2019/20 Surf Life Saving Far South Coast Branch Annual Report by Surf Life Saving NSW

FAR SOUTH COAST BRANCH SLS 68TH ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2019-2020 SEASON

Our Branch Serving our communities from Batemans Bay to the Victorian border Far South Coast (FSC) Branch is one of eleven Branches in NSW. FSC is a not-for-profit organisation registered under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. Our charitable purpose is to support our clubs to ensure beachgoers are safe at our patrolled beaches and surrounding areas and to provide surf safety education. The funds we raise help us achieve that purpose. While we’re small in numbers with around 2,350 members, we’re large in size with the Branch spanning over 230 km and 184 beaches. The commitment, dedication and innovation of our members has been recognised through FSC being named SLSNSW Branch of the Year for the past two years in a row.

FSC has seven clubs from Batemans Bay in the north to Pambula in the south. We have a dedicated team who not only patrol our beaches between the red and yellow flags but also provide emergency call-out capabilities 24/7 throughout the year. Our clubs work closely together to provide a valuable service to beach goers and we work with other emergency services to provide search and rescue services whenever required. Never has our combined skills and commitment to serving our community been more evident than during this past summer’s bushfire emergency. When called upon to step into an unfamiliar role in order to best serve our communities and help keep visitors and locals alike safe, our lifesavers rose to the challenge. Across the Branch our clubs and members supported well over 8,000 people during the New Year’s Eve bushfire emergency, providing shelter, bedding, food, first aid, emotional support and a place of belonging for those driven from their homes or stranded in our region. Whether it be patrolling our beaches, responding to out-of-hours emergencies, providing community education programs, honing skills through surf sports competitions or supporting our communities in a time of need, this season has had it all. We hope you enjoy reading this 68th Annual Report and learning more about just some of the many ways in which our Surf Life Saving family contribute to our Far South Coast community and visitors to our region.

Contents Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report 4 Life Members 6 Patrons 6 FSC Branch Office Bearers

Season Snapshot 8 Our Beliefs 10 Embracing the SLSNSW Strategic Plan

Governance 14 Our Year in Review 15 Lifesaving 16 UAVs 19 Member Development

Education 24 Surf Sports 26 Interbranch 2019 28 George Bass Marathon

Powercraft 34 Partnerships & Fundraising

Inclusion 38 Our Clubs 39 Batemans Bay SLSC 40 Broulee Surfers SLSC 42 Canberra Broulee Nippers

Moruya SLSC 46 Narooma SLSC 48 Bermagui SLSC 50 Tathra SLSC 52 Lake Jindabyne Yabbies

Pambula SLSC 56 FSC Branch - Our Impact

Our Members 59 Vale Max Hogno 60 Member Recognition 61 Carnival Results 64 George Bass Marathon Results 67 Financial Statements 69

President’s Report make and the value that is added to our Branch and community. We certainly could never do what we do as well as we do without your support.

To all of our FSC clubbies and friends.

Another SLS season done and no one could have ever guessed the outcome of our lives and events over the past 12 months. What a crazy and testing time for all of the people in our community, but especially our lifesavers and all those that make up our lifesaving clubs. Season 201920 has seen our red and yellow flags flown higher than ever before. Each and every member, both front line and behind the scenes, should hold their head high for what they contributed during those incredibly devastating bushfires. To the Branch board team – Cheryl, Wendy, Andrew, Holty and Bruce. I can’t thank you enough for the way that you just get the job done! And always to the best of your ability. Its not often that you see volunteers work this well as a team, nor as dedicated as this team. To all of our Clubs and especially their Presidents and close working committees for doing what you do on the front line in keeping our beaches safe. SLSNSW and our peers have also recognised this outstanding teamwork and have rewarded our branch officially as the “NSW Branch of the Year” for the past two years. To the SLSNSW board members and volunteers lead by our President, George Shales, thank you. To the SLSNSW staff and portfolio leaders lead by Steve Pearce, thank you. We all appreciate the difference you

To Andrew Constance our Member for Bega and NSW Minister for Transport. We in the FSC Branch can’t thank you enough for the way you have served the community during these unprecedented times of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19. During these incredibly difficult times, with Jen’s help and blessing, you have consistently exercised the courage and passion of a true leader of our community. The surf lifesavers of the FSC are proud of your connection to us as our Branch Patron and I, myself, am proud to be able to call you a friend. To our Duty Officer team that covers our coastline and assists with every call-out, rescue or search that is required 24/7, your dedication and professionalism is unmatched within our state. The same thanks goes to our club call-out crews that are always willing to assist with every situation. Our Director of Lifesaving Cheryl McCarthy, ably assisted by Assistant Director Kirsty Campbell, heads up these teams and this past season has lifted this part of our organisation to new heights. To our new staff members, Sue Hunt and now Sean Hendry. Thank you for way you have worked with myself and the team over the past season.

Big thank you also to NSW staff member Sally Mac for her efforts to get our socially distanced Branch Awards of Excellence over line. What a hit! Congratulations to all of our very deserving nominees for our FSC Branch Awards and especially to our winners. You are all so valuable to our organisation. Also a special thanks to our Awards judging panel that was made up of three Branch life members: Bruce Frost, Kerry Parbery and Frank Davey. All three are most worthy of this task and remain as passionate as ever regarding lifesaving here on the FSC. 2019-20 saw the start of a grassroots member recognition program. Look for details on social media of the great work of so many of our Clubbies. This year saw one of our past Directors step down after many years of exceptional volunteer service. Sue Hunt has been our Director of Administration for almost 10 years as well as taking on other roles including Member Services and Education. I have no doubt that Sue’s efforts in these roles, as well as so much other behind the scenes work, has resulted in our Branch being awarded SLSNSW Branch of the Year no less than four times in the last nine years. We welcomed Bruce McAslan as our Deputy President and Kirsty Campbell as our Assistant Director of Lifesaving. This past season four of outstanding FSC Clubbies represented us at the SLSNSW Leadership Camp:

•

Natalie Browning from Broulee Surfers

•

Anthony Nagle From Tathra

•

Loretta Chapple from Tathra

•

Ann Smith from Pambula

The 2EC & Power FM Red and Yellow Radiothon went off with a lot of excitement and was a GREAT success. To all the clubbies that assisted in so many ways, thank you. And thank you to the Power FM and 2EC crew who not only gave up their time over the two days but also work toward this weekend for months. GM Jane and her team were such fun to work with. Then 2 days later ... over $40 k for the FSC Branch. Wow!

SLSNSW Awards of Excellence As mentioned earlier, At the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence we were AGAIN awarded the SLSNSW “Branch of the Year” – Back to back for the FSC. On the same night we were so proud to be presented with no less than three additional major awards: •

•

SLSNSW Volunteer of the Year went to Wendy Law from the Broulee Surfers SLSC and the FSC Director of Finance. SLSNSW President’s Medal went to Cheryl McCarthy, Bermagui SLSC and the FSC Director of Lifesaving SLSNSW Innovation of the Year Award went to the FSC Support Operations team for the collaboration with Marine Rescue.

GBM 2020 Fantastic numbers for both boats and skis with crews travelling from as far as North QLD, SA, Darwin NT, Perth in the west and even from over the ditch, NZ. The weather and conditions were perfect for the first two legs into Moruya and Tuross. Then with the seas coming up the decision was made that the 3rd day was to be on the lake and inlet at Narooma. The next morning we all woke up to smoke filled orange skies from the fires that had ripped through

5 farmland and towns to our West and a cancelled event. Most of the boat crews and ski paddlers were now trapped here on the FSC due to road closures. Happy New Year….. To Sue Hunt who put so much into the planning of this great event that attracted record breaking numbers of both Surfboat crews and ski paddlers, congratulations! Such a disappointment for you and your team. With the real danger of these fires taking out our coastal towns and with so much going on in and around the evacuation centres there was really no time to think about the disappointment of the race cancellation or what it might have been. Those competitors that stayed behind performed an exceptional service assisting at our evacuation centres and Surf Clubs. Many of our Surf Clubs opened their doors to our community to escape the danger of the fires. I sincerely thank those Clubs and their lifesavers on behalf of the

broader community. Our Clubbies, with the assistance of many of the GBM competitors, worked tirelessly as a team to deal with the situation of providing support and safety to many thousands of evacuees who were trapped in small towns surrounded by fire.

ABC TV Q&A Congratulations to Cheryl McCarthy for not only being selected to represent SLS on the Q & A panel but also for doing such a professional job. In closing I’ve gotta say that I love this organisation and the role I play within it. The pleasure and satisfaction as a volunteer for me comes from the people around me. You are the best team anyone in my position could ever wish for. To my family and patient wife Judy, I thank you for the time and encouragement that is given for me to enjoy SLS. Tony Rettke President

Life Members Far South Coast Branch W.B. Annabel* Arthur Bunt BEM*

Junior Activities Far South Coast Branch W Loutitt*

Myril Bunt OAM Paul Caddey

Surf Life Saving New South Wales

Ron Chesher OAM*

Arthur Bunt BEM*

Garnet C. Chewing*

Ron Chesher OAM*

Frank Davey

Nicholas A. Dixon*

Donald Hay*

Steve Dobson

Graham J. Nicholson*

P.V. Dwyer*

David F. Pheeney*

James A Eadie*

Fergus Thomson AOM*

Joseph J. Caddey*

Bruce Frost Julie Frost Donald Hay* Maxwell Hogno* John “Jim” McGrath

Paul Morgan Graham J. Nicholson* Kerry Parbery David F. Pheeney*

Surf Life Saving Australia Ron Chesher OAM* Nicholas A. Dixon*

Anthony Rettke Peter Robinson* Paul Smith* Fergus Thomson AOM* Paul White Max Young

* Denotes Deceased Member

Patrons Patrons Federal Member for Eden-Monaro

Dr. Mike Kelly

Succeeded by Kristy McBain Federal Member for Gilmore

Fiona Phillips

State Member for Bega

Andrew Constance

Vice Patrons Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council

Sharon Tapscott

Mayor of Eurobodalla Shire Council

Liz Innes

FSC Branch Office Bearers Executive Committee President Anthony “Tony” Rettke Deputy President Bruce McAslan Director of Administration

Cheryl McCarthy

Director of Finance

Wendy Law

Director of Lifesaving

Cheryl McCarthy

Director of Education

Wendy Law

Director of Member Development

Andrew Edmunds

Director of Surf Sports

Andrew Holt

Non-Executive Roles Powercraft Captain

Andrew “Lobba” Curven

Director of Youth Development

Frank Davey

Director of Communications

John “Jimmy” McGrath

Assistant Director of Lifesaving

Kirsty Campbell

Assistant Director of Surf Sports

Wendy Law

Public Officer

Cheryl McCarthy

Publicity Officer

Claudia Ferguson

Honorary Solicitor

John Edmunds

Presidents of Affiliated Clubs Batemans Bay SLSC

Colin Knight

Broulee Surfers SLSC

David Law (until 13 May 2020) Allan Veness (since 14 May 2020)

Moruya SLSC Michael Pheeney Narooma SLSC Jon Carruthers Bermagui SLSC Bruce McAslan Tathra SLSC

Peter “Pommie” George

Pambula SLSC Ann Smith

Season Snapshot Highlights

2016â&#x20AC;&#x2030;-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

Rescues

102

First Aid Treatments

191

172

142

132

Preventative Actions

1,205

1,902

943

1,390

Emergency callouts

Membership Growth

+4%

+7%

+6%

-8%

Patrolling Membership

691

675

753

703

Junior Activities Members

820

892

935

794

Members

734

837

867

850

Total Membership

2,245

2,404

2,555

2,347

Bronze Medallion

102

Powercraft

Surf Rescue Certificate

Advanced Resuscitation

Silver Medallion Beach Management

Total Awards

273

243

233

172

Lifesaving

Member Service & Support

Training

Our Beliefs We believe... Our everyday actions change lives, build stronger communities and create great Australians

We believe... Our community relies on us to protect life, promote life and save life

We believe... We are iconic, we are proud and what we do makes a difference

We believe... Strong leadership, responsiveness and flexibility are critical in our changing environment

We believe... A happy, caring and fun environment will attract and retain the people we need

We believe... Our volunteers are core to Surf Life Saving and vital to our success

We believe... That honesty, integrity and respect are essential to creating a healthy culture

Embracing SLSNSW Strategic Plan

Embrace Community • No-one on the Far South Coast is more than half an hour from a program for people with additional needs with three clubs hosting programs • FSC Members participated in the 2019 Beach to Bush Program • Our clubs run initiatives such as Sippers to encourage community participation in our surf clubs and provide a welcoming environment for people to learn more about surf life saving • We support community surf safety awareness in inland communities, Jindabyne and Canberra

Member Centered 12

• We build strong connections with the SLSNSW team so we can make the most of member development opportunities • Our Duty Officers work with the SLSNSW Member Welfare team to ensure members are appropriately supported following critical incidents • Our clubs actively support the SLSA Safeguarding Children and Young People Program • We recognise the achievements of our members through the FSC Branch Annual Awards and SLSNSW Awards of Excellence • We work to provide training and upskilling opportunities regularly for our members

Position, Profile & Presence • We redefined our role to be much more than “between the flags” through our Branch-wide response to the summer bushfire emergency • Our Branch participated in multiagency search and rescue exercises solidifying our position as an Emergency Service Organisation • FSC launched a new website to profile our Branch and provide a link to our Clubs • Positive media coverage and ongoing presence of Branch members in local, state and national media • Increased reach across social media platforms

Working Better Together • We hold monthly meetings for Branch Executive and club representatives so we can track and report on progress and collaborate on new ideas • Our Branch team offers mentoring to clubs and provides guidance and contacts to help smooth and reduce compliance requirements • We hold pre-season workshops for Education to upskill our team and ensure consistency in approach • Pre-season individual meetings are held with all Club Captains to discuss requirements for the season and identify where support is needed • We actively nurture and steward relationships with Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Councils, State and Federal Government representatives to assist in provision of services

Strengthen & Streamline • Participated in the 2EC Radiothon to bring significant funds into our Branch to support training and education programs for members • Significant uptake in usage of the Patrol Operations App meaning reduced workload for members and more timely reporting of statistics

Capable & Ready • Recruited a new Duty Officer so we now have 13 Duty Officers serving our Branch and representing all seven clubs • Call-out teams responded to 40 emergency call-outs across the Branch • Our teams worked seamlessly together in three multi-day searches during the season • Support Operations including RWCs and UAVs are strategically located throughout the Branch to provide efficient coverage • Hosted a powercraft training weekend to upskill members and trainers

Governance Role of the Executive The role of the Executive is to be responsible to the Clubs and their members for the sustainability and relevance of Surf Life Saving on the Far South Coast. It does this through supporting Clubs in meeting their lifesaving commitments, supporting the annual compliance requirements through which we’re accountable to government and other funders and delivering on the goals of our Clubs and the organisation’s Strategic Plan.

In a strategic planning workshop in 2019 our Clubs supported the Strategic Plan of SLSNSW and our role in supporting and delivering on those objectives. The Branch Executive assists through guiding and monitoring the lifesaving delivery, member development, education, surf sports participation and financial activity of the Branch as a whole. The Executive is also responsible for the overall governance of the Branch and fostering an environment where our Clubs can compete on the sand but be driven at all other times by collaboration and support for each other. The Executive is made up of seven elected members who provide their time, energy and expertise to the benefit of all members of the Branch. These members are elected into Portfolio Directorships: • President • Deputy President • Director of Education • Director of Finance • Director of Lifesaving • Director of Member Development • Director of Surf Sports. This group has been supported by a number of non-executive roles in 2019-20 consisting of the following elected positions: • Powercraft Captain • Director of Communications • Director of Youth Development • Assistant Director of Lifesaving • Assistant Director of Surf Sports

The Executive meet monthly with Presidents and/or delegates from each of the seven Clubs. The purpose of these meetings is to: • Provide a forum for Directors and Clubs to share progress and challenges • Identify potential issues in our Branch and make a plan for how best to tackle the challenge • Allow Directors to provide updates on activity and direction from SLSNSW • Provide regular detailed financial reporting to ensure transparency and accountability • Make strategic decisions on the direction of the Branch and how funds should be spent • Reviewing and, where necessary, ratifying recommendations made by the various sub-committees or standing committees • Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements and identify ways in which Directors can facilitate greater support for Clubs.

The Role of the Branch Council The Branch Council is made up of the Club Presidents from each of FSC Branch’s seven Clubs. The Club Presidents and/or their delegates meet monthly with the Branch Executive to discuss matters relevant to their Clubs and our Branch as a whole. The key duties of the Branch Council are to: • Inform the Executive of significant issues affecting the membership • Assist the Executive in their deliberations on issues that affect their respective memberships • Provide a conduit for the Executive and staff members to interact with the membership on progress, initiatives and programs to the benefit of our members • Discuss Branch-wide issues • Approve any amendments to the Constitution

• Provide feedback to the Executive on how decisions impact on the membership at a grassroots level

Standing Committees FSC Branch has the following standing committees which are comprised of the members holding positions as outlined: Meritorious Awards Committee: President, Director of Administration, Director of Lifesaving and a nominated committee member. Selection Committee: President, Director of Surf Sports, Assistant Director of Surf Sports and a nominated committee member. Constitution Committee: President, Director of Administration, Deputy President, Honorary Solicitor and a nominated committee member. Life Membership & Honors Committee: President, Director of Member Development and all current Life Members with three to be the quorum. Patrol & Lifesaving Judiciary Committee: Director of Lifesaving, Director of Member Development, Duty Officer and the Honorary Solicitor.

Administration Officer As a result of a government funding initiative, SLSNSW has been in a position to provide a paid staff member to support the work of FSC Branch. The role is 20 hours per week and is dedicated to assisting Directors with the administrative workload of their respective roles. The Administration Officer is also available to provide support to FSC Clubs where requested. Sue Hunt filled this role for a 6-month period and Sean Hendry is currently the FSC Administration Officer. We thank both of them for their efforts over the past season.

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

Lifesaving The 2019-20 season has been perhaps one of most challenging on record in the Far South Coast. We experienced the pain and destruction of the December/January bushfire emergency that decimated much of the region due to both flame impact and the massive loss of visitor business during our busiest time of year. Just as we were starting to regroup along came COVID-19 which compounded the many difficulties the region was facing and forced an early halt to our season. Through all of this, though, we have much to be proud of. The way so many of our members and clubs stepped up to support their communities during the bushfire emergency has changed the face of surf lifesaving in reinforcing that we’re so much more than just “between the flags”.

Again this year our patrollers achieved the most important goal of zero deaths between the flags. We saw a large decrease in rescues (19 this year down from 57 last year) which can largely be attributed to the significant decrease in visitor numbers to the region in our traditionally busiest times, over January due to bushfires and again at Easter due to COVID-19. Our Club Captains are continuing to reinforce the importance of preventative approaches to patrolling and they’ve

done an exceptional job of keeping their patrolling members engaged during such a tough season. My thanks to Anthony Bellette (Batemans Bay), Andrew Edmunds (Broulee Surfers), Jane Coppin (Moruya), Troy Beecham (Narooma), Andrew Curven (Bermagui), Nick Huggins (Tathra) and Liam O’Neill (Pambula) for your work and for leading the way as Club Captains in our Branch. The season started on a fun and positive note with the return of the powercraft training weekend hosted by Tathra SLSC. The weekend is an intensive IRB training opportunity where members get to hone their skills under the guidance of experienced IRB coaches and trainers. Our thanks to Damien Woods, Joel Wiseman, Kane Hughes, Nixy Krite and Isabelle Heazlewood

from Sydney Branch who came down to lead the weekend for us. Not only was it great skill development for the participants but it was a valuable opportunity for a number of our Branch trainers to learn new tips and training techniques. The follow-up session we had planned for May was derailed by the COVID-19 restrictions but we look forward to having another Branch-wide powercraft training weekend at the end of September to help us get ready for the coming season.

Support Operations With 184 beaches over the more than 230 kms in the FSC Branch, our call-out teams and support operations were kept busy responding to 40 emergency callouts over the course of the season. These responses included three multi-day searches – Gillards Beach in August, Barragga Bay in December and Narooma in March – and our teams continue to receive accolades for their quick and professional responses with several out-of-hours call-outs seeing teams on the water in less than 10 minutes from the initial call. FSC Support Operations encompasses Duty Officers, Rescue Water Craft (RWC) operations, search and rescue UAV operations and emergency call-outs. Duty Officers are always the first ones tasked to respond and the last ones off duty at the end of a call and their willingness to drop what they’re doing and respond is greatly appreciated. Our Duty Officer team grew by one this season with the addition of Mike

Hallahan. Mike’s experience and professionalism are a huge asset and it has been great to welcome him to the team. I want to thank all Duty Officers for their commitment and thank their families for their ongoing support as well: Ben Bate Anthony Bellette Ken Bellette Harley Dengate Andrew Edmunds Mike Hallahan Andrew Holt Nick Huggins Bruce McAslan Cheryl McCarthy Euan McKenzie Andrew Mizzi Emma Prowse I also want to send a special thank you to the Assistant Director of Lifesaving, Kirsty Campbell, who has consistently been there to pitch in and lend a hand and provide a sounding board along the way. Support Operations also couldn’t run as smoothly as it does without the work of those who keep the RWCs in good shape. Being able to rely on your equipment is essential in a rescue, both for the safety of those in the water but also for our team members. Thanks to Darren Browning, Andrew Mizzi, Andrew Holt and our Branch Powercraft Coordinator, Andrew Curven, for your work during the season.

UAV Capability The UAV program grew this year with the addition of DPI patrols at Batemans Bay SLSC to the existing programs at Tathra SLSC and Pambula SLSC. Connor Leayr from Pambula took on the role of FSC Branch UAV Coordinator and did an outstanding job. Not only did he help in recruiting new pilots but he was our primary contact with the SLSNSW UAV team and, along with Anthony Bellette, became a qualified UAV trainer. Connor also continued to take the lead on the joint training initiative with Marine Rescue to fly drones from their vessels. Connor will be stepping back from his role next season to focus on his Year 12 studies but he’ll certainly be a valuable and highly skilled resource for us to draw on for guidance and advice.

Rescue of the Year Across our patrols and many call-out responses we had five nominees for Rescue of the Year: 25/10/19: Duty Officer, Anthony Bellette, recognising a boat in trouble near Snapper Island and deploying the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Drone to assist. 28/11/19: Bermagui SLSC call-out team rescue of two boaters clinging to their overturned vessel in a joint response with Westpac Lifesaver 23 Helicopter and Marine Rescue Bermagui and Narooma units.

31/12/19: Batemans Bay SLSC response to the bushfire emergency. 11/02/20: Pambula SLSC call-out team response to five people caught in a rip at Pambula River mouth. 08/05/20: Pambula SLSC callout team response to rescue the operator of a disabled jet ski off Short Point. The five nominees were chosen by our Duty Officer team and then the winner was chosen by a committee consisting of: Director of Lifesaving, Branch President and three Duty Officers. Joining myself and Tony Rettke this year were Ben Bate, Andrew Edmunds and Nick Huggins. The winner of the 2019-20 Rescue of the Year was the Batemans Bay SLSC Bushfire Response. Early on the morning of 31st December, Batemans Bay residents received text alerts to evacuate to the beach. The Batemans Bay call-out team members quickly jumped into action as they realised people would head for the clubhouse. The team arranged for food and water and managed traffic and parking. As conditions deteriorated they provided medical support and evacuated people from the clubhouse to the beach as buildings nearby caught fire. The club used their ATV to collect people, mostly elderly, in the streets who couldn’t make it to the club. The police also joined them in the ATV to reach as many as possible of those trying to

defend their homes to encourage them to leave. As one person having severe respiratory problems was evacuated to medical help in a police car, a club member accompanied him all the way to the hospital while providing oxygen therapy. Members were also assigned to the roof of the clubhouse to manage ember attack and watch for spot fires. Over 1,270 evacuees registered at the club that day and the Batemans Bay team continued to support their community for the following ten days as a Community Hub. While five other clubs provided emergency response for the fires on 31st December, it’s widely acknowledged by those present that the actions of the Batemans Bay members saved many lives that day. The other annual Lifesaving award is the David Pheeney Patrol Efficiency Award which is awarded to the Lifesaving Club of the Year. With this year being such a challenging year in so many different ways for all seven clubs it was impossible to set a level playing field from which to determine a winner. All clubs worked hard to provide the best possible service to their community and I feel it’s important to recognise all for their efforts. As a result, the 2019-20 David Pheeney Patrol Efficiency Award goes to all seven FSC clubs for their efforts in the face of adversity.

With a look to the future, SLSNSW launched a review of the SLSNSW Support Operations and Emergency Service Framework. The purpose is to look at how we, as an organisation, develop stronger interactions, interdependencies, and a presence within the broader Emergency Service Framework. The review will cover how each of the various levels of the SLSNSW Emergency Response System operate within the broader NSW Emergency Service Framework and topics include emergency management, Support Operations structure, training and professional development. My thanks to those who have provided feedback to

the review and we look forward to hearing how the Support Operations structure will be evolving. My thanks once again to everyone for your support, commitment and professionalism during what turned out to be a season of constant ups and downs. I’m very much looking forward to a much calmer 20202021. Cheryl McCarthy Director of Lifesaving

UAVs The 2019-20 season was slightly rocky for the Far South Coast UAV program mostly because of the bushfires up and down the coast. They either directly affected the pilotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to fly due to danger or affected them indirectly by the amount of smoke which reduced visibility and had the potential to harm the drones. Overall this resulted in not as much flight time as last season. In positive news, FSC Branch now has two new UAV trainers - Anthony Bellette and Connor Leayr - so we can now handle training in-house. The joint exercises with Marine Rescue also continued with a good session with Marine Rescue Bermagui and Marine Rescue Narooma. We launched the drone off the boats and experimented using them in search and rescue operations flying between two Marine Rescue vessels to widen the search area. All in all we learned some useful tips, and the drone found the object of the search first! Connor Leayr FSC UAV Coordinator

2 Duty Officer UAVs

DPI UAVs in 3 Locations

Operational Year Round

24 Pilots

Member Development Well 2019-20 has certainly been a testing and challenging year on the Far South Coast. The season kicked off in earnest in September, however by the time December rolled around, it was clear it would be one unlike any other. Members and communities faced an unfolding catastrophe with bushfires cutting roads, communities and damaging property and life. Post fires our members had to deal with water pollution as a result of run offs into the ocean from rain which forced cancellation of Nippers and patrols. Then March rolled around and COVID-19 resulted in cancellation of development programs, patrols and end-of-season presentations and celebrations. In the months since March, we’ve all adapted and got used to using Zoom for meetings.

We managed to run an online version of our awards presentation night thanks to the assistance of Cheryl McCarthy, Sean Hendry and Sally Macintosh from SLSNSW. Hopefully as we roll onto to 2020-21 season we will see restrictions ease back into a sense of normality.

Member Recognition

Youth Opportunity Makers

2019 Surf Life Saving Australia Award Recipients: Congratulations to Far South Coast Support Operations team who took out the SLSA Innovation of the Year award.

Youth Opportunity Makers: Unfortunately due to COVID-19 the YOMs and Junior Lifesaver of the Year weeks had to be postponed by SLSNSW.

A full list of our 2019-20 Branch Award Winners is below. A big thank you to our Awards selection panel of Life Members Frank Davey, Kerry Parbery and Bruce Frost.

Member Development SLSNSW Strategic Leadership Program The Strategic Leadership Program offers the opportunity for members from all areas of the organisation to participate in a jam-packed weekend of fun and self-development, taking part in a first-of-its-kind leadership program designed to deliver real impact throughout Surf Life Saving NSW. Congratulations to the FSC participants: •

Natalie Browning, Broulee Surfers SLSC

•

Anthony Nagle, Tathra SLSC

•

Loretta Chapple, Tathra SLSC

•

Ann Smith, Pambula SLSC

The Far South Coast selected recipients were: Luella Boulton (Tathra), Ava Weymans (Moruya), Sierra Chew (Broulee Surfers) and Georgia Caldwell (Pambula). Hopefully these fantastic young members will get the opportunity to participate in the program sometime in 2020-21. Junior Life Saver of the Year A massive thank you to Narooma SLSC for hosting the Junior Life Saver of the Year selection. A big thank you to Bruce and Julie Frost and Frank Davey along with myself who were on the selection panel. As always we were highly impressed with the calibre of finalists. Highly Commended awards will be presented to Zimi Lyras (Tathra), and Oliver Lonsdale (Broulee). Our 2020 Junior Life Saver of the Year recipients are Jayden Reyneke (Pambula) and Imogen Bichard (Pambula).

2019-20 FSC Branch Award Winners AWARD

RECIPIENT

CLUB

Branch Person of the Year

Anthony Bellette

Batemans Bay SLSC

Lifesaver of the Year

Andrew “Lobba” Curven

Bermagui SLSC

Fergus Thomson Young Branch Person of the Year Ryley Spoelder-Hanlon

Moruya SLSC

“Rookie” Young Lifesaver of the Year

Ruby Bichard

Pambula SLSC

Myril Bunt Administrator of the Year

Marcela Vitouchova

Pambula SLSC

Service Team of the Year

Batemans Bay Bushfire Response Team

Batemans Bay SLSC

Trainer of the Year

Emma Prowse

Pambula SLSC

Team of the Year

Batemans Bay 180 YRS Phoenix

Batemans Bay SLSC

Coach of the Year

Rob Pollock

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Athlete of the Year

Darren Drewsen

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Young Athlete of the Year

Elli Beecham

Narooma SLSC

Junior Life Saver of the Year (Male)

Jayden Reyneke

Pambula SLSC

Junior Life Saver of the Year (Female)

Imogen Bichard

Pambula SLSC

2019-20 FSC Junior Lifesaver of the Year Club Finalists CLUB

MALE

FEMALE

Batemans Bay SLSC

No nomination

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Oliver Lonsdale

Tarren Elliott

Moruya SLSC

No nomination

Olivia Stafford

Narooma SLSC

No nomination

Bermagui SLSC

Zane Curven

Ella Marshall

Tathra SLSC

No nomination

Zimi Lyras

Pambula SLSC

Jayden Reyneke

Imogen Bichard

Wambiri

North Bondi Bash

Wambiri was again another resounding success with six local clubs, and Mallacoota taking part. The local Pambula RFS were a highlight talking to participants about their recent experiences as well as a practical demonstration. The kids also enjoyed quality time in the water on boards, powercraft and assisting with Pambula Same Wave Special Nippers. Big thank you to Frank Davey, Jimmy McGrath and Andrew Holt for their organising, as well as Sue Hunt for the admin side of things. Super chefs Marguerida Lyras and Maria Moleirinho did a great job cooking for the group. We had 19 candidates, 17 youth leaders, 7 parents and 4 supervisor helpers on the weekend.

We regret to advise that due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 the FSC branch executive and North Bondi SLSC jointly decided it was best to postpone the trip that was scheduled for mid-April. Thanks again to the team of directors at the FSC Branch, representatives from our seven clubs and everyone who volunteers their time in keeping Surf Life Saving great. A big thank you to the Membership Team at SLSNSW Claire Bevis, Lara Boyle, Louise Cook, Stacey Dunn for all their support throughout the season. Andrew Edmunds Director of Member Development

Our Wambiri Experience Friday, 13th March

The first day of camp at the beautiful Pambula Surf Club was great. As people arrived, most were shy and quiet because they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know anyone there, however some, especially those who were there the year before, knew a few people and were quite confident already. As more people were arriving everyone started to talk to others from different clubs and lots of small groups of people formed constantly throughout the evening. Dinner was another chance for people to communicate and learn more about each other. After dinner all of the information, meet and greet and the ice breaker took place. The ice breaker was an opportunity for people to learn more about one another as well as taking part in some fun activities. Following the ice breaker and extra information, everyone was able to set up their beds for the weekend as well as relax inside or outside until 10:30 pm 11:00 pm; bed time.

Saturday, 14th March Saturday was a fun and active day outside. Straight after breakfast everyone went down to the beach with rescue boards for a paddle. Even though the waves werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the biggest, people could still get a nice ride with their friends. After a couple of hours of free beach time Same Wave was on. Same Wave gave all

the SRCs a chance to hangout and teach the young Nippers about surf awareness and beach skills. Everyone seemed to have a great time. Same Wave lasted a couple of hours, after that everyone could have more free time at the beach as well as getting a ride on the jetski and IRB with some of the Pambula lifesavers. Wambiri was great fun and a great part of the trip was when everyone went to Merimbula for the Magic Mountain Tree Climb Challenge. This was one of the best activities that Wambiri offered, being so high up and doing so many different challenges within each level alongside friends was great. Another special opportunity that was offered was a chance to meet the NSW Rural Fire Service - getting a tour of their different vehicles, as well as seeing their safety features including the siren, the protective mist for the trucks, and everyone got a chance to

use the fire hoses. The evening was relaxed starting off with pizza and a movie - the Greatest Showman. Throughout the movie people constantly went outside to hangout and talk.

Sunday, 15th March Sunday was a beautiful day, everyone had breakfast and went straight out on the boards, same as the day before. Everyone had another chance to go for a ride on the IRB or the jetski, however the jetski broke at the beach and had to be taken off early. The whole morning was spent at the beach and packing up clothes and sleeping gear as the wonderful weekend was coming to an end. Lunch was great as usual with lots of chatter and conversation between the now strong groups of friends. After lunch everyone got awarded with a certificate of participation by Tony Rettke - President of the Far South Coast Branch - followed by a big picture of the group and the final clean/pack up before departure. From 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm everyone started to leave, saying goodbye to their new friends from the different clubs. Wambiri was a great weekend for all the SRCs to combine and collaborate as one large group instead of several individual clubs. Thanks very much from all of us for the opportunity. Rachel Huxley Bermagui SLSC

2019 SLSA Leadership Masterclass In July of the season 2019-20, through the efforts and kind words of Tathra SLSC Secretary Loretta Chapple, Sue Hunt DOA FSC Branch, Tony Rettke FSC Branch President and the SLSNSW selection board, I was selected to be one of twenty club members Australia-wide for a Leadership Masterclass in September at the University of South Australia and hosted by SLSA. Over the four days in Adelaide, I got to rub shoulders with some of Surf Life Saving’s young leaders from all corners of Australia and New Zealand. The selected participants were challenged to think strategically about the future of Surf Life Saving in the company of like-minded members that hold leadership roles in their own Club or Branch. We had the chance to further develop our leadership knowledge, learn new skills and create opportunities for personal growth through networking and exposure to lifesaving pathways so we could come back to our own leadership positions with fresh new eyes and implement ideas for the future. In 2017, SLSA established a partnership with the University of South Australia to assist in the facilitation of leadership programs like the Masterclass. The partnership also benefits members by providing an opportunity for attendees to enrol in a Graduate Certificate of Business. While I didn’t take on the extra study beyond the four days it was an amazing experience and time well invested into making connections and links with other leaders all facing the same or similar issues in their part of Australia/NZ.

What come out of it for me is, as a collective of clubs that come together to form what is called the Far South Coast Branch, I feel it’s our role as Presidents, Club Captains and the like to provide a continual safe meeting space where all our voices can be heard and valued. This will see our clubs grow in a respectful way and provide members with pathways to leadership and community engagement from club level to SLSA. By a safe space I mean a place where we can not only agree, but disagree, without repercussions of bad blood spilling over into our small communities. Coming out of a challenging season of 2019-20 with the fires, now 2020-21 with COVID, we have potential new members in our midst this patrolling season who have great skills in mediation, facilitation and leadership. I believe these new members are very keen to help foster dynamic communication skills and leadership within these walls of our local clubs given the chance to grow. So the four days were more than just a standard leadership program, the Masterclass gave those of us who

attended a commitment to making a difference, the chance to be part of creating an effective national movement and the opportunity to ensure that spills out into our local clubs. What I brought back to Tathra SLSC to a new committee for 2019-20 was: I believe there is a new set of words and language we can use to inspire people to become involved and participate without using limiting words like “we are just volunteers” or “we’re all time poor”. Language like “community service” and “well organised” instead. Keen members inspire people to aspire to create lives of family, community and service. As clubs, we need to start mentoring younger members and potential new members with broad skill sets to attend these events in the future. Also we need to provide pathways as the next leadership wave for the Far South Coast in seasons to come step into these roles. Thanks again to the FSC Branch, Tathra SLSC and SLSA. Nick Huggins Club Captain, Tathra SLSC

Education I need to begin by thanking all those that helped me settle into my new role this season. The Club CTOs, Sue Hunt, my predecessor, and the wonderful Education Team at SLSNSW all made my venture into the Education portfolio much easier. That said, it was really only half a season by the time we were interrupted by bushfires, floods and COVID-19. As a result, we had to postpone and then cancel several planned courses. Even now we are still trying to find our way through the new “normal” that is to be the coming season, and no doubt there will be many more changes to come before we see 2021/2022. Regardless of the many challenges, we did manage to get some educating done across the Far South Coast. Congratulations to all those that attained the following:

# AWARDS

AWARD

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques [AID]

Bronze Medallion

IRB Crew Certificate

Junior Activities Age Manager

Resuscitation Certificate

Silver Medallion Beach Management

Silver Medallion IRB Driver

Surf Rescue Certificate (CPR Endorsed)

In addition to new awards, our FSC Trainers, Assessors and Facilitators (TAFs) and some Club Delegates assessed many hundreds of members with their skills maintenance over several awards. This is an often time-consuming and thankless activity each season, but an absolutely necessary one to ensure everyone’s skills are current.

Thank you to all involved. The Pre-Season gathering this season was held at Narooma albeit later than normal because of SLSNSW scheduling issues. Those that attended took receipt of a new ipad for each Club courtesy of SLSNSW which was much appreciated. Those that were unable to attend completed the online

accreditation process and after a few glitches, we got everyone through. This season saw the end of the grace period for TAE upgrades to be completed. This meant some of our assessors were no longer accredited. SLSNSW rolled out a new Supervisory model to ensure these members could still be involved with assessing at the Club level. Thank you to those couple of Accredited Supervisors that helped this process work.

Thank you also to those many members that have actually completed the time-consuming upgrades. The Branch certainly appreciates your extra effort in gaining these qualifications over the past couple of seasons and continuing to provide us with your experience in assessing. There are several more FSC assessors needing to complete online units or attend training and this process has been slowed by the lack of Registered Training Organisations willing to travel down this far to present the course.

Finally, thank you to all those that quietly support our FSC Educators. Those content experts, Club Captains, Water Safety, Administrators, and caterers. Without your assistance there would be no qualified lifesavers between the flags. Thank you! Wendy Law Director of Education

Surf Sports Strangely this season started the same way every other season has. No one could have guessed how much we would all have to go through before it has ended though. The first carnival for the season was at Batemans Bay in November and it was a repeat of our Senior Enduro carnival from last season (minus the sea fog this time). It was great to see so many Masters competitors on the beach and lining up for event after event. We also had some brand new faces taking to competition for the first time and loving it. The weather was kind and the day went quickly. Thanks to Batemans Bay Club for being such great hosts. Nothing was too much trouble, great work!

Broulee then hosted our first Nippers carnival for the season, and the weather was again very kind. The lingering bushfire smoke haze cleared just for the day, and only minimal ash was present in the water. Santa paid a visit to add to the excitement, coming in on an IRB to meet hundreds of eager fans. Big thanks to all the cadet members of the Interbranch Team that provided most of the water safety for the day. Broulee were great hosts and the day went smoothly. Little did we know that day what would become of the rest of the carnivals.

This season our Far South Coast Branch Champion Surf Boat Crews were decided using the results from the single round of the Warilla Barrick Surf Boat Premier Series held at Bulli in November. The remaining boat carnivals in the series were cancelled because of fire threats. Only three of our Champion crews ended up competing at Queenscliff in January at the NSW Best of the Best Interbranch Surfboats. Broulee had Reserve Male and Female and also our Open Women. Along with four other drafted crews from North Cronulla, Newport, and Maroubra Clubs, all crews had a great day of competition and bonded well as a Branch Team. Our Open Women gained Gold in a close result, fantastic work for a crew thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just starting out. Our Far South Coast Interbranch Team travelled north in December to compete again with an interesting weekend had by all (see separate report). The George Bass Marathon ran (albeit only part of it) this season and hosted a record number of entries (see separate report). Pambula was to host another Youth Carnival this season and then the bushfires closed in on the South and North of our Branch, putting an end to that plan. The remainder of the

competition was to be two weekends of combined carnivals at Narooma and Tathra. The Branch Executive laboured over the decisions each time to cancel events. The fires just wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go out. They crept along out west and have threatened every part of our Branch at some point this season. The Surf Sports Executive recommended, and the Branch Executive agreed that for the first time in the history of the Jack Beale trophy, there would be no pointscore champion Clubs or FSC Branch Champions of any category. There was also no FSC Official of the Year awarded.

The Branch had many competitors and boat crews representing their Clubs at the Sydney Water Series, NSW Country Championships, and NSW State Championships and some amazing results were achieved. The National Titles had to be cancelled, and the coming seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Titles have also been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Thanks to all our competitors that make the FSC carnivals so enjoyable. We have no idea what next season will look like under the current conditions and look forward to seeing you all again when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all finally allowed back to a carnival. Please stay safe and well.

The whole Far South Coast Branch thanks the small band of Surf Sports Officials that make all the carnivals happen. Ably assisted by the Water Safety personnel, these volunteers make our competition possible and make it safe.

Wendy Law Assistant Director of Surf Sports

Our competitor of the year award went to Darren Drewsen of Broulee for winning Gold in back to back Open flag events, Masters flags and Masters Sprint events at NSW Country Championships. Our Junior Athlete went to Elli Beecham of Narooma for again retaining her age group flags gold medal (third year in a row), and also winning gold in Open flags and the U17 sprint events at the NSW Country Championships. With limited training opportunities available this season, they both deserve congratulations on all their wins.

Andrew Holt Director of Surf Sports

Interbranch 2019

We were all very excited when the 2019 venue for the Interbranch carnival was announced as Bulli SLSC (Wollongong). This year we would finally not need to have an eighthour bus trip for our athletes to get to the competition. Plans were made and fun activities arranged; including training at the host beach on the Friday followed by giant ball soccer and giant swing rides. All were eager for the weekend to arrive. Then the bushfires started up north and our Summer changed dramatically. We had a team of 40 athletes, including three great draftees ready to go.

The fires crept slowly towards the coast over a number of weeks and had closed both the highways to the north during the week of the trip. Sadly Kaeleigh Peard (U12), and Scott and Craig Senior (U19/Open) were unable to join the trip due to the approaching fires. Our trip changed to only three days, not four and the bus company were nervously worried about whether the Kings Highway towards Canberra would be open for the journey north on the Friday. Special mention has to go the Fiona Kelly (Zak’s mum) who while working with the RFS on that Friday enabled our team to travel north up the Kings Highway just prior to another back

burn being lit. This saved the bus having to turn around and travel back down the Brown Mountain for many hours to get back through to the highway north to Bulli. Team members on the bus have a lasting memory of waving to the RFS fire fighters as they were waved through before the highway closed behind them. This year we stayed at The Tops Conference Centre at Stanwell Tops and decided to have the food all catered by our accommodation. There were unfortunately teething problems. My suggestion for future teams is to stick to catering for yourselves so that quality can be controlled. There were also hiccups with several uniform sizings. Thanks to Kristy Beecham and Gab Stayte and other mums for stepping up to try to sort this all out late Friday. Thanks also to team members that lent swimmers to beach competitors when theirs hadn’t arrived. Our draftees this year were wonderful girls. Emily Benson (Avoca), Tamsyn Gould (Terrigal) competed with Rachel in water events and Alex Rampoldi (North Cronulla) who competed in our beach events. Emily and Tamsyn both stayed the weekend with us and enjoyed our Far South Coast team hospitality. Alex’s parents were also close to the team on the beach and helped coach our beach

competitors on the sand. Bulli conditions were kind both days and the whole team performed well and supported each other as they do every year. Pleasingly, we again held onto 10th spot in the State rankings. The Interbranch trip would not be possible each year without the dedicated parent helpers who step up to support the team. A huge thank you to all the parent helpers on the weekend. The trip can’t happen without them. • Andrew Holt (coach and bus crowd control) • Brendan Constable (assistant coach and the best board handler) • Troy Burhop (southern gear trailer • Troy Beecham (northern gear trailer) • Rob Wildman (Water Safety) • Glenn Bywater (Official) • Gabrielle Stayte, Kristy Beecham and Lauren Tyrrell (team managers- extra thank you for filling in at the last moment) • Judy Jensen, Katrina Bolton, and Fleur & Nigel Constable (chaperones) • Leanne Constable (ice procurer!)

If I’ve forgotten anyone, I’m so sorry, this is such a joint effort by everyone, thank you all. Unfortunately by the end of Sunday the fires had once again closed the Kings Highway, so the trip south was via the Brown mountain and involved changing some pick up points and a last minute dash back from Narooma late Sunday night for our Northern Club members of the team. An eventful ending to an eventful weekend.

FSC Interbranch trips create memories that last, and I have so many wonderful memories over the nine years I have organised the team. It is now time for someone with new ideas and energy to take over. I wish all the athletes and families that I’ve met over the years all the best for the future and hope that you all stay safe and well in these challenging times. Wendy Law Interbranch Coordinator

AGE

ATHLETES AND CLUB

U 12 Male

Bray Constable (NAR), Johnny Constable (NAR), Kaleb Miles (NAR)

U 12 Female

Rogue Constable (NAR), Jesse Doull (NAR)

U 13 Male

Lochie Ellard (TATH) Hugo Hayward (BROU), Travis Stubbs (NAR)

U 13 Female

Sophie Bolton (MOR), Skye Wildman (BROU), Milly Tyrrell (BROU)

U 14 Male

Jack Caldwell (PAM), Kane Doull (NAR), Ashton Reyneke (PAM)

U 14 Female

Halle Constable (NAR), Zimi Lyras (TATH), Carly Van Bracht (TATH)

U 15 Male

Harrison Biddell (BROU), Kai Holt (PAM), Liam Mahony (NAR)

U 15 Female

Kyarna Boulton (TATH), Emma Corcoran (BROU), Kailey Jorgensen (NAR)

U 17 Male

Zak Kelly (PAM), Geordie Kemp (BBAY) Aiden Miles (NAR), Riley Stafford (MOR)

U 17 Female

Elli Beecham (NAR), Luella Boulton (TATH), Georgia Caldwell (PAM), Ava Weymans (MOR)

U 19/Open

Troy Burhop (TATH)

U 19/Open

Rachel Duczynski (TATH)

George Bass Marathon The 2020 George Bass Marathon had been a long awaited and much talked about event. We started promoting the GBM2020 at the end of the 2018 race and for nearly two years it was the talk around most surfboat communities in the country, and overseas. This major bucket list event for boaties and paddlers finally seemed achievable to many and was always a topic of conversation at carnivals, surf clubs and after event functions up and down the East Coast.

number of crews and paddlers that wanted more information on the event and expressed a desire to attend. When entries closed at the end of September 2019, we had 35 boat crews and 25 intrepid ski paddlers. Whilst boat number were marginally short of the record number, ski numbers were 55 per cent higher than any previous entries. Very exciting news for an event that, a few short years ago was on the verge of folding.

The countdown clock was set and our GBM2020 Committee kicked off the epic task of organising our race. We worked hard to pull the event together with the number of approvals to get competitors on the water increasing each year. Gabby Smith and Wendy Law carried the weight of the approval process, and I can’t begin to tell you how pleased we were to have these two incredibly diligent ladies in charge of the process.

The biggest excitement came from the inclusion in the fleet of the Muriwai Meerkats Open Ladies crew and the Yeppoon Vets boat crew from 2016, returning to do it all again……ON SKIs!!!.

Andrew Topp and the team at Capital Chemist Group joined us as the naming rights sponsor, giving us the financial boost that we need to run an event of this size. For us to have a local company that has moved into most States across the country was important, keeping the money in our community.

The main item they needed was a boat, after all they weren’t going far without one. Boaties are a remarkable bunch and we had offers from six clubs to lend the girls a boat, but in the end, courtesy of the NZ Airforce their boat got a free trip across the ditch. Rolled into the back of an Airforce Hercules she touched down in Adelaide four weeks before the race start, and with the help of family and friends arrived at the

Expressions of interest started rolling in 12 months before the event and we were a little gobsmacked at the

We were thrilled to have the Meerkats on board and planning was underway to do everything they could to get here. We followed their fundraising and training efforts on Instagram, and cheered when they met their monetary goal.

starting point at Casey’s Beach with plenty of time to spare. Eight boys from Yeppoon registered for the GBM2020, but sadly Kiernan Gettinby unexpectedly passed away a few weeks before the trip. The remaining paddlers and their families decided they would still come and bring Kiernan with them to complete the Bass. An amazing and heartwarming tribute to a mate gone too soon. We were also pretty stoked to have not one but two all-female crews. Bec Hamilton from South Maroubra swapped club caps to sweep the Moruya Canberra Open Women and Raylene Symons, also with an Open Womens crew, from Maroochydore. We were able to follow Raylene and her crew’s journey to the GBM2020 via social media too … another great adventure. In the weeks leading up to the GBM2020 events beyond our control and beyond our imagining started to unfold. Bushfires on the north coast of NSW started in late October and within 4 weeks more fires started to impact on areas south and west of Nowra. The coast to Long Beach (5 minutes north of Batemans Bay) and National Forest west to Nelligen and Braidwood were ravaged, all roads south and heading to the coast were closed. Fires also impacted on the area from Bairnsdale north to the NSW Border, closing the

Princes Highway. By mid-December fires seemed to be under control, although roads would remain closed for many weeks. Our committee were very mindful of the dangers that would face those travelling to the Far South Coast, and Andrew Holt, Director of Surf Sports (FSC Branch) and George Bass 2020 Director kept in constant contact with local Rural Fire and Roads & Maritime Services. On 20th December 2019, the Committee met and, based on the information given to us by RFS and RMS, we made the decision to forge ahead with the GBM 2020. Crews and paddlers from Mullaloo WA, Darwin, Townsville and Yeppoon were already on the road and the only way here was via Cooma. Nobody seemed to mind the extra kilometres and all were excited to finally get to Batemans Bay. Competitors, families, support teams and officials took over the oval area at Moruya High School from 26/12/2019, and our home for the next few days took shape. To me this is what the GBM is all about. The village atmosphere is amazing, kids, mums, dads, mates,

grandparents all coming together to support each other for the next week. To get to the end of this most epic adventure. This camaraderie has never been more evident that it was this year. Surf lifesavers are a special kind of people, but boaties and paddlers are their own kind of special. They are family and I’m incredibly proud to be considered a boatie groupie and part of their family. Move forward to Day 1 GBM2020 - 29/12/2019. The start had to be moved from the traditional start, under the Batemans Bay Bridge, due to the construction of the new bridge, to Corrigan’s Beach. This worked well with easy access to the beach and good opportunities to watch the start. Smoke that had been in the air for days had dissipated and the morning was clear, but by the start of the race the smoke had dropped making visibility poor although the air at sea level was clear and not inhibiting anyone’s breathing. Times to Moruya could have been included in race records however the race start being a distance from the Bridge.

First around can at Broulee to take home the “Nick Dixon Trophy” was the Super Vets crew from North Cronulla. The old boys had a red hot crack and continued the form being the first crew to cross the line at Moruya. We were fortunate enough to have Mrs Claudia Dixon and her daughter Shelley Goddard on hand to present the trophy to John Leard from the North Cronulla crew. Gavin Granger, life member from Pambula SLSC, was the first ski on the beach at Moruya, to take out the Dave Pheeney Shield, which was presented to Gavin by Michael Pheeney, Dave’s son and President at Moruya SLSC. Day 2 GBM2020 – Another cracker of a day. The weather was clear in shore with the nor-wester pushing the smoke haze to sea. With the breeze behind our competitors short work was made of the trip to Coila Beach at Tuross Head. The beach, notorious for its really rough edge, lived up to expectations, with a couple of boats and RWCs getting smashed on the shore … no injuries to report. And with the second day done the biggest concern for our safety committee with the northerly

expected to continue into Day 3 was “do we launch off Coila in the morning?”. A great evening was had by all that attended the Red Faces evening at the Moruya Golf Club. The night was organised by the Broulee Open Womens crew with funds raised, nearly $600, going to the Moruya Rural Fire Service.

As we all headed home to our variety of accommodations, we looked forward to the race starting on New Year’s Eve at Wagonga Inlet at Narooma, after the safety team made the call over dinner. We had no idea of the catastrophic events that would unfold overnight. Day 3 GBM 2020 - For me, the 31st December 2019 started with a 2am phone call from my parents. Living out the back of Cobargo they had been evacuated. They were frightened but were ok. My sister and her family living at Wandella had been evacuated too. This was all the news I had before the phones went dead. At 2.15am I called our Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator, Steve Dobson, who after growling at me for waking him up, said “leave it with me”. Within 15 minutes he rang back to say that the GBM 2020 had to be cancelled and that the fire event that was evolving was like nothing that we could comprehend.

The decision made we set about notifying all of our competitors and their support teams and our Officials of the news, and to ensure that those that could got out and those that couldn’t remained safe. I don’t think that any of us could get our heads around the events over following days, and many of the people on the South Coast and Far South Coast still struggle to grasp the enormity of everything that happened. Roads were cut quickly, and communications went not long after. Our members that were not able to get out, or decided it was safer to stay put became the first point of contact for evacuees from the outlying communities. Batemans Bay, Broulee Surfers and Bermagui SLSCs became major evacuation centres in a few short hours. Our Clubbies, both Far South Coast and stranded GBM’ers, stepped up to offer any support they could. Many of our people come from emergency service background and we were fortunate enough to have Police, Firies, Ambos, Paramedics, Doctors and Nurses on the ground doing what they do best. Our communities and people are resilient, and the recovery process is slow, and for many it will take a lot of time to get back to any sort of normal.

The untimely arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has made the process even harder with most unable to access services needed to ease them through the aftermath of the fires. There are many individuals that I could single out for their efforts, but there would be twice as many I would miss. There are no words to thank everyone that was here during this time, thank you seems grossly inadequate. We can’t run an event like the George Bass Marathon without the support of our wonderful volunteers, after all, this is an event for Clubbies by Clubbies. Our amazing committee ... Wendy Law and Gabby Smith have worked tirelessly for 18 months to get all of the paperwork and approvals completed, and Gab for picking up MC duties when we lost our announcer at the last minute. The gorgeous Leanne Constable from See Sure Design for producing our fantastic promotional material including the selfie frames, that didn’t get as much use as we would have liked. Andrew Holt, Tony Rettke & Kiaran Harris for chipping away at presentations, water safety, camping grounds and a plethora of ‘little’ tasks that bring the event all together.

Our Referees: Tony Haven – Event Referee: Tony always brings a fresh perspective to any event and the GBM is no exception. He is held in high regard and his wealth of surf and surfboat knowledge and his professionalism is invaluable. Byron Dengate – Ski Referee: Byron too comes with a wide range of surf knowledge and is a reputable Surf Sports Official. Safety & Emergency Management Committee: Steve Dobson, Andrew Holt & our referees. We are eternally grateful for your calm under extreme pressure. Race conditions were fantastic and at the end of Day 2 the biggest decision you had to make was to take the event off the ocean for Day 3 and into the lake at Narooma. Little did we know that when we went to bed that night your focus the next day would turn to the life-threatening fire emergency that developed overnight. Thank you Cast of thousands ... • Water safety: Kiaran Harris, Tony Vella, Philippa Lowe, Ryley Spoelder-Hanlon, Ethan Mass and Shane Mass and Tony Rettke. We can’t get the competitors on the water without you. • Mark Dickinson and the medical boat: thank you for letting me on board on Day 2. I have to say that this gave me a whole new view on the event and how things work on the ocean side.

In closing, on behalf of the George Bass Marathon 2020 Committee, I would like to thank everyone for your understanding in the cancellation of the GBM 2020. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone that supported our people, Surf Clubs and Communities during, and after, the 2019/20 Bushfire Crisis.

Surfboat Crews Open Men Bulli Bronte Coogee Henley SA Long Reef

We look forward to seeing you again on the Far South Coast at the George Bass Marathon 2022, if not before.

Moruya Canberra Vikings

Yours in Surf Life Saving

Broulee Surfers

Sue Hunt Co-ordinator George Bass Marathon 2020

Coogee

A full report on the GBM can be found online at http://fscbranchsls. com/administration/fsc-branchagm-report/

Muriwai Meerkats

OPEN Women

Grange SA Maroochydore North Cronulla Torquay VETS Men

Ski Paddlers

Broulee Capitals

NAME

CLUB

Bulli

Max Bennett

Yeppoon

Corrimal

Ruth Burgess

Bermagui

Freshwater

Gavin Granger

Pambula

Carl Greenhalgh

Currumbin

Grange SA

David Griffin

Kiama

Nathan Haythorpe Kiama Downs

Pambula Tathra Wanda

Steve Mawby

Noosa

Dee McWhirter

Mona Vale

Melissa Meaker

Tathra

Mark Murray

Yeppoon

Danny Murrill

Austinmer

Richard Newton

Yeppoon

Lachlan O’Grady

Bulli

Kym O’Halloran

Pambula

Stewart O’Regan

North Bondi

Murray Osborne

Yeppoon

Darwin (W)

Jack Patison

Austinmer

Long Reef

Bill Robinson

Yeppoon

Mullaloo

Ian Sakoff

Thirroul

Noosa

Sirko Schroeder

Darwin

North Cronulla

Adam Smith

Picnic Bay

North Steyne

• Far South Coast Branch – Thanks Tony Rettke (President) and your committee that entrusted us to keep this epic event going.

Phillip Stubbs

Yeppoon

Wanda

Novak Thompson

Noosa

Warriewood

Craig Vipond

Mooloolaba

THANK YOU!!!

Gary Wilkins

Yeppoon

• Thecla Haven and Bede Webster for stepping up and ensuring that the trackers worked as they should. • Jimmy McGrath for towing the radio trailer and getting equipment to where it needed to be. • Batemans Bay, Broulee and Moruya SLSCs for your efforts over the two days, and to the other four Clubs in the Branch for your work in anticipation of the fleet arriving at your beach.

VETS Women Avalon Beach Moruya Canberra Vikings Pambula Tathra Torquay Super VETS Bulli

Powercraft We’ve had some big SARs during the season that were attended by crews from almost all Branch callout teams. It’s a credit to all clubs that everyone involved worked so well together and all call-out teams gelled as one. We had great numbers of Support Operations and club call-out teams out on the water during lockdown once our patrol season ended early and I’d like to thank all call-out teams for their time and professionalism throughout the season. Andrew Curven Powercraft Captain

Thanks again to all the crews who participated in our own powercraft training course run by Damien Woods.

It was a great success and looking forward to hopefully having big numbers again this pre-season. It’s a great course and I can’t stress enough how important it is for all IRB drivers and crewies to attend the next one on the weekend of 26/27 September, it’s a great way to do your proficiency and work on some new skills on a fun weekend. Thanks again Damien.

All of the RWCs at present are spread out across the Branch with Support Operations so we can provide the best coverage for our region for the off season. The Branch IRB is situated in the call-out container at the marina in Batemans Bay. It’s coming to that time of the year for assets to be serviced through Hunts Marine. The only real issue with repairs this season was with Support Ski 1. It has almost 300 hours on it and is getting long in the tooth. This ski is the first in line to be fazed out as new assets come online.

Powercraft Training October saw Tathra SLSC host another Branch-wide powercraft training weekend. We had 45 surf lifesavers come together to hone their skills with a full day on Saturday focussed on IRB drivers and crewies and then RWCs added in to the mix on the Sunday. It was also a great chance for some of our more experienced IRB trainers and assessors to learn some new tips and tricks for delivering skills while keeping things fun and interesting. The swell was a lot calmer than the previous year so we got to mix things up a bit. The weekend started by going back to basics with time spent on the sand refreshing how to get into the IRB and how to lock in properly. The team then enjoyed some time out on the water and found a good spot further along the beach where they could get some practice in launching and landing in a decent little shore dump. There was good practice on patient pickups and inshore runs and some rock work over near the Tathra Wharf. The afternoon included a session on caring for your equipment and learning how the motors work and how to get your equipment running quickly again after a rollover.

Sunday morning started on a serious note with a look at how quickly things can go wrong at carnivals with a look at the tragedy that unfolded at the 2010 Aussies with the death of Saxon Bird. This was a sobering reminder of the reason continual skills development is so important and the team spent some time working on a desktop search and rescue exercise.

Our Branch UAV Co-ordinator, Connor Leayr, also had a chance to run a drone information session for those interested in taking their UAV Pilot course. Sunday morning had a proficiency session for existing pilots and it was a great opportunitiy for them to practise their skills in tracking craft out on the water and looking at search and rescue scenarios.

They then got the chance to try some new SAR skills in the water with the conditions perfect for some training on how to tow searchers in the water behind the IRB.

The weekend was a fantastic opportunity for our lifesavers to gain some new skills and confidence in a controlled and supported environment. It was also an excellent chance for our members from across the seven clubs to come together and share ideas and experiences. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re often working together on searches and these training opportunities are so important in getting to know each other and the individual skill sets we have. Our thanks to the following who came from Sydney to lead the program for us: Joel Wiseman, Damien Woods and Kane Hughes. Thanks also to Izzy Heazlewood and Nixy Krite who also travelled from Sydney to assist as part of the coaching team. The knowledge, skills and ideas youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve left with us down on FSC are so valuable and we look forward to the next powercraft weekend.

Partnerships and Fundraising

FSC Branch was excited to be the recipient of the 2EC Radiothon funds this season.

The 2EC Radiothon is an annual event run by a local radio station 2EC - on the Far South Coast. Local businesses donated over 400 auction items and the 2EC team donated their time to work the studio and the phones for a full weekend on 23rd and 24th November 2019. We had SLS volunteers from across our Branch come to man the phones, the whiteboards and Tony Rettke, Bruce McAslan and Jon Carruthers even manned the microphones like pros throughout the weekend. The generosity of donor businesses and the community members who purchased items was incredible and $43,000 was raised for FSC Branch.

Our small communities don’t enjoy the large corporations and businesses that other Branches have access to and, as a Branch, we’ve made a commitment to largely forgo sourcing sponsorship opportunities in favour of leaving sponsorship dollars for Clubs to access. The 2EC Radiothon was a great opportunity for us to come together as a Branch to support a fundraising iniative from which we all benefit. Funds raised will support our Branch and Clubs in training, education and the delivery of programs to support our community. “Doing it for the Red and Yellow” was a great success and our volunteers had a blast being part of the team for the weekend. We can’t wait to partner again in the future.

In addition to our local shout out to 2EC, we also had generous donations to our Branch in the wake of the bushfire emergency from Bondi SLSC, Gowing Bros, and North Bondi SLSC. Many other surf clubs from across the country also contributed directly to FSC clubs and we thank them for their support during such a difficult time. It was a wonderful show of comaraderie and love from the surf life saving family. We also want to recognise the contributions of the NSW Government and a number of sponsors of SLSA and SLSNSW. Their contributions ultimately support clubs across the country and the state and we’re grateful to all for their commitment to Surf Life Saving.

Acknowledgements Government

• NSW Government’s Department of Justice (Office of Emergency Management) for the ongoing funding of state-wide operations, which benefit all members through our co-operative agreement. • NSW Government for the support provided through The Office of Sport. • Federal Government for the Beach Safety Equipment Funding which directed $5,000 to every SLSC for the purchase of vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies. • Federal Government for the VET Funding which enabled hundreds of assessors to update their training qualifications and provided clubs with updated training equipment including QCPR manikins and tablets.

NSW Sponsors 37

National Supporters

Inclusion The Beach is for Everyone Far South Coast Branch has three clubs that run inclusion programs for people with additional needs. The programs run by Moruya SLSC, Bermagui SLSC and Pambula SLSC mean that no-one on the coast in our region is ever more than 30 minutes away from the opportunity to participate in beach activities in a safe and supported environment. Participants learn about beach safety and have fun in the surf and on the sand while their carers get to take a break and enjoy some beach time as well.

Unfortunately the season was cut short this year and we didn’t get the chance to have our annual get together for the three programs but we’re looking forward to catching up next year. Not only do our clubs provide scheduled inclusive programs but we also have beach and water wheelchairs available for use by the public during patrols or with a booking.

These programs can’t run without the more than 60 dedicated volunteers between the three programs who willingly give their time every weekend in February and March. Sometimes it’s hard to know who has more fun, the participants or the volunteers; the one thing guaranteed is smiles all around.

David Savage, an Afghanistan war veteran who lost the use of his legs in an IED attack, visited us on the Far South Coast again this year. An avid diver before his accident, Dave made use of Bermagui’s floating wheelchair last year to get back in the water for the first time. He had so much fun he came back this year and we look forward to seeing him again in the future.

Not only was it great for Dave to get back in the water but it was a valuable time for the young Bronze Medallion and SRC members who helped out. It’s easy to forget just how fortunate we are to be able to go in the water whenever we want and the ability to help out and be part of the experience made everyone’s day.

OUR CLUBS

Batemans Bay SLSC The 2019–20 season was one that won’t be quickly forgotten for many reasons, all members of the club have been affected in some way by the Black Summer Fires, either directly or indirectly. The scars from that Summer will take a long time to recover from.

As a club we would like to thank SLSNSW Board of Directors and Far South Coast Branch Executives for their guidance and understanding over such a difficult season, some tough decisions had to be made to protect member welfare. All members of the club performed well over such an interrupted season, whilst maintaining Patrolling, Callout and Nippers duties. Of note was the response to the Fire Emergency on the morning of New Year’s Eve, which saw members of the club assist, comfort and support the members of the public who flocked to the beach to seek refuge from the fire storm that was impacting the community. That day saw the best of humanity shine from the team that dedicated themselves to helping others. With the George Bass Marathon being cancelled due to the poor environmental conditions, the club was lucky enough to have members of Henley SLSC, South Australia Boat crew, staging from our club. Their added support during the fire storm made a world of difference as they willingly gave up their time and resources to assist the public in an unfamiliar area without pause and were valued members of the team over the next few days. At the AGM we filled every position, with decent numbers attending. It

was good to see many regular faces taking on roles within the club. With the support of the Branch Executive, the club was looking forward to another good season on the beach. Over the season the committee have again been a great support and together we have built up a stronger team, one which has guided the club through the current season and hopefully over the next few. Whilst adopting new ways to conduct club business during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the club has managed to stay relatively unscathed during this period. Patrols were well maintained until the COVID-19 situation brought the season to an early finish. Over this season the club members have contributed: • 909 hrs on patrol, • keeping 3,310 swimmers and beach goers safe. Been involved in two rescues and 36 preventions, all occurring outside of the flagged area.

All members of the club are very proud of what they have achieved, a successful and fatality free season at Malua Bay. Many thanks must be passed onto members of Bronte and Bondi SLSCs that came down the coast and gave their own time to give our members a short break after the fires. This exceptionally generous offer allowed many members the chance to recharge and reset after such a strenuous time. The club itself is looking good and we are now receiving booking requests which will help maintain the club infrastructure into the future. Operationally we are four years in front of where we could be, with fairly new patrol equipment, IRBs and motors, we are in a good place in regards to providing care to the general public at the beach and for callouts. The funds allocated by the Federal Government for the BSEF has helped us be in the position that we are, and thanks must be sent their way.

Nippers has seen a drop in numbers this season however the commitment shown by the new Nippers Coordinator has been a pleasure to see. The club attended all the Branch Nipper carnivals this season and the kids that competed had a load of fun. Thanks must be sent to all the Age Managers and Water Safety for the effort they contributed this season. Without them Nippers wouldn’t run. Clyde ISUZU again have supported the Nippers this season by providing Hi-vis rashies and some much needed Long boards for competition. Their ongoing support of grass roots sporting clubs is very much appreciated. The club appreciates the efforts put in by all officials and organisers of carnivals; your selfless dedication allows all competitors the chance to take part in these events. Senior competition wise, our little club has performed well over a shortened season, especially with the boat crews:

Masters Women: 180 – Tracy Innes, Barb Van Luin, Danielle Heron, Megan Duros – Sweep Neil Innes # State 180 Masters Gold Open Men’s – Wayne Copin, Mick Bellette, Luke Price, Brendan Ellis – Sweep Neil Innes # State Open Men’s Gold Dial Before You Dig have again this season helped support the rowers with sponsorship and their ongoing support is invaluable. Batemans Bay SLSC Call-out Team again proved their worth, stepping up to conduct out-of-hours rescues and searches along with being on standby to help with water evacuations of those affected by the fires North of Batemans Bay over the Summer period.

The club would like to thank all SLSNSW and SLSA sponsors and our local sponsors below for their ongoing support of Surf Lifesaving. Colin Knight President

Broulee Surfers SLSC This patrolling season has been like no other I have experienced in almost 30 years of surf life saving at Broulee. Bushfires, floods and COVID-19 have all played a role in disrupting normal patrols and club activities. It also resulted in our clubhouse becoming an unofficial evacuation centre and distribution point for food and basic essentials for the community of Broulee and Mossy Point.

The Currowan bushfire began in late November and by December it had closed the Kings Highway to Canberra for several weeks. Our Canberra members and Canberra Nippers were unable to meet patrol commitments or participate in coast based activities. This fire expanded and by New Year’s Eve it threatened Broulee directly. Many local residents fled to the clubhouse for safety and for medical assistance. Local members plus Canberra members staying at the clubhouse were able to meet their needs in a calm and

professional manner. This illustrates how the surf club is viewed as more than a group keeping swimmers safe between the flags. After the fires of January, we experienced flooding rains which brought debris to the beaches contaminating the water. Again patrols were suspended until it was safe again to enter the surf. Finally, the last month of the patrolling season was abandoned as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing requirements. This also required the postponement of the end-of-season presentations and social gathering. This is now scheduled for the start of the new patrolling season. Throughout all this disruption and life-changing events, our members have excelled by supporting their community and each other. Many people needed support in those highly anxious times and they received this support from the club community.

In the weeks that were unaffected, the Club achieved many goals: • The Broulee based nippers increased in numbers to 119. Canberra based nippers also continued to hold maximum numbers of approximately 130. Under Jason Domeny and Steve Corcoran, the nippers have continued to develop great skills, successfully compete in local and state competitions and most importantly have fun. • Boat crews continued to do well in competition. One disappointment for them was the cancelling of the George Bass marathon after only two legs. Bushfires have wideranging effects. • The annual Bay to Breakers Ocean Swim was again a great success. Close to 400 participants was an amazing outcome considering the uncertainty generated by the bushfires. The event raised much needed funds for the surf club and Broulee-Mossy Point Community Association. Many thanks to our organising committee chaired by Gary Pettigrove and our major sponsor Hotondo Homes. • Our trainers, as usual, had a busy start to the season. All patrolling members completed their annual proficiencies and many also completed new awards. 584 proficiencies were completed which included 390 nipper swims. 291 new awards which included 238 nipper awards were completed. Many thanks to all trainers and nipper coordinators for a job well done.

• Club membership remains impressive. Total membership including active members, nippers and social members is 669. The nippers accounted for 250 of this number. • Several members participated in the Beach to Bush program. They included Steve Corcoran, Judy Jensen, Matt Cox, Nat Browning and Jessica Campbell. This is a great program designed to give people living inland some understanding of the surf and hopefully help keep them safe when they holiday at the coast. • Our grant application writers and building committee have managed to get most of the groundwork for the club’s stage 2 extensions sorted. Hopefully building will commence soon. • Other highlights include the continuation of the Sunday swims, several junior members participating in the Branch development program Wambiri, other members participating in the Winter Paddlers series, the call-out team attending several incidents. • Gary Pettigrove, Andrew Edmunds and I have recently had discussions with representatives from the Eurobodalla Shire Council concerning a lease for the surf club. Hopefully we will achieve this goal in the next couple of months.

I also wish to acknowledge the work of the club committee in ensuring the smooth running of the club. All have ensured that their area of responsibility has been run well and all have provided informed opinions in decision making at the whole club level. They have given me, as Acting President, a great deal of support and I am grateful for this. Dave and Wendy Law resigned from their roles of President and Secretary in early May. I would like to thank them for their hard work and contributions up to that point. Since early May, Gary Pettigrove has been acting as club secretary and

along with Lynda McKay , Andrew Edmunds and myself have formed the club executive and have ensured that the club continued to meet its obligations. They have done a great job. My thanks go to all club members for your contributions throughout the year. Without you, there would be no club. Let’s hope the next year will be better than the one we have just experienced. Allan Veness Acting President

Canberra Broulee Nippers The opportunity for Canberra residents to participate in Broulee Surfers SLSC’s Canberra-based Surf Life Saving Nippers program continues to be very popular, with 133 nippers and 7 cadets registering for the 2019-20 season; 140 in total, up from 131 last season. The Nippers train at Canberra Olympic Pool and the older Nippers and cadets also do some training sessions on Lake Burley Griffin. Approximately every third week is away at Broulee or a carnival.

During the season the Nippers were able to participate in a number of training sessions both in Canberra and at Broulee, plus some also competed in the Broulee branch carnival, NSW pool rescue championships, the Interbranch carnival, the Under 14s Wambiri camp and the 500m Broulee Hotondo Homes ocean swim. As noted earlier, training and carnivals were impacted by the fires, road closures and COVID. However, even with a shortened season we were able to deliver the lessons and training required for Nippers to complete their age awards. A number of Nipper parents performed SLS patrols during the season as part of our CBN patrol team (Patrol 2), and helped to educate Canberra kids as part of the Beach to Bush. The Nippers’ age award certificates, and the trophies for age champion, runner up and the encouragement award will all be postponed until restrictions allow us to gather to announce and celebrate the Nippers’ achievements during 2019-20. The CBN subcommittee would like to thank Wendy and David Law, Jason Domeny, John Papadimitriou, and all the Broulee-based Age Managers, Water Safety, Trainers and Assessors. Thanks also to Dan and Jacy Harding for pool rescue coaching, and to James Flick and Ian Laverock for helping with SRC/BM training and Gary Pettigrove for mentoring our Canberra-based trainers.

CBN was fortunate to have generous sponsors and donations from Capital Chemist, ACT Government, AusCERT Building Certifiers, Nikias Diamond, The Dock Restaurant and Cordelta. Thanks also to support from Ignite Specialist Recruitment, DWL Demolitions and Excavations, OnTheGo Sports, Ingenia Holidays Broulee, The Lodge Broulee, Barlings Beach Caravan Park, Grill’d and Belconnen Discount Framing Gallery.

SLSNSW Pool Rescue Championships July 2019, Interbranch and Ocean Swim The season started early with an indoor event in July to test lifesavers’ skills in events involving rescuing manikins and live patients using various equipment including rescue tubes, fins and ropes. Ten competitors from Broulee Surfers (including seven from our Canberrabased nippers and parents) participated in the SLS state pool rescue championships at Woy Woy. The nippers had a great time on

the first day of the carnival, with a number of top 10 finishes. On the second day, the Masters combined to place Broulee Surfers 5th overall, after Bondi, Shelly Beach, Terrigal and Umina. This result was mainly due to the fantastic swims by Todd Hayward, placing 2nd in four events and combining with Steve Corcoran to put Broulee 3rd in state in the line throw teams event. Cadets (Under 15s) Harrison Biddell and Emma Corcoran received representative honours, making the team for the Far South Coast interbranch championship at Bulli SLSC. In the Broulee ocean swim held on the Canberra Day long weekend, there was a huge turnout of nippers attempting the 500m open ocean swim, with cadets and parents tackling the 1.4km course. Well done to all who competed and to Canberra nippers Sofia Szymanski (2nd) and Xavier Hose (3rd) for placing in their respective categories.

Training Well done to CBN parents, Nippers and older siblings who completed SLS courses during the 2019-20 season: Bronze Medallion: Jess Moore, Angie Hughes, Mick Turner, Si Kayser, Marcel Andrewartha, Emma

Corcoran, Bella Laverock, Colette Paterson, Harrison Biddell SRC: Oline Raymer, Jeremy Hughes, Xavier Hose SLS Coaching qualification: Greg Leach Nippers Captain for 2019-20 season: Oline Raymer

Conclusion Thanks to the many wonderful Nippers parents that helped with water safety, age managing, BBQing, carnival set up and more.

Thanks to the CBN sub-committee members that helped to organise the season: Steve Corcoran (chair), Wendy Law, Judy Jensen, Louise Youngman, Brad van Dam, Matt Cox, Renee Cox, Jennie Armstrong, Greg Leach, Mahdi Turner, Sarah Hawkins and Yvonne Gonzalez. With so many people helping to make it a success, sincere apologies if we missed thanking anyone. We are looking forward to getting back to Nippers at the pool and the beach in springtime, and a great 2020-21 season! Canberra Broulee Nippers subcommittee

Moruya SLSC Having commenced the 201920 season with a great deal of excitement for what lay ahead, who could have predicted the events that have transpired. With everything that has occurred during this season, it is with little surprise that our Surf Club members have continued to provide outstanding support to the community we serve.

The usual excitement that surrounds a George Bass year was evident for all to see as the boats and skis arrived in Moruya on Sunday 29th December 2019. Unfortunately, this excitement was short lived with the first mid race cancellation of the event due to the fire crisis experienced. It takes a small army to ensure the arrival and departure of all crews competing in this wonderful event runs smoothly and we have many soldiers willing to put their hands up. I would like to thank each and everyone of our members that volunteered their time to ensure the event ran as smoothly as possible. I would like to make special mention of Nathan Mass who, at very short

notice, spent many hours in the tractor towing boats and trailers to and from the beach. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. Mother Nature and COVID-19 provided our Special Nippers Program with many challenges this year. While the program was disrupted throughout the season, our volunteers still managed to provide a great deal of enjoyment to our participants. Thank you to Mike, Carol and Bridie for your dedication to this truly amazing program. I would like to congratulate Ryley Spoelder-Hanlon who was named the 2020 Fergus Thomson Young Branch Person of the Year. Ryley won this award for his service to Moruya SLSC and the wider surf club community. Ryley is member of Moruya SLSC Youth Activity Group, an active competitor and keen to improve his surf lifesaving skills; he completed his Silver Medallion this year. Ryley helps at Nippers and Special Nippers, he is a regular helper around the club and patrolled a whopping 52 hours on our beach

this season. I would also like to congratulate all our award nominees. Each season we reflect on those that we have lost and this year is no different. While our thoughts and prayers are with all our members who have lost loved ones, I would like to acknowledge two of our members. The season started poorly with the loss of the much loved Ack Weyman in November. Ack gained his Bronze in the 1970s, in the days of reel, line and belt. For many years he was first in line to help a Bass crew, many BBQs, the Fun Run and any other fundraising activities. There are many Rowers and Ski paddlers that would have struggled to make their way to Eden without the massage assistance of Mr Magic Hands, myself included. I am sure that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not the only one that misses his cheeky smile and quick wit. Our thoughts go out to the Weyman family. A good man that left a huge footprint on life. The passing of Life member Max Hogno in June 2020, after a short battle with an aggressive illness, has left a large void in the historical records of our organisation. Max arrived in Moruya during the 196566 season for his day job as the Clerk of Petty Sessions of the Moruya Court House. From day one Max threw himself into club life both in competition and administration. If a job needed doing Max would be always on hand to help. Ron Chesher had the dual role of Moruya Club President as well as FSC Branch President and soon recognised that Max had the skills to be a very good Branch Secretary which Max willingly accepted and

excelled at over a number of years eventually earning himself Life Membership of the Far South Coast Branch of SLSA. Max held many roles in the Moruya Surf Club from President down and always undertook each role with the utmost attention to detail, a factor that wasn’t always understood by some. It was Max’s training as a Manager of the Court and further study in Law that saw him always striving to cross every T and cross every I but overarching all that was a man who was absolutely dedicated and loyal to our Surf Club. Max’s contribution to the Moruya Surf Club across many decades from fund raising to administration to competition to general volunteering is of a type seldom repeated and he will be missed and remembered. As a cadet growing up during Max’s tenure as President, his passion to ensure accountability amongst members did highlight the importance of our volunteering role. As we would all agree, the impact of the Bushfires on our members and community has been significant. We are well aware of the emotional impact the fires have had but it would be remise of me not to remind everyone of the significant financial impact the loss of our Friday night Sippers and other fund raising opportunities that were lost. With COVID-19 following on from the Bushfires, we will need to be mindful of further financial pressures that will arise. The loss of sponsors and potential fundraising opportunities will need to be closely managed to ensure the financial viability of our Club. I thank everyone that managed to make their way to the Coast from Canberra to patrol when the road did open and to our local

members that seemed to be on high fire alert for the amount of time you have dedicated to volunteer while constantly worrying about your own families and homes. It is important to recognise the support and donations we have received from many businesses and organisations including Camerons H Hardware, Southern Phone, IMB Foundation, Moruya Chamber of Commerce, Moruya Rotary and Moruya Lions. The assistance of Eurobodalla Shire Council is also acknowledged and appreciated. We must also remember that our National and State bodies have been responsible for procuring major corporate sponsors that assists all surf clubs. • DHL - subsidise our patrol shirts • Westpac for their significant sponsorship towards the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, the oldest civilian search and rescue service in Australia

• ClubsNSW • Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) & Surf Lifesaving Foundation once again distributed to Moruya SLSC funds from the Guardians of the Surf raffle. In previous reports I have highlighted how the lifesaving movement continued to look after their respective communities without hesitation. I highlight these tough times experienced in previous seasons as a means to show that we are at our strongest in times of adversity. I also highlight these times as a reminder that sometimes all is not as it seems, and we need to make sure that we are checking on each other on a regular basis. We sometimes operate in a highly stressful environment and it is important that all members are aware that there is support available if required. I would like to close my report by thanking all our wonderful members for the time and effort supplied this season to ensure that our core business of keeping people safe has once again been upheld and by apologising if I have missed personally thanking anyone in my report. As we all know, “If you volunteer your time to seek recognition you are volunteering for the wrong reasons.” Michael Pheeney President

Narooma SLSC Another season has gone and it sure was one to remember – fire, floods, pandemic. To start with I would like to say thanks for all the help we receive behind the scenes from the committee of our FSC Branch. These guys do a lot of work to make sure our clubs survive the rigours of operation, compliance, etc, etc. There are more demands on our club to perform at a higher level and these guys help make it all happen!

This season was fairly disjointed due to the bushfires and then the COVID-19 pandemic. When bushfires came close to our town towards the end of 2019 our

clubhouse was used as an evacuation centre for displaced people for a couple of days. Many locals and tourists were trapped in Narooma as the town was encircled by fire and all highways had been closed. I’d like to thank the members who were able to give assistance during this time as many were unable to help as they themselves were preparing to evacuate their own homes. Dobbo, Rettke, Jim McGrath, Whitey & Carla, Glenn & Belinda, Ben Bate are just some names that come to mind although there were many more! I don’t think I’ll ever forget that black sky with red edges on New Year’s Eve 2019.

Patrols We had an interesting time with patrols this year. Thanks to all our active patrolling members who donate many hours of their time to keep the public safe on our beach once again a fatality free year on our patrolled beach. We were fortunate enough to have members from Sydney branch come down to help us out over several weekends from Elouera, Clovelly, Tamarama clubs and I can’t thank them enough for such generous support.

Nippers

Around the Club

Our Nipper program was run by Carla Durnham and Monica Bird this year and while the season may have been cut short I’m sure they learnt a lot and will be back next year.

We didn’t have a senior presentation this year as many events were cancelled.

Attendance numbers were good and it’s rewarding to see kids at the start of the season being scared of the water then progress over the weeks to become confident with their new skills and really enjoying themselves with skills they will have for life. We had an online Nipper presentation this year by Carla and Monica and it was a great success. Congratulations to Sara James being awarded Nipper of the year.

Elli Beecham did manage to compete and did well, representing our club at top level. Some of her efforts were: • 3rd under 17 beach sprint • 1st under 17 flags • 1st open flags at Country Championship • 9th @ State open flags Well done Elli hope to see you next year!

Thanks to the set-up crew, BBQ crew, parents, age managers, etc, etc, that make it all happen every week.

Of course I can’t forget the rest of the team that really do all the work –the committee: Glenn Belinda Fleur Ella Carla Monica Whitey Dobbo Max Ben Podge Youngy Shaun Thanks and see you on the beach Jon Carruthers President

Bermagui SLSC Well...what a year it’s been!! We have had some major curve balls thrown our way and we have come through some pretty tough times in a way that makes me very proud of our team. I know that I emphasise TEAM a lot but the main reason for our success, in my opinion, is that we function as a cohesive unit. This year we have had some new faces on Committee and with them comes new skill sets, ideas and points of view. I’d like to acknowledge and thank the whole Committee for a job well done.

Our Team Andrew (Lobba) Curven: Club Captain. Steve O’Sullivan: Deputy President and Club Vice Captain. Cherry Bailey: Publicity & Social Media Officer. Maureen Croft: Treasurer. Jai Curven: Power Craft Captain. Geoff Hulett: Licensee. Sue Hunt: Member Recognition. Robert Johnson: Power Craft ViceCaptain. Bron Judge: Registrar. Vikki Marshall: Training Officer. Warren Marshall: Boat Captain. Cheryl McCarthy: Secretary. Paul McCarthy: Website & Radio Officer. Euan McKenzie: Safety Officer & Same Wave Coordinator. Pomona McKenzie: Same Wave Coordinator. Tasman McKenzie: Same Wave Coordinator. Tanya Roberts: Function Coordinator. Carlin Stanford: Same Wave & Nippers Coordinator. Ellie Theodorakis: Uniforms Officer. Claire Wheaton: Community Engagement. Ten of the team are new to the committee this year and we’re also proud to have a Nipper and an SRC member on the committee. They bring a valuable perspective and do a great job of keeping the more

senior troops in line! Thank you all for your contributions this past year. A truly amazing team.

The 2019-20 Season We started the year off with a BANG by being part of the Support Operations Team that received a National Award for Innovation for the joint collaboration with Marine Rescue. We followed on from that success by celebrating the 110th anniversary of the Bermagui SLSC (formally South Bermagui Surf Bathing Club) which is one of the oldest active clubs in our branch. The season kicked off in usual form, training of a new SRC & Bronze Medallion class. We had the biggest class we’ve ever had, 25 new patrollers. The Nippers program started under the leadership of Ali de Kleuver. Unfortunately we lost the Glasson/de Kleuver family to South Australia at Christmas time. Huge loss for our club but Ali’s role was filled by the McKenzie-Stanford family and both the Nippers & Same Wave programs have increased membership and volunteers. The BBQs, water safety and age managers have been handled by a very keen group of parents. Patrols started in earnest in November with an emphasis on

the “Beach is for Everyone” and “The Surf Club is a Fun Place to Be”. Engagement of the public and preventative actions remains our focus rather than rescues. We had no rescues during patrols although we did have a life saving action taken by Dan Scollay who cleared an obstructed airway for an infant. Quick thinking and action prevented a possible tragedy. Thanks Dan. Offduty patroller, Radek Hruska, was on scene of a drowning at 1080 Beach. He performed CPR on the drowning victim. We also had several callouts involving our team including a two-day search at Barragga Bay, two-day search at Narooma and a three-day effort at Gillards Beach for the drowning hoax. Although there was no victim our teams from across the Branch performed as per their training and worked very well with each other and other agencies, garnering praise from the NSW Police. Will Vaughan-Smith and Euan McKenzie were involved in the rescue of two men from a sinking vessel in a joint effort with Marine Rescue and Life Saver 23. Vikki Marshall was also involved in the recovery of that vessel. Last, but not least, was the grounded Longliner north of the Wallaga Lake entrance. Great efforts by all involved. Your skill and professionalism have

brought praise to our Club and Branch. We continue to develop programs like “Safeguarding Children”, WHS compliance, etc. While we have an emphasis on having fun, we will not lose focus on the need to do things safely and professionally to protect our members. Recognition and prevention are the keys. As mentioned above, our Junior Activities (Nippers and Same Wave) were well attended and led. We had several functions booked as well as day use programs. Unfortunately, much of the season was interrupted by the Bushfires that filled our time from New Year’s Eve into February. Once the threat was over our Nippers and Same Wave teams, parents and volunteers provided some normalcy to our community by getting people back to the beach.

Community Engagement We also continue to support other community groups by providing water safety for their fundraising and community initiatives. We provided water support for ReBoot in Bermagui ocean swims, Bermagui Runners Triathlon group and the CRABS Duck Race. Strong relationships have also been formed with other clubs such as the football club and the cricket club. These relationships provide an opportunity to source joint funding for initiatives such as “Same Wave” which complements “Kickability”, a similar program for the football club which runs in the winter (football season).

cooking area and they provided meals and comfort to emergency workers. We would like to express our gratitude to Members of George Bass Marathon Teams who transitioned on a moment’s notice from rowing team to disaster relief team. Thanks to the teams from Pambula, Bulli, Corrimal, Coogee, Long Reef & Maroochydore SLSCs!! As a result of our club’s contribution, plans have been made to develop the clubhouse to a more appropriate venue to host large groups of people who have been evacuated. We have plans to develop unused areas under the main floor to house supplies. A generator large enough to supply electricity to the entire building is in the plan as well as much needed upgrades to our kitchen.

Disaster Relief New Year’s Eve, we were called into action when the fires consumed Cobargo, Quaama and other areas west of us. On a moment’s notice we opened the clubhouse and utilised our plan. Within a few hours there were over 5,000 people in and around the clubhouse, Dickenson Park and the Oval. We provided support for the community, a safe haven, until other arrangements could be made to evacuate to safer locales. We subsequently became the base for all local Emergency Services Teams. New members like Helen Morris and John Carter managed the kitchen while Dennis Walker from Marine Rescue managed the outdoor

Grants Grants totalling more than $100,000 to fund these plans have been applied for and awaiting approval. Other grants approved are $19,900 for a new IRB and trailer, $5,000 towards the generator. We’re also awaiting a grant to fund a new hoist to help people with a disability to access our beach wheelchair.

COVID-19 This report is not complete without a mention of our pandemic. COVID-19 has thrown a wrench

into this season. We got through the January fires, rain in February and then pandemic from March onward. We shut the doors of the club toward the end of March and are only now (end of June) making plans to open our doors in accordance with current guidelines. The clubhouse has been open to emergency use only. Our callout team area is accessible to team members in emergency situations, pre-planning and maintenance functions. In lieu of normal patrols, the call-out team provided roving patrols through April.

Recognition Congratulations on Club awards to: Ella Marshall and Zane Curven: Junior Lifesavers of the Year Zane Curven: Junior Club Person of the Year Hannah Buchli: Cadet Life Saver of the Year Carlin Stanford: Club Person of the Year Maureen Croft: Administrator of the Year Andrew Curven: Bermagui SLSC and FSC Branch Lifesaver of the Year

Acknowledgements We have had significant contributions made to our effort this year by every level of the Surf Life Saving movement. We thank our members and volunteers for all the input they have given. At the Branch level, I’d like to thank our Branch President, Tony Rettke, for his leadership and sage advice. The fact that our entire Far South Coast Branch operates as one big team has made this year go a lot smoother than one would have thought. Thanks go out to all our associates in the Far South Coast Branch, from Bateman’s Bay to Pambula and everywhere in between. The success of a club is reliant on so many contributions and we appreciated every piece of input and energy, whether it be large or small. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the journey. Bruce McAslan President

Tathra SLSC

2019-20 will more than likely be remembered for the devastating bushfires that swept along our coast line from New Year’s Eve. The ferocity and power displayed by the fire will be etched in the memories of all residents, young and old, for many years to come. The fire managed to bring the whole sapphire coast to a standstill, devastating the tourist season in our area over the Christmas period. Many of the planned events up and down our coast were forced to be cancelled due to the unpredictable weather conditions we experienced. Our Club opened the doors in the early stages of the fires as an evacuation centre and to all the members that assisted I extend a big thank you. Follow the fires with COVID-19 in March where we saw all surf clubs along with all business going into lock-down as the virus swept across the world and threatened to impact Australia. The Australian government took the initiative where we all experienced a new way of living as we combatted the spread. The committee made the decision to lock down the Club early and cease the second half of the season patrols. This was done with the support of all members and minimal backlash. The decision wasn’t taken lightly and I thank all for their understanding during the difficult times we all experienced. Through these times the Club was forced to cancel many of the scheduled events for the second half of the season along with functions which create some of the Club’s income thoughout the year. I would like to thank Paula and Tom Park

and their band of helpers for the professionalism shown when we were forced into shut-down. To Andy Johnson who coordinated the roving patrols for the remainder of the season and the support he showed with the lock-down period, we are all grateful. Due to the south coast fires the Wharf to Waves committee was forced to cancel the event for 2020 but has promised the event will come back in 2021 even stronger. The committee still showed outstanding support by purchasing this season’s T-shirts from the committee members. The George Bass Committee also made a very hard decision only two days into the event and abandoned the race early. Boaties from Batemans Bay to Bermagui converted from racing to helping in the evacuation centres during the first few days of the disaster with the fires. After two days of competition the girls were equal first in their division which included a leg win on day one and the boys were placed

equal third. A big thank you goes out to all the supporters and the sponsors who continue to play a huge part in Tathra being part of this prestigious event on the Far South Coast Branch calendar. Tathra Surf Club was also involved in several other incidents during the year which included the removal of the whale carcass from the rocks outside the wharf and the hoax missing person at Gillard’s beach. Again the dedication shown by our members was outstanding and I thank one and all for their work. Our committee saw several changes at the general meeting in August 2019 and to those who stepped back from committee positions within the club I thank you for all you efforts over the years. I also thank the club members who put their hands up for the existing committee roles and commend them for the professional attitude they have shown throughout the year. All members of the committee have displayed a dedicated professional manner and have taken ownership

of their individual portfolios which continues to put the Tathra Surf Club in a sound position as we go forward into the future. Several events were held at the Surf Club over the year along with the Branch holding the duck training at Tathra in October 2019. Again the event was a raging success and I urge our Club members to take the opportunity to participate in future events. Reboot 2020 was a resounding success held on 31

January 2020 and to all those who attended and the helpers to make it possible I thank you. The evening raised over $3,500 for fire relief in our area. Tathra Surf Club was to hold the Branch carnival this year but COVID-19 put a stop to this. To Nick, Troy and the band of workers thank you for your efforts in the preparation. We were all disappointed when we had to call the event off.

Tathra was also involved in the fund raising event in combination with 2EC/Power FM for the Far South Coast Branch. A big thank you goes out to all members who gave up their time over the weekend and these efforts have given the branch funds for future events and training within our area. To all our members thank you for your efforts throughout the patrol season. The club honoured all its requirements in the disjointed season due to the fires and the virus and to those who committed to extra hours on the beach to cover patrols, again, thank you for your efforts. Our Nippers continue to get stronger. To Derek Van Bracht and all his committee, water safety and parents I thank you, you guys are the future of our club. Finally to all the club sponsors a big thank you is extended to you all. The support shown by our local businesses has been outstanding and has placed the club in a sound position as we move into the future. Peter â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pommieâ&#x20AC;? George President

Lake Jindabyne Yabbies

Well what a season we all have had. The season started well with about 25 nippers joining and the return of five of our SRCs to help out. Plus congrats to new Bronze member, Teagan Firle. Training went well up to holiday break, with lots of board paddling to stay on top of the cold water. Then over the holidays we had the devastating fires around the area and down on the coast. We are so proud to be part of the Far South Coast Branch that came to so many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rescue in that time.

February arrived with the return of training under smoke-filled skies. During February we had our two major fundraisers of the season. Running water safety for the Australia Alpine Ascent triathlon, held on Lake Jindabyne. Then Oceania Cross Triathlon Championships, held at Lake Crackenback Resort. A great thanks to our Bronze and SRC members Zac Bortoli, Mac Livissianos, Rayna Green, Troy Ingle, Kai Ingle, Teagan Firle and Lia Firle for doing a great job on water safety.

With carnivals this season we had no members make it to Broulee and the Branch made the right decision with the Narooma carnival. We had one of our SRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel to the Wambiri camp at Pambula as a leader. Good job Lia Firle. Then COVID-19 hit and that put an end to the season for training and the Tathra carnival. This was a difficult season with the fires and COVID-19, but we are a strong Branch and it will be good to see everyone again this coming season. Thanks Marty Firle President

Pambula SLSC Thank you to the members of Pambula Surf for the opportunity to serve our Club as President, indeed at the beginning of the season I had thought I was stepping aside and, lo instead, I stepped into this role, my life’s dream.

While it would be quite normal to comment on the extenuating circumstances of this season, I would instead like to begin with the beginning – the start to our season was spectacularly normal and our newly formed Nipper committee with Kate Bessell as secretary, Jade Dryden as commander and Marita Fraser, her deputy, were fabulous. All the Nipper community supported our team with Age Managers, ensured kids were safe in the water, and the BBQ folk who made sure the Nippers were well fed with sausages, cooked in our amazing Nipper BBQ addition built with love by former President Stephen Hodgson and opened by Andrew Constance. Our Registrar, Marci Vitouchova, signed up some nearly 400 members to our club – including an astonishing 125 x 5 year olds! Future Presidents all of them. Marci was nominated as our club’s Administration officer for the season, then won the Branch award; Myril Bunt Award - Administrator of the Year, she will now go in the running for an award for SLSNSW – State! I am so very proud. In stepping down from his Nipper commitments, our Vice President Andrew Holt, was never far away from the scene on Sundays, his move being more a sideways shuffle. Andrew wears so many hats in our Club, we are fortunate to have him leading our team in so many ways.

Andrew was nominated and won our Coaches award for this season. Our season saw 2,340 hours of service – this of course is on the books, for we all know many more hours are spent behind the scenes making operations smooth and effective, equipment maintained, rosters written, bars stocked, proficiencies completed – my thanks to those selfless workers. A George Bass year throws extra challenges to all Clubs and these were met by Pambula with two teams in the mix and some of our members rowing for another Far South Coast club. Congratulations to the George Bass Committee and the teams involved in this event. The George Bass was to end rather abruptly at Bermagui, and it was here that teamwork came to the fore and our crews were amazing in their organisation of people, food and first aid with the threat of fires surrounding them in those dreadful days of the new year. To quote Chris

Briggs; “I’ve never been so proud to be member of Surf Lifesaving.” Chris and all our George Bass crew were nominated and won our Club’s Team of the Year – well done all. The fires impacted all our Clubs on the FSC, Pambula Surf is designated as a place of refuge and a few people took advantage of sanctuary on New Year’s Eve and again on the 4th of January. This lovely message from some Visitors to our area who took cover on NYE, from Jimmy: “Thank you Ann and Pambula surf club and community. I was one of the people you took in along with my in-laws and friends from Europe visiting Australia for the 1st time who were terrified of the situation we were in. You all help us in so many ways. We hope to return and hope your club and community and other south coast communities recover from these fires. Thank you Muchísimo Gracias Tack Så Myckt.” Awards won by our members this season include;

On 26 January 2020 Michele Bootes was honoured as the Bega Valley Citizen of the Year! A very proud moment for Michele & Peter and all their Surf buddies from Pambula, FSC Branch and State SLS – a most worthy award for a selfless, hardworking and wonderful Lifesaver. In December 2019 Jayden Reyneke and Imogen Bichard, both nominated as Pambula’s Young Lifesavers of the Year, were awarded the Branch award! This was wonderful news and I was so very proud of their efforts.

would be indeed poorer for not having him on our team (pardon the pun). I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those in our Club who serve in our committees, patrol our beaches, sell tickets at our raffles, keep watch over our nippers, run the Same Wave program and support our community with fundraising volunteering and education.

The Bichard girls are the source of much pride in Pambula Surf, Ruby was our Young Lifesaver of the Year at Pambula and went on to win the award for Rookie of the Year at Branch Level, a fantastic achievement and we all wish Ruby well as a nominee in State. Our committee for this year has worked hard under strained circumstances and I thank them for their ongoing support and diligence, my special thanks to Kerry Bourke who has been a wonderful secretary and securer of our vital grants. We

Pambula Club thanks our major Sponsors Bendigo Bank, Merimbula RSL, Club Sapphire and the Lakeview hotel. Pambula Club donated one week of our raffle income to the Pambula RFS and Potoroo Palace for aid after the January fires. Thanks also to our Emergency callout team headed by Andrew Holt and our new Duty Officer, Emma Prowse, with all call-outs ending in positive outcomes. Emma was nominated and won our Club’s award for Trainer, she then capped off a winning streak and collected the award for FSC Branch – a sensational achievement Emma, a young leader and dedicated life saver for Pambula Surf.

Our end-of-season presentation evening will be deferred to the beginning of season 2020-21, so we can join with the nominees and winners and bring in the new season with fitting celebration. We nominated and happily recognised the following folk in our club – Andrew Love, Lifesaver of the Year, Ruby Bichard, Young Lifesaver of the Year, the Don Hay Shield, our Services Team of the Year was our vollie lifesavers who are also vollie RFS people – Miep Krechting, Andrew Love and Christopher Love. For me this has been a wonderful season and the hardships brought about by fires and COVID-19 only served to strengthen the resolve and commitment of all our members and I am looking forward to seeing everyone on the beach come Summer. My thanks go to the President Tony Rettke and the Directors of our Far South Coast Branch who support my club and myself unreservedly. Ann Smith President

... and this is the real me!

FSC Branch - Our Impact Fostering Pathways for our Members

Building Financial Sustainability

Maintaining a Presence Beyond the Flags

Strengthening Response Capabilities

Advocating and Building Strong Relationships

By The Numbers

230 KM coastline

Beaches & Rock Platforms

Local Government Areas

1,389

15,359

Actions

Patrol Hours

66%

47%

Clubs

400

Emergency

Rescues

Preventative

Call-outs

2,347 Members

172

Qualifications Awarded

Decrease in Rescues

Volunteer

Increase in Preventative Actions

Facebook

Instagram

Facebook

34% following increase

29% following increase

10,574 video views

OUR MEMBERS

Vale Max Hogno 15.05.1935 - 21.06.2020 Far South Coast Branch Life Member and Moruya SLSC Life Member, Max Hogno, passed away in June 2020 following a short illness. We thank Bert Hunt for his reflections on Max’s contribution to Surf Life Saving and to his community. Max arrived in Moruya during the 1965-66 season for his day job as the Clerk of Petty Sessions of the Moruya Court House. Max immediately sought out Ron Chesher and Garnet Chewing to join as a member of the Moruya Surf Club, transferring from his previous work location in Nowra, where he had been a member of the Nowra Culburra Surf Club.

From day one Max threw himself into club life, both in competition and administration. If a job needed doing Max would always be on hand to help. Ron Chesher had the dual role of Moruya Club and Far South Coast Branch President and soon recognised that Max had the skills to be a very good Branch Secretary, which Max willingly accepted and excelled at over a number of years eventually earning himself Life Membership of the Far South Coast Branch of Surf Lifesaving Australia to sit beside his Life Membership of the Moruya Surf Club. Max, while nearing the end of his football career, also joined the reformed Moruya Butchers League team in 1966 going through the season undefeated until a loss in the Grand Final. Many Surf Club members were also involved in the footy club during the winter months and Max was a class act playing in the Centres. It was a cold winter night at football training when the local Police Sergeant arrived to pull the Surf Club members out to undertake a rescue at sea. No IRB in those days so a motley crew launched the surfboat in the dark to row a few kilometres out to sea where a light had been sighted blinking for a couple of hours. Max was one of those rowers along with Picko (Keith Pickett) and Bert Hunt on the sweep oar. The rescue was real when we found an extremely cold and exhausted Jim

Hannan, the High School Principal, alone and drifting in a putt putt inboard river boat with no fuel and several miles offshore. Max saw it as another task he could fulfil when, after the 1981 George Bass Marathon, the initiator of the George Bass, Mr Curly Annabel, stepped down as Event Organiser and the 1983 Bass didn’t happen for lack of anyone to run it. Max decided it was too important to the Far South Coast Branch to let go so he pulled together a shortened three-day event in 1984, which kick started the event back to life from 1986. Max has held many roles in the Moruya Surf Club, from President down, and always undertook each role with the utmost attention to detail, a factor that wasn’t always understood by some. It was Max’s training as a Manager of the Court and further study in Law that saw him always striving to cross every “T” and dot every “I” but overarching all that was a man who was absolutely dedicated and loyal to our Surf Club.

Max’s contribution to the Moruya Surf Club across many decades from fundraising to administration to competitions to general volunteering is of a member type seldom repeated, and he will be missed and remembered. We are today thinking of his wife Mearle and his children Kylie and Mark, along with grandchildren and extended family. Vale Max Hogno, you did leave your mark.

Max’s contributions to SLS ranged over a period of over 60 years across all areas of the organisation including: Member at Nowra Culburra SLSC

Transferred to Moruya SLSC in 1963

Moruya SLSC President

1979-1984 1999-2000

Moruya SLSC Secretary

1998-1999

FSC Branch Secretary & Treasurer

1965-1974

FSC Branch Life Member

1982

George Bass Marathon Committee

1978-1988

George Bass Marathon Organiser

1980 1984

George Bass Marathon Director

1984 1986

Member Recognition 2018-19 Surf Life Saving NSW Award Winners

Volunteer of the Year

Innovation of the Year

Wendy Law

FSC Support Operations

Branch of the Year Far South Coast

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medal Cheryl McCarthy

2018-19 Surf Life Saving Australia Award Winner

SLSA Innovation of the Year Joint Operations Search and Rescue FSC Support Operations

2019-20 Far South Coast Branch Award Winners

Branch Person of the Year

Lifesaver of the Year

Fergus Thomson Young Branch Person of the Year

“Rookie” Young Lifesaver of the Year

Anthony Bellette Batemans Bay SLSC

Andrew Curven Bermagui SLSC

Ryley Spoelder-Hanlon Moruya SLSC

Ruby Bichard Pambula SLSC

President’s Medal

Myril Bunt Administrator of the Year

Service Team of the Year

Trainer of the Year

Anthony Bellette Batemans Bay SLSC

Marcela Vitouchova Pambula SLSC

Batemans Bay Bushfire Response Batemans Bay SLSC

Emma Prowse Pambula SLSC

Team of the Year

Athlete of the Year

Young Athlete of the Year

Coach of the Year

180YRS Phoenix Batemans Bay SLSC

Darren Drewsen Broulee Surfers SLSC

Elli Beecham Narooma SLSC

Robert Pollock Broulee Surfers SLSC

Congratulations to all Nominees Branch Person of the Year Anthony Bellette

Batemans Bay SLSC

Jason Domeny

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Glenn Bywater

Narooma SLSC

Carlin Stanford

Bermagui SLSC

Lifesaver of the Year Jess Guthrie

Batemans Bay SLSC

Natalie Browning

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Jon Carruthers

Narooma SLSC

Andrew Curven

Bermagui SLSC

Troy Burhop

Tathra SLSC

Andrew Love

Pambula SLSC

Fergus Thomson Young Branch Person of the Year Anna Hosking

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Ryler Spoelder-Hanlon

Moruya SLSC

Hannah Buchli

Bermagui SLSC

“Rookie” Young Lifesaver of the Year Sierra Chew

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Elli Beecham

Narooma SLSC

Kyarna Boulton

Tathra SLSC

Ruby Bichard

Pambula SLSC

Myril Bunt Administrator of the Year Helen Smith

Batemans Bay SLSC

Lynda McKay

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Maureen Croft

Bermagui SLSC

Marcela Vitouchova

Pambula SLSC

Services Team of the Year Batemans Bay Bushfire Response Team

Batemans Bay SLSC

Broulee Bushfire Response Team

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Andrew Love, Chris Love, Miep Krechting (Pambula SLSC members who are also RFS Members)

Pambula SLSC

Trainer of the Year James Flick

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Emma Prowse

Pambula SLSC

Team of the Year 180 YRS Phoenix

Batemans Bay SLSC

The Wombats

Broulee Surfers SLSC

George Bass Marathon Fire Evacuation Crews

Pambula SLSC

Coach of the Year Neil Innes

Batemans Bay SLSC

Robert Pollock

Broulee Surfers SLSC

Rescue of the Year UAV Assist for boaters in trouble

Anthony Bellette

Rescue of two boaters from sunken vessel

Bermagui Call-out Team

Response to bushfire emergency

Batemans Bay SLSC

Assist for five people caught in rip

Pambula Call-out Team

Rescue of PWC operator on disabled craft

Pambula Call-out Team

Carnival Results Broulee Junior Carnival - 15th December 2019

Event

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Under 8 Male Wade

Harry Leach (Broulee)

Rogan Hage (Broulee)

Kingston Blaylock (Batemans Bay)

Under 8 Female Wade

Pearl Eaton (Broulee)

Ashley Fordham (Broulee)

Annie Carrol (Broulee)

Under 8 Wade Relay

Broulee A

Broulee B

Batemans Bay

Under 9 Male Wade

Xavier Louie (Tathra)

Quinn Parnell (Pambula)

Under 9 Female Wade

Brigid McAllister (Pambula)

Adele Rieck (Pambula)

Alice Young (Narooma)

Under 9 Wade Relay

Pambula A

Narooma

Pambula B

Under 9 Male Surf

Xavier Miles (Narooma)

Fletcher Bridgeman (Broulee)

Xavier Hall (Moruya)

Under 9 Female Surf

Grace Little (Tathra)

Ilah Constable (Narooma)

Amy Collins (Broulee)

Under 10 Male Surf

Louis Hayward (Broulee)

Asher Bywater (Narooma)

Charlie Johnson (Tathra)

Under 10 Female Surf

Lara Barnes (Broulee)

Summer Hage (Broulee)

Zara Hall (Moruya)

Under 11 Male Surf

Joel Constable (Narooma)

Nicholas Wain (Broulee)

James Collins (Broulee)

Under 11 Female Surf

Lara Elliott (Broulee)

Rosie McPartland (Broulee)

Molly Greenwood (Tathra)

Under 12 Male Surf

Kaleb Miles (Narooma)

Bray Constable (Narooma)

Josh Van Dam (Broulee)

Under 12 Female Surf

Sofia Szymanski (Broulee)

Jesse Doull (Narooma)

Rogue Constable (Narooma)

Under 13 Male Surf

Hugo Hayward (Broulee)

Lochie Ellard (Tathra)

Max Van Zyl (Narooma)

Under 13 Female Surf

Skye Wildman (Broulee)

Ruby Clark (Broulee)

Giaan Café (Narooma)

Under 14 Male Surf

Jack Caldwell (Pambula)

Nathan Price (Broulee)

Kane Doull (Narooma)

Under 14 Female Surf

Zimi Lyras (Tathra)

Halle Constable (Narooma)

Bonnie Bradley (Moruya)

Under 9 Male Board

Xavier Miles (Narooma)

Fletcher Bridgeman (Broulee)

Xavier Hall (Moruya)

Under 9 Female Board

Grace Little (Tathra)

Leah Kelly (Tathra)

Caitlin Dixon (Tathra)

Under 10 Male Board

Connor Potts (Narooma)

Ty Constable (Narooma)

Zak Smith (Tathra)

Under 10 Female Board

Clara Nascimento (Tathra)

Luca Defina (Tathra)

Emma Peard (Broulee)

Under 11 Male Board

Joel Constable (Narooma)

James Collins (Broulee)

Luke Drewsen (Broulee)

Under 11 Female Board

Lara Elliott (Broulee)

Rosie McPartland (Broulee)

Molly Greenwood (Tathra)

Under 12 Male Board

Jesse Smith (Tathra)

Jontae Thompson (Pambula)

Kaleb Miles (Narooma)

Under 12 Female Board

Marley Eaton (Broulee)

Jesse Doull (Narooma)

Rogue Constable (Narooma)

Under 13 Male Board

Lochie Ellard (Tathra)

Riley Beby (Broulee)

Sonny Dudley (Narooma)

Under 13 Female Board

Skye Wildman (Broulee)

Giaan Café (Narooma)

Sophie Bolton (Moruya)

Under 14 Male Board

Kane Doull (Narooma)

Jack Caldwell (Pambula)

Jorge Constable (Narooma)

Under 14 Female Board

Carly Van Bracht (Tathra)

Halle Constable (Narooma)

Abby Fraser (Pambula)

Under 11 Ironman

Joel Constable (Narooma)

James Collins (Broulee)

Nicholas Wain (Broulee)

Under 11 Diamond Lady

Lara Elliott (Broulee)

Rosie McPartland (Broulee)

Molly Greenwood (Tathra)

Under 12 Ironman

Kaleb Miles (Narooma)

Bray Constable (Narooma)

Josh Van Dam (Broulee)

Under 12 Diamond Lady

Rogue Constable (Narooma)

Jesse Doull (Narooma)

Marley Eaton (Broulee)

Under 13 Ironman

Lochie Ellard (Tathra)

Hugo Hayward (Broulee)

Kia Morgan (Tathra)

Under 13 Diamond Lady

Skye Wildman (Broulee)

Ruby Clark (Broulee)

Giaan Café (Narooma)

Under 14 Ironman

Kane Doull (Narooma)

Jack Caldwell (Pambula)

Nathan Price (Broulee)

Under 14 Diamond Lady

Halle Constable (Narooma)

Abby Fraser (Pambula)

Zimi Lyras (Tathra)

Event

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Under 8 Male Sprint

Nate Borowski (Broulee)

Hayden Paull (Broulee)

Harry Leach (Broulee)

Under 8 Female Sprint

Pearl Eaton (Broulee)

Ivy Porter-Watson (Pambula)

Annie Fleming (Broulee)

Under 9 Male Sprint

Drew Duncan (Tathra)

Xavier Miles (Narooma)

Darcy Fitzpatrick (Moruya)

Under 9 Female Sprint

Ilah Constable (Narooma)

Leah Kelly (Tathra)

Grace Little (Tathra)

Under 10 Male Sprint

Lance Bedford (Pambula)

Rorey Craft (Narooma)

Liam Carrol (Broulee)

Under 10 Female Sprint

Luca Defina (Tathra)

Emma Peard (Broulee)

Summer Hage (Broulee)

Under 11 Male Sprint

Luke Drewsen (Broulee)

Cameron Paull (Broulee)

Cosmo O’Leary (Tathra)

Under 11 Female Sprint

Starr Thistleton (Tathra)

Molly Greenwood (Tathra)

Chelsea Tyrell (Broulee)

Under 12 Male Sprint

Bray Constable (Narooma)

Marley Wilson (Broulee)

Kaleb Miles (Narooma)

Under 12 Female Sprint

Kaeleigh Peard (Broulee)

Amelia Kolano (Broulee)

Heidi Van Bracht (Tathra)

Under 13 Male Sprint

Lochie Ellard (Tathra)

Sonny Dudley (Narooma)

Kai Morgan (Tathra)

Under 13 Female Sprint

Milly Tyrell (Broulee)

Sophie Bolton (Moruya)

Macy Don (Narooma)

Under 14 Male Sprint

Ashton Reyneke (Pambula)

Jayden Reyneke (Pambula)

Denu Oliver (Pambula)

Under 14 Female Sprint

Annabel Pratt (Narooma)

Halle Constable (Narooma)

Carly Van Bracht (Tathra)

Under 8 Beach Sprint Relay

Broulee A

Broulee B

Pambula

Junior Beach Sprint Relay

Broulee A

Tathra A

Tathra B

Juvenile Beach Sprint Relay

Broulee A

Narooma

Broulee B

Senior Beach Sprint Relay

Pambula

Broulee A

Narooma

All Age Relay

Broulee A

Pambula

Broulee B

Under 8 Male Flags

Harry Leach (Broulee)

Travis Noonan (Narooma)

Ky Nelson (Moruya)

Under 8 Female Flags

Ivy Porter-Watson (Pambula)

Pearl Eaton (Broulee)

Annie Carrol (Broulee)

Under 9 Male Flags

Drew Duncan (Tathra)

Blake Andrewartha (Broulee)

Fletcher Bridgeman (Broulee)

Under 9 Female Flags

Leah Kelly (Tathra)

Grace Little (Tathra)

Brigid McAllister (Pambula)

Under 10 Male Flags

Lance Bedford (Pambula)

Stan Peard (Broulee)

Liam Carrol (Broulee)

Under 10 Female Flags

Zara Hall (Moruya)

Luca Defina (Tathra)

Summer Hage (Broulee)

Under 11 Male Flags

Luke Drewsen (Broulee)

Cosmo O’Leary (Tathra)

Joel Constable (Narooma)

Under 11 Female Flags

Jade Potter (Tathra)

Starr Thistleton (Tathra)

Molly Greenwood (Tathra)

Under 12 Male Flags

Marley Wilson (Broulee)

Bray Constable (Narooma)

Josh Van Dam (Broulee)

Under 12 Female Flags

Kaeleigh Peard (Broulee)

Amelia Kolano (Broulee)

Bella Tsogas (Pambula)

Under 13 Male Flags

Lochie Ellard (Tathra)

Kai Morgan (Tathra)

Saul Dolphin (Broulee)

Under 13 Female Flags

Milly Tyrell (Broulee)

Sophie Bolton (Moruya)

Macy Don (Narooma)

Under 14 Male Flags

Ashton Reyneke (Pambula)

Travis Fairweather (Broulee)

Jayden Reyneke (Pambula)

Under 14 Female Flags

Annabel Pratt (Broulee)

Halle Constable (Narooma)

Carly Van Bracht (Tathra)

Under 8 Male 600m Beach Run

Harry Leach (Broulee)

Elliot Lance (Broulee)

Flynn Soper (Broulee)

Under 8 Female 600m Beach Run

Pearl Eaton (Broulee)

Ashley Fordham (Broulee)

Annie Fleming (Broulee)

Under 9 Male 600m Beach Run

Blake Andrewartha (Broulee)

Darcy Fitzpatrick (Moruya)

Zak Saeedi (Batemans Bay)

Under 9 Female 600m Beach Run

Grace Little (Tathra)

Brigid McAllister (Pambula)

Adele Rieck (Pambula)

Under 10 Male 600m Beach Run

Asher Theodorakis (Bermagui)

Zak Smith (Tathra)

Louis Hayward (Broulee)

Under 10 Female 600m Beach Run

Luca Defina (Tathra)

Zara Hall (Moruya)

Laura Ovington (Narooma)

Under 11 Male 1km Run

Luke Drewsen (Broulee)

Cameron Paull (Broulee)

Tino Lopresti (Broulee)

Under 11 Female 1km Run

Heidi Smith (Pambula)

Michaela Fitzpatrick (Moruya)

Rosie McPartland (Broulee)

Under 12 Male 1km Run

Jesse Smith (Tathra)

Johnny Constable (Narooma)

Oscar Sheldon-Smith (Broulee)

Under 12 Female 1km Run

Claire Ovington (Narooma)

Amelia Kolano (Broulee)

Kaeleigh Peard (Broulee)

Under 13 Male 1km Run

Kia Morgan (Tathra)

Lochie Ellard (Tathra)

Riley Beby (Broulee)

Under 13 Female 1km Run

Skye Wildman (Broulee)

Giaan Café (Narooma)

Kate Corcoran (Broulee)

Under 14 Male 1km Run

Jack Caldwell (Pambula)

Travis Fairweather (Broulee)

Jayden Reyneke (Pambula)

Under 14 Female 1km Run

Annabel Pratt (Broulee)

Carly Van Bracht (Tathra)

Batemans Bay Senior Enduro Carnival - 23rd November 2019

Event

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Enduro Taplin Relay

Broulee A

Tathra

Broulee B

Open Male Ski

Scott Carver (Broulee)

Troy Burhop (Tathra)

Rob Wildman (Broulee)

Open Female Ski

Luella Boulton (Tathra)

Mel Meaker (Tathra)

Under 17 Female Ski

Luella Boulton (Tathra)

Under 19 Male Ski

James Jenkins (Moruya)

Over 40 Male Ski

Scott Carver (Broulee)

Over 40 Female Ski

Mel Meaker (Tathra)

Over 50 Male Ski

Troy Burhop (Tathra)

Over 50 Female Ski

Gab Smith (Broulee)

Under 15 Male Swim

Samuel Jenkins (Moruya)

Under 15 Female Swim

Kyarna Boulton (Tathra)

Emma Corcoran (Broulee)

Under 17 Female Swim

Sierra Chew (Broulee)

Luella Boulton (Tathra)

Under 19 Male Swim

James Jenkins (Moruya)

Open Male Swim

Todd Hayward (Broulee)

Troy Burhop (Tathra)

Open Female Swim

Sierra Chew (Broulee)

Gab Smith (Broulee)

Over 40 Male Swim

Todd Hayward (Broulee)

Scott Carver (Broulee)

Over 50 Male Swim

Troy Burhop (Tathra)

Peter McKay (Broulee)

Michael Chew (Broulee)

Over 50 Female Swim

Gab Smith (Broulee)

Over 60 Male Swim

Andy Baker (Moruya)

Under 19 Male Board

James Jenkins (Moruya)

Open Male Board

Troy Burhop (Tathra)

Todd Hayward (Broulee)

Scott Carver (Broulee)

Open Female Board

Luella Boulton (Tathra)

Sierra Chew (Broulee)

Jess Guthrie (Batemans Bay)

Under 15 Female Board

Kyarna Boulton (Tathra)

Emma Corcoran (Broulee)

Under 17 Female Board

Luella Boulton (Tathra)

Sierra Chew (Broulee)

Over 40 Male Board

Scott Carver (Broulee)

Jason Domeny (Broulee)

Over 50 Male Board

Troy Burhop (Tathra)

Peter McKay (Broulee)

Over 50 Female Board

Gab Smith (Broulee)

Over 60 Male Board

Andy Baker (Moruya)

Under 15 Female Flags

Kyarna Boulton (Tathra)

Under 15 Male 1.5km Beach Run

Samuel Jenkins (Moruya)

Under 15 Female 1.5km Beach Run

Emma Corcoran (Broulee)

Under 17 Female 1.5km Beach Run

Luella Boulton (Tathra)

Under 19 Male 1.5km Beach Run

James Jenkins (Moruya)

Open Male 1.5km Beach Run

Andy Pustavrh (Batemans Bay)

James Jenkins (Moruya)

Todd Hayward (Broulee)

Open Female 1.5km Beach Run

Luella Boulton (Tathra)

Emma Boulton (Broulee)

Jess Guthrie (Batemans Bay)

Over 40 Male 1.5km Beach Run

Todd Hayward (Broulee)

Jason Domeny (Broulee)

Over 40 Female 1.5km Beach Run

Mel Meaker (Tathra)

Over 50 Male 1.5km Beach Run

Peter McKay (Broulee)

Over 50 Female 1.5km Beach Run

Gab Smith (Broulee)

Darren Drewsen (Broulee) Rob Wildman (Broulee)

Peter McKay (Broulee)

Ava Weymans (Moruya)

Jess Guthrie (Batemans Bay)

Michael Chew (Broulee)

Emma Boulton (Broulee)

George Bass Marathon 2020 Results Surfboats - Overall Results Open Men

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

Bulli

2:14:12

1:16:45

3:30:57

Moruya Canberra Vikings

2:17:37

1:17:00

3:34:37

Henley SA

2:17:44

1:17:46

3:35:30

Coogee

2:17:48

1:18:35

3:36:23

Long Reef

2:21:08

1:19:25

3:40:33

Bronte

2:20:17

1:20:25

3:40:42

Open Women

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

Torquay

2:25:16

1:23:31

3:48:47

North Cronulla

2:29:21

1:24:21

3:53:42

Broulee Surfers

2:32:45

1:26:06

3:58:51

Muriwai Meerkats - NZ

2:32:58

1:26:34

3:59:32

Coogee

2:40:03

1:29:07

4:09:10

Grange - SA

2:45:00

1:32:50

4:17:50

Maroochydore

2:46:00

1:34:09

4:20:09

VETS Men

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

Wanda VETS

2:21:50

1:19:49

3:41:39

Bulli

2:21:52

1:20:59

3:42:51

Corrimal

2:23:37

1:22:10

3:45:47

Tathra

2:23:08

1:22:47

3:45:55

Broulee Capitals

2:24:35

1:23:58

3:48:33

Pambula

2:23:37

1:33:49

3:57:26

Freshwater

2:34:11

1:28:00

4:02:11

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

Moruya Canberra Vikings

2:35:48

1:28:34

4:04:22

Tathra

2:35:35

1:29:49

4:05:24

Pambula

2:42:26

1:31:14

4:13:40

Darwin

2:48:01

1:36:46

4:24:47

Avalon Beach

2:54:11

1:38:43

4:32:54

Torquay

3:02:17

1:42:48

4:45:05

VETS Women

Super VETS

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

North Cronulla

2:25:01

1:19:23

3:44:24

Grange SA

2:25:13

1:22:57

3:48:10

Long Reef

2:26:24

1:23:21

3:49:45

Bulli

2:29:08

1:25:16

3:54:24

Noosa

2:29:55

1:33:43

4:03:38

Wanda

2:39:41

1:29:21

4:09:02

North Steyne

2:44:43

1:26:52

4:11:35

Mullaloo

2:47:12

1:30:45

4:17:57

Surf Skis - Overall Results Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

Lachlan O’Grady

SPEC

2:08:27

1:16:52

3:25:19

Jack Patison

2:12:22

1:20:05

3:32:27

Craig Vipond

2:20:31

1:25:23

3:45:54

Steve Mawby

2:22:28

1:26:10

3:48:38

Carl Greenhalgh

2:26:32

1:26:35

3:53:07

Sirko Schroeder

2:27:16

1:29:21

3:56:37

Gavin Granger

2:26:21

1:40:40

4:07:01

Danny Murrill

2:51:34

1:35:15

4:26:49

Phillip Stubbs

2:39:27

1:48:39

4:28:06

Bill Robertson

2:46:10

1:49:14

4:35:24

Ian Sakoff

3:35:25

1:33:23

5:08:48

Murray Osborne

3:37:36

DNS

3:37:36

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

Stewart O’Regan

2:06:16

1:18:07

3:24:23

Will Hardman

2:12:06

1:16:51

3:28:57

Novak Thompson

2:11:00

1:19:08

3:30:08

Gary Wilkins

2:24:31

1:30:34

3:55:05

Adam Smith

2:30:50

1:29:51

4:00:41

Mark Murray

2:42:31

1:36:37

4:19:08

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

Kym O’Halloran

2:33:03

1:32:01

4:05:04

Ruth Burgess

2:44:21

1:35:15

4:19:36

Dee McWhirter

2:44:38

1:45:13

4:29:51

Melissa Meaker

2:45:21

1:44:53

4:30:14

Ocean

Women

Double

Place

Day 1

Place

Day 2

Place

Overall

David Griffin/Nathan Haythorpe

1:59:50

1:12:53

3:12:43

Max Bennett/Richard Newton

2:21:23

1:27:06

3:48:29

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Audited Financial Statements

Directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Declaration

Auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence Declaration

Independent Audit Report