By Ron Lane
As the evergreen ex-Olympian Bennie Pike once said when speaking of our sporting life on the Sunshine Coast, “Sport puts bums on seats.”
Anyone who was around Noosa during the Laguna Festival of Surfing would have seen Bennie’s words come true. Great crowds in all areas of our town, great weather and surf.
For several years now, the Noosa Heads S.L.S.C. has proudly been on call to assist when needed, and this year was no different. Being up close and personal gives our duty people a look at the work teams and a chance to publicly thank those who made the festival a success. They bring visitors into our town and put feet in the sand.
The hard work and dedication of Phil Jarratt and daughter Sam Smith have done wonders not only for the surfing life but also for our community at large, bringing in business and above all keeping the name of Noosa out there, among the people of this great nation. Another person is Noosa’s number one Lion Gary Dun, always there, always helpful.
Interesting to note, the Festival of Surfing is not the only outstanding contribution that Sam Smith has made to this community. This lady has for some time held the all-important office of director of junior (Nippers) activities in the Noosa Club – a position that plays a very important role in our future. So to Phil, Sam and Gary, many thanks for your outstanding dedication and loyalty in your chosen field.
Also, many thanks to the Noosa Surf (Supporters) Club for once again hosting the Four Codes of Football Fund-raising Beach Party in the tent supplied by the Noosa Festival of Surfing. A great way to finish the week.
On Sunday morning, the 14th Annual Shirley Strachan Memorial Swim for Noosa Surf Club took place at Noosa’s Main Beach. Despite the inclement weather, 60 plus swimmers lined up in Little Cove for the start of the 1.2km swim.
As of this year, the name of the late Bruce Warren has been added to the event in honour of his outstanding contribution. The event with the support of wife Sandy and sponsor McDermott Aviation has been Bruce’s baby; a fact that is acknowledged and saluted by all.
Regarding results, first home in the men’s division was Cooper Williams, and in the ladies, Lana Rogers took the honours. It was good to see this young lady on the mend after suffering a bad ankle injury; hopefully she will be fully fit for the Australian Titles.
A very pleasing and emotional part of the trophy presentation was the presence of Bruce’s sons Charlie, who flew in from Tasmania and Will who came from Sydney. Add to this, wife Sandy and sponsor John McDermott, plus club president and life member Ross Fisher, officials, swimmers and supporters. All the respect and support needed to ensure that the swim will continue was evident.
Two senior members who came in for special mention were Peter French and Gina Lynch. Both of these members have the distinction of having contested all 14 events.
On the weekend, 12 new bronzes passed their final assessment and were welcomed into the Noosa club by the president. In the IRB training, a crew course of several members has been completed and a driver’s course is ongoing with members from three clubs Marcoola, Sunshine and Noosa being involved.
Following the success of the Noosa First Aid team at the recent state titles, heavy training sessions with Noosa legendary coach Lenore Grice involved, are underway. Despite their youth, a major success at the forthcoming Australian Titles is not beyond their capability.
Good luck to all.
