From the Commodore
Graham Hindley
G’Day Members,
First off, a big thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend the AGM. It took two attempts, but on the second go, we had 162 members show up, which is a fantastic turnout. This allowed us to get everything done, including ratifying a new committee. It was great to see some familiar faces and new members stepping up, especially as we’re heading into a busy year with the transition to the new club getting closer.
A special mention to our Patron, Ian Young, and his always supportive wife, Jean, for Ian’s many years of service to the club. Ian was one of our founding members and has played a huge role in getting us to where we are today. The honour of Patron has now been passed on to Phil Gallagher, who has also been a tremendous asset to the club, serving in various management positions and continuing to watch over us as a Trustee.
New Committee as follows:
Commodore Graham Hindley
Vice Commodore Graeme Cole
Vice Commodore Laurie Campbell
Secretary Shelia Hearson
Treasurer Geof Taverner
Rear Commodore Angling Francis Mckeown
Rear Commodore Diving Peter Cresswell
Rear Commodore Power Boats Peter Hawker
Rear Commodore Sailing Andy Hodgkinson
As the earthworks gain pace and changes happen around the club, please keep an eye out for updates. We’ll send out emails about changing access roads and other disruptions. For example, when we lose the grass on the south side, balls won’t be allowed due to the risk of breaking glasses and disturbing people eating.
As we move into our busy summer period, please be polite and patient with fellow members and especially our staff, who are always doing their best. It’s important to remember that all children must be supervised by a responsible adult. Recently, we’ve had issues with unsupervised children turning off equipment, which has cost the club. If this continues, those responsible could be asked to leave or even face membership suspension, depending on the severity of the incident. We pride ourselves on being a familyfriendly club, so let’s work together to keep it that way.
Also, please help us out by transitioning to the digital membership card, as the old white ones will soon be obsolete. You’ll need the digital card to access the new facility.
THANK YOU TO A STAFF MEMBER
We would like to recognise and thank Deb for her hard work and dedication to Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club.
This month, Deb, our amazing Functions Coordinator, celebrated an impressive 18 years with us.
Deb joined the club back in 2006, starting out in the galley and lending a hand wherever she could. She quickly moved into the function space while still whipping up magic in the kitchen alongside Chef Paula, organising everything from birthday parties and weddings to wakes and everything in between.
Before Deb, there wasn’t even a functions coordinator role—she stepped up and transformed our club into a top destination for all types of events, earning the well-deserved title of “Function Queen” of Ocean Reef!
If you spot Deb around the club, be sure to stop and say hi! Deb, thank you for your incredible dedication and all the hard work you’ve poured into making the club what it is today. We’re so grateful for everything you do, and we’re excited for many more years ahead!
I’d like to thank the staff and members who made my first Commodore’s Ball such a success. We’re already planning the next one, and there’s a good chance it will be the last at this facility before we move on to greener pastures. Keep an eye out for upcoming events at the club over the spring and summer months—we’ve got a few things lined up, like Opening Day, the Christmas Buffet, and the Kids’ Christmas Party.
That’s about it for this edition. Just a reminder to be hospitable, polite, and patient with everyone at the club during these challenging times. With your help and our new committee, I’m confident we can overcome any challenges we face. Enjoy the upcoming weather at the club and stay safe, whether you’re IN, ON, or BY THE WATER!
Graham Hindley
Commodore
2024 Management Committee
PATRON
Ian Younghusband
TRUSTEES
Gary Bell, Phil Gallagher and Corrie Coetzee
FLAG OFFICERS
Commodore | Graham Hindley 0400 595 000
Vice Commodore | Laurie Campbell 0417 990 534
Vice Commodore | Graeme Cole 0412 333 103
Hon. Secretary | Sheila Hearson 0413 905 628
Hon. Treasurer | Geoff Tavener 0419 274 977
REAR COMMODORES
Angling | Francis McKeown 0438 940 363
Diving | Peter Cresswell 0455 063 627
Power Boating | Peter Hawker 0414 307 175
Sailing | Andrew Hodkinson 0413 784 400
MANAGEMENT
Club Manager | Kym Shephard
Phone/Fax | 9401 8800
Email | manager@orssc.asn.au
Bar Manager | Georgina Badman
Phone | 0404 236 030
Email | barmanager@orssc.asn.au
Marketing & Events Manager | Melissa Robertson
Phone/Fax | 9401 8800
Email | marketingmanager@orssc.asn.au
FUNCTION & EVENTS
Functions Coordinator | Debbie Clark
Phone | 0437 880 040
Email | functions@orssc.asn.au
OFFICE
Office Administrators | Lynda Crosswell & Wendy Lenehan
Phone/Fax | 9401 8800
Email | office@orssc.asn.au
Website | www.orssc.asn.au
Mailing Address | PO Box 59, Hillarys, WA 6923
Office hours | Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Whitfords Sea Rescue Tower
Phone | 9401 3757
Mailing Address | PO Box 337, Hillarys, WA 6923
MUSIC TRIVIA NIGHT TO SUPPORT PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION
After our successful Daffodil Day fund raising event last year, we decided to hold another community event this year and support Prostate Cancer Foundation and Men’s mental Health.
We had three club members who have all been recently diagnosed with Prostate cancer, and have undergone successful operations and treatments, so it was an easy decision to support this cause.
We had 128 attend the evening, answering music trivia, line dancing, games and purchasing raffle ticket, 100 numbers and bidding on Silent Auction.
Our sincere thanks go to our sponsors who contributed wine, spirits, hampers, vouchers and plants, without their generosity we would not be able to raise money to support this cause, please support these businesses.
“OH
WHAT A NIGHT”
Who recorded this song?
A donation of a bottle Chivas Regal led to a bidding war which resulted in a $300 final bid, hope they enjoy their tipple.
We kicked off the evening by inviting Francesca Rogers who is a urology nurse practitioner and longstanding prostate cancer.
Specialist nurse to give some information on her work. She spoke of the importance of early detection and successful treatments.
Nearly 72 Australian men are diagnosed every day.
Two members of our dive section Dave Baronet and Eric Erhard spoke of their journey battling this very common cancer it was wonderful to hear their insights into their experience and their positive outcomes.
The success of the evening would not have been achieved without our volunteers, Wendy (Seargent Pepper) and Debbie (Liam from Oasis) our office staff who gave up their Saturday night to volunteer for this event, it was greatly appreciated and were kept busy marking all the answer sheets and recording the scores.
A big thank you to Melissa, our Marketing Manager who assisted with the quiz, with Powerpoint slides and recording the music.
She made a great auctioneer spruiking that Whiskey!
I have to thank Leith for all the running around picking up donations and obtaining some impressive alcohol from Liquorland and selling the raffle tickets with assistance from Kate, thank you.
SO COME ON LADS GET YOURSELF TESTED, IT’S A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST!
We raised a grand total of $5412
ANSWER:
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Spring / SummerSessions
Seasonal Opening Hours
DAYS BAR GALLEY
Monday closed closed
Tuesday 3pm - 10pm bar snacks*
Wednesday 3pm - 10pm 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Thursday 3pm - 10pm 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Friday 12pm - 10pm 12pm - 8pm*
Saturday 11.30am - 10pm 11.30am - 2.30pm
Sunday 11.30am - 10pm 12pm - 7pm
Public Holidays (unless otherwise advised) 2pm - 7pm closed
*Bookings are essential for the Galley in the hall on Fridays 6pm-8pm.
*Bar snacks - includes the use of the pie warmer, if available.
* The above closing times are a guide only. If there is a Function on, or a significant amount of Members present, the Bar will stay open.
Entertainment
The club hosts live music and entertainment every week on Fridays from 7pm to 10pm and Sundays from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.
October 2024
Gray Sanders SUNDAY 4
Afterglow FRIDAY 6
Alex Hardy FRIDAY 11
Acoustic Dragons SUNDAY 13
Moxie Duo FRIDAY 18
Mike Anagno SUNDAY 20
Richard Leach FRIDAY 25
Leigh Aldersea SUNDAY 27
November 2024
Moxie Duo FRIDAY 1
Remi Mura SUNDAY 3
ELIXIR Trio TUESDAY 5
Neil Adams FRIDAY 8
Tim Simon SUNDAY 10
Good Vibes Duo FRIDAY 15
Steve Dix SUNDAY 17
Acoustic Dragons FRIDAY 22
Allan Webb SUNDAY 24
Richard Leach FRIDAY 29
December 2024
Neil Adams SUNDAY 1
Gray Sanders FRIDAY 6
DJ SELINA SUNDAY 8
Barry Gee Duo FRIDAY 13
Acoustic Dragons SUNDAY 15
Qynn Beardman FRIDAY 20
Robert West FRIDAY 27
January 2025
Allan Webb FRIDAY 3
Moxie Duo FRIDAY 17
Alex Hardy FRIDAY 24
City Limits Duo FRIDAY 31
The Angling Report
Boat Fishing Report - March
Glen Weymouth
The cold weather has set rite in and so has the wind. Our July comp was booted straight out of the field with the weekend being an absolute write off. 25knot winds forecast for both days seen the fishing comp get canceled. So onto our next comp being the August getup and the weather being slightly more in the favour for us boat fishos. We had 11 brave soldiers sign on for the day fishing out of 5 boats.
I was still on the mend for this one and I cannot really tell you how the conditions where on the water. But judging by the photos that come through everyone was rugged up for the occasion. The fish did not seem to care about the cold and some decent species where hauled in for the day. We had a few sharks get among the bite and Belinda “I don’t hold my Fish” Mallon ended up with the biggest for the day at just under 8kg. The tuna have been plentiful this season and Chuckie Walters blue fin at 5.1kg was a good example of this. Elliot “Tunahurst” has shied away from the tuna game and found himself get mixed up with the bread and butter species landing a decent leather jacket and nice little blue mackerel. There was a stand out on the board and that was Chris Walters jumbo tarwine pushing the scales just over 1kg - belta!
Into the weigh and we had one mini junior pop up on the big day. Little Lucy Davitt with 1 specie, 0.141kg and 16.3 points to take out her first comp. Well done Lucy. In the Juniors it was one of our favourite grommets getting the chocolates again. Stewart Graves with a very decent bag of 5 species, 8.47kg including another shark and 96.9 points. Well done again mate. Strangely enough we had no Vets fish this one. Bit of cold weather more than likely scared them off and found much more appease at home eating scones, drinking tea and watching lawn bowls - LOL. The ladies is still on like donkey kong. In 3rd
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 22nd - Two day comp in Jurien Bay.
with 2 species, 0.325kg and 26.6 points was Sam Tunahurst. In second and becoming a familiar face up on the podium was May Walters with another cracking bag of 7 species, 2.51kg and 105 points. In a close finish for first was the better half of the Mallons - Belinda. Bel also had 7 species, 12.42kg and 124.9 points. Well done and some really good bags weighed in by ladies who have once again shown the lads how to do it. Maybe them scone eating, tea drinking vets could take some interest in how its done. Now onto the mens and in 3rd and first time up on the blocks was Chris Graves. Chris had 4 species, 9.34kg and 82.7 points.
Second and first was a absolute showdown between the Walters boys with both lads having caught the same amount of species. Chris coming in second with 9 species, 6.397kg and 120.8 points. Chuckie taking out first with 9 species, 10.562kg and 129.1 points! Great bags boys in trying conditions.
Thanks again for those that helped the comp go ahead without my presence. It is always good to see new faces step up to get the job done and shows great depth in our club.
Our next boat comp is the big 2 day comp we have up Jurien Bay on the 22nd and 23rd September. We have up to 40 people already interested in this one and it should be a ripper.
Boat Captain Buckets signing out. “Shakira”
Glen Weymouth
Boat Fishing Captain
Heaviest Species Winners & Sponsors
The Angling Report
Beach Fishing Report – July
Rob Meneguz
Summary
Crew Bell knocks off Robs Yellowtail Scad club record! Vince catches a huge Flathead and wins the Vets. Daniel Bell catches the mystery fish!
Highlights
Wet, windy and cold wintery conditions kept the numbers down to a measly 12 competitors for the July beach comp. No juniors weighed in this month, but Crew bell done a hell of a job representing the Mini Juniors. The little rascal knocked off my impressive Yellowtail Scad record! Crew was very excited at the weigh in to show everyone what he caught. A good mixed bag including a decent Tailor of 817g and a Flathead of 307g. The Yellowtail Scad was 174g which beat my record by a narrow 2g. Great work young man!!
Carolyn was the only lady to weigh a bag in but I’m still very impressed. She put in the hard yards, and it paid off. The conditions this weekend was not easy, and this separated the fine weather fisherman to the hardcore anglers! Carolyn and John even braved the weather and camped out for the night.
Vince Cox caught one of the fish of the comp with an 819g Flathead! Vince also had a decent Tailor of 880g and the heaviest Skippy of the day at 388g. Vince won the Vets, it was good to see Vince take away the points from the usual suspects, I hope he lets them know about it every day until the next comp! Ricko had a good mixed bag including a Gummy Shark of just over 5kg. Ricko also was lucky enough to win the lucky competitor prize.
LUCKY COMPETITOR PRIZE
Ricko Platt
UPCOMING EVENTS
Next beach fishing comp is on August 17/18th
In the men’s Joe Wettinger had an interesting catch; a longneck Turtle stole a bait intended for a Black Bream. After getting the hooks out Joe carefully released the Turtle back to the water unharmed. Unfortunately, we can’t weigh those in aye Joe aha! Joe still pulled off third place, with his 2 species (not including the Turtle). Trying conditions seen not many bags weighed in with more than a few species apart from a few. Adam was one of these, a bag of 6 species equal second most of the day secured him second position in the men’s. Adam caught a Cobbler of 510g which was something cool to see come out of his bag. Daniel Bell had the most species of the day which wouldn’t surprise anyone who knew how much of a gun angler this bloke is. Daniel found a patch of big Herring, with the one he put in his bag weighing 366g, the heaviest of the day. Dan also got the only Pink Snapper of the day of 1.78kg, not massive but still a good fish! The fish of the day would have been his Mullet of 183g. You may think a Mullet, fish of the day? Well, that Mullet got randomly selected as the mystery fish meaning Daniel pocketed $160 cash, you little rippa!
Tight lines
Rob Meneguz
Beach Fishing Captain
Heaviest Species Winners & Sponsors
Yellowtail
Garfish
KG
Wobbygong
The Angling Report (continued)
Beach Fishing Report – August
Rob Meneguz
Summary
Mystery fish goes off for the second week in a row with Clive collecting $70! Terry & Clive dominate the scoreboard with both gents posting scores over 100 points and both landing a Mulloway. Joe also weighed in a terrific bag in the men’s with a Gummy shark in the mix.
Highlights
As per last comp, we had another twelve determined anglers weigh in with worse conditions than the previous month. We only Crew in the mini juniors weigh in, but it didn’t stop him catching an impressive Three species. Each species caught in these types of conditions is worth double, I recon! Crew ended up with 51 points, which included a Herring, Skippy and Wrasse. Carolyn Benniman braved the weather again with hubby John. Carolyn managed a Herring of 173g to keep her scoreboard ticking over and winning the Ladies.
In the Vets we only had Two brave (silly) enough to wet a line. Both gents had very good bags, and I imagine would have been happy with this sort of bag in good conditions. Terry and Clive both got a Mulloway weighing in at 3.21kg and 5.42kg, with Terry’s being the larger of the two specimens. Clive got a decent Black Bream of 461 and even a Salmon would ya believe! Terry Bell ended up winning the vets, with seven species, Six of them the heaviest including the Mulloway. Clive had six species, four heaviest.
LUCKY COMPETITOR PRIZE
Terry Bell
UPCOMING EVENTS
Next/Last beach comp of the year is coming up on the 21st/22nd of September
In the mens, Daniel Bell came third with four species including the heaviest Skippy of the day at 492g. Tyla came second, with six species, only one of them being the heaviest. Tyla is leading the mens overall and these extra 17 points, no doubt will come very handy as we approach the last beach competition of the season. Tyla also managed a Salmon of 314g in his bag. Joe Wettinger won the mens with six species too, all six being the heaviest. Joe got a decent Tailor of 868g, Wrasse 618g and a Gummy Shark of 3.65kg in his sack. So last comp of the season is coming up, hopefully we get some great numbers getting involved.
Tight lines
Rob Meneguz
Beach Fishing Captain
Fishing Competition Results
Heaviest Species Winners & Sponsors
Yellowfin Whiting
Mystery
Dart
Snapper
Wrasse
Pike
Shark
Black Bream
Flounder
Yellowtail Scad
Garfish
KG Whiting
Wobbygong Shark
The Angling Report (continued)
Beach Fishing Report – September
Rob Meneguz
Summary
Daniel Bell weighs in a HUGE mid-west Tailor at over 4.5kg. Tyla also catching a decent Tailor of 1.19kg. The catch and release system is working a treat with a few Wobbygong sharks and a Shovelnose all being submitted. Some big fish lost, including a few big Sambo’s, which would have been some handy points! Weather was magnificent for our last comp of the season.
Highlights
We only had the 14 anglers weigh in for the October comp which was a little lower than I would of expected, especially seeing as the weather was magnificent! Nether the less, we had some very impressive bags weighed in.
In the Mini juniors, Crew finished off the year well with a bag of 5 species, including a 722g Tailor. In the Ladies Carolyn had a decent bag of 4 species. Carolyn’s bag consisted of a Herring (189g), Tarwhine (225g), Tailor (511g) and a small Mulloway (1.35kg). Bron took out first place with an excellent bag of 7 different species, all heaviest! Bron caught a Mulloway too, hers weighing 3.83kg and caught the only Pink Snapper of the weekend, which was a smig under 2kg. Bron and Kiwi also got stuck into some thumping banded Sweep, Bron’s weighed in at a little over a kilo.
LUCKY COMPETITOR PRIZE
Clive Powell
In the Vets the scores were very similar as you can see in the table. The top 3 scores all had 6 species and 3 heaviest. Vince ended up winning overall, as one of his species was a catch and release Shovelnose Shark which got him the extra 5kgs of weight. Vince also had the only Flounder of the day and finished with 102 points. Second place was Ricko, with a score of 88 points only 2 more than third place which was taken out by Clive. Clive may not have won the comp, but he claimed the lucky competitor prize for the second month in a row.
Daniel bell headed north with Crew to see if he could add to his species. When I saw the tail of the fish sticking out of his hessian bag, I was sure he’d got a decent Salmon. When Ricko emptied his bag onto the table, I was pleasantly surprised with a very healthy Tailor of 4.58kg. Dan caught this fish on one of the new Vexed dingle dangle rigs, with a bait floated off the bottom. Dan also had the biggest Wobbygong shark & Tarwhine (717g) of the weekend, and the only Dart. Daniel finished in third place with 129 points. A great weigh to finish off the season. Kiwi narrowly missed first place by only a few points. Kiwi had a Mulloway of 4.33kg, a Flathead of 519g, a King George of 272g and a large 1.152kg banded Sweep in his bag of 9 species! In first place was Tyla who fished tirelessly to ensure his overall lead for the year was maintained. Tyla bagged an impressive 10 species including the second biggest Tailor of the day at 1.197kg, a Skippy of 583g, a catch and release Wobby, and a small Salmon (456g).
This was my last weigh in as the beach captain and the last report in my position. Daneil Bell will be taking over the role for the new season, which starts next month. I would like to thank all the anglers who help at the weigh ins to make my life easier. Whether its cleaning up, setting up the scales, taking photos or just making sure I have a fresh beer in hand. I have thoroughly enjoyed weighing in all your fish, as you could probably tell by the excitement when something comes out that surprises me. I’ll still be around, ready to lend a hand and hopefully weigh in a decent fish or two now and then.
Rob Meneguz
Beach Fishing Captain
Tight lines
The Angling Report (continued)
Beach Fishing Report –
September
UPCOMING EVENTS
Next beach comp is on the 19th/20th of October which will be the first comp of the 2024/25 season
Heaviest Species Winners & Sponsors
Garfish
KG
The Sailing Report
Season Summary
Andy Hodkinson
The Sailing Section kicked off the season with the Rear Commodores Cup on the club’s opening day, followed by 6 races for the winter season of racing. Congratulations to Leda for winning the Rear Commodores Cup and Panache for placing 1st in the Winter Series
After a wrap-up of a great Spring Series of racing, which was won by Quicksilver and just before the Christmas period, we commenced our Summer Series of racing. This year has seen a great turnout of boats, with some old faces and a few new ones joining us on the water to enjoy reasonably good weather throughout, Congratulations to Venomous for placing 1st in the summer series.
We had our Christmas party in mid-December, which saw great company and a good time. It was good to celebrate on dry land. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us.
ORSSC Sailing Section have also completed races in the North Coast Series with Hillarys Yacht Club hosting this interclub racing series. The competition is tight as always and the Hillarys fleet are keeping our Ocean Reef fleet on their toes. As always, a huge thank you to the ORSSC and HYC start crew and volunteers who make this happen for us every year.
The Sailing Section has competed in other inter-club events, including the HYC Dash for Cash race from Fremantle to Hillarys – an invitational event open to the metro sailing groups.
This year the ORSSC Dingy Section entered the Convict Bay Regatta held by Shelley Sailing
Club also, two of our Windrush 14's competed in the state championships, held at Mandurah. Congratulations to Sarah Phipps and Dylan Hess for placing 2nd in their division.
The Labour Day weekend, at the beginning of March, sees the dingy section travel down to Walpole for the annual Walpole in The Trees regatta, this year we are looking at entering at least 5 boats.
ORSSC sailing section also completed the Ladies skippers’ race, won by Sarah Phipps, the Alkimos and Centaur long races, won by Panache and L'Amour Del La Mer.
The Sailing Section Club person of the year is Sophie Saratsis, Sophie is an active participant in managing our racing events, a huge thankyou to Sophie for all your support. Alan Peacham won the crew person of the year award with Paul Phipps taking out the Regatta Competitors award.
After all the sailing events this year there can only be one Champion Boat and after a tight finish, 2023/24 Champion Boat trophy was won by Quicksilver, congratulations to Terry O'Grady and his crew for winning this year.
Wishing you all the best for rest of 2024 and thank you to all who joined us to make another great year of sailing.
See you on the water,
Andy
Hodkinson
Rear Commodore, Sailing
The Power Boating Report
Season Summary
Peter Hawker
Hello members,
As we come through the annual low point of boating due to the August storms and cold weather, I thought it best to reflect on the year that was and look forward to the year as we have recently planned.
As much as we tried to plan events, the weather wasn’t playing nice and restricted us to just a few events. We still enjoyed ourselves and all members are welcome to join in to any event. Keep an eye on
the notice board under the Power Boat TV. Here’s a snapshot of what we got up to:
• October – a trip up to Mandoon Winery
• Australia Day – a raft up at Rocky Bay for a day of swimming and socialising
• February – a try at catamaran sailing South Perth (with rain – can you believe it!)
• Easter – a trip to Jurien where a feast of ocean delicacies were caught off shore and eaten over a bbq
• June – a boat run down the river to the Swan Yacht Club and what was a perfect day with the sun shining and light winds
At our recent Power Boat meeting we have planned a large section of the year and, fingers crossed, we should get a boatload of trips in including:
• 14 & 15 September – Camping at Ron & Dora’s Farm near Guilderton
• 27 October – Mandoon Winery boat trip launching at Maylands (a major highlight)
• 22 - 24 November – Point Peron weekend at Alfred Hines Seaside Camp (with Dive section)
• 14 - 16 March – Point Peron weekend at Alfred Hines Seaside Camp (you can’t get too much of a great boating location)
• 18 - 21 April – towing boats up to Jurien Bay visiting islands and fishing
At the recent AGM, I was confirmed at the new Rear Commodore Power Boats. I want to thank Steve Lazenby the recent Rear Commodore for his work during the year and look forward to continue planning and running events throughout the year. For those who don’t know me, I’ve been a member of the club since 2004 and own a 6.4m Revival trailer boat. I’ve been Secretary and Treasurer of the club and this will be my third time as Rear Commodore Power Boats. I am also an active member of the Dive Section and have been accused of being bi-sectional, which is something I thoroughly support and as a result, you will find synergies between the two sections. Any members with a powerboat, whether you be active in Angling, Sailing, Diving or just a social member, are welcome to join us and bring their family or friends along for a trip. We have a lot of fun and there is a wealth of boating information to be learnt from some of our extremely experience members.
Happy boating
Peter Hawker
Rear Commodore, Power Boating
The Diving Report
Season Summary
Peter Cresswell
Summary
Welcome to the dive section report. As the newly elected rear commodore of the dive section, I would like to introduce myself. I have been a member of the club since my family, and I moved back from Brisbane in early 2020. My wife and I have four young adult children, one who is also a member of the club in the angling section.
We enjoy the family atmosphere of the club and had made some great friends since being members.
I always had a passion for being in the ocean either swimming, snorkelling or fishing. I always was frustrated at not being able to stay under the water for long enough, so I always wanted to learn to scuba dive.
Joining the club was my opportunity to learn to dive and become part of a club at the same time.
Graham Hindley kindly took me through my PADI course with great patience and skill. My diving journey began, and the members of the dive section took me under their wing and have been patient with me as new diver.
There have been many invites to go diving both on-shore and off-shore of which I gladly accepted.
I look forward to this next rear as rear commodore and to put back in to a section that has given me a lot.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Opening dive
• Point Peron weekend
• Dive Section Christmas Party
Highlights
• Busselton Jetty Dive
• End of Season Dinner
• Vanuatu Dive Trip
Past Events (last month)
During June the Dive Section had a weekend away in Busselton to dive the Jetty.
This was the first opportunity that many of the section would get to view the new underwater sculptures that were recently installed, creating an exciting dive trail.
It ended up an epic 7 minute dive including surface time as the visibility had the consistency of pea soup.
Despite the poor diving conditions, it was a great social weekend.
There is a classic photo of a member, who will not be named, looking very frustrated with the gear checks. This resulted in an information night on at the club on dive gear options, use and gear checks held by Laurie. It was great information night and all those who attended gained some valuable information.
On the 20th of July the Dive Section held its annual end of season meal. The evening started with some wine tasting hosted by Liquor Traders with a great selection of locally produced white and red wines. This was a great start to the evening putting everyone in a very jovial mood. From there the drinks flowed nicely punctuated by an outstanding 3 course meal the galley had prepared. As dinner ended the entertainment started with Barry Gee and before long
the dance floor was filled. It was a great evening and a fitting end to the season.
Peter Cresswell
Rear Commodore Diving
Vanuatu-September 24
With a huge number of highs and lows pre trip, what an eventful trip it was! The planning went smoothly until Air Vanuatu went into administration, but at the 11th hour, Solomon Airlines came through with the needed flight to Santo. Wahoo and we were off….
The people of Vanuatu are so happy, friendly and welcoming, we must have been some of the first tourists to arrive in Santo following the resumption of flights to the islands after the collapse, we were greeted and made feel at home from day one. Turtle Bay is about half an hour drive north of Luganville, a trip into town if needed, the resort would arrange a minibus & driver to do a return trip. It’s not a shopping destination!! but was lovely to walk down the street and take a look through their local shops, visit the (fresh food) markets without people trying to sell you, their wares. We experienced island time in some of the bars we dined at, with Island time serving! Also paid a visit to the WWII museum in town, which shared its hidden treasures and information.
Turtle Bay Lodge
The accommodation was very relaxed, beautifully laid out around the bay, glamping on the bay side, the Lodge Rooms, ocean side. Lodge staff took good care of all our needs, Jan’s room/tent got decorated with a special birthday greeting, a cake and of course bubbles. She deserved it after all her hard work arranging the trip. Happy hour was announced daily at 5pm by the Conch Shell, blowen by lovely Dixon, a late return from an excursion, was met with an extended happy hour! Entertainers performed on weekends, including local musicians, Reggae music and fire dancers. Rae couldn’t help herself, with one of the young Fire Show entertainers wearing his jeans so low, she had to be mum and go pull them up ;-). She was then rewarded by joining in with at the fire dancing! At dinner one evening we experienced a little earthquake, a first for most of us. We hadn’t realised before this that the ground rumbles loudly & it’s the noise that’s first noticed. Apparently they happen all the time, so no one (aside from the dog) batted an eyelid. Under water it sounds like a big ship rumbling past above you, also experienced by the divers. Vanua Lava volcano could be seen on clear days smoking 90km away.
Diving Helen Helen Helen!!!
Turtle Bay Lodge have their own PADI dive shop on the premises, most of the dives were close to the resort, extra dives with another company” Aore Divers”. Warm waters of 22-27 degrees was super, there’s nothing better than wearing a 3mm wetsuit= carrying less weights. Although the coral and reef was a little
devoid of sea life, the WII wrecks were something else, Coolidge, Corsair Planes and the SS Tucker shipwreck.
Million Dollar Point (named appropriately!) a challenging deep dive for some, but what an experience, when not only were we breathing under water, but we were transported back in war time amongst the planes and amongst the cargo of the Coolidge, jeeps, trucks and dentist chair from 1942, transfixed…
Another plane dive 20 minute boat trip from the Lodge, in 30mt+ of clear water, diving on a Corsair plane, generally still intact, not much marine life around it, but a spectacular sight. Phil Gallagher’s dad flew the Corsair Planes in WII in the Battle of Midway, June 1942, which was in this region, a trip highlight for him.
The “Fan Forrest Dive” with huge Gorgonians corals, a ray of spectacular colours and their friend, the striped sea snake, unperturbed by our bubbling appearance to his area was fantastic.
Blue Water Holes
Some paddled a Kayak, some went by 4 wheel buggies to the wonderous Blue Water Holes, there are many on the island. Fresh bubbling deep sapphire holes of mountainous water, magical places surrounded by lush jungle greenery. Some had rope swings and bottom burning metal slides which rendered your launch of 3 meters to the water, sometimes not so graceful!
Waterfalls
A day trip to the spectacular waterfalls, traversing the muddy terrain in the back of a truck, sitting on a bench all day, was made all the more worthwhile by the fun in the water and the promise to extend the happy hour on late return….
Canyoning-Millenium Cave
A two-hour jaunt, some in the back of a Ute on timber planks, to the base of a muddy mountain track, for another 2 hour walk, climb and ascend old wooden ladders and rock faces to the mouth of this spectacular cave. Pitch dark inside, an even slipperier ascension over rocks, under torch light some of the most specky stalactites, stalagmites to be seen, bat poo galore on every surface while we trundled along in crisp cold water! Who did the reviews on this trek idea!!! Following a hectic 40 minute stumbling in pitch darkness it transpired to beautiful gorges of flowing water, the reward for the exertion earlier. Eventually the end of the canyons, a sign on the cliff face, ‘shortcut to the top”!!! Funniest statement ever, as we had a 1km climb back up to the village by using hanging ropes and stepping stone rocks, oh and more rickety ladders. The raucous sound of laughter down the mountain as hard sections of the climb were tackled. Needless to say, a few members of the adventurers could hardly walk the next day, with legs of iron.
Helen Grimes
The Diving Report
(continued)
Rose: A Wonderful fun relaxing time, well for me anyway! Happy Hour brought on the terrific fun and dancing!
Yeah, I’ll do water safety for the morning swimmers!
Graham: Helen Helen, Helen!
Peter Hawker:
James: Photos of what, I lost my phone!!!
Phil: Millenium cave, What the SAS Assault trek, loved it!
Caroline: No not more Reggae music!
Rae: Pull ya pants up luv!
The Darts Report
Season Summary
Erin Osbaldiston
Summary
• Winter Series approaching finals
• “Friendly” Friday and Sunday / (Funday) Social Darts
• Summer series recruit.
General Business
• Tuesday night BlueWater Darts Association Winter Series
• Darts boards available for social games for all club members BYOD (Bring your own darts)
• Dart Club Hoodies coming up for Sale – Ask your Darts Captain for Details!!
Highlights
• The Bluewater Darts Association Tuesday nights 7.30pm The competition is heating up as teams are jostling for finals positions. ORSSC teams will be represented in all grade finals starting end of September. Come down for a beverage, socialising and some high quality darts on show.
“Blue water darts brings many people together socially as well as playing competitive darts. It is an important part of some people’s lives and week to get out and socialise and mix with others”. (from the President of Bluewater Darts).
I tend to agree as it definitely breaks the monotony of my now working week cycle.
Craig McKenzie – OR Orange B2 Grade looking sharp
A-grade leader board – OR teams dominating in the race for glory
Other Important Business
• As a Club we also would like to send condolences to one of WA’s legends of Darts Mr Ricky Picket. Very sad loss to the Darting Community
• Recruitment Drive for Summer series - teams are increasing with a recruitment drive on. We have a boost in members and looking to get 10 teams within the club for the next Bluewater season. As the club moves towards the new premises we hope to have a very good chance to play larger tournaments within the new club – check out the notice board in the Masons bar for information.
• Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are social fun days to align to the 100 club and meat raffles. Turn up and have some fun - all abilities welcome.
Erin Osbaldiston
Darts Section
“Captain Fantastic” – Steve Davis OR Orange B2 grade. Love watching this guys perfect action (and loves playing to the B Gees)
“Raffle Boy” – Doug Fox rostered off for the week helping out fund raising
Terry Bell – Captain OR White B2 Grade focusing on the double
Right idea but in the wrong spot - my typical darts
ChristmasBUFFET
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER
FROM 6 PM
Bookings are essential, Full buffet dinner including Turkey, Ham & Beef and Dessert table.
Live music from 7pm - 10pm
Bookings: www.orssc.asn.au/events
Bookings: open Fri 25th October 2024
Adults - $42
Kids 6-12 - $20
Under 5 - $5
THURSDAY NIGHTS
3PM-10PM
6PM - LATE
DARTS NIGHT
DARTS NIGHT
Bar opens at 5pm. Galley closed.
STEAK NIGHT
2ND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 5.30pm - 7.30pm
CLUB MEMBERSHIPS Benefits
there's just somuch on offer!
Come down for a bevvy and a chat and find out how you can become a member today.
Location & Convenience
With sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, watch the new Marina being built every day as well as yacht races, sea birds and sunsets. Including plenty of parking for members and guests, there really is nothing else like us along the sunset coast, we are completely unique!
Family friendly venue
Kids playground and large green lawn areas. Family friendly events with an emphasis on providing kids entertainment while the parents can kick back and relax.
Events & Functions
The perfect event venue that holds 500 people, 4 separate indoor rooms, separate outdoor areas, 4 bars with 2 outdoor pop up bars, fully licensed with no restrictions.
Entertainment & Discounts
Free live entertainment every Friday and Sunday. See Entertainment Page for more details.
Huge discounts on food and beverage prices, event tickets and function room hire.
Sea Sports Opportunities
Participate in various Sea Sports activities including sailing, power boating, angling and diving, and become a part of their community.
Community and Connection
As a member you will become part of the large family and have an opportunity to make new friends. You can also build relationships with our stable team and long term staff members.
Members are welcome to bring a guest as long as they are signed in and accompanied by a current member. Members can sign in up to 4 guests with a Standard Membership. Guests cannot attend the Club more than 3 times with a six (6) month Period.
Have your voice heard
As a member you have the opportunity to vote in AGM's, give feedback and join the Steering Committee if you choose to do so.
New Clubhouse
First priority members will have VIP access to the new clubhouse, expected to be completed in 2025.
Short wait list
The current wait time for approval is 2 months. This is increasing rapidly so get in quick! Visit www.orssc.asn.au/membership for more information or to join online.
Live music
7.00PM - 10.00PM from FRIDAYS 3.30PM - 6.30PM from & SUNDAYS EVERY WEEK
SANDERS SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER
FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER FRIDAY 24 JANUARY 2025
FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER FRIDAY 17 JANUARY 2025
FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER
ADAMS FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER
Have you been paying attention? Questions will be about current events and general knowledge.
FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 7PM
Please keep tables to a 6 people max.
All other club facilities will operate as per normal for members that do no wish to participate in the quiz.
OCEAN REEF SEA SPORTS CLUB PRESENTS
the Member's Draw! Member's Draw!
EVERY FRIDAY EVERY FRIDAY
Imagine winning money on your membership card just by enjoying a cold beverage, good company and live music.
The Member's Draw is held every Friday night and you must be in the club at the time of the draw for your chance to win.
Luck! the
JUNE
28/6/24 Mark Deriu $2100
JULY
5/7/24 John Walker $2200
12/7/24 Matthew Parr $2300
19/7/24 Shane Hartney $2400
26/7/24 Nigel Hazell $2500
AUGUST
2/8/24 Josh Munro $2600
16/8/24 Dallen Anderson $2700
23/8/24 John Vickers $2800
30/8/24 Dave Heritage $2900
SEPTEMBER
6/9/24 William Hay $3000
13/9/24 Michael Elliot $3100
20/9/24 Mario Gargaro $3200
27/9/24 Bryan O'Carroll $3300
www.orssc.asn.au/events
MELBOURNE CUP
DECEMBER
3pm - 10pm GALLEY 5.30pm - 7.30pm
5.30pm - 7.30pm OFFICE 9am - 5pm
OFFICE 9am - 5pm
OFFICE 9am - 5pm
BAR
OFFICE 9am - 5pm BAR 3pm - 10pm GALLEY 5.30pm - 7.30pm
OFFICE CLOSED BAR CLOSED
GALLEY CLOSED
Weddings Events
With sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club makes for the perfect location to hold your wedding or next special occasion.
Featuring three function areas with stunning ocean views, four licensed bars, a full service kitchen, a superb chef, a great functions coordinator and bar staff; we have all the facilities to ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
Get in touch for more details and booking enquiries.
Functions Co-ordinator, Debbie Clark | functions@orssc.asn.au | 0437 880 040
Private Function Room Hire Rates
With three separate function areas, each boasting sweeping views of the magnificent Indian Ocean, our venue offers the perfect space for your next event
Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday celebration, or a corporate function, we have the expertise and facilities to cater to all your needs
PANORAMA DINING HALL
Functions Co-ordinator
Debbie Clark 0437 880 040
