A word or two (or three!) from the
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barefoot budgie clad President…
Yep, it’s that time again, another update and more ramblings from a number of sources, an eclectic mix this time around, some reminders and, as always, some things to consider moving forward. Within these words:
Our new life member – a marvellous achievement
Supporting our club as the Banjo’s sponsorship rolls out
Facebook findings
Training group guidelines – keeping everyone safe
Storing your craft at the club
Carnival entry fees – an better way to pay
Requalification – not such a big deal.
Coolangatta Gold - Go Jesse go!
I’ve made mention in this newsfeed of a gathering last week of folks involved in the community of our club, and it reflected members that have crossed over a number of generations. Discussions at such gatherings always provide a platform for passionate members to express a motivation to see our club prosper and grow. Sometimes the passion leads to a number of questions asked about where the club may improve, or what the club may be intending to do about this or that. It may come as no surprise that I’ve even been asked about the club is going to manage the ongoing issue of storms and the resulting beach reshaping. When I can manage to hold back the tide I’ll let you know! In essence each generation brings with it a shift in the culture of our club, and
I’d suggest that we are on the verge of the greatest change in culture the club has ever seen. Why I hear you ask? Well if you briefly consider the change in our political and social climate over the last 10 years, the growth of social media and distrust of the same (but the massive influence it wields), the shift in lifestyle choices but increased access to activities in our community, the busy nature of families, the shift in work expectations and 7 days a week that includes the traditional weekends, the list goes on and on. Look at the faces you see at work or school, does it reflect the community that we grew up in? No, not one bit, and yet we still expect families to commit to our cause, to volunteer hours and days of their own precious time to spend at the club when they have so many other responsibilities at home, work, or the community. Many still do, and the club relies on such passion, has in fact been built around such involvement, but it’s simply not sustainable, not now, not into the future. Now, we can either take such evidence and put it on the shelf, and SLSA and SLST are collecting massive amounts of date to support my clumsy explanation, or we can embrace the challenge that exists and work within the potential we have. Do I have the answers? No, not yet, but it’s an exciting time to be involved, a time when the next generation of members can shape and influence the club that has such an important role to play in our ever changing community. Jump on board, be involved, provide some solutions and strategies, display some leadership, now is the time!
Our new life member: We had a toast last week to recognise Life Membership of SLST for Ann Eustace. It’s been a life devoted to surf and recognition of the influence she’s had, and continues to have, over surf in Tasmania. Ann isn’t going anywhere, the club needs her experience and insight if we are to continue to build and evolve to meet new challenges. Whilst Ann would agree that her involvement continues to be due to a passion for surf, not to accept awards, its sometimes nice to be appreciated by your peers. Congratulations Ann. Our Patron Binni Wilson was also honoured by a toast to recognise his elevation to the State Surf Hall of Fame, a lifetime of contribution that cannot be
reflected in a couple of clumsy sentences from me. Have a chat with Binni when next you see him, you can see the surf reflected in his face, a lifetime of service spent on the beach.
Banjo's sponsorship: Our Banjo's membership cards are ready to be distributed. The person on the ground will be Jen Donnelly. As the season and training progresses she will be about the club handing out the aforementioned cards, and probably getting a signature as well so cards can be given that personal touch.
Just to remind us, we need to you to go to Banjo’s lots and lots - and each time you spend $10 or more, the club gets $1. Now you can do the maths here, it is going to add up, and quickly. So if you don’t feel like you can offer much about the club do to life commitments, simply buying that loaf of bread and some milk from Banjo’s helps out the club tremendously, and we thank you in anticipation. We also thank Jen and the Banjo’s crew for their commitment to developing a long term partnership with Ulverstone Surf Club.
Communication: Always a challenge for a small number of members and their ability to locate information or a source they can use. The Board recognises this, and appreciates that every member is just as important as another be it a life member or a newbie. Just to remind folks that members should be directed to this newsfeed as an initial form of information. Newsletters will be made available online, so please access the website as another form of communication, probably jump on board Facebook while you’re there, which is another form of information dissemination. I can appreciate these are all modern and contemporary forms of electronic based sharing. The club prides itself on moving into the professional sphere and as such needs to appreciate
that such modes of communication is where we need to be to feed the majority of our members. We do have good intentions on providing hard copies on notice boards and in the bar area, however at time this is simply something that gets missed. The Board would absolutely love someone to take on that particular aspect, if you’re keen, please let us know, or simply do it as you see it needs to be done. Don’t wait for it to happen, have a crack at it.
Facebook: Yep, while I’m on it lets just put it out there that there will be some updated requirements around appropriate use of club based social media and the positive nature of such discussions. I’ve made it clear prior to this that any such use of social media under the banner of USLSC reflects every member, including me. I’ve had some enquiries from members regarding some posts and their concerns regarding the underlying nature of such queries or comments. Let’s be clear on this. Facebook under the banner of our club will be a positive and motivating source of information. This space is not the appropriate platform for mischief making or negative comments that seek to feed or encourage gossip or innuendo. If members have concerns or comments they feel need to be made they should be done in a professional and courteous manner and not in a public forum. We are no different from any other club or organisation in this regard, it’s never going to be a perfect platform, but from this point forward it will be a focus on behalf of the board and a structure implemented that best reflects the growth and changing requirements of our community based club.
Training outside of normal training groups: A big thanks to the folks that have made adjustments to their training approach, or have made a significant change with respect to communication with Coaches regarding their training session. I’d suggest Mick and Charlene feel a whole lot more comfortable with respect to knowing where their board or ski paddlers are! If members see someone training on their own please approach them and make sure they have made the appropriate arrangements for a safe return. It's a great example to set for the younger members of our club.
Storage of personal Board and Ski: The time has come for it to be taken home. If you are not a regular user of your board or ski, and/or not a regular member of a training squad then the club politely requests the removal of your craft. We simply need the available space for club craft. Your Board or ski can be picked up anytime from the Boat shed, where it may have been moved as an interim measure.
Entry fees for carnivals: Please note that fees are expected to be paid prior to participation in carnivals. More details are available on the website. This is to stream line the process and make the club more accountable for our fees structure. Unfortunately, we are still chasing up members whom have not paid for their carnival participation from last season. If you don’t pay prior, then you will not be able to participate.
Requalification: The time has come, get yourself fit and ready to go. Yes, you will be swimming in the ocean…it’s a surf club… and yes I can certainly appreciate it will be a cold start to the season! Can I reassure members that if you have attained your Bronze once, then I have faith that the ocean swim can be achieved again! You can run, wade, dolphin dive, acclimatize before-hand, use a body double, SCUBA gear, lots of strategies that you already do. See it as a challenge not a roadblock. Be reassured that the Victorian clubs all do an ocean swim, and the water temp is the same!
Coolangatta Gold: Good luck to Jesse Purton who is heading to Queensland to compete in this prestigious event, gee he’s put in the hours! I know he would like to personally thank me for being his inspiration, and I can only attest that it’s a tough event. The 16 times I’ve graced the podium reflect the ability and talent that Jesse aspires to. Good luck mate, the club is behind you…a fair way behind you…in fact I’ll see you at the finish line.
Thanks folks, I’ll see you on the Beach!
Matt Potter President