By Ron Lane
There can be no doubt about it. The Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club, now in its 38th year of service to the community, is definitely in a progressive and positive state of mind. As things stand February 2019 should see the first sod of earth turned heralding the commencement of the building of what will be the new Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Club spokesperson Michelle Smallman said, ‘’Approval from council has been ratified and a project manager has been appointed. Present indications are that all designs will be available for public viewing by May. This will be a multi-million dollar project with the end result being an ultra- modern club that will cater for all aspects of surf club life: while at the same time always being respectful of the environment.’’
At Sunshine we have what is termed an open beach, that is a beach that is totally exposed to the elements and not protected by points such as we have at Noosa; this can leave it somewhat dangerous to the general public. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that a surf club on such a beach be capable of fulfilling its obligations as a white water rescue organization.
By this we mean fully trained and fit patrol members backed up by the state-of-the-art rescue craft and patrol vehicles, including ATVs. (All Terrain Vehicles.) The latter is an essential vehicle for a club that can and does receive many distress calls into the very dangerous Alexandria Bay. Also we have a long stretch of unpatrolled beach south of the flagged area; again emphasizing the increasing need for the ATV.
To maintain its high standard of beach safety, it is important that they have premises that can support all needs; parking for vehicles, workshops, storage rooms, board racks, a gymnasium and lecture rooms.
Then there is the section for officers that will cater for administration and also that essential fundraising and socializing arena, the Supporter Club.
Since 1981/82 season when patrols in the modern generation of surf life saving were restarted on Sunshine Beach, they have established a record that is definitely second to none, in both beach safety and competition. For example in 2017 for the first time in Australian lifesaving history both the Australian Lifesaver of the Year Scott Summers and Lifeguard of the Year Max Pettigrove, came from the same club, Sunshine Beach; add to this another national award the Australian Volunteer of the Year Warick Redwood . Finally the most recent award the State Operations Support Person of the Year also went to Scott Summers. This gives a good indication as to the high standard of lifesaving within this club. As regard to competition their medal count at both state and national titles for such a small club, is definitely second to none.
So in February 2019 when the existing building is demolished and Sunshine is reduced to working out of sea containers, there can be no doubt that with their club spirit and community support they will come through with flying colors. To lifesavers, supporters and all involved– good luck to all.
