By Ron Lane
Every year in Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout Australia, the major announcement at the Annual General Meeting is always the naming of the recipient of the club’s highest honour – Life Member.
Such is the prestige of this award that on some occasions no nominations are tabled, and it is not unusual for some clubs to go one, two or even three years, without a nomination being received.
However this year at Sunshine Beach this was not the case; for on this occasion for her outstanding contribution to the club over many years, the name Johanna Redwood, Life Member, was announced.
“This award was highly deserved,” said Club Captain Scott Summers. “Johanna has put in many years of hard work; patrolling, working with the Nippers, as well as coaching from the Nipper ranks through to the opens. Her work as a coach in Champion Life Saver, Patrol Competition and Pool Rescue has seen her win many medals at both State and National level.” This award gives the Sunshine Club something very unique, for Johanna and husband Warrick, are now both recipients of the Life Member Medal.
Next week when the Annual Report comes to hand, a full summary of Sunshine’s performance for the 2016/17 season will be featured.
In the history section of the Noosa Heads S.L.S.C. Annual Report it states: In 1928, 13 members gained their Royal Life Saving Society Still Water and Surf Bronze, thus qualifying to patrol the beach. The following year, 1929, a clubhouse was placed on the beach. Since then, club President Ross Fisher noted “No Lives Lost on Our Beaches.” This record speaks for itself. He went on to thank all members for their outstanding contribution during the season.
The dedication of Steve and Nikki Mawby, and Lorna Gardner, to the Seahorse Nippers was noted. The program has continued to grow in Australia with many young people now experiencing the delight of being a Nipper, when this was always thought to not be possible.
He also noted the Noosa Nippers 50 years, the Surf Club (the Supporter Club) Ian Young OAM chairman and Anton Mogg Manager, the Noosa Shire Council and the sponsors. All contributing to what has been an outstanding year.
A major highlight contained in the report would have to be a letter from George Hill ESM, Chief Operations Officer for State Centre.
It read as followers: “On behalf of the officers, advisors and staff of Surf Life Saving Queensland, I wish to formally acknowledge and thank your club and members for their vital support and patrol assistance provided at Peregian Beach over the 2016/17 season.
“Your Club members’ actions to support a much-needed service at Peregian goes well above and beyond what’s expected and is a genuine testament to their training, professionalism, and commitment to coastal safety at all levels. They have done themselves their club, and the wider surf lifesaving movement proud.’’
When the Noosa Club stepped in to undertake the problem and stop the Peregian Club from going under, it was indeed a massive project .
However, as of today the progress has been exceptional and the correspondence from George Hill contained within Noosa’s Annual Report is indeed confirmation that from Sunshine Coast Coast Branch level through to State Centre, all are in agreeance that all steps taken are nothing but positive.
Following the annual report it was announced that the club would be researching the problem of member retainment; a problem that is now affecting many clubs.
To not only train them, but keep them within our ranks for the seasons ahead is essential.
Regarding election of officers all standing members were returned to office unopposed; President Ross Fisher and Deputy Rob Harney. The Directors are: Finance Craig Moore, Surf Sports Peter French, Administration Barry Leek, Lifesaving/Club Captain Roger Aspinall, Junior Activities Sam Smith and Peregian Brett Leckie.
We wish them well for the season ahead.
