Woolamai Newsletter - October 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
Patrol season roster
Membership
Bass Coast Series
Nippers Registration Opening Monday 16th October 7pm
Membership Renewal
Events Coming Up
Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award 2023 finalist!
Lifesaving Services Update
Patrol Dates
Social Calendar
Key Contacts
Leadership Workshop
Pre-Gear Inspection
Training/Member Development Update
SEAL’s
Bronze Leadership Workshop
Bronze Qualifying Swim
UHS First Aid Camp
Skills Maintenance
Club Social Events
AFL Grand Final
President’s Update - Jason Close
Hi everyone
We are only halfway through October and it’s a big month for the Club.
Patrol rosters have been developed and some great events planned for summer.
We have Nippers enrolments opening from 7.00pm on Monday 16 October.
Our Assets team has planned a big working bee from 10.00am on Sunday 28 October. There are more than 20 tasks which need to be undertaken before the start of this season. If you are a committed Club member please find the time to come along. We can’t have the Clubhouse up and running without a strong turnout.
Last weekend our Club ran its patrol leadership training weekend and conducted a course for its Silver Medallion -Patrol Captain award. It was terrific to see all of our patrol captains, vice captains and junior captains getting ready for a big season. Campbell and Terry are to be congratulated for running another excellent program.
A highlight of Saturday was receiving a leadership presentation from two of our highly regarded life members Brian Whittaker (more commonly known as Reggie) and Alan McLean (more commonly known as Macca). Macca is also a life governor of the Club. Both have also held significant leadership roles in the Club and in their careers as firefighters. Each has also delivered leadership training in their professional roles so we were very lucky to be able to access their incredible knowledge.
The presentation covered the attributes or ‘essence’ of leadership, different leadership styles and when to use them, how to train and empower team members and how to look after yourself as a leader.
One of the key messages that Brian left with us is that ‘the behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you will accept’. This is a very important message because our leaders can have a huge influence on the culture of our club and the manner in which our members act.
Presidents Program
I had the privilege of spending the last weekend at Melbourne Business College with representatives and leaders of Life Saving Victoria and the Presidents of 42 other surf life saving clubs at the second annual Presidents Program.
The two-day course was an excellent learning and networking initiative developed by Presidents for Presidents and fully funded by Life Saving Victoria and the Victorian State Government.
This year’s special guest speakers included John Baker ESM, President of Surf Life Saving Australia, Paul James, President of Life Saving Victoria, Cath Greaves, CEO of Life Saving Victoria and several other excellent speakers.
Life Saving Victoria is currently transitioning itself to be more responsive to its member clubs and so a governance review and a number of other actions are being undertaken towards this end. There is also an increasing focus on its role as an emergency organisation and member welfare and managing volunteer burnout were key themes at this years program.
I was fortunate enough to spend a fair bit of time with other Bass Coast presidents and we continued to discuss ways our Clubs can work together. The combined clubs Adult Bronze course coming up in November is a great example of what can be achieved (well done Terry for getting together with his counterparts at other clubs and organising)
See you down the beach soon.
Regards
Jason Close
President
Board Update
Decisions
6 x Soft Bennet rescue boards ordered
Additional stock of Club bathers in current style to be ordered
6 x Training manikins & defibs purchased
General Business
·Chrystal Gilham, Volunteer Support Officer from Life Saving Victoria attended meeting to introduce herself, provide explanation of role and how she can support our Club and responded to questions.
Dates for upcoming Board meetings circulated for feedback.
Work on Club Strategic Plan to progress in coming months.
The Board is contemplating increasing the number of Life Governors. This will involve asking the Life Member Nomination Committee to make a recommendation. Also being contemplated is an amendment to the Club’s Constitution to create greater flexibility in membership requirements should life governors or life members not be available. Any change will need to go through a Board and General Meeting process.
Nippers enrolments open on Mon 16 October.
Working Bee locked in for Sun 29 October.
Director Update
See below updates from the board:
President - Jason Close
Dune stabilisation and retaining wall construction has now been completed.
A concrete path at Club near the Club entrance and public toilets has been completed.
Discussions are being held with Phillip Island Nature Parks to discuss ways to reduce sand build up on the path.
The next phase of the Woolamai Beach Environs Management Plan project will be to revegetate the dunes.
The bar has been re-stocked for the upcoming season, bar prices have been set, printed and laminated bar prices. There is also a guest register which must be used to sign in anyone who is not a Club member.
Admin & Finance - Christian Born
If anyone is interested in donating, please get in touch. Donations can be fed into:
1- General Operations – supporting the day-to-day financial demands of the club
2- Alan Pitts Youth Fund – sponsoring development opportunities of the club’s young members
3- Development Fund – a fund created to support the club’s long-term financial future
To everyone who has already paid their membership fees, thank you very much!
To everyone else, please don’t forget to do so. Your membership cannot be finalised without it, which means your award skills maintenance cannot be processed. If you require any assistance, please reach out.
A reminder to our members with families, our residence is available for bookings if you need accommodation on the island (member rates!!). Please get in touch with Carole for any bookings enquires secretary@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Assets - David Elisson
Double Glazed windows installed in Bar Area
New balcony doors installed
New Training Room TV installed
New Bar Area TV installed
New lights in training room installed
Concrete path and disability ramp compete
Working Bee 29th November. Please make sure to click going in the FB Event - https://fb.me/e/4RtfFVyYK
Communications - Ryan Box
Nippers promotion and Bass Coast Series work being done
Nippers Registration Opening Monday 16th October 7pm
Nippers registration is opening Monday 16th October 7pm via this link https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/register-nippers-program
As a reminder, program dates are Friday 29th December 2023 - Friday 5th January 2024 with a break on New Years Day
More information about the program and what you need to know can be found HERE
Any questions please reach out to juniordevelopment@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Membership Renewal - **IMPORTANT**
This is a reminder to renew your Membership for the 2023/24 Season!
Any member wishing to participate in any lifesaving activity within the club or state MUST renew their membership for the current season.
Please follow the link for information on how to renew your membership - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/weekly-updates/weekly-club-update-17-8-2023
Membership Fees (Increase)
Membership Fees will be increasing by $10 for all Active, Junior and Cadet categories after the 31st October this season (date has been extended). You are still able to renew/pay your membership at the current price until this date.
To view the membership fees for the 2023/24 season, please click here - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/membership-fees
Terry Aslanidis - Manager of Memberships
E: membership@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Events Coming Up
Spooky Halloween Party
Open to all members, we are creating a spooky social night at the club. Come and enjoy a night with music and treats! If you are interested in attending, please make sure to register using this link - https://form.jotform.com/232071832584860
Working Bee
We are getting closer to to summer time and we have a big list of jobs that needs to be done around the club. If you are free please pop down to the club even for a couple of hours. Our Assets team would appriciate it. FB Event - https://fb.me/e/4RtfFVyYK
Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award 2023 finalist!
Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club was nominated for an award and are a finalist for the Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award 2023
Our members and the club have been recognised for our continued community support and the clubs outstanding abilities and contributions to keeping Victorian beaches safe. Woolamai Board Directors Campbell Smart (Director of Lifesaving Services) and Terry Aslanidis (Director of Member Development) will represent the club at a Gala dinner in December, where we will accept an award on behalf of the club.
We thank each and every member of the Woolamai Beach SLSC community for their ongoing support and dedication to this club. This award is recognition of your hard work and the club and community is beyond grateful to our members.
Lifesaving Services Update
Dear Members
Please see below the Patrol Roster for the 2023/24 season! The patrol roster can be found on our website under Members > Patrol Roster. Each Patrol Group will also have the Patrol Roster and Key Contacts pinned to the top of their respective patrols.
Patrol Roster - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/patrol-roster
Patrol Dates
Patrols will start on the 11th November 2023 and conclude on the 14th April 2024. Looking at the roster you will notice a few extra dates highlighted in grey. These dates are an extension of our normal patrols determined by high weather risks days ie High Heat Days. If members are required on these days, they will be posted on Facebook as an ‘Optional Patrol’ for those who are able to help out.
Smiths Beach
We are again very fortunate to have the Australian Lifeguard Service patrolling Smiths Beach from the start of November to mid February. From the 24th February our volunteers will be required to patrol both Woolamai and Smiths Beach. This is an awesome experience to gain exposure to another beach other than Woolamai.
Social Calendar
Our Patrol Leadership Team’s have worked together over the last month to create an awesome social calendar for our members. We will see our annual events such as the Channel Challenge and Cowes Classic run as well as Super Saturday returning for a second year! Super Saturday will host our annual Club Championships and Paella Night. Keep an eye on socials for event details.
As well as our club events, each patrol will be hosting their own events which will keep members engaged and work on team bonding. As per the calendar, each patrol will have the following:
Patrol Induction: All new members to the patrol (SRC/Bronze) will be inducted into their patrol group. This is a fun ceremony that is unique to each patrol and created a strong bond between members.
Patrol Major Event: The patrol leadership teams are allocated a budget to create an amazing event each season. We want to encourage as many members from the patrol (and other patrols) to attend their patrols major event.
Patrol Activities: We encourage members to stick around after patrol and participate in patrol activities. Patrol Activities are great for team bonding and getting to know your team members. Activities may include:
Team Dinners
Patrol Development
Patrol Games
Patrol Inductions and Major Events will be posted in the Patrol Facebook Groups, as well as the Club Events Calendar which can be located on the website here - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/events
Key Contacts
Each patrol has a core team of Patrol Leaders who manage the social events and patrol operations in their respective patrols. These members consist of:
Mentors: Mentors have previously been a patrol captain and are now looking to mentor members of the patrol leadership team.
Patrol Captains: Patrol Captains are responsible for the coordination of all Patrol Members whilst on patrol
Vice Patrol Captains: Vice Patrol Captains are able to assist the Patrol Captain with duties as request
Junior Captains: The newly development role of the Junior Captain is to give our youth members a structured pathway into leadership roles within the club. This is an excellent stepping stone to experience first hand how patrols are run and also provides a voice for our junior/youth members within the club.
Our Patrol Leadership Teams provide an important role in being responsible for the health and safety of members conducting volunteer patrols and patrol activities.
If you have any questions regarding your patrols, please reach out to one of your Patrol Leaders. To view the list of Key Contacts, please click here - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/patrol-roster
Leadership Workshop
On Friday 6th November - Sunday 8th of November the Life Saving Services Team ran a leadership workshop for our 2023/2024 Patrol Leadership Teams.
The weekend consisted of information for the upcoming season, member engagement strategies, patrol event planning and emergency response structure/procedures. The training team also facilitated the Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Award (replacing the old Beach Management Award) to 12 of our PLT members.
We also had a special presentation on leadership from Life Member Brian Whittaker (aka Reggie) and Life Governor Alan McLean (aka Macca).
A big thank you to our leadership team for 2023/2024 season, we look forward to gearing up for another big season as we approach the official start of the season soon!
Pre-Gear Inspection
Each the clubs gear and equipment is audited by LSV to ensure it is operational for the season. At the end of September, the club conducted its pre-gear inspection, checking the ware and tare of equipment as well as stocktaking.
Preparing our equipment is a big task that requires a few members to assist with. Thank you to these members for coming down to the club to count/check all our equipment.
Campbell Smart
Michael Butler
Terry Aslanidis
Lucas Atkin
Daniel Reynolds
Tom Baird
Our State Gear Inspection will be conducted in November/December and we would love some more help! A Facebook event will be created once the date have been confirmed.
Training/Member Development Update
SEAL’s
The SEAL’s Development Program has now completed 2 session over the last month. We would like to thank all our guest presenters for their time and sharing their experiences with the group:
Michelle Murphy (Life Member)
Stewart Irving (Life Member)
Jayden Irving
Troy Ross (Life Member)
Our SEAL pups have learnt a lot about themselves and their leadership styles, what it takes to be a leader, how to set SMART goals and advanced rescue board techniques.
Bronze Leaders Workshop
Last month the Bronze Camp Managers held a Leader Workshop to outline how the Bronze Camp will be run and to start lesson planning for activities.
The weekend consisted of leader expectations, role descriptions and responsibilities, timetable planning and lesson planning.
Bronze Camp is the most popular courses Woolamai Beach SLSC runs with over 50 candidates and 20 leaders participating in this years camp. For some, Bronze Camp is a members first experience at the club. Being able to provide a high quality camp consists of organisation, dedication and commitment. Jordan and Ellie (Bronze Camp Managers) have worked on preparing this camp for the last 3 months and can not wait for the 1st day!
Bronze Qualifying Swim
Last week the Bronze Leaders ran the qualifying swims in both Bass and Melbourne, with over 30 candidates swimming the 400m in 9min pre-requisite.
Thank you to all our leaders for helping to time all the kids. Everyone is really excited for the camp!
UHS First Aid Camp
Woolamai Beach continues to have a positive relationship with Upwey High School. Students in year 10 complete a program called ‘Surf’ where they are able to complete SLSA awards such as Bronze Camp and First Aid.
Last week 14 students from UHS completed their First Aid Certificate on the 3 day camp. This was also the first introduction they had at the club. Later in December, UHS will return with its year 10 class to complete a 5 day Bronze Medallion Camp, as well as 8 returning year 11’s who will complete the Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew (IRBC) award.
We are looking forward to having everyone back in a couple of months.
Skills Maintenance
Skills Maintenance Weekend will be held on Saturday 2nd December and Sunday 3rd December 2023. (SAVE THE DATE!)
Skills maintenance is intended to ensure all patrolling lifesavers remain proficient in their skills and display the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the patrol award criteria. All active Lifesavers are required to complete a skills maintenance assessment to show currency in the life saving award/s they hold and wish to retain.
To learn more about skills maintenance, click HERE - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/skills-maintenance
Club Social Events
The 2023/24 season will see more social events than ever before! We would like to continue to build club social events throughout the season as well as connecting members in the off-season in preparation for the summer. Some events that you may already be aware of are:
AFL Grand Final Event
The AFL grand final event was a success with a few loyal fans turning out to watch the game at the cub!
Thanks to Terry Aslanidis for organising the event. If you want to get involved and help organise more events like this for the season please reach out to memberdevelopment@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Social Events Calendar
If you didn’t know, we have a Social Events Calendar! You can find that by clicking “Home” > “Events” - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/events
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 November’s Newsletter - 8th of November
Cheers,
Ryan Box - Director of Communications
