our visitors to understand; there are no strangers in our club only friends you haven’t met.”
