ISSUE 7 Spring 2015 Beyond the Flags

NSW Awards Of Excellence Taree-Old Bar Looks To The Future A Life On The Water – Caves Beach Boatie Tells All The Engine Room Returns - A Winter Review Champion Lifesavers Honoured On Legends Walk WELCOME

WHAT’S Hi to all and a warm welcome to the spring edition of Beyond The Flags for COMING UP... 2015. It’s hard to believe how fast this year 10-11 October has gone and that our iconic red and Regional Forum – Northern yellow flags are once more flying Northern Operations Centre -Port proudly on beaches across the state. Macquarie The 2015-16 season was launched 16-18 October to great fanfare at Coogee Beach on 2015 SLSNSW Performance Academy Friday 18 September and it was an Surfing Australia High Performance honour to represent Surf Life Saving Centre, Far North Coast NSW at the event. It was great to see 18 October our surf safety messages leading Surf Club Open Day into summer are attracting attention Across the state our Nippers 31 Oct- 1 Nov throughout the community. program is kicking off as a whole new Regional Forum – Southern In late August I had the pleasure generation of young lifesavers begin Bomaderry Bowling Club of attending the annual Awards of on what we hope will be a safe and 7-8 November Excellence, honouring our members enjoyable journey. Regional Forum – Metro and clubs for their contribution over As President it’s always a positive TAFE NSW - St Leonards Campus the last season. It was a great night experience to walk along the beach 20 November and as you can see by the picture and see the enthusiasm of our 18-25 Development Networking Program spread on page 12-13, a memorable Nippers as they get involved in our Mollymook time was had by everyone who great movement and all of us can take 5 December attended. pride in the fact that they are learning SLSNSW Race Day Beyond The Flags is a vital skills for life. Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney communication tool for our No matter what your role is in Surf Life 12 -13 December members and we aim to produce Saving, we wish you all the very best 2015 NSW Interbranch Championships a publication that encompasses for the new season. the whole spectrum of the Surf Life Cape Hawke, Lower North Coast Tony Haven Saving movement, whether your President involvement is in lifesaving, sport, coaching, administration, junior activities or volunteering in support of your club.

Front Cover: Glenn Clarke (The Entrance), Volunteer of the Year

2 | Beyond the Flags LIFESAVERS SHARPEN SKILLS AHEAD OF NEW SEASON Volunteer lifesavers from around and educating volunteers across SLSA has also developed a ‘Patrol Swap’ the state have spent the off-season multiple aspects of Surf Life Saving. feature, available on the Members Portal (https://portal.sls.com.au). sharpening up and maintaining In addition, SLSA has developed Patrol Swap lets members indicate their skills for what promises to be suggested scenarios which can be when they will be unable to attend a a busy season. Some changes have used for additional training on quiet patrol and invites other club members been introduced to make life easier patrol days. These scenarios can be led to substitute for them. Club members for clubs and it is hoped that the by Patrol Captains and are a great way can also accept to sub for another benefits will be felt right across the to engage newer members on patrol, member who is unable to patrol. This movement. while also keeping all patrol members’ feature is accessed via the Members Following a Surf Life Saving Australia skills at a high level and ready to Portal under the ‘Lifesaving Online’ tab. review of the skills maintenance respond to emergency situations. For more information on how to access process (proficiencies), a number of While a number of improvements are and use the Patrol Swap feature visit improvements have been made for the designed for the ‘behind the scenes’ the ‘On Patrol’ page on the SLSNSW 2015-16 season. A key change is the work done by your club, there are some website (www.surflifesaving.com.au/ introduction of ‘authorised delegates’ equally important changes that will be onpatrol). to assist Assessors conduct annual seen on the front line by our patrolling skills maintenance assessments. membership. These changes should reduce the burden on both clubs and active Authorised delegates are appointed by Some skills maintenance activities volunteer lifesavers who are always the Club Executive and this is a great are being made available online, after keen to upskill to ensure they are way to reduce the workload on some positive feedback from other states prepared for any situation on patrol. club trainers and assessors. Delegates that a theoretical component is a good will likely be chosen for certain skills complement to skill demonstrations. Good luck to everyone for the season and will be experienced lifesavers such These changes will help to improve the ahead and thanks to all our active as Patrol Captains. In turn this can help outcomes of annual skills maintenance volunteer lifesavers. cement a Patrol Captain’s status as a and make the process quicker and mentor for the patrol team, guiding easier for everyone.

Beyond the Flags | 3 NEWS IN BRIEF

New Era Dawns As Operations Centre Opens The Northern Operations Centre at Port Macquarie was offically opened in late June with representatives from the Federal and State Governments joining the Surf Life Saving community who will benefit from the new facility. The multi-purpose building will provide a secure facility from which volunteers can train, store and maintain vital lifesaving and rescue equipment, and deliver first aid and CPR training to surf lifesavers and the community. “We are grateful for the support of the Australian Government and the NSW Government, through the ClubGRANTS program, to give our regional volunteers some of the same opportunities their city counterparts enjoy,” SLSNSW President Tony Haven said. “This new facility marks the beginning of a new era for our lifesavers in Northern NSW and will allow them to continue doing what they do best – saving lives in a high quality, modern environment.” Since its opening, the centre has been used for regional meetings, lifeguard induction training and also houses the Mid North Coast Branch office.

Country Champs Returns is delighted that the championships are returning to area, confident it will To South West Rocks provide a boost to the local economy. Over the next two years the Stramit “This event is a great fit for the Macleay NSW Country Surf Life Saving as it reveals what great beaches and Championships will be hosted by coastline we have for professional South West Rocks SLSC. sporting events. Events like the In 2016 the championships will be Country Championships provide a condensed into a 2-day event and will critical injection into our local economy be held on the weekend of February and boost our profile as a sports 6-7. It is hoped that staging the tourism destination,” Mayor Campbell event outside the usual peak holiday said. period will bring down the cost of Club President Rod McDonagh says accommodation and travel time for there is an air of excitement around competitors and families. the announcement, and that the South West Rocks is no stranger to volunteers are ready to ramp up hosting the event having successfully preparations for the championships. held the championships for four years “We’re pleased to be hosting the from 2010 to 2013. Country Championships for the next Kempsey Shire Mayor Liz Campbell two years,” he said. 4 | Beyond the Flags NEWS IN BRIEF

Clubs Prepare To Open Their Doors Over 100 NSW clubs will throw open their doors next month to show the public what ‘we’re all about’, and how we keep people safe on the state’s beaches. Surf Club Open Day is a chance for clubs to potentially boost their numbers, conduct fundraising efforts such as putting on a barbeque, and to connect to their local community. All 11 branches will be participating in Surf Club Open Day on Sunday October 18.

Beko Backs Boaties The 2016 Best of the Best Surfboat Challenge will again be supported by Beko who will partner with SLSNSW for one of the boating calendar’s most prestigious events. Top crews from around the state will battle for glory in a one-day carnival format next April. The challenge is ideally placed between State and Aussie Champs and promises to be highly competitive with the best crews battling it out. The venue for the event will be announced in October.

Be SharkSmart this Summer A community awareness program around reducing the risk of shark encounters is being rolled out throughout the north of the state. In response to a series of shark incidents on the north coast, the NSW Department of Primary Industries is releasing a suite of SharkSmart materials and online information to the public. Surf Life Saving NSW is assisting by delivering materials to surf clubs who can use the resources to inform club members, swimmers and surfers in their local community on ways they can reduce their risk while still enjoying the ocean. Resources are available online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/sharksmart

Beyond the Flags | 5 BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR TAREE-OLD BAR

When Ben Stevenson was elected as “Our goal for this season is to grow the Taree Old-Bar SLSC’s first president club and make it an enjoyable place since coming out of administration, that people can feel a part of - it is really he was prepared for a challenge and is as simple as that,” Stevenson said. looking forward to a bright future for The President also paid tribute to the the historic Lower North Coast club. other clubs who have helped Taree-Old It’s been a long winter for the newly- Bar fulfil its patrol obligations in recent elected committee at Taree-Old Bar, times. which has only been in place since a “We wouldn’t have been able to special general meeting on 26 April. get through last season without the The entire committee and community goodwill of the patrolling members have banded together as they from other clubs who came down to feverishly put in place plans for the new give us a hand and share the load of season. patrols. “We’ve been made to feel part of the “I guess in some ways it has been community and we certainly want “We don’t want to rely on other clubs’ overwhelming - the work that has had to be able to give back,” Stevenson assistance beyond this season, but if to be done to transition the club out of concluded. anyone wishes to come down and help administration,” Club President Ben out they’re more than welcome.” When the red and yellow flags fly on Stevenson said. the first morning of the new season One of the special things about the “We have all been focused on that and there’s always cause for optimism, Surf Life Saving community is the our main aim is of course to ensure but the members of Taree-Old Bar willingness to help out when others are that we are ready to deliver services on SLSC have more reason than most to struggling and this generosity of spirit the beach. Although many members celebrate. has left its mark on the club. wouldn’t see the work that goes on behind the scenes we’re confident we “It’s great for our members to see that are going in the right direction.” there is a much wider community in the Surf Life Saving family and the The club has cemented its digital fact others are able to come along presence with a Facebook page and and share their skills will help our website and has already begun fielding inexperienced clubbies to learn quickly calls from people in the community from those who know the ropes. interested in becoming involved in Surf Life Saving.

6 | Beyond the Flags BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR TAREE-OLD BAR CLUB TREASURER HONOURED FOR RESCUE

April’s recipient of the prestigious state and national Rescue of the Month proved that every member of Surf Life Saving can play an important role in saving lives. Evans Head-Casino SLSC member Avan Christie is not an active lifesaver, preferring instead to contribute to the well-being of the club in his position as treasurer. However Easter Monday 2015 won’t be a date he forgets in a hurry. Avan rescued four swimmers at two different beaches before getting into difficulty himself. April 6 was a relatively routine day at Main Beach Evans Head and with club patrols winding down in the late afternoon, Avan decided to drop into the clubhouse to collect some paperwork that he needed to catch up on. Shortly after 4.30pm, a member of the public alerted Avan to two people caught in a rip near the North Wall. He grabbed a rescue board and paddled out to the elderly woman and her grandchild, who were struggling in the swell. Photo: Avan Christie (Evans Head-Casino) receives his National Award “I guess I just jumped into action without thinking too from Parliamentary Friends of SLS Co-chairs, Sarah Henderson and much. Probably foolishly I didn’t really weigh up the Matt Thistlethwaite. Photo courtesy SLSA. risks. It was just what needed to be done,” Avan said after the rescue. No sooner had the two swimmers been released from the care of paramedics with no injuries, than another member of the public ran up to tell Avan of a rip carrying two teenagers out to sea at nearby Airforce Beach. He picked up the rescue board again and ran more than a kilometre up the beach where he found the teens in trouble around 500 metres off-shore. Avan paddled out and managed to get the struggling pair onto the board but was extremely fatigued by his earlier efforts. Fortuitously another lifesaver, Rolan Murcott, had already been alerted and arrived just in time to assist in the rescue. “I was very glad to see Rolan paddling back out to get me. We had sent the swimmers back on the board and I was caught in the rip that got them in trouble,” Avan said. The pair were presented with the national Rescue of the Month award at a ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra in August. Avan has since decided to formalise his qualifications as a lifesaver and will train for his Bronze Medallion, which is great news for visitors to Evans Head beach this summer.

Beyond the Flags | 7 LEGEND LOOKS BACK ON A LIFETIME IN LIFESAVING

Gordon Richardson’s affable voice comes down the phone line. It is clear and concise which is to be expected of a man who has spent years at the back of a surfboat, yelling instructions into the roaring surf. He is happy to share his experiences of more than 50 years in Surf Life Saving, and this is his story.

Gordon’s journey in Surf Life Saving began as a cadet lifesaver special family moment. in 1959. In that era it was common to play rugby league or All told, Gordon has won nine State medals, eleven National soccer in the winter and move to cricket or surf life saving in medals, eight Interstate medals, five World medals, three the summer, and this youngster was no exception. He and a Australian Masters titles, and one Asian Pacific title in over 50 group of mates joined Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club and years of racing. from there it was only a matter of time before he discovered what was to become his greatest passion. But his involvement in the movement spans so much more. The Caves Beach Life Member has at various times served as Although he was joining a club where surfboat racing ruled president, vice president and patrol captain and apart from a the waves, Gordon had no inkling of the success that was to season at Redhead due to work commitments, has spent his follow, the first time he stepped into a boat. entire career competing for the one club. In his first season of rowing he and his crew picked up silver “Surfboat racing has given me so many experiences and I’ve medals at the Interstate Championships in Tasmania and at made a lot of friends and memories over the years. I consider the Aussies, and in 1962-63 both the club’s Open crews won myself extremely lucky to have been involved for so long,” the trifecta of Interstate, NSW and Australian Championships, Gordon said. while the Juniors claimed the Newcastle, NSW and Australian titles and finished second at Interstate - a feat that hasn’t been And his experiences have been varied. In the last three years matched since. he has participated in two major international events that are a world away from the familiar waters around Newcastle. He fondly recalls the culture surrounding the Caves Beach In 2012 he rowed down London’s iconic Thames River as club in those early years and credits the older athletes for part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and earlier this year creating an environment that bred success. was a sweep for the Broulee women at the Gallipoli 100 “We had great mentors around the club who were happy to commemoration surfboat event along the Turkish peninsula. share their experiences and really looked after us coming “It’s hard to describe the impact that Gallipoli has on you. I through. In the seniors, Kenny Murray was sweeping and he think you can learn all you want about it but the only people was regarded as the best in Australia and the two Ellercamp who will ever truly know the horror of it were the ones who brothers Mick and Donny as well. landed in 1915,” Gordon said. “I learned so much from them and I take that responsibility Gordon cares deeply about the future of his sport and for of passing that knowledge down to the next generation the last eight years has been involved in a coaching program seriously,” he enthused. at Swansea High School where they introduce the teens So much so that he was even able to sweep for his grandson to rowing. A few have since gone on to join Caves Beach at the Aussies in 2012 where they finished fourth which was a and become part of the lifesaving family but increasing

8 | Beyond the Flags LEGEND LOOKS BACK ON A LIFETIME IN LIFESAVING

NSWGordon Richardson (Fourth from the left) with members of the Broulee and Queenscliff crew at Gallipoli 100. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Salier.

participation remains an ongoing challenge as people move as many teams as I used to and I don’t patrol the beach away for educational and employment opportunities. He anymore.” also feels that it is important that the lifesaving community Clearly Gordon Richardson isn’t quite ready to hang up the continues to have discussions about safety improvements. famed lightning bolt cap of Caves Beach just yet and the Having spent so much time in and around the water, Gordon surfboat community and the next generation of rowers are could be forgiven if he was at least considering taking things much richer for it. easy but that just wouldn’t be his style. He does concede that And when his competition days are done you sense that he he might have to cut back on some commitments as he gets will never be too far away from the smell and sight of the older. waves. This is after all, a passion that has been a lifetime in the “I was talking to Mick (Ellercamp) who is in his 80s now and making. he reckons that as long as you’ve got your health you should keep going as long as possible as it helps keep you young. I really love working with the youngsters but I don’t coach Photos below courtesy of Caves Beach SLSC

Beyond the Flags | 9 ARE YOU UP FOR A WARRIOR CHALLENGE?

sprint, beach flags, surf race, board race and iron person as well as team events including the new Movers relay. A new community initiative for this season is the Medibank Ocean Swim Run which is open to everyone from 6 years to 60+, not just lifesavers and involves a 200 metre swim and a 2km run. “The Ocean Swim Run means even more people can be involved in this great sport,” said Zane Holmes. “My goal was to create a unique ocean and beach spectacular for Nippers so they can come together from around Australia to participate in an exciting Young Nippers looking to follow in their Wanda (10 October), Swansea-Belmont competition,” he said. Ironman heroes’ footsteps have lots of (8 November), and Newport (30 January) It is hoped that the fun format of this chances to compete in the Medibank will all host a round of the Wave Warriors series will encourage the youngsters to Wave Warriors Junior Challenge – a competition with entrants aged from stay involved and to become volunteer national series designed for youngsters U9-15 taking a shot at glory. The format surf lifesavers in the future. to have fun on the beach and in the surf mirrors the professional Ironman series, while testing their lifesaving skills. where Zane found his success and now For more information about Wave Warriors event dates and registration Now in its fifth year, the competition, hopes to promote development for please visit – www.wavewarriors.com.au. co-founded by champion Ironman Zane junior lifesavers in this Aussie sport. Holmes, will be fought out across seven The Wave Warriors Junior Challenge has locations, including three NSW beaches events across all surf sports disciplines this summer. with individual events such as beach HANGING UP THE HAT

Why did you choose to join Maroubra We need to be very proactive on busy SLSC? beach days, from having the patrol team working the flags and monitoring the I joined Maroubra because all my mates rips to making sure we have a handle on at school went there. My father wanted what’s happening at all times. me to join Sth Maroubra but I followed my friends to Maroubra. As a senior member of Maroubra SLSC, what tips would you give youngsters What has been your favourite moment coming through the ranks? as a surf lifesaver? Have a great time because some of your Receiving life membership of Maroubra best memories in life will come from your SLSC at a young age was something I will surf club experience. never forget. After joining Maroubra SLSC in 1984, I have been very proud to wear the red Has it sunk in yet that you won’t be Surf Life Saving NSW Life Member and and yellow on Maroubra Beach. Director of Lifesaving, John Restuccia, patrolling this season? has had his last season on the sand as No not yet. I have been captain of Patrol a patrolling member. The Maroubra 10 for a long time, but I am sure the While John Restuccia is no longer clubbie has maintained an amazing lifesavers in that patrol will continue to do patrolling Maroubra beach, he continues 100% attendance over his 30 years of a great job. to volunteer as skipper of the Sydney patrolling. Looking back on your time on the Branch Offshore Rescue Boat and is a beach, what is one thing you’ve learnt? senior surf sports official and carnival referee. 10 | Beyond the Flags TALES OF STONE AND GLORY

Two legends of Surf Life Saving 1982 Brisbane Games. Throughout his have had their names immortalised career he also achieved relay success, “Ron’s the only athlete to my in stone on the Australian Surfing and had the honour of being a dual knowledge who won the Surf Walk of Fame at Sydney’s Maroubra Olympian representing Australia at Beach. both the 1980 and 1984 Games. Life Saving cadet surf race, Commemorative plates honouring McKeon wasn’t at the unveiling the junior surf race, junior champion swimmer and lifesaver Ron ceremony as he was in Russia in his belt race, open surf race McKeon and the late Walter Brown role as open water swim coach with the and open belt race at the were added to the walk and will take Australian team. Australian titles” their place among other champions of Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Phil Vanny the water. AM said that McKeon is a worthy Since 2006, two greats of Surfing and addition to the walk in light of his ski paddlers and swimmers and their Surf Life Saving are inducted annually significant ocean accomplishments. performance is regarded as one of the by a committee led by Randwick City “Ron’s the only athlete to my most memorable from the Melbourne Council with the formal unveiling knowledge who won the Surf Life Olympics. done at the Beach Breaks Carnival Saving cadet surf race, the junior surf So if you happen to find yourself held in July. The athletes recognised race, junior belt race, open surf race walking the path at Maroubra Beach, aren’t necessarily from the area, but and open belt race at the Australian look down and take a moment to are deemed to have made significant titles,” Mr Vanny said. reflect on the achievements of these contributions to the sport over a champions past. number of years. The life story of the late Wally Brown had its ups and downs, but as Both of this year’s Surf Life Saving Australia’s first Olympic kayaking inductees certainly made strong medallist it is fitting that his career is contributions to the movement both in honoured on the legends walk. and out of the water. Brown, who passed away in 2011, Although the Wollongong-based teamed up with Dennis Green (who is McKeon is better known these days for also an inductee of the Walk of Fame) his contribution to swimming, he was to win a historic bronze in the K-10,000 pretty handy in the surf as well. at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The He started his competition career as a pair earned the distinction of being junior at South Maroubra SLSC before not only the first Australians to medal tasting individual medal success on the in kayaking, paving the way for many international stage, winning gold in other great performances, but were the 200 and 400 metre freestyle events the first non-Europeans to medal in at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, the event. The duo, who first met at as well as a bronze in the 200 at the Maroubra SLSC were both outstanding

VOLUNTEER BEYOND THE BEACH

Do you fancy a front row seat at a diverse range of events? We have started a Facebook group for interested clubbies How about using your passion for Surf Life Saving to help from around the state who may want to get involved in our raise awareness or funds for the movement? If so we would events and promotions. love to hear from you. Everyone who volunteers has the opportunity to win some We are currently compiling a database of interested fantastic prizes, gain free entry to some high profile events volunteers who are willing to assist on the front line at events and of course have a great time with other fun people. such as Race Day, Beach Fest, promotional campaigns or To find out more please contact our friendly Partnerships photo shoots to name a few. Officer Jordan Ingham-Rhodes on 9471 8000 or email Volunteers are the backbone of our movement and are [email protected] recognised throughout Australia as an iconic and integral part of the Aussie way of life. Beyond the Flags | 11 LIFESAVERS CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL SEASON

There wasn’t a rubber duckie in sight Hanson did his best entertainment Excellence was the perfect opportunity as some of the state’s finest surf reporter impression as he mingled to honour not just the award recipients lifesavers swapped swimmers for with the guests on the red carpet but the membership as a whole. formal wear to celebrate the season before the festivities. “Now that the sand has settled for that was in Sydney in August. The 2014-15 season has certainly another season, I believe we can all The annual Awards of Excellence was been one worth celebrating for the look back with pride for a job well the biggest show in town as the Surf movement. Our dedicated patrolling done,” Tony Haven said. Life Saving community got the full lifesavers again did an outstanding job “While the award ceremony honours A-list treatment while honouring the keeping people safe on our beaches. those who achieved particularly highly season’s achievements. Almost 350 Surf Sports too celebrated a throughout the year, their efforts of the state’s volunteer lifesavers, momentous year with 2015 marking would not be possible without the officials, athletes, educators, coaches 100 years since the hosting of the first contribution of every single one of our and administrators gathered at Championships on Bondi Beach. The 77,000 members.” Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel for the scale of Ocean Beach-Umina’s recent event, which was supported by Stramit State Championships would scarcely Building Products. be believable to those early pioneers. Champion surfer Layne Beachley AO Surf Life Saving NSW President did a great job hosting the evening Tony Haven said that the Awards of while the voice of surf sport, Kurt

Award Winner Volunteer of the Year Glenn Clarke (The Entrance) Surf Lifesaver of the Year Rosie Taliano (North Bondi) Lifeguard of the Year Ken Walsh (Mollymook) Young Lifesaver of the Year Julien Vincent (Coogee) Junior Lifesaver of the Year (F) Brianna Clarkson (Brunswick) Junior Lifesaver of the Year (M) Reed van Huisstede (Cooks Hill) Branch of the Year Sydney Northern Beaches Club of the Year Cudgen Headland Initiative of the Year Adopt a Nipper (The Entrance) Administrator of the Year Joanne Hawkins (Tacking Point) Team of the Year Taplin Opens, U19 and U17 (Newport) Athlete of the Year Georgia Miller (Newport) Masters Athlete of the Year Paul Lemmon (Terrigal) Young Athlete of the Year Lizzie Welborn (North Bondi) Coach of the Year Trent Herring (Newport) Official of the Year Ray McDonagh (South West Rocks) Rescue of the Year Richard Garnsey (Cronulla) Facilitator of the Year Rod Balkin (Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore) Assessor of the Year Craig Howie (Coogee) Trainer of the Year Beck Mister (Coogee) Community Education Program Bellambi Project 291 (Bellambi) Club of the Year, Cudgen Headland

12 | Beyond the Flags Sydney Branch recipients show off their awards

Branch of the Year, Surf Lifesaver of the Year, Rosie Taliano with President Tony Sydney Northern Beaches Haven and the Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams

Beyond the Flags | 13 THE ENGINE ROOM

NSWNSW Pool Rescue Interstate Team / harvpix.com

Australian International Surf Rescue Challenge Youth and Open Teams / harvpix.com

14 | Beyond the Flags SURF SPORTS

NSWCaves Beach at the NSW IRB Championships / Lisa Hardwick NSWNSW Board Riding Championships

It has been a busy winter for Surf finished a highly credible third behind Sports with IRB, Pool Rescue and the hosts and Victoria in what was a “Good luck to all our Board Riding Championships taking repeat of the 2014 results. competitors as we look place as well as planning for the Pool Rescue Championships forward to 2015-16 being a summer ahead. Central Coast hosted the 2015 NSW huge year for Surf Sports.” IRB Premiership Series Pool Rescue Championships in late It was a challenging winter series July. This event is a fantastic chance holidays. It is an opportunity for those for our IRB competitors with events for our athletes to hone the skills that selected to come into a professional having to be rescheduled on make them good lifesavers as well as environment where they can hone several occasions due to dangerous blow out the cobwebs in the water their water skills with some of the conditions. The clubs, competitors, ahead of the summer season. Elouera best coaches in the country. The and supporters all deserve credit for SLSC (346.5) finished ahead of Umina program was formerly known as the the way they handled the challenges (260), and defending champions Talented Athlete Program and many thrown their way. Ultimately, the Terrigal. of the graduates have gone on to victors wouldn’t be decided until the International Results achieve success at state, national and final afternoon of racing with any one international level. of five clubs still in contention for the Internationally the state’s athletes overall prize. Defending champions continue to excel in surf sports as Good luck for a great season Kiama Downs (30 points) did enough they look ahead to Rescue 2016. Leading into the season a number of to hold off the fast finishing Catherine Tim Schofield, along with fellow clinics will be run for both junior and Hill Bay (27) and Caves Beach (24), to NSW clubbies Daniel Collins from senior athletes. Each clinic has been be crowned champions on their own Redhead and Hayden White from designed to enhance skills and give beach. Warilla-Barrack Point were part of athletes a chance to fine-tune their the Australian team which won July’s preparations ahead of the competition The young Caves Beach team didn’t Sanyo Cup held in Japan, while a season. have to wait long to exact their strong contingent of NSW athletes revenge when they reversed the were selected in the Australian team Good luck to all our competitors as we results to win the 2015 NSW IRB which won the International Surf look forward to 2015-16 being a huge Championships at Mollymook in June. Rescue Challenge on the Sunshine year for Surf Sports. Following the season-ending event, a Coast in early September. NSW side travelled to Mooloolaba in Queensland to contest the Interstate Junior Development Academy Championships. Despite their best Over 40 of the state’s most promising efforts, the team couldn’t halt the athletes aged 12-14 will participate Queensland juggernaut (sound in the Junior Development Program familiar sporting fans?) and they during the September school

Beyond the Flags | 15 Surf Life Saving NSW wishes to thank the following OUR MISSION sponsors and supporters for helping our volunteers protect “To save lives, create great Australians lives on the beaches each year. and build better communities.”

Government SUMMARY Surf Life Saving NSW is the state’s major water safety and rescue organisation, and with almost 77,000 members, is one of the largest State Sponsors volunteer movements in Australia. The primary role of Surf Life Saving NSW is to save lives on our beaches, while other activities include developing our members through education, leadership and surf sports programs. Preferred State Suppliers There are 129 surf clubs and 11 Branches in the state which are affiliated with Surf Life Saving NSW, stretching from Fingal Rovers SLSC near Tweed Heads, to Pambula SLSC on the Far South Coast. National Supporters

For contributions or suggestions please contact SLSNSW Marketing on 02 9471 8000 or email [email protected] SLSNSW endeavours to ensure all information contained in this publication is correct and true, however accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or mistakes contained in the publication. /SURFLIFESAVINGNSW Sports pictures by Jamie Nilsson, Stephen Chu. Surf Life Saving New South Wales T +61 2 9471 8000 F + 61 2 9471 8001 E [email protected] @SLSNSW 3 Narabang Way Belrose NSW 2085 | PO Box 307 Belrose NSW 2085 Australia Fundraising Authority No. CFN11033 ABN: 93 827 748 379 @SLSNSW