Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

August 2015 108th Annual Report

The following report summarises the activities of the 2014/2015 season for Merewether Surf Life Saving Club, and includes the audited financial statements.

Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

Contents Notice of the AGM ...... 2 Agenda ...... 2 Merewether SLSC Life Members ...... 4 2014/2015 Committee Members ...... 5 Thank You to All Our Sponsors ...... 6 Presidents Report ...... 7 Member Recognition ...... 9 Merewether Surf Club Awards 2014/2015 ...... 9 Hunter Branch Award Nominations 2015 ...... 9 Club Captains Report ...... 10 Member Services Report ...... 12 Education & Training Report ...... 13 IRB Report...... 16 Surf Sports Report ...... 18 Beach, Ski, Swim & Board ...... 18 Surfboats ...... 21 IRB Racing ...... 21 Officials and Water Safety ...... 21 Next Season ...... 21 The Pumphouse Bar ...... 23 Junior Activities Report ...... 24 Awards and Certificates ...... 29 Junior Activity Members ...... 31 Active Patrolling Members ...... 34 Financial Statements 2014/2015 ...... 36

Page 1 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 NOTICE OF THE AGM

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 2 August 2015 from 10.00 a.m.

Agenda 1. Opening of Annual General Meeting by Nick Newton, President I. Apologies – Tim Crakanthorp II. One minute silence for Deceased Members 2. President’s Address by Nick Newton 3. Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes 4. Hunter Branch Surf Life Saving Address 5. Confirmation of Minutes of the AGM from the 2013-2014 Season I. Matters arising 6. Presentation of Annual Report for the 2014-2015 Season I. Motion to adopt the Annual Report for the 2014-2015 Season - Moved: 7. Presentation of the Financial Statements for the 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015 I. Motion to adopt the Financial Statements for the 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015 - Moved: 8. Presentation of Club Patrons, Vice Patrons and Honorary Positions

Title Representative Mr. Tim Crakanthorp MP Member for Newcastle, Lord Patrons Mayor of Newcastle, Councilor Nuatali Nelmes, John Adamson, Sue Paul Vice-Patrons Mr. John Twohill, Mr. Evan Walton, Mrs. Susan Walton OAM, Mr. Tony McGrath, Mrs. Anne McGrath, Mr. Alan Taggart Honorary Auditor Robert Jones Honorary Solicitor Craig Doyle (McDonald Johnson), Nicholas Dan (Bilbie Dan)

Medical Officers Dr J. Sippe, Dr J. Dan, Dr C Finlay-Jones

Ambulance Officers St John Ambulance, Laurie Graham

I. Motion to adopt list of Patrons, Vice Patrons and Honorary Auditor and Solicitor - Moved: 9. Life Membership - Nil

Page 2 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 10. Presentations 11. Election of President 12. Election of Officers 13. Honorariums for the 2015-2016 Season (unchanged from last season)  President, Secretary, Treasurer - $500  Chief Instructor, Registrar - $250 I. Motion to adopt the Honorariums for the 2015-2016 season - Moved: 14. Determination of Club Fees for the 2015-2016 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 2015) $35.00

I. Motion to adopt the membership fees for the 2015-2016 season - Moved: 15. Resolution for Affiliation with Hunter Branch I. Moved:

16. General Business

Meeting Closed:

Page 3 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 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

* For Service to Merewether Junior SLSC

Page 4 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 2014/2015 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

President Nick Newton Club Captain David Hoar Vice Club Captain Bruce Rummins Treasurer Ross Taggart Secretary Emma Gale Junior Activities Chairperson Mark Owen Registrar Tim Brushaber Chief Instructor Charlie Bugbird Surf Sports Kevin Buckley IRB Captain Nathan Wright Board and Ski Captain Mark Woodcock Boat Captain Toni Woodcock Gear and Equipment Officer Bernie Sabine IT Coordinator Evan Jobling Function Room Manager Susan O’Loughlin License Manager Norm Rodgers Youth Coordinator Vacant WH&S Officer Warren Sterling Publicity Officer Rachel Soars Radio Officer Richard Taylor Gym Co-Ordinator Richard Taylor

Page 5 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

Page 6 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 PRESIDENTS REPORT

By Nick Newton

Well here we are - another season has flown past and once again we’re celebrating not only what was a successful season but also one that had a number of different challenges for us. As required we completed a full season of “no breaches” - that is 100% compliance to the requirements of our surf life saving council agreements. This shows that our training, our procedures, our systems and overall our patrol management is working well. For all this to happen it doesn’t just fall in place, it requires the involvement of everyone, your committee, the education and training department, Club and vice captain, Patrol captains and of course the patrolling members all coming together and working as teams to get this result. It was a great effort particularly when you include the changes in the type of challenges we are now seeing, since the completion of the promenade upgrade there has been a huge influx of patronage using the Bathers Way, people attending our resident cafe, and a significant increase in beach goers. Apart from the usual beach incidents we are used to attending and responding to with the added public usage of the Bathers Way we are now regularly experiencing injuries away from the sand around the promenade areas, some of these injuries have been significant and quite involving for our members, additionally requiring paramedic response and hospital care for the victims - also there were the sharks who certainly made their presence known with a number of visits from our aquatic friends who took to hanging around for far longer that we would have liked. The fact that the shark issues coincided with some of our hottest days and best beach conditions of the season also didn’t help – so yes it was an interesting season. Some of our achievements over the season include, the continual upgrades of the function room – flooring, deck tiles, a repaint, new kitchen appliances, fans, refurbishment of the cool room and still ongoing . Ducks for Dollars we raised over $10k which went towards new patrol equipment. We had Adrian working hard for us and successfully secured sponsorship from our friends at PWCS and additionally the Community Building Partnership. We had Nathan securing his IRB sponsorship from the good team at PRD Nationwide and Safehands. We also along with the other clubs in the branch were donated a beach wheelchair by the Variety Club of NSW. We have worked an agreement with the Beach Hotel to purchase one of our old Surfboats as a replacement after the loss of their old boat off the roof during the recent storms. We worked with the Surfest people with hall hire and fund raising. Penny has taken over the hotel raffle management in getting it back on track. We ran the Alice Ferguson swim event at Merewether Baths and to finish the season off ran the Branch Surf Board Riding Championships. So there is still a lot happening and a lot to happen in the coming new season with the challenge in our goal to being self sustainable and we are indebted to our sponsors not only for their generous support but also their trust in allowing us to represent their companies. As always I need to thank our committee members for their tireless work and effort, these people truly do make it all happen; every facet of running and maintaining the club is duly taken care of by one of your committee members and I need to thank them one and all for their ongoing and continuous efforts, it’s a big ask to have the committee give up the amount of time they do and I know I speak on behalf of all members that we are all thankful to them for the work and effort that’s given in reaching their achievements.

Page 7 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 A special thankyou needs to go to Emma who continually takes on a huge amount of work and has become the centre pin around which the rest of the committee revolves – not only keeping us in check, which she does regularly, but if we have lost a document or want something looked up its Emma we go to sort things out - and the same thanks to Dave for all his help and ongoing enthusiasm and organising, always striving to better the way we do things and pushing ahead to make the improvements happen. So thank you guys for all your help and support. The end of this season also saw the retirement of some of our long standing patrolling members and club stalwarts who have decided it is time to hang up their caps, 3 of particular note are; Phil Mosgrove a life member who spent 13 years as club treasurer with 24 years of 100%service. Greg Nelmes a life member with a fantastic 53 years of 100% service and lastly Garry Miller a life member who spent many years rowing and training with boat crews and who achieved a phenomenal 57 years of 100% service. Although these gentlemen will certainly be staying around our club they leave big boots to fill with their knowledge, their expertise of our beach and for their part in the history of our club. Thanks guys you will be missed. Finally on behalf of the committee I want to say thank you to all of our club members for your time and effort that you have given over the season and look forward to seeing you all again in September. Nick

Page 8 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 MEMBER RECOGNITION

Merewether Surf Club Awards 2014/2015

 Patrol Person of the Year – Sarah Bugbird  Club Person of the year – Emma Gale  Patrol Captain of the year – Rob Dan  Competitor of the Year –John Adamson  Patrol Games Champions – Nicola Owen (1st), Charlie Mears (2nd), Craig Powell (3rd)  Appreciation Awards – Phil Mosgrove, Rob Dan and Patricia Stallard for Training and Education, Adrian Harte for Sponsorship seeking, Penny Britz for Raffle Manager, Ralph Foster for club work, Ross Blatchford for Training Assistance, Susan O’Loughlin for Function Room work and Norm Rodgers for Bar Manager  Encouragement Awards – Michaela Haebich  Patrol of the Year – Patrol 2  President’s Shield – Jessica Mulhearn  Junior Club Person of the Year Award – Nicola Owen  Outstanding Achievement – Amelia (Milly) Ross  Most Improved IRB driver Award – Sarah Bugbird

Hunter Branch Award Nominations 2015  Hunter Branch Presidents Award - Simon Lovell  Lifesaver of the Year – Emma Gale  Youth Team of the Year – Nicola Owen, Milly Ross, Adelaide Markey, Jasmin Rae Wardrop

Page 9 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 CLUB CAPTAINS REPORT

By David Hoar, Club Captain and Bruce Rummins, Vice Club Captain

Another season has flown by with Merewether patrols volunteering an incredible 6,123 hours during the year. Again we started off the season with a well-attended pre-planning session with our leadership group of Patrol/Vice Patrol Captains and Basic Beach managers. At this meeting the following areas of improvement were identified for the season:

 Increasing the number of IRB driver and crew qualified patrol members  Patrols to roster AM and PM shifts in advance  Encouraging all patrol members to actively patrol at the water’s edge  Identification and mentoring of new Patrol Captains  Improving patrol members willingness and capability to proactively set up the beach, use the radio, do a board rescue in average conditions, surf swim beyond the break and to handle a 1st aid incident and fill out the necessary forms Over the patrolling season we had excellent patrol attendance, no patrol incidents, a number of rescues and some interesting visitors to the beach that caused us to close the beach for a number of patrols. We also had a number members obtain their:

 IRB crew certificate  Silver Medallion IRB Driver award  Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management award, and  Silver Medallion Aquatic Search and Rescue (SMAR) award The SMAR award holders will be excellent additions to our emergency call out team over the coming seasons. Speaking of awards, Patrol 2 took out the coveted Patrol of the Year award for the season, Sarah Bugbird was a worthy recipient for Patrol Person of the Year, and Rob Dan took out the Patrol Captain of the year award. Finally a big thank you to:

 our Patrol Captains and those that subbed into the PC role during the year  the Education Team for their great work in training new members, running proficiencies and  organising skills upgrade courses such as ARTC, Spinal, Radio, IRB crew and IRB driver  Bruce for his great work as Vice-Captain over the last 2 years – Bruce will work with the new Vice Captain to help set-up our patrols on Surfgaurd for the 2015-16 season and will be mentored to take over the Club captain role.

Page 10 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 We look forward to another great patrolling season and always welcome suggestions on what we can do to improve.

September 2014 - Season Launch and Members Breakfast, hosted by Life Members

Page 11 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 MEMBER SERVICES REPORT

By Tim Brushaber, Registrar

We are one resilient Club. Through the construction of the baths and footpaths the Club keeps on growing! This year we have finished the season with more members than last year, a whole 66 new members, taking our club up to 701 active members. This increase in numbers wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you coming back to the Club for another year, and telling your friends and family to come and become a part of Merewether SLSC. Another big thank you has to go out to Suzy Wall and Mark Owen for their continued support of the Nippers program, without them the Club wouldn’t be able to say we have over 700 members, as a large proportion of members are from Nippers. A final thank you needs to go out to our Education and Training team for putting on such good courses that it entices more and more people to get their Bronze Medallion with Merewether and stay on as active members. This year’s registration season definitely didn’t go off without a hitch, as we continued with the push towards electronic registration and less emphasis on registration days. While it was a better success than the previous year, some of you will be able to tell war stories of the system not working as intended. Next season we are going to continue with electronic registration being the primary way to register at Merewether, hopefully this time we have ironed out most of the bugs. The new Working with Children check system has come into effect. This new process will be mandatory next season, so I would urge any returning members that haven’t already gotten their Working With Children (WWC) number, to follow the instructions on the Office of Children's Guardian’s website. Finally, we hope to see you all back next season, bright eyed and raring to go.

Page 12 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

EDUCATION & TRAINING REPORT

By Charlie Bugbird, Chief Training Officer

The Season 2015-15 proved again to be extremely successful from an Education and Training perspective with new members obtaining their Bronze Medallion and Cert II Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue), and existing patrol members obtaining further awards upgrading their skill set to further enhance their ability to serve the public. A number of more specialized awards were obtained by some of more experienced members during the season, these included the Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue and the IRB Night Operations Courses, any conversation mentioning these courses always brings out some interesting stories about the experience of attempting these awards. Details of the member’s award achievements are included at the rear of this annual report. This season saw the Education team for the first time incorporate the Bronze Medallion and CERT II Public Safety awards with what has become known as ‘the Lifesaver ‘ award, this consists of the candidates being required to complete Apply First Aid, ARTC and Spinal Management and Radio Operator Certificate as an integral part of their BM training. Following the successful completion of the ‘Lifesaver Award’ the candidates are introduced directly into the IRB crew course. The Team through this process learned some valuable lessons in Training, Scheduling and Documentation and the knowledge gained will be incorporated into future courses. Skills Maintenance this again in this season saw many members taking advantage of the early sessions to obtain their annual proficiency, unfortunately some members waited till the last minute and found the weather or surf conditions took their attempts beyond the required proficiency cutoff date, it should be

Page 13 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 recognized that to complete your annual skills maintenance session early in the season will save much angst later. I must thank all the Assessment Team for their ongoing commitment to the Skills Maintenance program, they have to be available on multiple weekends and weekdays and nights not only providing the assessment process but also water safety and documentation. The number of awards this season not only indicates the commitment of our members to obtain initial qualifications but to upgrade their skill set to more effectively patrol the beach. These awards do not come without the education process and Merewether SLSC has one of the most effective Education Teams within Hunter Branch, these members giving up their time freely, not only to perform their scheduled patrols, but to be available weeknights, Saturdays and Sundays to give lectures, perform water safety, and to mentor candidates, I thank every one of my team for a job well done. Whilst we all tend to focus on the Senior awards, the efforts of the Junior side of the club should be acknowledged with the members progressing through the ‘Surf Play’, ‘Surf Aware’, ‘Surf Safe’ and ‘Surf Smart’ award system leading to the Surf Rescue Certificate, the prelude to the Bronze Medallion, the many hours spent by the Age Group managers not only providing a fun learning environment but providing the foundation for skills that will be with these children for life. Thank you to the Merewether Education Team for their ongoing support of the Education process within the club, and to the Committee for their support of the Education Team. Thanks to the Office Staff at Hunter Branch for the help given to me throughout the season.

Winter 2014 – Bronze Medallion Crew and Trainers

Page 14 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

January 2015 – Ducks for Dollars, Newcastle Harbour

Page 15 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

January 2015 - Merewether SLSC received a beach wheelchair, donated by Variety Australia and Leah Jay Property Management

IRB REPORT

By Nathan Wright, IRB Captain

During the 2014/2015 Season our current crew and drivers continued to improve their skills and confidence in a range of activities and conditions in both using and looking after the equipment. This year we have the mandatory introduction of Life Jackets which was taken up really well, with the club supplying a number of high quality jackets in various sizes with general feedback was that they are very comfortable with little or no restriction to carry out the duties of driver or crew. We had another couple of groups of crew and drivers come through to build our on numbers with new drivers stepping up and successfully completing the courses. The continuation of bringing in any suitable new bronze course participants to include the IRB crew course our numbers and the depth and skills are coming along nicely and will continue and give our new members a better exposure across the board of our patrol requirements.

Page 16 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 With thanks to Mark Owen for his assistance in training the new drivers and crew and to Ralph Foster for assistance with repairs, maintenance and set up on numerous occasions throughout the season. We have had a very active season using and training in IRB skills that’s really showing results with the number of past and new operators showing more confidence and care for the equipment. Skills Training will be again a major focus this year adding more crew and drivers to ensure suitable coverage for patrols and water safety for events and nippers, with a number of courses being run throughout the season and I encourage anyone keen, contact me to get on the next available course. For the start of our coming season we will have a brand new IRB hull to launch thanks largely to the support from a new major sponsor Mark Kentwell from PRD Newcastle real-estate agents and Safe Hands property management. With this new acquisition and a couple of new motors on the way it puts us in good form for the next couple of years with quality equipment that can be relied on when required. As all ways we have many other sponsorship opportunity’s big and small every bit helps to run, repair and replace the equipment if you or someone you know can help let us know. Thank you to all of the members that have assisted in meeting our IRB patrol and water safety commitments throughout the season. I’m looking forward to the coming season with training new candidates starting in September and happy to help out of do any refresher training for members leading up to proficiency’s.

Page 17 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 SURF SPORTS REPORT

By Toni Woodcock, Boat Captain

Competition Season for 2014/2015 was fought with injury, illness and the loss of old friends. Conditions couldn’t be predicted with carnivals cancelled or postponed. However, it wasn’t just the conditions playing havoc with training and competition it was the men or women in grey suits (any type of shark) sun bathing and tasting some of the locals which put the brakes on water activities throughout the Branch.

Representatives from the Under 14 years Nicola Owen and Amelia Ross were picked for the Inter- Branch Squad and train on squad. The girls also received an award at the Hunter Branch Awards of Excellence for the Youth Teams. We will be looking forward to seeing more members blooming as they come in to the Open Competition.

Beach, Ski, Swim & Board

Open Competitors

The field of ompetitorsc has grown this season with Adelaide Markey, Nicola Owen, Amelia Ross and Jasmin-Rae Wardrop joining Sarah Bugbird and Teagan Cotterill in the Opens. We still see once in a while Trish Stallard and Mark “Woody” Woodcock joining them.

Catherine Hill Bay Carnival Results U17yrs - Silver in the Beach Sprint – Teigen Cotterill - Silver in the Beach Flags – Teigen Cotterill

Hunter Branch Championships Results

U15 yrs - Gold in the Surf Board – Nicola Owen - Bronze in the Surf Board –Amelia Ross - Sixth in the Surf Board – Jasmin-Rae Wardrop - Gold in the Surf Board Relay - Nicola Owen, Amelia Ross and Jasmin-Rae Wardrop - Silver in the Tube Race – Jasmin-Rae Wardrop

Open - Bronze in the 2km Beach Run – Sarah Bugbird - Fourth in the Beach Sprint – Sarah Bugbird

Page 18 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

NSW State Championships Results

U15yrs - Fifth in the Surf Team – Adelaide Markey, Nicola Owen, Amelia Ross and Jasmin-Rae Wardrop - Sixth in the Surf Board Rescue - Nicola Owen and Amelia Ross

Aussie Championships Results Off to the sunshine of North Kirra for the Aussie Champs the team welcomed the Under 15 Girls, Nicola Owen, Amelia Ross, Adelaide Markey and Jasmin-Rae Wardrop.

U14 yrs - Fifth in the Surf Board Race – Nicola Owen - Final in the Surf Race - Nicola Owen - Final in the Surf Race - Amelia Ross

U15 yrs - Final of Surf Board Relay – Nicola Owen, Amelia Ross and Jasmin-Rae Wardrop

Masters Competitors Master Competitors had very little to choose from in competitions due to clashes across the Branches once again. Competitors travelled to the shores of Fingal Bay in the North to the shores of Collaroy Beach in the South and there were many tales of making finals and hordes of medals.

Hunter Branch Championships Results 45 – 49 yrs - Silver in the Board – Nicholas Brunette

50 – 59 yrs. - Gold in the Beach Sprint – Trish Stallard - Gold in the Beach Flags – Trish Stallard - Gold in the 2km Beach Run – Trish Stallard

60 – 64 yrs - Gold in the Surf Race – Stephen Stallard - Silver in the Surf Race – John Adamson - Silver in the Surf Board – John Adamson - Silver in the 1km Beach Run – Stephan Stallard

65-69 yrs - Silver in the Surf Race – John Adamson - Fourth in the Tube Race – John Adamson - Fourth in the Iron Man – John Adamson

Page 19 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 - Fifth in the Surf Board Race – John Adamson

150 yrs - Silver in the Surf Board Relay – Nicholas Brunette, John Adamson and Stephen Stallard - Gold in the Taplin Relay – Nicholas Brunette, John Adamson and Stephen Stallard

NSW State Championships Results Three members travelled to Umina for the weekend and stayed in the caravan park. John Adamson, Stephen Stallard and Trish Stallard enjoyed tepid conditions and nice surf at the championships.

50 – 59 yrs - Fifth in the 2km Beach Run - Trish Stallard

60 – 64 yrs - Bronze in the Iron Man – Stephen Stallard - Fourth in the Surf Ski – Stephan Stallard

65-69 yrs - Silver in the Surf Race – John Adamson - Fourth in the Tube Race – John Adamson - Fourth in the Iron Man – John Adamson - Fifth in the Surf Board Race – John Adamson Aussie Championships Results Masters Team – Graham Adam, John Adamson, Trish and Stephen Stallard

50 – 59 yrs - Final of in the 2km Beach Run – Trish Stallard

60 -64 yrs - Final in the Surf Board – Graham Adam - Final in the Surf Board Rescue - Graham Adam and Stephen Stallard - Final in the Iron Man - Graham Adam - Final in the Iron Man – Stephen Stallard - Final in the Surf Ski – Graham Adam - Final in the Surf Race – Graham Adam - Final in the Surf Race – Stephen Stallard

65-69 yrs - Fourth in the Iron Man – John Adamson - Fourth in the Surf Race – John Adamson - Final in the Surf Board – John Adamson

Page 20 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 170 yrs - Final in the Surf Board Relay and Final in the Surf Team

Surfboats Toni Woodcock took the long oar to train the Open Women Surf Boat Rowers, Jess Coote, Cassie Screen, Ellie Ryan, Hannah Archer-Lawton (fill in) and new comer Courtney Daunt. Training days were awesome with the help of Craig “Crash “Doughty on surf sessions and Jase “Molly” Bean (Met-Caloundra) taking us through our paces. The team competed at selected carnivals at the Streets Boat Series and State Championships. The crew had been plagued with injury and work commitments although performed well on those days. Thanks you to Ken “Screeny” Screen and Kim Marsh for Carnival Mentoring.

IRB Racing Winter or the off season usually means the IRB Competition has started. This year through other commitments and injury to competitors and equipment, the Team took the season off. Hopefully next year we will have them flying around the waves.

Officials and Water Safety The Competition Season is not only a long a grueling affair for our competitors, it is just as demanding on our Officials and Water Safety Crews who are often on the beach and in the water before and still there after our competitors have finished. Without them, we wouldn’t have Carnivals.

Thanks must go to our own team of Officials Graham Lott (now seen at the surf boat competition more and more), Kaye Lott, Toni Woodcock, Emma Gale, Peta Owen, Liza Ross, Emma Flint, Rachel Soars and David Soars and the many members in the water - we say thank you for making it all possible.

Please consider taking on a rewarding roll as an Official or Water Safety Crew to help out during Junior Life Saving, Club Carnivals, Competition Carnivals and Championships. Thanks you to everyone who helped support our competitors to get to and from training and carnivals. You too need a pat on the back for being there.

Next Season Next seasons training has already started for a few in this now wintery time. Keep in touch with your Coaches and keep an eye out in the newsletters and web for any circulars that may impact your competition season.

Always take a friend with you or let someone know where, what you are doing and when you’ll be back. Please never swim alone.

All the best to you all and please forgive me if I have missed someone.

Page 21 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

February 2015 – Youth visit to Surfcom Headquarters

Page 22 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 THE PUMPHOUSE BAR

By Susan O’Loughlin, Function Room Manager

This season has definitely been a very busy one for our function room. The occupancy rate of Saturday nights has gone from 53% and 51% the two previous seasons respectively to a whopping 73% occupancy this year! The income from not only our functions but from Coldies and rent from our permanent tenants is proving to play a significant role in the future of MSLSC financially. Our biggest change this year was to receive The Port Waratah Coal Services grant. This enabled us to get new flooring in the function room and veranda plus an awning (which is coming). A big thank you to Adrian and his team for their efforts in preparing our proposals for grant applications. A lot of work goes into this and the benefits can be seen in the club already with hopefully more to come this year and next. Our permanent residents still include Rod for his tuition in Karate, plus we now have not only yoga and wrestling but we a ladies fitness group. This diversity is fantastic and I believe we are the only surf club along our stretch to have this community involvement which brings a great feel to the club. Not only have we hosted Surffest again this year we were also involved in a major fundraising event for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter by the local hang gliding and para gliding clubs. They raised a little over $12,000 and I have already locked them in again for next year proving we are becoming a successful venue for functions both large and small. The toilets will remain to be a thorn in my side the upcoming season with a struggle to keep members happy and paying clients who deserve to have clean amenities for their functions happy too. I appreciate people being aware of this dilemma and I would like to thank the patrol captains on Saturdays who helped me achieve this. The locking of the toilets last season did see a downturn in non-members using the bathrooms. I have personally worked extremely hard at my role as the function room Manager and wish to thank those people in the club who have supported me over the last 12 months. A special thanks to Norm and Mark (Woody), who have helped me tirelessly in the keeping the function room running smoothly, ensuring things are operational and ready to go. I’m looking forward to the upcoming year and hope we can continue in this growth of income the function room achieves. Merewether Surf lifesaving clubs Pumphouse Bar is on Facebook and help spread the word about our amazing venue by liking and sharing our page.

Page 23 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 JUNIOR ACTIVITIES REPORT

Mark Owen – Junior Activities Chairperson

The Merewether SLSC Nippers program continues to evolve thanks to the support of all the age managers and assistants, volunteers, committee members, water safety, BBQ helpers, coaches & trainers, who ensure that we continue to offer the one of the best surf education and junior surf sports programs in the region. I would also like to thank and encourage all our Nippers and Nipper parents. This year we continued our focus on improving the water safety program that involved conducting a risk assessment in conjunction with the Patrol Captain on Sunday mornings; also our water safety coordinator would continually monitor the conditions and water safety ratios to ensure the safety of all nippers during water activities. Additionally, we ensured that the IRB was in operation whenever the nippers were in the water. Water Safety improvements are a work in progress and will keep improving next season with separate board and swim areas. Thank you to all those who helped with water safety. We are always after additional water safety, so any parents of our nippers that are interested should enquire about doing their Bronze Medallion; we need a ratio of 1:5 bronze medallion holders in the water with the juniors at all times. Next season we will be focussing on the education and skills development of all our age managers and assistant age managers. We are putting together the necessary training materials and resources to formalise the training of the age managers. On the competition side of nippers, this season saw an increased number of competitors compared to previous seasons. Congratulations to all the competitors who attended. This season in the Newcastle Permanent Series Nicola Owen and Milly Ross placed 1st & 2nd in Hunter Branch - Under 14 Female Water, Both girls were also selected in the Hunter Inter-branch team. This season our Under 14 female competitors also competed at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at North Kirra QLD – they achieved some sensational results by making the finals in most events – congratulations girls. Thank you to all those who official and do water safety and get everything organised at carnivals for the competitors. Our Under 14 Female Team – Nicola Owen, Milly Ross, Jasmine-Rae Wardrop and Adelaide Markey were nominated and won the Hunter Branch Youth Team of the Year – well done girls. The Christmas party was a great success, with Santa arriving in the IRB with bags of lollies for all the nippers (and parents). Our annual camp was once again a success with over 200 parents and children attending. The camp has been going for over 20 years and is a great time to meet new people and for the kids to have some fun. Thanks to all those who helped get the weekend organised. I hope this remains on the junior calendar for a very long time. I hope all the kids have enjoyed themselves and met new friends this year. Lastly I would like to thank the committee for a job well done, and a very special thank you to the outgoing committee members - especially Simon Lovell. I would like to welcome all the new Junior Activities Committee members and look forward to working with you all next season.

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April 2015 – Hunt for the golden egg and a visit from the Easter Bunny at Merewether Beach

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April 2015 – Beach erosion as a result of large storms

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Page 28 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES Bronze Medallion Training Officer Radio Operator Cert. IRB Crew Jazmin Lewsam Bronze Medallion Amelia Ross Stacey Sykes Teigan Cotterill Peter Campbell Caitlin Lovell Scott Mcfarlane Nathan Ormerod Sophie Wood Kelly Wiseheart Neil Starr Training Officer Tyler Davey Dana Williams Stuart James Adv. Resus. Techniques Jessica Mulhearn Glen Hughes Brendan McNabb Charles Bugbird Nicola Owen Shannan Forrest Warren Sterling Leisel Gillies Silver Medallion Shannon Margan Nicola Walker IRB Driver Scott Mcfarlane Adv. Resus. Tech. Cert. Andrew Sargeant Mitchell Thomson Kelly Wiseheart Patricia Stallard Jackson Kirkman Sarah Bugbird Jamie Paras Charles Bugbird Charles Meares David Hoar Dana Williams Warren Sterling Trystan Platt Craig Vandenberg Glen Hughes Karen Wallace Thomas Lyons Michael Spillane Maxwell Dawes Vaughn Keena Nathan Guinness Richard Taylor Luke Menzies Andrew Sargeant Kelly Taylor John Vazey Sebastian Hollard Matthew Dan David Ray Peter Campbell Alexander Macdonald Dom Willson Jared Medhurst Craig Powell Andrew Sargeant Kathryn Spong Mathew Watson Courtney Daunt Samantha Hickey Jessie Gardner Silver Medallion Neil Adams Jennifer Campbell Laura Phelan Aquatic Rescue Michaela Haebich Kelly Wiseheart Justin Kelly Mark Owen Jackson Kirkman Jamie Paras Anthony Tietze Sarah Bugbird Charles Meares Matthew Mullen Abbey Cameron Evan Jobling Thomas Lyons Anthony Tietze James Pearlman Nicholas Brunette Nathan Guinness Jackson Kirkman Brad Mankelow Simon Lovell Kelly Taylor Charles Meares Hugh Caterson John Vazey David Ray Nathan Guinness Stephen Trimble Jared Medhurst Jared Medhurst Silver Medallion Timothy Karbowiak Jessie Gardner Mathew Watson Basic Beach Mgt. Peter Campbell James Pearlman Jessie Gardner Harrison Gresham Erin Pither Brad Mankelow James Pearlman Dom Willson Stuart Longman Laura Phelan Laura Phelan Andrew Powell Edward Langdon Matthew Watson Charles Mathers Timothy Brushaber William Apps Hugh Caterson Farrah Othman Stephen Trimble Justin Kelly Hugh Caterson Timothy Karbowiak Silver Medallion Justin Kelly Erin Pither Adv. First Aid Bronze Medallion Thomas Lyons Craig Powell Patricia Stallard Assessor Kelly Taylor Edward Langdon Charles Bugbird Peter Campbell David Ray Warren Sterling Richard Taylor Brad Mankelow Sweep Accreditation Karen Wallace Neil Adams Toni Woodcock

Page 29 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 Surf Rescue Certificate Training Officer – Assessor Advanced Rescue Water Craft Maddie Reilly RadioRichard Taylor Resus. Techniques Operator Certificate Amelia Ross Patricia Stallard Simon Lovell Caitlin Lovell Training Officer Charles Bugbird Sophie Wood Spinal Management Warren Sterling Safer Surf Clubs Tyler Davey Charlie Bugbird Online Theory Larni Cotterill Member Protection Kay (Kate) Flint Adelaide Markey Spinal Management Info. Officer Course Peter Campbell Jessica Mulhearn Anthony Tietze Kay (Kate) Flint Nicola Owen Thomas Lyons Resuscitation Cert. Leisel Gillies Kelly Taylor Pain Management Jazmin Lewsam Nicola Walker David Ray Refresher Abbey Cameron Jared Medhurst Dilan Houston Trystan Platt Mathew Watson David Hoar Jessie Gardner Richard Taylor Certificate IV in Training James Loosemore And Assessment Laura Phelan Spinal Management Richard Taylor Charles Mathers Refresher Farrah Othman Charles Bugbird Hugh Caterson Jonathon Lloyd Jackson Kirkman Charles Meares Nathan Guinness James Pearlman Brad Mankelow Justin Kelly

Page 30 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 JUNIOR ACTIVITY MEMBERS Under 6s Talia Jolly Eamon McClory Hugh Lobsey Jorden McCool Xavier Cowie Cooper Coxon Ava Kazacos Oscar Avery Reve Dennis Nate Brownlee Avery Starr James Fenton Beatrice Arnall Kieran Shah Bella Kyle Tessa Mackintosh Matthew Lyons Anderson Dell Jet McLean Daisy Martin Zara Bentlin Ivy Jones Fergus Bell Alexis Sutherland Amaia Roberts Tommy Tolhurst Alexandra Adams Joshua Mather Fin Hartley Noah Chapman Sam Treyvaud Jade OBrien Lucinda Barker Bronte Farrugia Jack Hughes Zahra Nyariri Caleb Healy Charlie Asimus Savannah Lance Isac Johansson Charlie Williamson Tully Williams Lucinda McNabb Noah Cleary Willow Slattery Thijs Beckett Zachary Rummins Cooper Tait Bailee Turner Oscar Allen Heidi Mikulski Jessie Taylor Ellie Partington Lachlan Ray William Smith Anders Kwon Bethany Margan Max Payne Bailey Wall

Under 7s William Gent Riley Fernance Cooper Olds Tom Trench Lilly Griffis Liesel Brunette Koby Clark Liam Bryant Archie Gibson Finnley McAlpine Sarah Johns Benjamin Keeling Lilli Wright Antonella Sorokowski Ari Jenkins Ava Donaldson Annika James Mikaela Jolly Maximilian Jenkins Layne Brownlee Flynn Dagwell Oliver Barr Boston Byrne Maxwell McGhee Max Clarke Lachlan McFarlane Harrison Geyer Laura Clews Yo Han Stockham Iona Grant Amelia Ockerby Charlotte Doyle Grace Murray Harry Gibbons Oliver Turkovic Paige Bromell Ava Cowper Lachlan Bosworth Lily Stephen Caitlin Margan Liam Sidwell Adam Cowie Finn Hardy Kayla Ebrill Maia Dennis Hamish Mailes Nash Clynick Amahli Kipa Hugh Jobling

Under 8s Kynon Berry Harry Beckett Max Woodhams Stella Sutherland Archie Kyle Simon Troup Cooper Morris Ewan Powell Scarlett Cowie Zahli Ginns Samuel Harrison Jacob Allen Aidan Prior Oskar Johansson Isobel Redford Isla Beck Monique Ramplin Harriette Arnall Elliott Graham Benjamin Veness Sadie Smart Harry McCarron Maisy Hayter Xanthe Starr Alex Kane Alfie Ivey Ciara Frawley Monica Asimus Liam Richards Phoebe McClory Hayley Dell Kaiser Dalton

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Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015

Under 9s Annelise McNabb Flynn Coxon Olivia Fenton Joseph Harrison Thomas Hughes Jacob Trench Lachlan New Gabriel Thomson Charlotte Holmes Eliza Ginns Ashleigh New Gabriel Covell-Thomson Eve Keeling Eloise Mailes Caerwyn Berry Joshua Redford Conrad Adams Zoe Freedman Ella Coombe Daniel Reynolds Claire Boswell Emily Mcfarlane Charlotte Owen Hugh Buggy Amy Mather Gypsy-Lea Powell Sophie Ormerod Hannah Johns William Lyons Aidan Guinness Makenzie Wall Lachlan Bray-Shone Mollie Clarke Charlotte Killen William Lyne Samuel Ebrill Lily Penhall

Under 10s Ruby Grant Zara Butler Oliver Ryssenbeek Olivia Jenkins Violet Cowie Chelsea McKelligott Ruby Jones Noah Powell Luka Smede Cohen Hackett Amali Jarrett Clancy Hayter Pranav Ganapathisubbu Oscar Wright Gabriel Lopez Lily Veness Darcy Mackintosh Charli Donaldson Sophie Hunter Lily Trench

Under 11s Rhys Berger Madeleine Hayes Nicholas Mulhearn Riley Martin Jake Freedman Emily Bryant Alexander Weinzerl Georgia Cameron George Sorokowski Rebecca Grant Teah Suisted Phoebe Hardy Lochlan Dwyer Calum Fraser Alexandria New Isaac King Logan Powell Jai Coxon

Under 12s Jenaya Richardson Riley Hackett Matthew Corcoran Mia Jarrett Helina Bishop Michael Walker Kieran Jones Teagan Guinness Elise Reynolds Lucy Boswell Xanthea Vazey

Under 13s Sianan Fraser-Woodcock Jaimee Dobson Nathan Birkett Cooper Studdert Grier Gillies Holly McKelligott Lachlan Henderson Gabriella King Caitlyn Radmore Tahlia Lee Kiefer Lewsam Bronte Hardy Abby Radmore

Page 32 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 Associates Toni Adams William Dennis Louise Kipa Vincent Prior Dave Allen Kim Dennis Eric Kwon George Radmore Will Allen Michael Dobson Aaron Kyle Amanda Ramplin Jasmine Arnall Shane Farrugia Dani Lambkin Glen Randon Scott Asimus Greg Fenton Adam Lance David Ray Elizabeth Barker John Fernance Jane Lobsey Neil Redford James Barr Tracey Fletcher David Lowe Greg Reynolds Phil Beck Elise Frawley Crispin Lyne Geoffrey Rich Wendy Beckett Valerie Gent Thomas Lyons Fiona Richards Nicholas Bell Brent Geyer Nicole Mailes Brooke Richardson Rod Bentlin Kevin Gibbons Justine Manitta Jennifer Roach Joanne Berry Jay Gibson Shannon Margan Margaret Rovetuso Mark Birkett Jason Ginns David Martin Garth Russell Shannen Black Craig Gleeson Evan Martin Elke Ryssenbeek Wendy Blackmore Brett Graham Mark Mather Ganapathi subbu Sethuvenkatraman Nathan Blair Brendan Grant Daniel McAlpine Deegesh Shah Jamie Boswell Johanna Hackett Brad McCarron Helen Shah Kyle Bosworth Samantha Haines Christian McClory Adam Sherman Robyn Brazil Adriana Hannemann Sherree McClory Jonathan Shone Judith Bromell Glenn Hardy Denis McCool William Sidwell Richard Brownette Joanne Harrison Don McDonald Rebel Slater Luke Brownlee Katie Hartley Amanda Mcfarlane Patrick Slattery Therese Bryant Mark Haydon Fleur McGhee Ross Smart Tim Butler Jennifer Hayes Jasamine McLean Shane Smede Brent Byrne robyn Hayter Keiran Medel Melissa Smith Brent Byrne Bryce Healy Ben Mikulski Tracee Smith Robyn Cameron Rebecca Henderson Luigi Milan Rachel Soars Jennifer Campbell Sandra Hinchey Lisa Mulhearn Fernando Sorokowski Brodie Clark Wayne Hogg David Murray Adam Stephen Bradley Clarke Michael Hooke Terence New Jennifer Stockham Megan Clarke Glen Hughes Adrian Nyariri Rod Studdert Stephen Clews Paul Hughes Jasmine O Donnell Lisa Suisted Jarret Clynick Tyrone Hunter John OBrien Peter Sutherland Britt Coombe Paul Ivey Lisa OBrien Greg Tait Lynette Corcoran Karen James Mitchell Ockerby Kelly Taylor Anthony Cotterill Samantha Jarrett Jasmine ODonnell Jason Thomson Tim Veness Mathew Cowie Louise Jenkins Fiona Olds Petrina Tolhurst Greg Walker Katrina Cowie Angela Johns Nathan Ormerod Todd Trench Kristen Wall Michael Cowper Carla Johnson Damien Parer Odette Treyvaud Adam Warwick Shayne Coxon Nicci Jones David Partington Richard Troup Craig Wellings Brad Dagwell Luke Jones Daniel Payne Stephen Turkovic Emma White Terence Dalton Robert Kane Jadine Penhall Mark Turner Mark Williams Kylie Davey Michael Keeling Lesa Platt Michael Varnum Adam Williamson Reece Delaney Andrew Killen Karen Powell Thomas Velich Hayley Wilson Amy Dell Paul King Richelle Powell Deborah Veness Oenone Wood

Page 33 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 ACTIVE PATROLLING MEMBERS Patrol 1 Thomas Vandenberg* Shane Buggy* Timothy Brushaber* Charles Bugbird* Warren Sterling* Simon Hill* Tulley Powell Dana Williams* Emily Mulhearn* Todd Cathcart* Richard Taylor* Elizabeth Curk Glen Mulhearn* Toni Woodcock* Patrol 7 Gregory Struck* Jessica Mulhearn* Patrol 5 Allan Woodhams Jamie Paras* Patrol 3 Adrian Harte* Angela Tiedeman* Jennifer Kaye Brendon Garbutt Anne Capararo Craig Powell* Josephine Springthorpe* Cloey Garbutt Anthony Robinson* Dane Miller* Kathryn Spong* Gayle Rowney Chris Wilson* Evan Jobling* Kay (Kate) Flint* Harrison Gresham Dante Pirozzi Jackson Kirkman Kelly Wiseheart John Lehman* David Vaughan* Garry Miller Lawrence Flick* Jonathon Hamilton* Ian Wilson* Janiece Roche* Meredith Veale* Kathy Russell* Michael Taylor Jocelyn Flook Patricia Stallard* Lance Hamilton* Nicole Lacey* Leah Fordham* Robert Handley* Mal Garbutt Philip Mosgrove* Mark Gardiner Samantha Hickey Michael Spillane* Samantha Wilson Michaela Haebich Sandra Gilshenan Penelope Britz* Stuart Longman* Neil Starr* Shannan Forrest* Philip Cooke* Terry Wall Paul Doran Stephen Stallard Robert Dan* Ben West Peter Flook* William Bamberry* Rosemary Dan* Dilan Houston* Phillip Jobling* Sarah Bugbird* Thomas Barrett Laurelle Kempers Scott Kirkman* Patrol 2 Patrol 4 Wendy Scott* Rodney Fordham* Bernie Sabine* Bridget Buckley Patrol 6 Zoe Doran Craig Vandenberg* Bruce Rummins* Andrew Powell* Tahlia Powell* David Rees* Casandra Screen* Anna Brownhill* Patrol 8 Genoveffa Pezzimenti* Courtney Daunt Brendan McNabb Anthony Lowe* Geoffrey Murray* Emma Gale* Cal Burke* David Wood Iain Kelso* Greg Wendt* Ellie Ryan Elissa Fletcher* Jackie Sterling* Hannah Archer - Lawton George Pantelopoulos Emily Wood John Vazey* Jack Lee Grant Schofield* Hannah Walton Matthew Mulhearn* Jessica Coote* Jana Hull* Jacqueline Arnold* Nathan McKelligott* Kevin Buckley* Jonathon Lloyd* Jason Simmons Maxwell Dawes* Kyle Garrett Mark Jackson Jennifer Campbell* Peter Mulhearn* Luke Menzies Norman Rodgers* John Powell Phillip Kendall* Mark Woodcock* Samantha Groves Kieren Stevens* Scott Bishop* Paul Ryan* Scott Mcfarlane Peter Campbell*

Page 34 Merewether SLSC Annual Report 2014-2015 Stephen Hannon* Ralph Foster* Susan OLoughlin* Shannon Margan Stacey Sykes* Dom Willson* Patrol 10 Reserve Active Thomas Rutsch Duncan Handley Brett Hillcoat Kate Handley Alex Jenkins* Edward Langdon* Glen Hughes* Justin Kelly Caitlin Lovell* Erin Pither* Graham Adam Anthony Tietze Larni Cotterill* James Stevenson Justin McDonald Nathan Guinness Leisel Gillies* Jasmin-Rae Wardrop Michael Palmer Quentin Pursey Simon Lovell* Karen Wallace* Nicholas Hincks* Sophie Wood* Lisa Hoar* Nick Newton* Award Members Stuart James* Mark Owen* Jordann Studdert* Glenis Powell Tyler Davey* Mark Ryan Nathan Wright* Patrol 9 Michael Donovan Nicola Walker* Honorary Members Adelaide Markey Nicola Owen* Teigan Cotterill* Ross Blatchford Alex Lautenschlager* Stephen Trimble Nicholas Brunette* Amelia Ross Timothy Karbowiak* Glenn Crompton* General Members Damian Hoar* Peta Owen* Philip Kendall* Elizabeth Richardson David Hoar* Darren Shafen * indicates those members who received 100% patrol attendance

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2014/2015

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