Club News

Newsletter No.5 Season 2010-2011

Club Presentation Night

Saturday 21 May 6.00 for 6.30 pm start. Dinner available $10 /head. Must book & pre pay for dinner.
Contact - Matt Hiesley 0421500018 or Tim Jennett 0431889850 by 14 May deadline.
Format:- Lifesaving Awards, Patrol Awards, Competition & Club Champions, Major Trophies, Club Person of Year.
Let’s celebrate a great year with family & friends at YOUR Club - the mighty Wollongong City “Maroon & Whites”.

Hall Preparation

Set up for Presentation Night - Saturday 21 at 9.00 am. Please don’t leave all the work to the Executive & Committee.

SLSI Lifesaving Forum

Saturday 28 May 12.00-3.00 pm at Fairy Meadow SLSC. All invited - air your concerns / hear others – Clubs/Branch.

Coach/ Officials Courses

Level 1 SLSA Surfcoach 26-27 August
Level 1 SLSA Official 17-18 September
Interested? - contact SLS Illawarra – Maria Ph. 42283884 or office@slsillawarra.com.au ASAP to register. .

Sick List

It’s been a hard time recently for many of our members & families. Wish all a full & rapid recovery.

Bob Burcher (Life Member) – mild stroke in early March. Almost back to full strength-in good hands of wife Cheryl.
Tony Lanyon – skin cancer removal got infected & put TL off work & out of the water for 3 months. Now back at both.
Margaret Lanyon – mild stroke, recovered at home under Tony’s excellent care & attention.
Kim Hannington – laid up for 2 months from major internal bleed after dropping a G clamp on his leg – ouch.
Neville Jolly – back on deck & swimming daily at 4.30 am after sciatic nerve surgery that developed complications.
Peter Morris – continues to suffer ill health – at home, would appreciate a visit or drive around the beach.
Terry (Fats) Carney – successful cranium surgery, well enough to enjoy a swim at the Conts.
Barbara Dawson – fell at home & broke her arm. Ross gave up pre-dawn swims & lawn bowls to aid her recuperation.
Norm Hitchens – long term Nth.Wollongong member & friendly rival. Suffered a major stroke - in rehabilitation at PK.

Historic Document

Life Member Kim Hannington has passed on to the Club a SLSA Letter of Commendation for Bravery received by fellow Life Member Alf Martin (deceased) for his gallant but unsuccessful rescue efforts of a fellow lifesaver during a surf carnival at Wollongong Beach on 26 January 1924. The letter is to be re-framed to include a newspaper report of the rescue & hung on the wall of history.

R.I.P

Kevin (Craphead) Harvey – passed away 11/3/11- on the day of his 67th birthday & 44th wedding anniversary, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Long Service member of Nth.Wollongong before transferring to City to row in the Sooks veteran boat crew with Ken Lawrence, Bob Burcher, Gwil Barnes under Don Burrows & Kevin Carriage. At Kevin’s funeral service were the members of his Junior Boat Crew that finished 2nd at the Australian Championships at North Wollongong in 1990 - his son Eddie, Chris Stackhouse, Matt Pope & Matt Karpik. Condolences to wife Maureen, children Jane, Eddie, Kate, Susan & their families. A top bloke.

First Children

Steen Barnes & partner Jacqui Barnes (Mann) – a baby boy, Gwil Maxwell born 18 March.
Tyson & Elivia Burcher – a baby boy, Madix William born 2 April

Congratulations & best wishes to both couples. Could it be the start of another boating dynasty at Wollongong City?

Engagements

Congratulations & best wishes for the future to recently engaged couples:
Eva Marie Fraticelli & Rohan White (finally) Brett Thomas & Jess Fitzgerald.

New Sponsor

Simon Tweedie was instrumental in securing a substantial sponsorship from his employer ECOCEM Pty Ltd. to purchase a new IRB – total value $12,500. Boat will be ordered for delivery prior to start of next season.

Many thanks to ECOCEM Pty Ltd. for their generous support of our operations. We are extremely fortunate to have 1st class IRB boats, motors, maintenance & trainers to operate our fleet. Looking to increase Crews/Drivers in 2011.

ASRL

Many assisted – many didn’t, but still a tremendous effort that drew positive comments e.g. `best ever`
Total Profit to Club (including $5000 service fee) was $9843 – that works out at about $0.81 cents /man hour.
BJA BBQ not included in above (raised $5,000) with enough sausages left over to feed a small army for 2 wars.
Great effort by Event Orgsniser Brett Dingwall, his committee & members/friends who assisted in any way.
Special mention to Linda Edmonds & her catering group – the Officials were loud in their praise
Big THANK YOU to all who were involved in the ASRL project- we did ourselves proud in every respect.

South Coast Boat Series

Open Men - W’gong City White (Ken’s Crew) 3rd Reserves - Tom Toms 1st U/19 - Lightning Rods 1st
All crews selected in `Best of the Best` scheduled for Wanda but held in Botany Bay due to surf conditions.
Results: Open - W’gong City White 12th, Reserves - Tom Toms 5th, U/19 Lightning Rods 7th

Illawarra Branch Championships: Bellambi

Although down on competitors in all sections compared to recent seasons, the Club is a still a major force in Illawarra Surf Lifesaving. It was pleasing to see our young water, beach & boat competitors combining to form teams that performed exceptionally well. Two members deserve special mention for their efforts on the day: Keiran Bonin (U/15) - craft & water events, Will Edwards (U/19) - boat, beach & board events.

NSW Masters Championships: Kingscliff

Warren Green 70+ yrs - 2nd Swim, 2nd Board, 2nd Rescue Tube
Michael Jennett 35-39 yrs - 1st Iron Man, 3rd Board
Time Jennett 30-34 yrs - 2nd Rescue Tube
Brent McLeod 30-34 yrs - 4th Rescue Tube, 4th Surf, 5th Iron Man - last race before return to Canada.
Larry Jennett 60-64 yrs - 4th Board
Tim,Michael & Larry 130yrs - 4th Board Relay
Ben Squiers (for Wanda) 30-34 yrs - 1st Ski, 1st Iron Man, 2nd Board

NSW Open Championships: Kingscliff

Mackenzie Hynard U/17 - 4th Board, 8th Ski, 8th Iron Man
Boats Sea Bombs - through to round robin – 1st elimination
W’gong City White - through to round robin – 2nd elimination

NSW BJA Championships: Kingscliff

Brock Scriverner – Gold U/11 Beach Sprint & Flags (4th consecutive year – massive result)
Tristan Sailor – Bronze U/13 Beach Flags
All other City representatives competed with pride & passion to represent City.
Jed Ainsworth got lucky – he scored a hi-five off Kelly Slater at the Quicksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks.

Australian Championships: Kurrawa

Warren Green - Masters 65-69 years 2nd Tube, 3rd Board, 4th Surf
Mackenzie Hynard - U/17 Final Ski, Semi-finals U/17 Board & Swim, Qtr-final U/17 Iron Man
Keiran Bonin - U/15 Semi-final Surf Quarter-final U/15 Iron Man, Board
Boats - 3 Reserve crews Tom Toms - 5th Final Darren Thompson, Darrin Deboynton, Brendan Hurley, Shaun Hamilton, Steve Boscoscuro
Sea Bombs - (Foxy’s crew)- 1st day qualifying rounds
W’gong City White ( Ken’s crew) - round robin

IRB at Championships

Peter Hogarth & Michael Humberstone did great jobs in IRB roles at State & Australian Championships – Well done.

Security Alarm

ANOTHER REMINDER – COSTS $45 per CALL OUT. Please get off/on right. Should be no excuses now SLSA Awards:
Congratulations to members who were successful in completing (competent/passed) SLSA awards.
Bronze Medallion: Elle Crittle, Bonnie Frankcom, John Cieron Jones, Tanita Gordon
IRB Crew Certificate: Paul Boje, Ainsleigh Christlo, Kaitlin Christlo, Tahnie Cristini, Mackenzie Hynard, Brent McLeod, Erin Mowbray, Kiara Tobin, Fraser Worthington
IRB Driver Silver Medallion: Paul Boje, Dean Buttel, Ainsleigh Christlo, Nick Knapp, Trent Knight, Brent McLeod, Kiara Tobin, Fraser Worthington.

Keep it Quiet

Who is the very tall young boatie reported to be in `turtle dove` with a young female friend but does not want his parents to find out? Everybody else knows.

TV Star

Our own inimitable Aiden Blair scored a TV interview in the Energy Watch commercial filmed around our beach precinct. He so impressive, the producer offered him the lead role in a Godzilla remake - (only joking).

Business Success

Alita Ashcroft (Mrs. Scotty) & her business partner Alexandra Blake of Contours Woonona.
Best Small Business (Women’s) & Best Business (Overall) – Illawarra Women in Business Awards.
Winners - Contours 2011 NSW & Australian Studio of the Year – beat 160 other studios for the title. Well done.

Shocking

Light switches in the gear room have been replaced with weather proof rated switches after reports of members getting electric shocks. Electrician could find no fault with old switches- was it wet hands???

Safety Concern

A sign was taped to the above switch advising it was `Out Of Service` was removed by some inconsiderate person, putting others at risk of electrocution. Please ensure compliance with any Danger/Out of Service Tags/Signs.

No Small Sharks

When the press calls regarding shark sightings at City Beach, we don’t get harmless 1 metre long hammerheads,
we get massive 5 metre long great whites, with huge dorsal fins & rows of gnashing razor sharp teeth. That’s a shark

Tobin Family Thanks

Stirring letter from the Tobin family thanking the Club & President Michael Jennett for involvemnt in Ted Tobin Memorial Wall. Read it on Notice Board.

Catching Up

Jim Mackie, home from Scotland on holidays January-March, lived there for almost 30 years but still Aussie accent.
Was a great help at the ASRL. He found it a little warm with 40 degree temperature turn around since he left Scotland. Jim caught up with many of his old club friends (Wags, Fats etc). Keen to return in 2 years. Took home the WCSLSC history book Looking Forward- Looking Back. Brought back some great memories of his time at the Club.

History Lesson

Just what do they teach in Australian Modern History these days?

At the ASRL, Larry Jennett pointed out Palm Beach sweep Bernard `Midget` Farrelly to some young BJA members. Their incredulous response – “Midget Who?” He is one of the nation’s sporting icons & Australia’s first World Surfboard Riding Champion - Manly Beach 1964 in front of 60,000 locals cheering for him against American star Mike Doyle & Hawaiin Joey Cabell. That day put Australian surfing on the way to international fame.

The mothers on the BBQ were more responsive, downing tools en masse to sneak a look, only to be disappointed by a weather worn 66 year old with long grey hair, bow legs & knobbly knees- modern day super surfer Kelly Slater he ‘aint.

City Diggers

AGM Sunday 26 June 10.00 am – show your appreciation of their long standing support for YOUR Club.

Spotted at ASRL

Scott Burgess fraternising with the Mooloolaba & St.Kilda female boat crews.
Claims he was just catching up with `old friends` Leah Ronczka (work) & Claire Cupitt (school) who both gained their Bronze at Wollongong City. When spotted, Burgo was talking it up big time with crew members other than those named – did he know them all? – bet he does now, but how well?

Surf Safety

Larry Jennett paddled a rescue board out to assist a large plastic inflatable pool with six young people aboard (3m + 3f) that had blown into the northern boat course at the ASRL. Surprised on arrival to find the group sipping beers & eating pizza oblivious to their drift in the strong wind. Needless to say, LJ was not amused.

Red/Yellow Quartered Cap Review

Do we need it? Do we want it??? Keep it optional ??? Don’t care???? So what ????? SLSA currently running a survey.
Chase it up on the SLSNSW website if interested in putting your view forward or advise Club Executive by Email.

Big $:

In - Donations $300, Fees/Keys $445, Steelers Raffles $370, Hall hire $1780
Out - Electricity $2670 (please-turn off the lights), Gym Aircon Service $275, Rhino Insurance $700, BJA Trailer Insurance $445, Championship Carnival Entries $1653, Telephone/Website $222, Hall Cleaning/Bins $344, Gas $60, PO Box $79, Repair Dishwasher $110, Repair Fridge $256, Oar Repair $645, Business Insurance (public liability, fire, theft, glass) $3236.

Bondi Icebergs Trip

Annual inter-club challenge for 20-a-side Noel Schubert Memorial Relay
Confirmed – Sunday 24 July. Mark it in your diary. 21 seat bus booked – get in early to secure a seat
A new trophy will be contested this year to honour the memory Ted Tobin (Wollongong City SLSC Life Member & Patron/Life Member of Bondi Icebergs). The Ted Tobin Trophy (an idea proposed by ‘Bergs legend Lofty Petrie) will be a Brace Relay comprised of the 2 fastest swimmers from each team.
Start sprint training –we desperately want to be 1st name on the trophy plate.

Rhino – SLOW DOWN

A reminder to ALL MEMBERS - excess speed, soft sand & quick turns will lead to accidents when driving the Rhino.
The unit is on a restricted licence for use on the beach but is still subject to RTA road rules, penalties & prosecution.
BE AWARE – you can be prosecuted for speeding, dangerous driving, negligent driving, even manslaughter if involved in a fatality. The Rhino is a great asset – don’t get yourself in a situation that could lead to injury or machine damage.

IRB Changes

Too many injuries have necessitated major operational reviews. In summary – front RHS foot strap removed, front LHS strap retained - must be adjustable, review crew riding position /technique, no hydrofoil prop guards, must fit carby restrictor, must be 4 blade props. Still require common sense & safe driving/crewing .

New Flags

Next season sees introduction of new flags to SLSA Patrol operations
Blue Flags (Craft Exclusion Zone) to be replaced by Black/White Quartered Flags.
Red/Yellow feather added to patrol flag pole. Re/orange/green flag in centre of patrol area to indicate safety level

Patrols

Poor in April – some lost focus at end of long season. Remember who you let down when you don’t front for patrol - You, your Clubmates, the Club (patrol service agreement with WCC & SLSNSW) & the public at City Beach. Easter was a big ask with extended Public Holidays. Final points in SLSI Patrol competition not released as yet - sitting in 2nd place, just 3 points behind regular winners Bellambi prior to Good Friday inspection

Club Championships

Poor turnout – big surf deferments didn’t help nor did extensive program after cxhrist.
Club Championships are open to ALL proficient members irrespective of what section you are aligned to.
Tells us what you want in way of Club Championship program – events, weekend/ midweek, day/twilight.

Hot News

Kim Hannington to finally retire in November 2011 (very reliable source) – all bets now off. Nobody won anything Assistance Appreciated:
Club assisted two Jet Ski riders after they came to grief in surf opposite the Brewery.
Taha Osman & Ali Hijazi showed their appreciation with each donating $100 to the Club.
A big thank you in return – it’s not often that our efforts are rewarded in this manner.

Gym Upgrade

Club Committee has entrusted Justin `The Body` Wolters to investigate purchase of a spin bike for the gym @ $1700.
Any other upgrade / improvement ideas ? – take them to the Gym Committee for consideration.

Avoid Burnout

Your Executive & Club committee can’t do it all. We need an infusion of enthusiasm from the members to overcome an apathy that has developed. Consider what you might do to share the burden of running a large VOLUNTEER organization. Many positions available for nomination at the AG M on Sunday 14 August – Consider!

Tsunami Relief

Brendan Hurley was part of NSW Fire Brigade team that spent 8 days in Japan in extremely trying conditions with sub-zero temperatures & emergency rations while putting their rescue/recovery skills to good use in Australia’s tsunami relief operation. Saw some harrowing sights, utter devastation but a firm Japanese resolve to carry on & rebuild their lives. Brendan’s posting forced late withdrawl of Tom Tom’s crew from NSW titles where they were confident of a medal finish. That was a minor setback compared to the dire situation of those he assisted in Japan. Job well done.

Want To Be A Boatie?

Meeting at Club- 30 May 7.00pm Brick test for new recruits will follow meeting.
Anyone interested in rowing / sweeping / George Bass Marathon / other boat ideas next season to attend.
Already have new U/23 male crew & looking good for U/23 female crew also.

Staminade Sale

Staminade electrolyte sports drink (with magnesium) left over from ASRL - for sale to members at $10/box of 12.
That is less than 1/3 of supermarket price. Contact Justin Wolters – Mob. 0438385400. Be quick

Annual Report

Club Officers & section leaders – reports to Peter Hogarth asap for inclusion in Club 2010-11 Annual Report.

SLSA Resuscitation Update

Latest in CPR is no need for breaths UNLESS resuscitation as result of aquatic incident (drowning) – therefore breaths will remain as base of all SLSA resuscitation training & awards.
Chain of Survival - “S” added giving DRSABC = Danger, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breaths, Compressions.

Support Wollongong City SLSC Sponsors

Take every opportunity to utilize/promote the services of our valued sponsors

Steelers Club, City diggers, Illawarra Leagues Club, Abico Insurance Brokers, Complete Hydraulic Services, Ecocem, Players Smash Repairs, Hatch, Martin Morris & Jones Real Estate, NQX Transport, Tru Energy.

Coming Events