merewether surf life saving club · 2020. 2. 12. · page | 4 merewether slsc annual general...
TRANSCRIPT
MEREWETHER
SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB Annual Repor t 2017/2018
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Table of Contents
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 2017/18 ....................................................................... 4
Agenda......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
MEREWETHER SLSC LIFE MEMBERS ................................................................................ 8
MEREWETHER SLSC – 2017/2018 COMMITTEE MEMBERS.............................................. 9
Thank You to All Our Sponsors ................................................................................................. 10
PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ................................................................................... 11
By Nick Newton .............................................................................................................................. 11
MEMBERSHIP REPORT .................................................................................................. 14
By Angela Tiedeman, Registrar ................................................................................................... 14
MEREWETHER SURF CLUB AWARDS 2017/2018 ....... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
Hunter Branch Award Nominees 2017/2018 ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Hunter Branch Award Winners ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
LIFESAVING REPORT .................................................................................................... 14
By Simon Lovell, Club Captain and, Richard Taylor Vice Club Captain.............................. 14
Patrol Season status summary .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Patrol Report ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Focus Areas for the 2018-19 Season..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING REPORT ...................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
By Antjoney Tietze, Chief Training Officer ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.8
AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES 2018 .......................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
Bronze Medallion / Lifesaving Award ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Advance Resuscitation Technique ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Radio Operator Certificate ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Surf Rescue Certificate .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Training Officer /Assessor ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Certificate IV Leadership and Management ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
First Aid Certificate (AID) .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
IRB Driver and Crew .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
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WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT ......................................................................... 23
By Dave Hoar, WH&S Officer .................................................................................................... 23
SURF SPORTS REPORT ................................................................................................. 24
By Emma Gale, Surf Sports and Boat Captain ........................................................................ 24
Out of Area Carnivals ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Local Carnivals ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Hunter Branch SLS Championships ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Club Patrol Games ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
NSW State SLS Championships ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Australian SLS ‘Aussie’ Championships .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
JUNIOR ACTIVITIES REPORT 2017-18 ......................................................................... 28
By Julie Sutton, Junior Activities Chairperson ............................................................................ 28
Nippers Values ............................................................................................................................ 30
Year end in review ...................................................................................................................... 30
2017/18 - Membership Numbers ........................................................................................... 31
2017/18 - Volunteer Contacts ................................................................................................. 32
THE PUMPHOUSE BAR ................................................................................................. 33
By Emma Gale, Function Room Manager .................................................................................. 33
MEREWETHER SLSC 2016/2017 MINUTES ................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
MEREWETHER SLSC 2017/2018 FINANCIAL REPORTERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
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Merewether SLSC
Annual General Meeting – 2017/2018
Due notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Merewether Surf Life Saving Club, Inc. will be held at the Clubhouse, Corner Watkins and John Parade, Merewether Beach on Sunday 15 July 2018 from 10.00 a.m.
Agenda
1. Opening of Annual General Meeting by Nick Newton, President
I. Apologies – Nathan Wright – Kate Flint- Warren Stirling
II. One-minute silence for Deceased Members
2. President’s Address by Nick Newton
3. Dignitaries/Hunter Branch Surf Life Saving Address
4. Confirmation of Minutes of the AGM from the 2016-2017 Season
I. Moved: Seconded:
II. Matters arising
5. Presentation of Annual Report for the 2017-2018 Season
I. Motion to adopt
II. Moved: Seconded:
6. Presentation of provisional Financial Statements for 1st July 2017 to 30th June 2018
I. Motion to adopt
II. Moved: Seconded:
7. Presentation of Club Patrons, Vice Patrons and Honorary Positions
Title Representative
Patrons Mr. Tim Crakanthorp MP Member for Newcastle, Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Nuatali Nelmes, John Adamson, Sue Paul.
Vice-Patrons Mr. John Twohill, Mr. Evan Walton, Mrs. Susan Walton OAM, Mr Ross Taggart
Honorary Auditor Robert Jones
Honorary Solicitor Craig Doyle (McDonald Johnson)
Medical Officers Dr Geoff Fowler
Ambulance Officers St John Ambulance, Laurie Graham & Richard Taylor
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I. Motion to adopt list of Patrons, Vice Patrons, Honorary Auditor and Solicitor
II. Moved: Seconded:
8. Life Membership
9. Election of President
10. Election of Officers
All nominations listed below:
Secretary Jamie Paras
Treasurer Mark Owen
Club Captain Kevin Buckley *Nomination
Chief Training Instructor Anthony Tietze
Registrar Greg Struck * Nomination
Director of Surf Sports Vacant
Board and Ski Captain Kris Wall * Nomination
Vice Club Captain Dilan Houston * Nomination
Junior Coordinator Chairperson Julie Sutton
Youth Co-Ordinator Luke Menzies *Nomination
Rookie Co-Ordinator Karen Wallace-Bates * Nomination
IRB Captain Nathan Wright
Boat Captain Emma Gale
WH&S Officer Kathy Spong * Nomination
Member Protection Information Officer Kate Flint
IT Co-Ordinator Evan Jobling
Publicity Officer Vacant
Radio Officer Dave Hoar
Gear and Equipment Officer Bernie Sabine
Merchandise Officer Warren Sterling
Historical Officer Tony Robinson
11. Honorariums for the 2018-2019 Season (unchanged from last season)
• President, Secretary, Treasurer - $500
• Chief Instructor, Registrar - $250
I. Motion to adopt
II. Moved: Seconded:
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12. Determination of Club Fees for the 2018-2019 Season (unchanged from last season):
Membership Type Fee
Senior Active & Cadets (registered on or before 31st October) $90.00
Senior Associates (Not patrolling) $125.00
Over 65’s Associates $65.00
Junior Active member (1st child) $90.00
Additional junior active members $70.00
Junior Associate (parent) $70.00
Family Membership (1 adult, 2 children) $195.00
Additional family members $70.00
LATE membership fee (after 31st October 2016) $35.00
I. Motion to adopt the membership fees for the 2018-2019 season
II. Moved: Seconded:
13. Resolution for Affiliation with Hunter Branch
I. Moved: Seconded:
14. General Business
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15. Amendment to the Club’s Constitution
Current Club’s Constitution Wording
8.7 WINDING-UP PROVISO
(a) The action of winding up and distribution of surplus property shall be subject to decision by
Special Resolution.
(b) If on winding up or dissolution of MSLSC there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and
liabilities any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid or distributed amongst the
members of MSLSC but shall be given or transferred to some other body that is a registered or
exempt charity having objects similar to the objects of MSLSC and which shall prohibit the
distribution of its or their income and property amongst its or their members.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules the “finance” and “winding up or dissolution”
Rule 23 and Rule 8.7 will not be amended or removed from these rules.
* To be adopted to 8.7 Winding up: (D)
If the organisation is wound up or its endorsement as a deductible gift recipient is revoked
(whichever occurs first), any surplus of the following assets shall be transferred to another
organisation with similar objects, which is charitable at law, to which income tax deductible
gifts can be made:
1. Gifts of money or property for the principal purpose of the organisation.
2. Contributions made in relation to an eligible fundraising event held for the principal purpose of
the organisation.
3. Money received by the organisation because of such gifts and contributions.
Motion to adopt:
For the motion:
Against the motion:
Meeting Closed:
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MEREWETHER SLSC Life Members
E.A. Merewether Albert Peel
A.Watt Jim McKenzie
Colonel Ranclaud Jeff Agland
Edgar Hinchcliff Ron Webster
Vic Lovell Gary Miller
Albert (Bert) Caldwell Greg Nelmes
Jim Wiebe Graham Walton
Keith D.McDonald Robert J.Balks
E.(Ted) Pritchard Stewart Hetherington
Phil M Evans Robert Richards
Jack Wiebe Evan Walton
Norm Wiebe Cliff Ireland
R.(Bob)Morton Peter Alcock
R.F.(Frank) Mahony Phillip Watt
R.(Dick) Tressider Laurie March
Harry Norton Laurie Graham
R.(Bob) Hughes Jack Cavanagh
Alf Hiland John Adamson
A.J.(Albert) Edwards Peter Hogg
W.(Bill) Read Sue Paul Grahame Lott*
Jack Blackett Iain Kelso Max Ebrill*
Sid Bignall Phil Mosgrove John Lyddiard*
Jim Hiland Ross Purvis W.G. Lyddiard*
Doug Read Michael Rees David Pratt*
W.(Bill) Morgan Anthony Robinson Terry Carroll*
Cliff Brown Patricia Stallard Barry Harris*
Noel Long Steve Stallard Kaye Lott*
Neville Henshaw OAM Ross Taggart Noel McFayden*
William R. Adamson Robert Dan John Brown*
Frank Long Nick Newton Elaine Brown*
Keith Swan Mark Woodcock June Ebrill*
Brad March Gregory Struck Graham Adam
* For Service to Merewether Junior SLSC
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MEREWETHER SLSC – 2017/2018 Committee Members
President Nick Newton
Club Captain Simon Lovell
Vice Club Captain Kevin Buckley
Treasurer Mark Owen
Secretary Jamie Paras
Junior Activities Chairperson Julie Sutton
Registrar Angela Tiedeman
Chief Training Instructor Warren Sterling
Surf Sports Emma Gale
IRB Captain Nathan Wright
Board and Ski Captain Glen Crompton
Boat Captain Emma Gale
Gear and Equipment Officer Bernie Sabine
IT Coordinator Evan Jobling
Function Room Manager Susan O’Loughlin/Emma Gale
License Manager Norm Rodgers
Youth Coordinator Vacant
Rookie Coordinator Vacant
WH&S Officer Anthony Tietze
Publicity Officer Vacant
MPIO Kate Flint
Radio Officer Dave Hoar
Gym Co-Ordinator Richard Taylor
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Thank You to All Our Sponsors
Thanks to NSW Government, the Federal Government for the
Beach Safety Equipment Fund and the Emergency Volunteer
Support Scheme.
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President’s Annual Report
By Nick Newton
Congratulations to everyone on another successful patrolling season. Again we, along with the whole of
Branch, managed to complete the year Breach free. This is something not to be taken lightly as is takes the
dedication and commitment of our patrol teams in performing their duties and many thanks go to our active
members for the great effort in making this happen for what is now the fourth year in a row.
Our club Captain’s report provides the patrolling details for the season along with all the statistics of what
we achieved with some impressive numbers and it also provides an interesting insight as to what we can
and do accomplish over the patrolling season. Importantly we achieved our goal of keeping our beach and
the public safe by supplying patrol teams with the correct manning and skills levels and enabling us to
operate as per our contractual agreement. Being a volunteer organisation, it is important for us to satisfy
all the requirements placed upon us as it directly reflects on our operational funding ability, and to again
reach this goal is a great effort and on behalf of the committee thank you all for helping our club achieve
such a good standing.
Our education team now with Anthony Tietze at the helm has again done a fantastic job with the training
of new candidates. We rely heavily on the Education Team to supply us with a reliable source of new and
keen patrolling SRC and Bronze Medallion members to maintain our patrol numbers and strengths from
one season to the next. Likewise, Nathan Wright and Mark Owen have continued to run their IRB crew and
driver’s courses to ensure our patrol ratio numbers are where they need to be. Achieving all this along with
the needs for the continual updating of our current member skills levels is a demanding job and a never-
ending task by this specialised group of trainers, adding to this is the requirement for the assessing needs
of competency and sign off of trainees and all active members alike, a huge task for this team.
During the season we again ran our special needs pool experience events on two separate occasions with
the help of our own Nicola Nicolau from St Vinnies and the people from Disability Links assisting us and
being the “go between” for our organisations. These events are growing in popularity as the service
providers are realising what a great time we can offer our guests both in the water and socially (we also
discovered that some of these guests are quite handy on the B-B-Q!). In line with these activities we had
our building audited by an accessibility expert to ascertain what could realistically be done to our club in
the short term to make our club more user friendly for disabled persons and in going forward, to understand
the needs for our future building refurbishment.
Our raffles teams have been hard at it over the year with the selling of tickets at the Beach Hotel every
Friday evening. This is an important task as it keeps our club profile active as well as satisfying the requests
of one of our long-term sponsors, this along with the additional benefit of our hard-working teams
managing to raise funding of over $7,800! Well done guys!
As every year we had our annual Santa visit for our Junior members with Santa successfully delivering his
goodies and then managing to escape the onslaught of some very keen young (and other) members, we
also had our Easter Bunny arrive on the Easter Sunday for our annual beach chocolate egg hunt, another
event which is growing rapidly in popularity! Over ninety eggs disappearing within minutes!!!
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As with everything we do and more so with the additional events and the fund-raising efforts we run, it
relies on the extra volunteering of our members putting in the hours and effort in to making it happen. We
are extremely grateful and thank you all who put in this additional time.
We need to congratulate Charlie Bugbird for receiving the Branch Presidents Award, also congratulations
for their efforts of our Masters and Junior competitors and teams for the season.
Our junior members, committee and their supporters continue to go grow in strength with another strong
season followed by some high-end results in competition. Some limitations forced the “capping” of numbers
for some of the age groups but Julie and her team are working hard to put processes in place, also plans
are in place for the purchase of new equipment for the start of their next season.
Our annual presentation was a great night with some deserving winners receiving awards throughout.
Again, our Captain’s report has a full rundown of all the recipients, but the evening ended with Kate Flint
receiving the top honours and congratulations to you all who not only received prizes, but also to those
nominated! Everyone looked to be having fun and it put our function room to good use.
Some changes in the management of our function room have seen Susan standing down after a lengthy ten
years of service and handing over the reins with the events running now going to Emma who has taken up
the challenge to promote and manage our function room. Liam Benson is also coming on board to assist
Emma with some of the processes and also staff training for the bar area.
We are fortunate to have some great sponsors who continue with their much important ongoing support.
We encourage a close relationship with our sponsors and in turn encourage our members to actively support
our sponsors with their businesses. Nova Air and Electrical, Juice Plus, EJE, JezWeb, Funda are just some of
our longer-term supporters with much to offer and we have many more advertised on our web site and
sponsors boards for reference to valuable services.
During the season our local branch of the Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA) at the Junction generously
selected our club for a $10,000 donation as part of the CBA Centenary Celebrations, the Branch manager
Nathan Curby, has strong ties to the area and selected our club as the recipient with the donation recently
being made at our club in a formal cheque handover ceremony. These funds will be directed to the purchase
of surf lifesaving equipment and will recognise the CBA at the Junction donation.
Dave Hoar has been leading the way liaising with our current sponsors and running regular newsletter
articles of their business profiles, also he is actively engaging with other potential supporters and
generating interest in our club.
Along with this the Beach Breakfast Club have joined ties with Branch in promoting the offering of potential
employment opportunities with the BBC businesses to younger surf club members throughout the Branch.
We had our usual post season club clean-up day where we managed to get rid most of the accumulated
rubbish and unserviceable equipment from in and around our premises. It was also an opportunity taken to
do some serious cleaning tasks and tidying up inside the clubhouse, so thanks to all those who came along
and pitched in, it was a great result.
Looking forward we will continue with locking in the final design for our building refurbishment as we
continue our negotiations with NCC for our club leases, to date the lease discussions have been a very
difficult and convoluted process with little result and as a group the Inner-city clubs have now engaged
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Branch to seek professional and legal advice along with the representing of us in this matter, so we can get
some resolve and move on.
And as we head towards a new season we have a lot to do, purchasing of replacement rescue and training
equipment, new and current member training, member registration, patrol groups to organise and the list
goes on.
However, none of this could or would have been possible without the mentioned education teams, your
committee and executive members, patrolling members, our Juniors and everyone who gives their time and
effort to make our club what it is – thank you all!
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Membership Report
By Angela Tiedeman, Registrar
Membership details for 2017 / 2018 season:
Junior Activity members 5 to 13 years = 250 members
Cadet members 13 to 15 years of age = 8 members
Active members 15 to 18 years = 7 members
Active 18 years and over = 150
Reserve active members = 4
Total members 2017 / 2018 season = 419 members
Lifesaving Report
By Simon Lovell, Club Captain and, Kev Buckley Vice Club Captain The Patrol Season status summary: Over this season within the patrol hours we had approximate 18000 member of the public attend our beach within the patrol area that is Merewether beach.
• Patrol Hours for the season – 4780 hrs.
• Number of Incidents / First Aid Treatments – 44, - Fractures / Dislocation 0,
- Major wounds 1,
- Minor cuts / Abrasions 11,
- Minor marine stings 13,
- Other 19,
• Number of Rescues – 13,
- No Gear 1,
- Rescue tube 5,
- Rescue board 7,
• Number of Preventions – 846.
• Number of Beach Closures – 26.
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Patrol Report: - In Summary The 2017/2018 Patrol Season was again a successful and safe season. No patrol breaches and everyone responding well to the changing Merewether conditions. On behalf of the MSLSC Committee we would like to give a big thank-you to all patrolling members for your fantastic work in attending and actively patrolling the beach to ensure no lives lost between the flags and outside the flag area at Merewether SLSC patrolling areas. Our major focus areas for this seasons patrol were on:
• Up skilling of member in IRB, ARCT, Spinal and first aid.
• Members actively patrolling at the water’s edge and working on preventions.
• Patrols doing training scenario on patrol especially on Saturdays.
• Patrol Captain delegating effectively at the start and end of patrol days. Top 10 Male Patrolling Members 2017/18
Nick Newton 100.5
Dilan Houston 93.5
Kevin Buckley 90.0
William Bamberry 71.5
Anthony Tietze 70.0
Cal Burke 63.0
Phillip Kendall 62.7
Dom Willson 61.7
David Hoar 61.3
Michael Spillane 58.3
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Top 10 Female Patrolling Members 2017/18
Karen Wallace 108.8
Sarah Bugbird 73.3
Emma Gale 47.5
Jackie Sterling 43.3
Lucy Boswell 43.0
Kay Flint 42.8
Janiece Roche 38.3
Kathryn Spong 37.5
Angela Tiedeman 37.0
Sarah Gray 36.3
100% Patrol Attendance was awarded to the following members: Patrol 1 - Charlie Bugbird, Lawrie Flick, Bob Handley, Jamie Paras, Kathryn Spong, Steve Stallard, Patricia
Stallard, Greg Struck, Josie Springthorpe and Sarah Bugbird.
Patrol 2 - Scott Bishop, Iain Kelso, Peter Mulhearn, Geoff Murray, Dave Rees, Glen Mulhearn, Jessica
Mulhearn, Nathan McKelligott, Jackie Sterling, Warren Sterling, Tom Lyons, Cathy Lyons, David Ray, Tom
Vandenburg and Lyndal Whealey.
Patrol 3 - Penny Britz , Phil Cooke, Rob Dan, Rosemary Dan, Carl Ashworth, Daniel Burton, Katrina Cowie,
John Lehman and Michael Spillane.
Patrol 4 - Kevin Buckley, Karen Wallace, Ralph Foster, Emma Gale, Simon Hill, Bruce Rummins, John
Adamson, Paul Ryan , Amber Darnell, Terry Flynn, Cal Burke and Bernie Sabine.
Patrol 5 - Adrian Harte, Anthony Robinson, Ian Wilson, Wendy Scott, Dave Vaughan, John Bamberry, Dave
Hoar, Lisa Hoar, Dilan Houston, Jamie Boswell, Lucy Boswell, Bridie Stanger and Kate Flint.
Patrol 6 – Tim Brushaber, Liam Benson, Norm Rodgers, Brendan McNabb, Richard Taylor, Felix Bonomini,
Kris Wall, Garth Russell, Scott McFarlane and Rebecca Ormerod.
Patrol 7 – Dom Wilson, Peter Flook, Jocelyn Flook, Leah Fordham, Rod Fordham, Evan Jobling, Phil Jobling,
Jan Roche, Dane Miller and Angela Tiedeman.
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Patrol 8 - Jacqui Arnold, Jason Simmons, David Wood, Emily Wood, Craig Doyle, Trystan Platt, Simon
Lovell, Craig Sutton, James Stevenson, Mitch Thomson and Anthony Tietze.
Patrol 10 - Nick Newton, Nathan Wright, Phil Kendall, Sam Caldwell and Sarah Gray.
Club Presentation Awards: President’s Shield:
• Riley Martin. Junior Club Person of the Year:
• Emily Bryant. Encouragement Award:
• Mitch Thomson President’s Appreciation Awards:
• Susan O’loughlin
• Norm Rodgers
• Sarah Bugbird Patrol Person of the Year:
• Rod Fordham Patrol Captain of the Year:
• John Bamberry Patrol of the Year:
• Patrol 5
Patrol Games Champions: Female
• 1st Sarah Bugbird
• 2nd Kathy Spong
• 3rd Penny Britz Male
• 1st John Bamberry
• 2nd Rob Dan
• 3rd Jamie Paras Competitor of the Year:
• Trish Stallard Seagull of the Year Award:
• Dane Miller
Most Improved IRB Driver Award:
• Nathan McKelligot
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Club Person of the Year:
• Kate Flint
Merewether Branch Award Nominations 2017/2018 Season:
• Administrator of the Year Jamie Paras FOCUS AREAS FOR THE 2018-19 SEASON:
Next patrol season starts on Saturday September 29 2018 to Sunday April 28 2019. The patrol roster will be completed for next season by mid-August 2018.
We are again looking at running two rosters side by side as is, - Patrol, - IRB (Standby Crew roster),
Land and water proficiencies will be done together and will start at the start of September 2018. We will run 4 sessions.
Need to rebalance Patrol numbers so that there are roughly equal members and qualifications across all patrols.
Patrol Captains need to roster both an AM and PM patrol. Need to have at least two IRB teams on each patrol. We need all patrol captains to nominate and mentor the up and coming patrol captains for the
future. Working on increasing our patrolling members and increase the bronze course and training for
next season. Look at the use of an iPad for the patrols to use to sign on and off on patrols.
Thank and Regards, Simon Lovell / Kevin Buckley
Education and Training Report
By Anthony Tietze, Chief Training Officer for MSLSC The 2017–2018 patrol season has been my first foray into the world of Chief Training Officer, having
taken over from Warren Sterling. Thank you Warren for your efforts over the previous two years. MSLSC
ran two Bronze Medallion courses and one Life Saving Award this season. (The Life Saving Award is an
enhanced version of the he Bronze Medallion). An SRC course was run for our younger members in
conjunction with our winter Bronze.
Each Bronze course involves nine or ten consecutive evenings of theory and the same number of Sunday
mornings training in the water, along with all the necessary administrative input. This culminates in the final
theory and practical assessments. This amounts to a lot of work for the Education Team (all voluntary of
course), with the primary driver being for our new Bronze Medallion holders to go on patrol at the
completion of their course. Bringing new blood into our patrol teams is essential in ensuring the ongoing
viability of the club and in this the Education Team plays a vital role.
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Keep in mind that surf lifesaving clubs which struggle to maintain a workable number of active patrolling
members must put more pressure on their remaining members. They in turn find reduced numbers and more
frequent patrols more onerous, leading to further attrition. Very quickly this can snowball down to a club
which struggles to fulfil their responsibilities.
Training Achievements
The following is a summary of qualifications gained by MSLSC members over the course of the season.
• Bronze Medallion – 28 members
• Surf Rescue Certificate – 10 members
• Silver Medallion Search and Rescue – 8 members
• Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management – 5 members
• IRB Crew – 5 members
• Radio Operators Certificate – 17 members
• Advance Resuscitation Techniques – 7 members
• Applied First Aid Course – 9 members
• First Aid Certificate – 6 members
• Trainer – 1 member
• Cert IV Leadership and Management – 4 members
In addition the Education Team runs Proficiency sessions at the start of the season for all patrolling members.
All these sessions require the planning, coordination and execution by the Education Team.
Our club has continued to nurture and maintain good relationships with both Dixon Park and Cooks Hill
SLSCs, to integrate the delivery of our clubs’ training and assessment. Have a chat with members of the
team and don’t forget that a little thank you can go a long way.
Education Team Members
✓ Anthony Tietze
✓ Bernie Sabine
✓ Cal Burke
✓ Charlie Bugbird
✓ Dilon Houston
✓ Dom Willson
✓ John Bamberry
✓ Karen Wallace
✓ Kate Flint
✓ Mitchell Thomson
✓ Nathan McKelligott
✓ Nathan Wright
✓ Richard Taylor
✓ Sarah Bugbird
✓ Warren Sterling
The Education Team at the 2018 Presentation Night
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New Trainers
MSLSC is always looking for new trainers. The Hunter Branch does run training courses on a regular basis
and participants who complete this course would gain the following nationally recognised units of
competency:
• TAEDEL301 Provide Work Skill Instruction
• BSBCMM410 Make a Presentation
The knowledge and skills learnt on the course are highly transferable to areas outside of Surf Life Saving
and it wouldn’t be the first time that a decision to help out with training has led to a more rewarding career.
If you’re keen all you need to do to start is to come along to some training sessions and help out.
Bronze Proficiencies
Thank you to all those patrolling members who completed their bronze proficiencies on time. MSLSC
achieved 120 Bronze proficiencies out of 138 patrolling members, which equates to 87%. We must strive
to achieve 100% proficient in the 2018/2019 season. Note that all proficiencies must be completed
before Sunday 9 December, 2018. Confirmation of members having performed a proficiency must be
passed on to Anthony Tietze in writing (email or hard copy) in an “auditable” form, including type of
proficiency, date and name of assessor. Members are not able to patrol after 31 December in a capacity
in which they are no longer proficient. (This is not a club or Branch rule, rather a requirement set down by
Surf Lifesaving Australia. Failure to comply can leave the club exposed from a liability point of view).
Keep in mind that if you were really under pressure on the beach with say an unconscious patient and
concerned family nearby you can guarantee that things will not go exactly by the book. We can only do
our best, but the more practice you have had, the more effective you will be. How will you go under
pressure?
Bronze “Dry” Proficiency
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Upcoming Courses
• MSLSC will run an Advanced Resuscitation course (HLTAID007) and a Spinal Management course (PUAEME004A) in July or August.
• Our first Bronze Medallion course will commence in late September. The start date will be confirmed when the Combined Venue Assessment dates are published by Hunter Branch. Prerequisites are:
➢ 15 years of age at date of assessment.
➢ Able to swim 400m in the pool in 9 minutes or better.
➢ Willingness to volunteer to go on patrol with MSLSC.
Don’t forget that if you have done these courses in the past, but are no longer proficient, attendance will reinstate your proficiency. If you are interested in any of these courses please contact Anthony Tietze at [email protected].
Training Room
An effort has been made to enhance the available facilities and the ambience of the training room at
MSLSC. Obsolete equipment has been removed and a new television has been purchased and wall
mounted. These improvements will encourage a wider patronage of the room.
Thank you to the MSLSC Education Team for their ongoing efforts and thank you to the MSLSC Committee for their continued support of the Education Team. Thanks also to Hunter Branch for their guidance, support and assistance throughout my first season as the Chief Training Officer. Anthony Tietze
Chief Training Officer for MSLSC
SRC Squad with Trainers Kate Flint and Sarah Bugbird – December 2017
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Bronze Squad – December 201
Celebration BBQ for Completion of 2018 Summer Bronze - “I’m OK”
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Work Health and Safety Report
By Dave Hoar, WH&S Officer
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is guided by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, and for the purposes
of this Act, MSLSC is a place of work.
As a result, MSLSC has duty of care to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of
its members, visitors and the general public.
WH&S Audit
At the commencement of and during each season MSLSC conducts a WH&S inspection, to:
• Confirm that the required WH&S procedures and signage is in place
• Identify new and changing WH&S risks
• Recommend additional control measures required
These checks were conducted on 29 August 2017; and on 14 January and 18 March 2017.
Incidents in 2017-18
MSLSC is well organised from the point of view of compliance with audits and checklists. However it is a
review of our Incident Log Book which gives us the best indication of the day to day challenges facing our
lifesavers. The following is a summary of entries.
There were 12 entries in the Incident Log for the 2017-2018 season, ranging from:
• An asthmatic swallowing water in the surf
• Shoulder injury sustained after falling on the water’s edge
• Stalled IRB
• A pole falling onto a member’s head in the Nippers room
• A surfer with difficulty breathing
• A lost child (was found)
• Blue door patrol feinting
• Corked thigh from falling onto a board
• Toenail injury (minor bleeding)
• Bad fin chop
From a systemic perspective we will need to:
• Increase promotion to members and the public of the need to come to the beach with their Asthma
medication
• Look into having a Spacer and Ventolin available in the patrol tent and in the patrol room
There were no lost time injuries reported or recorded in the 2017-18 year.
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Accessibility Access Report
In March 2018, with the help of Ability Links, Bill Casey of Access Solutions provided a comprehensive
report on the issues surrounding Disability Access to the current Clubhouse.
This work will be factored into our quest for a new building.
Great work (again) by our MSLSC members
While our goal should always be zero, the end result is that MSLSC has performed well from a safety
perspective over the 2017-2018 season, given also that it is very difficult for us to control the destiny of
members of the public, other than through the use of signage and general education.
Please keep up the great work and be mindful of the safety of yourself, your colleagues and the public in
general.
Surf Sports Report
By Emma Gale, Surf Sports and Boat Captain
Surf Sports – Juniors
The Juniors started their competition season off in November at the Lake Macquarie Games, which then
continued with two more local carnivals and ended with the Hunter Branch Championships at Fingal,
followed by the NSW State Age Championships at Blacksmiths beach. Over the season a total of 20 Juniors
competitors became proficient and competed at these carnivals.
Juniors - Competition Results 2017-2018
Carnival Person Position Category
Lake Macquarie Carnival 12th Nov 2017
Corban Byrne 1st u8 male beach sprint
1st u8 male beach flags
Lucinda McNabb 4th u9 female beach flags
6th u9 female beach sprint
Boston Byrne 3rd u10 male beach sprint
Ben Keeling 4th u10 male beach sprint
2nd u10 male beach flags
Boston Byrne, Liam Bryant, Ben Keeling, Harrison Geyer
4th u10 male beach relay
Liam Sidwell 3rd u10 male surf race
Ben Keeling, Liam Bryant, Lucas Burton, Boston Byrne 4th u10 male surf team
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Catherine Hill Bay Carnival
16th Dec 2017
Corban Byrne 3rd u8 male beach sprint
Boston Byrne 1st u8 male beach flags
Lucinda McNabb 4th u9 female beach flags
Ben Keeling 1st u10 male beach sprint
Boston Byrne 3rd u10 male beach sprint
Ben Keeling 1st u10 male beach flags
Boston Byrne 3rd u10 male beach flags
Boston Byrne, Ben Keeling, Liam Bryant, Harrison Geyer
3rd u10 male beach relay
Liam Sidwell 4th u10 male surf race
Boston Byrne, Liam Bryant, Liam Sidwell, Lucas Burton 4th u10 male surf team
Lucas Burton, Ben Keeling, Liam Sidwell
4th u10 male board relay
Ella Beattie 5th u10 female beach sprint
Eve Keeling 4th u12 female beach sprint
3rd u12 female beach flags
Redhead Carnival
13th Jan 2018 Boston Byrne 2nd u10 male beach sprint
3rd u10 male beach flags
Harrison Geyer 5th u10 male beach flags
Harrison Geyer, Boston Byrne, Liam Sidwell, Lucas Burton 3rd U10 male beach relay
Hunter Branch Age Championships
2nd – 4th March 2018
Liam Sidwell 3rd U10s male surf race
Surf Sports – Seniors
At the beginning of the season, seven competitors attended the Forster Long Weekend of Surf carnival.
Congratulations to Jackie Sterling who became the over 50s champion with Kath Spong coming a close 2nd.
Other competitors included Dave Hoar, Warren Sterling, Emma Gale, Cal Burke and Kevin Buckley.
Seniors - Competition Results 2017-2018
Forster Long Weekend
of Surf
Masters Jackie Sterling 1st Over 50s - Overall
Kathryn Spong 2nd Overs 50s - Overall
Hunter Branch
Championships
Open Sarah Bugbird 1st 2km beach run (Open)
Masters
Patricia Stallard
2nd Beach flags (55-59yrs)
3rd Beach Sprint (55-59yrs)
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5th 2km beach run (55-59yrs)
NSW State
Championships
Masters Patricia Stallard 4th 2km beach run (55-59yrs)
6th Beach Sprint (55-59yrs)
John Adamson 6th Surf Race (65-69yrs)
Australian National
Championships
(Aussies)
Masters Patricia Stallard 5th 2km beach run (55-59yrs)
5th Beach flags (55-59yrs)
At the end of the season the Club Games were held, run by Kevin Buckley (in my absence). The club games
were held on Anzac Day and I hope everyone involved had a wonderful time. The people in the following
table, came top of the ladder.
Club Games Champions 2017-2018
Female Male
1st Sarah Bugbird John Bamberry
2nd Kathy Spong Rob Dan
3rd Penny Britz Jamie Paras
Surf Sports Team
The competition side of the club does not run without the volunteering of members to undertake specific
roles in relation to coaching and training of competitors as well as officiating at carnivals. The club currently
has several people, as noted in the table following. Aside from these people we also have many members
who help with water safety and behind the scenes organising at carnivals.
Positions Member
Level 1 Official / SS –
Technical Official
Emma Gale, Toni Woodcock, Rachel Soars, David Soars, Kaye
Lott, Greg Ebrill, William Sidwell (in training)
Level 2 Official Grahame Lott
Level 1 Surf Coach / SS
- Development Coach
Emma Gale (Surfboat), Toni Woodcock (Surfboat),
Richard Taylor (Board) (exp. 12/17)
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Accredited Surfboat
Sweep
Emma Gale, Toni Woodcock
Surf Sports - Scrutineer
Official
Grahame Lott
*Expired 31/12/2017
Surfboat Captain
The club started off the year with several master’s female casual rowers who got out regularly on a Sunday
morning, including Jan, Rosemary, Angela, Jackie, Kathryn and Kathy with myself as sweep. Rowing was
usually undertaken at Carrington, due to the inaccessibility of boatsheds at Horseshoe Beach (during the
Supercars event). Participation slowed down over the season though. So, towards the end of the season I
planned to hold a ‘come and try’ morning, however as I put the notice out to members the weather seemed
to get significantly colder and wetter, so the morning was postponed. It will now be held at the beginning
of next season, in August.
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Junior Activities Report 2017-18
By Julie Sutton, Junior Activities Chairperson
The 2017-18 Merewether Nippers Management Committee informal goal was to ensure all club members
had fun on the first day of the nippers season. This was achieved by proactive management of the junior
activity ‘core’ program. I’m proud to say there was a big commitment by key committee members to discuss
and evaluate our performance at all monthly meetings and face to face during age manager briefings.
Outcomes from our monthly meetings were recorded in our minutes.
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Our achievements are a product of the committee’s value to work together, share ideas openly either face
to face, phone or email and commit to plans that were developed together. Giving each other time to plan
was key part of our success this year.
This year’s success is the result of outstanding level of commitment by the nippers committee, age managers,
parents and kids throughout the season. The outcomes are worth sharing!
Our overall achievements include:
- Nearly all age manager positions were filled during the off season prior to commencement
- In September 2017, a Nippers committee member successfully conducted age manager training
with 17 (most newly appointed) age managers
- Age manager resources such as training manual from SLSC were made available via Team App
for age managers to use
- The vast majority of uniform orders were filled well before the first day of the season. This was
due to the establishment of a pop-up shop at the club including eftpos facilities. Members
appreciated the opportunity to try on uniforms before buying
- Age managers shadowed Cooks Hill age managers at the commencement of their season. This
allowed new age managers to understand what organised chaos feels like!
- A collaborative approach to organising the nippers rosters ensured existing social networks were
maintained where possible
- BBQ coordinator role was converted to a paid position with profits doubled year on year
- A new vinyl signage was gifted to Merewether Nippers which promoted the open registration
period from the club’s balcony
- Extensive promotion of ‘nippers registration open’ through schools, social media, word of mouth
and email greatly assisted the committee achieve their goal of 250 nippers registered
- Consistent communications was provided to all associate members via social media, Team App
and email throughout the season (Refer to Communications Manager Report for further details)
- Each Sunday, risk planning was conducted and the Beach Safe App was used. Water safety was
coordinated with each patrol and mitigation measures were recorded each week as part of the
risk planning exercise
- Age Managers were invited to attend our December committee meeting so they could share their
learnings, improve the second half of the season and gain small insight into how the committee
was organised.
- Informal on-the-job training session (ie in the beach) for all age managers was conducted. The
training was focused on board and swimming techniques
- Number of Merewether Nippers attending competition doubled year on year with achievements
communicated via social media. A very generous sponsor provided a financial donation to the
competition kids and this has was excellently managed by our Competition Manager. All those
involved in competition should stand tall as their achievements are widely known in the club
- New innovative activities were openly discussed and conducted, this included a rip simulation at
Merewether Baths with younger groups
- Nippers enjoyed a surprise visit from Santa who shared a tonne of lollies
- Many families attended the Nippers Campout this year with many enjoying a turn of the boards
at Fingal Bay
- Assets were recorded and provided to seniors committee to ensure our insurance records were
accurate
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- Quality assurance information was provided to seniors
A huge thank you to the Age Managers, Assistants, Committee Members and all those who support
Merewether Nippers for 17-18 season. May we continue to build on the heritage of the club and support
children become active and accomplished little Nippers!
I believe all committee members are really passionate about our program, supporting our Nippers and
creating a sustainable and fun club for many people to enjoy. Fun on the last day too!
Registrars Report
The committee set a target at the beginning of the season of 250 nippers!
We are pleased to report that we registered 259 nippers and 150 nipper parents. A total of 409
database records were entered or updated this season.
The registration team have had good feedback about the processes this season but would like to change
the approach slightly for next season holding “registration days” at the club. This will increase the volunteer
number load (we will require additional helpers at registration days) but should significantly reduce the
number of emails needing to be dealt with by the registration team (which was around 40-60 emails per
day for the registration period).
Additionally, we could have uniforms available at registration days so we could offer a one-stop-shop to
members.
Communication Manager Report
Communications for the 17/18 season were successful mostly, with families feeling informed about
expectations and requirements for the season.
TeamApp was used regularly to ensure that internal communication went to families, in addition to
reminders. This took place from pre-August in regard to registration, induction and proficiency swim before
the season begun. This followed throughout the season to inform and remind of upcoming events, changes
and the volunteer roster each week.
This season, an Age Manager specific group was created within Team App to reach our team directly,
without comms going out to the wider audience. All documents for the Nippers program and Branch Age
Manager booklets we’re uploaded in this section for reference.
The Facebook page was very active, for external communication and Nippers promotional material. There
was an increase of those engaging with the page and feedback that this was a useful tool for families also.
A report went out between 6.30 - 7am each Sunday with essential information about weather forecast, UV
and roster, in addition to the weekly roster reminder on a Friday night. Posts were targeted for times that
parents may have downtime to be online ie: 9am, 2.45pm, 5.30pm, 7.30 - 8.30pm. This gave the posts the
most chance of reaching the audience. Facebook event pages were created for all events held in relation
to training and Nippers activities of importance.
We created an Instagram page for the season also, which was used much like the Facebook page. There
was a huge audience that were involved in this, and each post usually attracted more attention that the
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Facebook page. Many local businesses, in addition to families, are showing positive responses to this
medium.
All posts, with the exception of the Facebook post each Sunday morning, took place between 9am - 8.30pm
to ensure consistency and were sent periodically so that there were not numerous posts within the day, or
back-to-back.
There was only one newsletter early on, but from there, all communication was online. The newsletter were
also posted on TeamApp.
The website was updated in July to reflect communication the Committee has decided upon.
For the 2018/19 season my recommendations are:
TeamApp will need a clean-up as many families now have multiple age access as they haven’t updated
from previous years but have added new age groups. We also have people receiving comms who are no
longer part of the club. Some have access to post that should no longer have this also.
TeamApp should be used more in 2018/19 to contact Comp Nippers more often.
In all instances, we need all parents to be on at least TeamApp and the Facebook page, and are checking
their emails. There was comment that some Age Managers didn’t know essential information at times and
did say that they weren’t on TeamApp or weren’t in the Age Manager group.
We also need families to be sending in photos, or allocate someone to take photos every few weeks.
Photos this season were mainly of U6/7 due to my role as Age Manager and where I could source them,
so it would be good to showcase all age groups throughout the season.
The website is easy to maintain but was not my focus once the season commenced.
We need to make sure that we have all information needing to be updated and know where it is all located
so there is not conflicting information available. This needs to be completed by the end of June to ensure
we capture those looking for a Club. Web search is a huge part of the research families do when looking
to begin a new activity. This is our first port to capture that.
What is decided needs to be communicated with the Seniors so if they are posting on our behalf, information
is consistent.
Website photos will need updating for next season also, as they are dated.
Finally, anything that needs to be communicated to our members needs to be sent to me with enough time
to arrange this. At times in the season, I received information at the last minute and it needed to go out
straight away.
It can take time for this, or other items may be scheduled so changing this to accommodate an urgent post
will be necessary. Without information and communication from our team, I cannot filter this to all the
channels effectively in the timeframe needed. There will be times that this is unavoidable but I believe that
we as a Committee are organised enough to limit the need for this.
For all urgent posts, a text or phone call to me would be appreciated as I do not have push notifications
set up for the emails.
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For Comp posts, I want to ensure this is done on the day of the Comp (I will need a schedule of Comps and
training dates to assist with this). I would like us to be posting more on Comps next season and begin
promoting Comps as soon as the information comes out.
Overall, a successful season and I could not have completed the Communication Officer role without the
Committee support to try new things, and keep the lines of communication open.
U6/&7s Age Coordinator
Opportunity for Nippers to learn the names of the age managers. Important to build a team environment
early on in the season. There are key activities for Nippers can do so that we can build social networks
amongst each age group. It is important that Nippers know the names of each other and name of those
who are involved with the program.
Core skills (how the kids survive) was achieved in the 6s and 7s.
Uniform Coordinator
Offer from Bonds merchandise has been received and will be sold during 18/19 season. Pop up shops
with eftpos facilities worked really well this season.
The existing online uniform shop does not reconcile refunds nor keep an accurate record of stock. Committee
agreed to review the current system and consider using the existing i-pad functionality currently being used
in the function room coldies bar.
The quality of the uniforms is overall good and sizing was considered good however there is some room
for improvement with some items. Short sleeve rashes were very popular with younger groups. Long sleeve
rashes was very popular with 4 and 6 (possibly 8s).
Nippers Values
The Juniors, or Nippers, community is based on values surrounding Community, family focused, inclusive,
supportive, organised, relaxed, friendly and welcoming.
Year end in review
• Increased kids in competitions
• Gold medal at branch and is significant achievement for the club
• increased organisational improvements
• Nippers camp out was very well attended, excellently organised - despite heavy rain!
2016/17 - Membership Numbers
For the 2016/2017 season the breakdown of membership was as follows:
• Junior Activities (5 - 13 years) - 209
• Cadet Member (13-15 years) - 10
• Active (15-18 years) - 2
The Committee is keen to increase membership for 2017/18 with a target of 250 members. We are
committed to ensuring correct enrolment procedures and satisfying working with children check regulations.
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2016/17 - Volunteer Contacts
• Juniors Activity Coordinator (JAC) - Kris Wall
• Assistant JAC - Brad Clarke
• Communications Officer - Dana Williams
• Treasurer - Nathan McKelligot
• Merchandise Manager - Terry New
• Juniors Registrar - Suzy Wall
• Assistant Registrar - Kathy Lyons
• Secretary - Julie Sutton
• Merchandise Distributors - Emma Hughes
• Merchandise Distributors - Neil Starr
• Age Manager Coordinator/ SRC Coordinator - Jamie Boswell
• U6/U7 Coordinator - Glen Randon
• Training and Education Manager - Sarah Bugbird
• Fundraising, BBQ and Camp Committee - Suzy Wall
The Pumphouse Bar
By Emma Gale, Function Room Manager
Over the 2017-2018 season the function room has had regular hirers consisting of yoga and meditation
classes, kid’s groups, essential oils workshops and Weight Watchers meetings. This year also saw the
integration of regular monthly Sunday lunches held by Inner City Winemakers and Urban Mess, based on
a communal dining event based around a chosen international cuisine. In addition, dancing classes have
become a regular feature extending into a series of ‘block classes’ to learn different dance styles, run by
Sylvia, and combined with bar service. All these activities were advertised on Facebook and available for
the public to attend if they wished. In addition, there were several local schools and colleges that hired the
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room for either beach safety presentations (utilising our own lifesavers, or Council lifesavers), staff
development days as well as businesses that held seminars or functions and Surfest hired out the function
room again during a block of time in February. The function room has also seen steady use on Saturday
evenings for birthdays, engagement parties, weddings and other dedicated events. These are the main
activities that provide the greatest financial funding for the club and are supported by the club’s wonderful
friendly bar staff.
The clubs’ own Beach Business Breakfast network meetings were held monthly, by David Hoar, in the function
room and were a wonderful way for local business people to network as well as learn a little about the
surf club. In addition, several function room hirers originated from this network and David is a wonderful
advocate for linking the business network with the surf club, as well as the function room.
As new regular hirers came on board, we also said goodbye to some including Rod Fordham who instructed
Karate every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in the function room, for the last 21 years (our longest
continuous hirer). Mid-morning Pilates also finished up; however, I am in communications to look at booking
some Pilates back in to the weekly schedule.
The function room also held club member focused functions including the junior’s presentation day, the
senior’s presentation night and Christmas drinks. Furthermore, the bar has continued to open for Coldies
every Sunday, with the bar serviced by volunteers from the club who have their Responsible Service of
Alcohol (RSA) certificate. This has provided a wonderful opportunity for club members to gain experience
in bar service, and then undertake paid bar work at functions or work elsewhere.
At the end of the season we also held an RSA refresher night for the bar staff and this was a fantastic
opportunity to chat about tricky situations that may arise when working the bar and look at efficient
methods to prevent these situations from occurring or how to deal with them if they do arise. In addition,
we revised all current rules and regulations in relation to serving alcohol.
I would like to acknowledge Norm Rodgers, as the appointed License Manager of the Function Room. Norm
is a tireless worker who undertakes many and varied jobs relating to keeping the function room bar
operational; Dante Pirozzi who has done a wonderful job of cleaning the function room throughout the year
and is always available to undertake extra cleaning when it is needed; and Susan O’Loughlin, who finished
up as Function Room Manager in January. Susan completed ten years as Function Room Manager and did
a brilliant job.
Finally, the function room is grateful to have sponsorship from Renee Kirkman from Creative Events Hire,
which is a company that specialises in wedding decorations. Renee is also the wife of one of our active
patrol members and its wonderful to have them involved and supporting the function room.
Lastly, for detailed information on the financial side of the function room please see the financial statements
at the end of the Annual Report.
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