Noosa Today - 05th June 2014

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THURSDAY, 5 JUNE, 2014 | ISSUE 109

Surf goes out By JONATHON HOWARD THE shock closure of the Peregian Surf Life Saving Club has left local residents dumbfounded. Fortunately, the Peregian Sunday markets were not expected to be affected by the closure and vital services such as red and yellow flags, will also continue in front of the club. Peregian Surf Club manager Martin Isherwood said he was forced to inform 18 staff members not to come into work on Tuesday 27 May. “It was Monday (26 May) about 7.05pm

The Peregian Surf Life Saving Club has closed down with a re-opening date yet to be announced.

when I received a phone call from Surf Life Saving Queensland that the business would need to close immediately, pending further advice,” he said. Mr Isherwood said he was not at liberty to discuss internal matters about the club, but he speculated that the closure was in relation to a financial audit. “It’s come as a huge shock to our dedicated team,” he said. “We were just getting the ball rolling with a few strong events on the calendar, as well as hiring a new chef, to start getting it right for the community.” Peregian Surf Club president, Brett Leckie, said he was devastated by the decision which came

from Surf Life Saving Queensland (branch) head office based in Mooloolaba. “The club is undergoing an audit and we were asked to close during this time,” he said. “I’d love to be able to set a date as to when the club will re-open, but I can only say that residents should expect to see the club back up and running in the near future.” Noosa Today spoke with several Peregian residents who said they were shocked by the closure. One resident speculated that under the current financial market - “every business was doing it tough”. “It’s a hard market for any business to operate, and maybe the club is feeling the pressure,” the resident, who did not want to be named, said. Peregian Surf Club member, Diane Mahony, said she would like to see the club re-opened. “I think it’s an important part of

our town and, although it needs a bit of updating, I think we need it re-opened,” she said. Peregian local, Anna Thomson, said the club needed a lot more local support. “Maybe the closure will prompt more locals to show their support and visit the club, and maybe even become a member,” she said. Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club was originally formed in 1962 with the help of a few enthusiastic life-savers and T. M. Burke, who paid for the construction of the original clubhouse. The club was the first in Queensland to elect a female president, Gill Woolcock, who stayed in the role for four years. She was instrumental in motivating more women and girls to be actively involved in surf lifesaving. Noosa Today will continue to follow the closure of the Peregian Surf Club and will inquire about a re-opening date - more to come.

Shocked by the closure were Peregian locals and friends, Diane Mahony (left), with her dog Rosie and Anna Thomson, with her dog Polly.

Workers’ wages frozen By JONATHON HOWARD PEREGIAN Beach Surf Life Saving Club employees have had their wages frozen and several have been underpaid following the shock closure of the club. The club was shut down last week pending a financial audit under order of the Surf Life Saving Queensland (branch) head office based in Mooloolaba. Rumours have now been circulating around possible involuntary insolvency of the business which could close the club permanently. The closure would impact the local Peregian community as well as leave 18 employees wondering if they still have jobs. Peregian SLSC manager Martin Isherwood said he was able to get some wages released to employees following a phone call to head office. “I couldn’t find a reasonable justification for freezing wages during an audit of the business,” he said. “So I was able to get some wages released up until closure, however many employees including myself have entitlements owing and it’s uncertain if they will be paid out.” Mr Isherwood said it was a kick in the guts for many employees who had been working hard to put the club back on top. A meeting will take place at the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Friday 6 June, for the sitting committee, Nippers committee and other relevant bodies. The meeting is not open to the public. Have your say: Do you think the club closure could have been handled better? Email your thoughts to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au

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