By RON LANE
IN THE eighty-eight year history of the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, there has never been a more prestigious award than the Lobban Cup. Donated and awarded in 1962 by Peter and Faye Lobban, its purpose was to “acknowledge the most outstanding lifesaver of the year – senior or junior.”
Club captains were not eligible and all aspects of surf lifesaving, with the exception of surf sports, were to be addressed when the nomination was being investigated.
If the candidates were not considered to be outstanding, it was not to be awarded. The first to receive the award was Graham Andrews – an 18-year-old pastry cook from Gympie.
On Friday evening at the annual dinner and presentation of awards, the Lobban Cup was awarded and the lifesaver honoured, was Chris Grandemange.
When asked to comment Chris replied, “Oh boy, I certainly wasn’t expecting this; this certainly is an honour. I just find it hard to believe.’’
Chris started his career in lifesaving in 1975 when as a 15-year-old, he joined Maroubra club in Sydney. During the years ahead he was to hold the office of gear steward and later on patrol captain.
“I also started driving the IRB. To do this all you needed in those days, was a boat licence and then you started. With regard to competition I rowed boats for five years.”
His years in Maroubra are well remembered; however one day in particular sticks in his mind.
Sunday 8 December, 1996. It was on this day that as a result of his part in the rescue of a fisherman off the rocks at North Maroubra, he was to receive an award for outstanding bravery from the Randwick City Council.
“We were in an IRB and the seas were that big that the helicopter couldn’t get close enough to winch a crewie down, so we had to go in and get him. Had no choice we had to go.”
It was in 2002 that Chris, a building contractor, and family arrived in Noosa.
“At first we had to juggle my time between Noosa and Sydney because of work; but eventually things settled down.”
Immediately on arrival, Chris along with wife Cathy, sons Bryce and Keaton and daughter Kobee, joined Noosa Surf club.
“My first patrol was under Frank Rock P.C. then I also became a patrol captain and eventually held office as IRB captain.”
Chris has also spent several seasons working with Nippers; and added to this, he is now a member of the 24-hour emergency call out team.
Like many of today’s veterans, for Chris and his family the surf club has become a full-on family affair. Now because of his attitude and devotion to duty, his Lobban Cup award now stands him amongst the elite of this great club.
