Ron Nicholson | Life Governor
Ron was first introduced to Woolamai Beach at the age of eighteen citing the attraction of the big surf, great beach, and cold beer. Ron passed his bronze medallion at Point Leo in January of 1967 and developed his skills by learning from some terrific mentors in Norm Ritchie, the Clauscen family, John Barber, Al Lawry as Club Captains then Thommo as President.
He soon realized the club was providing a valuable community service to all of those locals and visitors who wanted to swim at what was becoming a very popular beach. He understood the first priority of the club leadership was always to provide the best Life-Saving service possible with our limited resources and membership.
After starting off as a basic patrol member, Ron decided to obtain his Instructors Certificate and put through a couple of Bronze squads through including his two brothers, David & Garry.
He helped build our club values by implementing the three ‘C’s – Community, Camaraderie, and Culture. These basic drivers are entrenched into the Woolamai way of life and is a reason for our long-lasting success.
“Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club Pillars for Success:
Three C’s - Community, Camaraderie, and Culture”
Then Ron became a Patrol Captain and joined the committee as a Social Director, even having a stint running the canteen on behalf of the club. He states the club was very innovative in the early decades and put through the first female bronze squad, became involved with IRB’s in their development stage, put a mechanized vehicle on the beach, and started the iconic Channel Challenge event in 1986.
Ron had two stints as Club President, with the second time around involved Thommo pushing for Govt support to build the latest clubhouse. Ron and Thommo were invited to Parliament House by the local State member, Ken Smith, to put the case why Woolamai Beach SLSC was in need of a new clubhouse, to which they were successful.
Whilst a lot has changed, Ron actively patrolled on Woolamai Beach for over 35 years and loves that part of the club’s activities. To this day, Ron is still donating his time and energy to the better of Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, helping with the running of the San Remo Channel Challenge after establishing the committee of the event in the early 90s. His coordination with the Bass Coast Series, SES, Police, PINFC, Rotary, Bendigo Bank, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Parks Victoria, and other local businesses is pivotal to the running of our events and is a huge reason for the continued support between other services and WBSLSC.
Ron still enjoys coming down to the beach with his family, especially his grandkids, and the odd social function around club champs and Gerries patrols. If you get the chance to see Ron, tap him on the shoulder, and ask about his rescue of high-ranking generals. This is a tale that must be heard by all.
Congratulations on being awarded life governor of Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club Ron!