Woolamai Newsletter - June Edition
Telephone: 0467 475 263 Postal Address: PO Box 49, San Remo, VIC, 3925 Web: www.woolamaibeach.org.au Email: secretary@woolamaibeach.asn.au
In this Edition:
President’s Report
Board Update
AGM Announcement - Board Nominations Open
Presentation Night Highlights
National Volunteers Week Highlights
Member Profiles
Emergency Services Game
Valuing Volunteers Week
Communications Roles - Join the team!
End of Season Clean Up!
Callout for historic club items!
Wild About Wooli! A 50 Year History of the Club
How to get a segment in next Month’s Newsletter
President’s Report
Hi everyone,
Even though the patrolling season has well and truly finished, its been another big month for the Club.
Presentation Night
On 20 May we held Presentation Night 2023.
Nearly 140 Club members attended the event at Silverwater at San Remo.
A huge thank you to Terry Aslanidis and his small team of event organisers.
It was a wonderful night and great to see so many of our members celebrating our Club, its members and their achievements.
A special mention to our Life Members who showed out in force. A highlight of the night was seeing 23 of our Bronze Medallion recipients run the gauntlet and shaking hands with our Life Members when receiving their awards.
Another highlight was having the Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale MP present a framed copy of her Parliamentary speech about the Channel Challenge to Ron Nicholson and the Events team. This speech was delivered in the Victorian Parliament in 2022 and acknowledges the importance of the Channel Challenge to the local community and recognises those involved in running the event.
Phillip Island Nature Parks were represented by their CEO Catherine Basterfield and Operations Manager, Jarvis Weston and they received our Club Supporter award for 2023.
Congratulations to the Punchy’s Penguins on winning Club Championships and the Hellfish for Patrol of the Year
Valuing Volunteers Event
There were many other highlights throughout Presentation night, and for 26 of our members it was their second awards night in a row as we had this group attend the Life Saving Victoria Valuing Volunteers Event in Port Melbourne to receive awards for 100+ voluntary patrol hours. Woolamai was the loudest and most represented bunch in the room.
Feedback from Life Saving Victoria was ‘we want your Club at all of our events’. A photo of our award recipients even made the cover photo of Life Saving Victoria’s Club Gateway article on the Valuing Volunteers Event.
Clubhouse supporters bricks
Over 20 years ago a very generous group of approximately 135 families, Club supporters and members made donations to help fund our current Clubhouse.
Even though we received some State government grants and contributions from local authorities, the Club had to match some of these contributions.
Without these people we may not have the Clubhouse we do now.
To fundraise and recognise these donors a number of commemorative bricks with supporters names etched in were made up, and then laid as a pavement near the ground floor entrance to the Clubhouse.
Many of you may not have noticed these bricks as they are often buried in sand.
The Club is about to carry out a revamp of our front entrance to replace the broken bitumen path and replace it with concrete.
This will also involve concreting the area around the entrance, with the object of the exercise to drain water away from the Clubhouse and prevent flooding -as well as improving the safety and appearance of the area.
This has meant removing these bricks.
They have been successfully removed intact and are now safely stored in the Clubhouse. Over the coming months we will reach out to those supporters who are still contactable or involved in the Club to seek their views on the most appropriate manner which we can recognise their contribution -whether it be by re-using the bricks, an honour board or by some other means.
Congratulations Smarty
A huge congratulations to Brendan Smart who this month was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Armoured Corp (Army).
This is a huge achievement which follows years of training and service.
This is on top of Brendan’s professional career and his service to our Club and life saving as Vice President, Grants Manager, trainer, life saver, helicopter crew and the many other things that he does around the Club.
We are very proud of all that you have achieved.
Annual General Meeting
Our next big Club event will be the Annual General Meeting which will be held at the Clubhouse at 10.30am on Sunday 30 July. We are looking for several new members to join the Club Board for the 2023/24 season. Please read below for more AGM information.
2023/24 Board
As 2022/23 draws to a close and we elect a Board for next season, it is worth reflecting on the enormous contribution the current Board members have made to our Club this season.
Annie Coleman, Brendan Smart, Christian Born, Campbell Smart, Terry Aslanidis, Ryan Box, Louise Smith, Tanya Pinnock, Susan Fawaz and Darrell Clark have all worked to steer the Club in the right direction this season.
Some of this group will return again for next season, but a few will be stepping down.
Putting your hand up to become a Board member is one of the best things you can do to serve the Club.
While there is a bit of work, there are also benefits. You become part of a supportive and inspiring team of Club leaders, you will be leading your own team of people to deliver your portfolio’s responsibilities, and it will look great on your resume when applying for professional roles.
All types of people can become Board members -patrolling members, non-patrolling members, life members, Nippers parents.
It’s a very rewarding experience and most importantly you will be helping the Club deliver its services and programs and contributing to our strong culture.
Please see the below section about how to nominate and get in touch with myself or another Board member if you are interested in stepping up or have any questions.
See you down the beach soon.
Regards,
Jason Close - President
E: president@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Board Update
Decisions
Membership fees to go up by $10 for next season. Anyone who wishes to pay next season’s fees before the end of this season, can do so at current price.
General Business
Presentation Night was very successful with 135 attending. Strong turn out from life members. Great feedback from members and special guests. It was excellent to see Events team receive recognition from the local member. Terry and team did an excellent job organising.
Bass Coast Leaders Forum held at Cape Patterson on 27 May. 5 Clubs and 30 people involved. Terry and Campbell did very good presentations on their roles. It was a very good forum to discuss how Clubs can assist each other, how they operate and how we can learn from each other -many common issues.
Clubhouse roof works almost complete -should be finished by end of June.
Update provided on Woolamai Beach SLSC Environs Management Plan -dune revegetation & retaining wall project. Deposit paid -works to commence late July/early August.
Board positions for next season discussed. Several members stepping down. Susan Fawaz and Louise Smith have indicated that whilst they will step down from Board they would like to continue in their roles as Managers (not on Board). Current Board members to develop a list of roles in their teams -will develop an organisation chart. Board members to speak to potential candidates for roles. At AGM the size of the Board can be voted on -general view would be to reduce size of Board for next season.
AGM to be held at 10.30am at Clubhouse on Sun 30 July. Notice and nomination for Board members to go out in the next week.
Club Strategic Plan may not be completed this season. It was suggested that we hold a workshop involving Board and other members to work towards completing it once the new Board is elected.
LSV Awards of Excellence to be held on Sat 12 Aug. Club has 3 nominations for awards
Terry shared highlights of the 2022/23 training report -close to 40 courses run by Woolamai Beach SLSC
Director Update
See below updates from the board:
President - Jason Close
Presentation Night was a terrific night and we received great feedback from members and our guests. The organising team are to be congratulated for their efforts and work in putting the night together. One of several highlights was seeing our Events team led by Ron Nicholson, recognised by the Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale MP for their outstanding work in running such a great community event.
We have received all of the required approvals and appointed a contractor, Maw Civil to commence work on dune stabilisation and retaining wall project. Works are due to commence in July/August with the retaining wall expected to be completed around late August.
The first Bass District Leaders Forum was held at Cape Paterson SLSC on 27 May. Presidents and Board members from Woolamai Beach, Cape Paterson, Inverloch, Waratah Beach and Wonthaggi Clubs as well as representatives of Life Saving Victoria were in attendance. The forum provided an excellent way for Club leaders to meet and network with their counterparts at other Clubs, discuss issues of mutual interest, share ideas and problem solve.
A meeting of Club Presidents was held at Aspendale Life Saving Club on 3 June. Cath Greaves, CEO of Life Saving Victoria as well as senior officers from LSV were in attendance. Issues to be discussed included the length of the season and some of the challenges of filling patrols over longer periods, Clubhouse leases, LSV’s role in supporting Clubs and LSV governance. LSV is currently undertaking a governance review and is looking at how it can make itself more contemporary, simple, sustainable and more member focussed.
AGM Announcement - Board Nominations Open
Dear Members
Our clubs Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:30am on Sunday 30th July 2023 at Woolamai Beach SLSC.
Please click (here) to view a letter indicating the full details of nominating for the Board of Directors for the season 2023/24. Some of our current Board members have indicated that they intend to step down and not re-nominate for next season.
If you are interested in nominating for the Board and have questions about any of the positions, please speak with any of the current Board members via their listed contact details attached.
Nomination of Board member positions are called for by 5pm Saturday 1st July 2023 at the link here
Audited financials, previous AGM minutes and the AGM agenda will be provided in a timely manner before the AGM.
Kind Regards,
Board of Directors
Presentation Night Highlights
On Saturday the 20th of May, Woolamai Beach SLSC hosted their Annual Presentation Night at the spectacular Silverwater Resort.
With over 135 members attending the event, the special night was spent celebrating the achievements of our members and reflecting on the season that was.
To reflect on some memories from the past season, Erin Close put together a seasons highlight video which can be viewed on our Youtube Channel.
Award Winners
Congratulations to everyone who received an award. Please see full list below:
Photos are uploaded and now available in the photo gallery! You can check them out here - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/photo-gallery
National Volunteers Week Highlights
Volunteers play a big part in our organisation and lifesaving club. From running the BBQ and being a Nipper age manager to patrolling on our beaches or working behind the scenes, everyone plays a big part.
During the week (15th - 21st May) marks the week of (NVW) which is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.
Lets see what our members got up to!
NVW Member Profiles
From the 15th-21st May, we got to meet and get to know some of our very own volunteers within the club. Our Member Profiles were posted every day during National Volunteers Week on Facebook and Instagram. To view our member profiles, click on the below links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woolamaibeachslsc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woolamaislsc/
Emergency Services Match
The emergency services match, which has been on the AFL calendar since 2019, aims to recognise and celebrate the efforts of Victoria’s emergency services volunteers and staff for their tireless work on the frontline supporting communities.
Importantly it also provides an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the Emergency Services Foundation, an organisation established in 1983 after the Ash Wednesday fires, which supports Emergency Services workers in times of need through a range of support services.
This year, 3 of our members were invited to represent Life Saving Victoria and attend the MCG to participate in the on-ground celebrations alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and many more.
Picture:
Isabel Bulach, Phoebe Clark, Ellie Glenk on the MCG representing Life Saving Victoria at the ESF Match
Valuing Volunteers Week (VVE)
Valuing Volunteers Events (VVE) events form part of Life Saving Victoria’s annual National Volunteer Week celebrations and applaud the incredible contributions of our diverse, skilled and committed Victorian members.
Last year, 18 Woolamai Beach members were recognised for their outstanding volunteer contribution throughout the 2021/22 season. This year we had a whopping 23 members achieve over 100+ voluntary water safety and patrol hours over the 2022/23 season.
𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 - 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Ava Close - 228
Daniel Reynolds - 202
Thomas Baird - 180
𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 - 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Brendan Smart - 175
Phoebe Clark - 169.25
Erin Close - 163.75
Luke Guilmartin - 161.25
Jordan Kuerschner - 158
Jasmine Kuerschner - 156.88
Emma Gallagher - 149.75
Michael Butler - 147.25
Josh Broughton - 143.5
Lachlan Casey - 142.25
Isabel Bulach - 138.5
Lucas Atkin - 138
Emily Ross - 136.38
Ryan Ellie 132.08
Maddy Reynolds - 129.25
Helen Boyce - 128.07
𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 - 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Madeleine Woodmason - 119
Nick Reynolds - 117.5
Terry Aslanidis - 117.33
Sophia Hungerford - 111.5
Evan Richter - 107.5
Zoe Scott - 107.25
Alexander Lee - 103
William Roff-Smith - 101.5
Alan Hailes - 100
𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 & 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
Michael Butler
Photos are uploaded and now available in the photo gallery! You can check them out here - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/photo-gallery
Communications Roles - Join the team!
The communications portfolio is looking for managers to join this wonderful team for the 2023/24 season. This is a great way for up and coming members or experienced members or professionals to get involved and help present our club both internally and externally!
The positions we have available include.
Social media manager:
Responsible for the clubs external output on social media. Creating content to post to the public on our various channels.
Publications and website manager:
Assisting and creating newsletters and communication to club members and the public and/or keeping the website up to date and looking for areas to build upon.
Sponsorship manager:
Working with various other areas of the club to go after sponsorship opportunities within the community.
Special events digital marketing manager:
Helping out with website, email, and social media communication for the Bass Coast Series events.
Merchandise helper:
Assist with merchandise throughout the season. Can be as little as helping out for stalls or as amazing as organising new merchandise orders and creative direction within the club.
If any of these roles are of interest please click here and fill out the form.
If you have any questions or want to help out in any other way don’t hesitate to reach out
Ryan Box - Director of Communications
End of Season Clean Up!
On June 3rd, a bunch of of dedicated volunteers went down to our club to conduct an end of season working bee. Jobs that were conducted on the day include:
Fixing gear shed door and installing new lock
Fixing bunkroom entrance door and installing new lock
Painting gearshed door
Removing sponsored bricks from front door
Clearing out gearshed rubbish
Cleaning/removing food from kitchen
The clubhouse is used for the majority of the summer months while in the offseason, may get used once or twice a week with bookings. It is important to continue to take care of our club in the off season and start preparing for the season to come.
Be on look out for more club events leading into the summer. We will be holding another club working bee as well as our annual gear inspection later in the year.
Thank you to the following members who got down for the clean up:
The “Goat” David Ellison, Stafford Smith, Terry Aslanidis, Campbell Smart and Tom Baird
Callout for historic club items!
Hello to all Woolamai Members
From Graeme Clauscen, Club Historian
From the Archives a little bit of History !
S.L.S.A. Poster from 1977
Woolamai Aerial Photo 1987
I am currently working on the Club’s archives and cataloguing a lot of new items that have been given to the Club.
It is proposed that all of the items in the Club archive will be digitized and uploaded to Victorian Collections where anybody can access all of the items, on line.
The family of Dennis Harris recently provided a large number of photos and documents collected by Dennis over many years.
This is an appeal for donations of items of Historical interest to Club Members past and present. I am looking for the following:
Club Garments
T Shirts, Tops, Shorts, other Any item of clothing with the Club Name/Logo on it, condition not important.
Photographs
Color or black and white photographs of Club activities over the years 1959 -2022. Where possible, detail of, Location, Date, Names, and any other relevant info.
General Memorabilia
Any item of Club interest, Medallions Trophies Certificates Pennants etc. In other words if it is part of Woolamai History I would like to know about it and see it.
IMPORTANT. PLEASE PROVIDE – NAMES DATES TIMES LOCATION AND ANY RELEVANT INFORMATION
If you would like to donate any item that would be great, if not we will photograph the item and return to you.
Best Wishes
Graeme Clauscen
If you would like to contact me, 0412 789 499
Wild About Wooli! A 50 Year History of the Club
Want a segment in next Month’s newsletter?
Hi all,
If anyone would like to submit something for next month, the best way to do this is send me an email at communication@woolamaibeach.asn.au with a title for the segment, and text of what you’d like to be included as well as any pictures or images and I’ll be sure to add it in.
Deadline for July’s Newsletter - 8th of July
Cheers,
Ryan Box - Director of Communications
