Woolamai Newsletter - December 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 Update
(Planting days
Nippers
Happy birthday Thommo!)
Vice President’s Update
BBQ at Carols by Candelight
Club merchandise
Grants information
Call out for volunteers
Life Saving Services Update
Patrol Roster
Farewell Boo
Victorian Community Achievement Awards
Training / Member Development Update
Skills Maintenance Summary/ Season Launch
Frank Dando Sports Academy (FDSA) Camp
Upwey Bronze/IRBC Camp
Club Bronze Medallion Camp
U18 Youth Development Camp
New Clubhouse Accommodation Policy
Life Members and Members Dinner (Paella Night)
Patchworkers Thank you!
Woolamai Beach from above
Casual lifeguard job - first 3 weeks of January
Bass Coast Series getting closer
Callout for historic club items!
Wild About Wooli Holiday discount!
President’s Update - Jason Close
Hi everyone,
Christmas is almost upon us.
The past month has seen three and a half Bronze camps run at the Clubhouse -the Dando Academy Camp, Upwey High School and the Club Bronze camp. A Bass Coast Adult Bronze course was run between Inverloch. A huge thank you to our Member Development team, trainers and teachers from Upwey High and the Dando Academy. You are an amazing group of people and the time put in to planning and delivering each camp has been incredible.
Welcome to all of the new Bronzies who will be joining us this season.
Planting Days
In the past month a small group of Club members led by Louise Smith have planted several hundred small plants and spinifex grasses in the dunes surrounding the Clubhouse and alongside the beach track.
The plants will hopefully take hold, and the revegetation will help stabilise (and significantly improve the appearance of the dunes).
A huge thank you to Andy Dallinger from Phillip Island Nature Parks for supervising the planting and to PINP for providing the plants for the project. Phillip Island Nature Parks has been busily propagating these plants at their ‘Bush Bank’.
More planting days will be held after the main summer period.
The Club now has a couple of watering cans in the gear room and so we will be looking for some volunteers from patrols to do some watering from time to time.
The other way you can help our revegetation efforts is by staying on the tracks and out of the dunes and politely asking members of the public to do the same.
Nippers
This month Tanya Pinnock, our Nippers Director stepped down from the Club Board and from managing our Nippers program. Jules Hay has stepped in as our interim Nippers manager.
The Board would like to thank Tanya for her hard work and contribution to the program over the past year and a half.
Nippers starts on Fri 29 December and runs through until Fri 5 Jan. There are nearly 400 children enrolled this year with over 300 at Cleeland Bight and over 90 at Smiths Beach.
There will be some fantastic social events at the Clubhouse including a Nippers Movie Night on Sat 30 December, a Bubbles and Sunset Night on Tues 2 Jan, a Beer and Burgers Night on Wed 3 Jan and a Nippers Helpers Pizza Night on Thu 4 Jan.
See the Facebook post for how you can help out with water safety.
Happy Birthday Thommo
Our beloved Life Governor and Club legend John Thomson, more commonly known as Thommo celebrates a special milestone birthday this weekend.
Thommo began his long life saving journey at our Club in the early 1960s and has been a constant presence and leader ever since.
Thommo was Club Captain in 1969, Deputy President between 1979-81 and Club President in 1982-84 and again in 1987-88. Thommo has also held senior Board roles at Life Saving Victoria.
One of Thommo’s biggest legacies is our current Clubhouse. Thommo along with Alan McLean, Mike Whittaker and their Building Committee were the driving force behind securing the funding and approvals for our current Clubhouse in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s
Thommo has been one of the Club’s best ambassadors, negotiators and a real ‘ideas man’ who has continued to deliver many initiatives and projects to help the Club.
At our last working bee, Thommo even swung the shovel and cleared the sand off the pathway in front of the Clubhouse.
Happy 80th Thommo!
Best wishes for the festive season everyone.
See you down the beach soon.
Regards
Jason Close - President@woolamaibeach.asn.au
President
Vice President Board Update - Fi Blackmore
It’s been a busy period in the run up to summer!
The Board has been constantly busy, including reviewing our junior accommodation policy & preparing for Nippers.
BBQ at Carols by Candlelight
The club assisted the San Remo community in providing a BBQ at Carols by Candlelight on 15 December. We were the only food vendor (other than the usual shops). It was great to be a part of this key family event for San Remo, Newhaven & Cape Woolamai locals & visitors. Santa visited on a CFA truck to lots of squeals! Big thanks to Chris Pezet, Lachy Cameron, Murray & Maureen Adams, Maddie & Jack Hungerford, Janine Lloyd & Rachel Costello for all their hard work in organising this BBQ. Thanks too to the former Newhaven Lions club for the BBQ trailer, the San Remo Traders Association for the opportunity to be part of Carols 2023 and to our suppliers, IGA San Remo, San Remo Butchers and Print it Fast.
Club Merchandise
Club merchandise (bathers, hoodies, tops & trackies) was sold at requal weekend & at the Upwey and club bronze camps. Given short resourcing for merchandise this season, minimal stock has been ordered for the December/January period. If you want to purchase items, don’t delay: many sizes are already low in stock. You can purchase at the Nippers rashie pick up at the clubhouse (Thursday 28 December 2-5pm), & on-beach sales will be at Nippers (29 Dec – 5 Jan). Sales can otherwise be arranged by appointment: email merchandise@woolamaibeach.asn.au We’d really love a new coordinator to come on board to help revitalise this area of activity! Please contact me if you’re interested/want more info.
Grants Information
The club’s received multiple grants from Bass Coast Shire Council in recent years, and this has continued in 2023 - big thanks for their continued support. Our latest grants, for IT equipment & Nippers boards, were part of a community grants presentation on 28 November that I attended. The event was held at Berninneit, the new cultural centre in Thompson Ave, Cowes. It’s well worth a visit with a beautiful new library, performance theatre, art exhibition (currently featuring Bunurong & other Aboriginal artists) & the Phillip Island historical centre.
We need more volunteers
A call for help: we need more volunteers. We really do need your help. We know many people are tired, and that all sports and other clubs have fewer helpers. If we don’t get help then workload falls on fewer shoulders. If you’re thinking of a new year’s resolution where you can learn new skills, give back, have fun, make new friends and rekindle old connections, please consider how you can help the club, and contact me or a member of the Board.
Fi Blackmore - Fi.blackmore@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Vice President
Lifesaving Services Update
Patrol Roster
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.
Full Patrol Roster - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/patrol-roster
Fairwell Michael Butler (BOO)
Last week we said farewell to the rock of this club. Our beloved Patrol Captain, Manager of Lifesaving Equipment and all around legend embarks on his overseas trip for 3 months with work. Boo will be dearly missed by the Woolamai Beach SLSC family but don't worry, BOO will return towards the end of the season and patrol with us in March!
Make sure to send him lots of messages.
Victorian Community Achievement Awards
Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club had been nominated and were finalists for the Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award 2023!
Club Captain Campbell Smart and Chief Instructor Terry Aslanidis attended the event in early December to accept our finalist award.
Unfortunately we didn’t come home with the big prize however were recognised as the top 5 (out of 60) nominations for this category.
This award reflects our members dedication and passion towards our community.
Thank you to Campbell Smart for writing the application.
Training/Member Development Update
Skills Maintenance
Woolamai Beach SLSC conducted it’s annual Skills Maintenance Weekend on the 2nd and 3rd December 2023. The weekend saw just over 50 members complete their Bronze SM and 12 members complete their SRC.
Thank you to all the members who attended and a big shout out to the training team who assisted over the weekend:
Christian Born
Alan (Aquamole) Hailes
Josh Smith
Erin Close
Lachlan Casey
Jordan Kuerschner
The Skills Maintenance Weekend was backed up with members from the FDSA, UHS and Club Bronze requalifying their awards totaling another 50 members requaled for the season.
The club will not be running any more SM session in 2023. If you are yet to complete a skills maintenance session, have a look on the Member Training Portal for sessions at other clubs.
Inverloch 23/12/2023 @ 1pm
Cape Patterson 27/12/2023 @ 9am
Venus Bay 27/12/2023 @ 10am
Venus Bay 29/12/2023 @ 10am
Season Launch - Social Event
Our inaugural season launch social event on the 2nd December (straight after skills maintenance!) was a success with many members filling their burritos while watching the sunset go down across our beach.
Thank you to Jordan, Lachlan and Erin for assisting with preparing for Dinner.
We hope to continue to provide social events throughout the season for our members.
Bass Adult Bronze Course
This year, clubs in the Bass Region came together and combined our trainers/resources to provide a more flexible course aimed at members above the age of 18 years old.
Led by Terry Aslanidis, the course ran over 2 weekends during November which saw 1 Waratah, 4 Inverloch and 6 Woolamai members complete the course.
Thank you to Jordan Kuerschner, Michael Butler and Lucy Tate (Inverloch) for assisting throughout the course.
The club would also like to congratulate Jordan Kuerschner for being endorsed as a Bronze Facilitator.
Frank Dando Sports Academy (FDSA) Camp
The Frank Dando Sports Academy (FDSA) returned for another year of fun, with students completing their SRC, Bronze and IRBC throughout the week.
Students ranging from 12-17 years of age were tested in challenging conditions throughout the week. The Teachers who are all Bronze qualified, were assisted by 3 club members to provide a high quality SRC, Bronze & IRBC course.
We look forward to continuing the partnership between the FDSA and look forward to next years camp!
Thanks to Darrell Clark, Phoebe Clark and Jordan Kuerschner for leading the IRB Crew course and providing water safety for the SRC and Bronze course.
Upwey High School (UHS) Bronze/IRBC Camp
The Upwey High School (UHS) Bronze Medallion and Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew (IRBC) Camp commenced from the 4th December - 8th December. This camp is run by the UHS teachers, as well as past students, who have been through the program.
The Year 10 Students are given the chance to complete their First Aid qualification in October and Bronze Medallion in December, while the Year 11 students complete their Advanced Resuscitation Techniques qualification in September and IRBC course in December.
The Training Team would like to thank the following TAF’s, Teachers and Past Students for making this camp possible:
Bronze Medallion:
Coordinator: Bianca Meyers
Trainers: All past students
Assessors: Grant Nichol, Judy Andreola
Facilitator: Dean Biddau, Stafford Smith, Pat Nichol
IRB Crew:
Coordinators: Liam Comber & Evan Richter
Trainers: Liam Comber & Christos Argyropoulos
Assessor: Evan Richter
Club Bronze Medallion Camp
After breaking a record last year for the most number of candidates on a Bronze Course (49), we have once again broken that record with 53 members participating on this years Bronze Medallion Camp!
Candidates worked together throughout the week learning valuable skills and gaining life-long friends throughout the week long live in camp. The week was jam packed with a full timetable of training, water sessions, morning fitness, team building activities and special visits.
Training Team Special Mentions
The Bronze Camp can not function without our dedicated Bronze Leadership Team who dedicate 7 days of their time to run this camp. Thank you to the following Leaders:
Bronze Camp Managers: Ellie Ryan, Jordan Kuerschner
Training Coordinator: Lachlan Casey
Water Safety Coordinator: Phoebe Clark
Welfare Officers: Emma Gallagher & Erin Close
Leaders: Alex Lee, Ava Close, Bailey Lawton, Bonnie Dickie, Carrise Flint, Daniel Reynolds, Emily Ross, Isabel Bulach, Jasmine Kuerschner, Josh Broughton & Sophia Hungerford
To view more photos from all camps, please check out the Photo Gallery - https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/photo-gallery
U18 LSV Development Camp
Congratulations to Sophia Hungerford and Brody Derricks who completed the U18 Lifesaving Development Camp held at Lord Somers Camp on 1st to 3rd of December.
Overall, it was a fantastic camp with 28 amazing youth members attending from across 17 clubs. The participants were split across three groups, led by 7 LSV volunteer leaders, who all gave up their weekend to assist to develop our youth members.
The club is also lucky to have Michael Butler and Bonnie Dickie represent the club as a Camp Leader and water safety assistant.
The U18 Camp is an opportunity for youth members to further develop their skills as future leaders, enhance interpersonal skills, broaden their understanding of lifesaving, and to support participants as they progress through their lifesaving journey.
Participants were involved in numerous activities across the weekend, these included: Build a Life Saving Club, Coaching practical session, On patrol scenario training, the Team Challenge plus more.
All activities are designed for the participants to learn from leaders and each other in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
“Overall it was great to learn a different side of lifesaving rather than just patrols and rescues, but more in depth with the behind the scenes of a lifesaving club and how to become a leader within our individual clubs” - Brody Derricks
To learn more about other Youth Development Opportunities - click HERE
New Clubhouse Accommodation Policy
An important component of patrolling at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club is the ability to stay overnight at the Clubhouse. This provides members with a unique experience, social opportunities, and most importantly increases the Club’s ability to attract patrolling members for a whole weekend or multiple days.
However the Club has to ensure that the safety and enjoyment of all members is maintained.
There is also a need for the Club leadership team to know who is staying at the Clubhouse along with contact details in case of an emergency or call out.
Parents and legal guardians of junior members need to provide consent to their children staying overnight and be confident that there is an appropriate level of supervision.
For these reasons all members will be required to complete a simple online form before staying overnight at the Clubhouse.
Bookings for the Club residence can be made by emailing the Club Administration Officer on secretary@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Junior Member Accommodation Policy
The Woolamai Beach SLSC Board has endorsed the following interim policy for junior member accommodation at the Clubhouse. The Board will monitor this policy over the coming months before endorsing a longer term approach.
Under 15s
A junior member under 15 years of age may not stay overnight at the Clubhouse unless in the company of a parent or guardian or unless attending an overnight camp or training course at which there will be appropriate adult supervision and parental permission has been provided as part of enrolment in the course.
15-18 year olds
A junior member between 15-18 years of age may stay at the Clubhouse overnight if the following has occurred:
The junior member must have signed the Club’s code of conduct and submitted it to the Club in the current season.
A parent or guardian must have made prior contact with a senior member and confirmed that senior member is willing to accept responsibility for the supervision of the junior member.
A parent or guardian must book the junior member in for each night of their stay using the Clubhouse accommodation booking form and agree to the terms and conditions.
The junior member must be undertaking a lifesaving activity the day prior to or the day following the overnight stay.
The Woolamai Beach SLSC Board thanks you for your commitment and dedication to the club.
We hope you have a safe and happy time here
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT THE ACCOMODATION FORM
For more information head to this page https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/accommodation-policy
Life Members and Members Dinner (Paella Night)
WHAT: "Life Members and Members" dinner - celebrating 50 years since Woolamai Beach SLSC's first Australian Title. 1974 Reserve surfboat at Glenelg South Australia
All 5 crew members have confirmed their attendance
WHEN: Saturday 6th January 2024
WHERE: Clubhouse bar and deck
TIME: 6pm bar opens for a 7-7:30pm Paella dinner (RSAs needed to man the bar)
COST:
- $22 ADULTS
- $15 UNDER 21’s
FOOD INFORMATION:
Once again we have Melbourne Paella Co. providing our meal!
A little bit about the company. We aim to provide your function with a delicious and memorable experience for your guests.
We recommend two or three types of paella to choose from to cover all of your guests dietary requirements:
Sustainable Seafood
Chicken & Chorizo
Vegetarian/Vegan.
Our Paellas are made with the freshest and highest quality of produce including fresh boneless chicken, high quality authentic mild chorizo, and fresh seasonal vegetables. We do not compromise on quality or abundance. The paellas are cooked 100% from scratch right in front of all your guests and we feel they have the finest flavours of any paella in Melbourne. Your guests will enjoy watching the visual display, the cooking technique, the aromas, and eventually the delicious main course.
Dietary requirements - no problem! Paella is 100% gluten free, dairy free, nut free, healthy, and absolutely delicious! Our vegetarian paella is also suitable for vegans.
PURCHASE INFORMATION:
Unfortunately multiple items can’t be selected at once. The way around this is to select 1 option and add to cart, and then go back to https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/shop/wbslsc-life-members-and-members-dinner-2024 and select another option. This will show both units in your cart. Alternatively multiple payments can be made.
(For those who are technologically challenged please get in contact with Macca, e: maccamcl@hotmail.com / m: 0409 234 642)
Bookings will close 4pm Monday 1 January 2023
Phillip Island Patchworkers - Thank you for the support
A big thank you to Phillip Island Patchworkers for their kind donation to the club in December at their Christmas Quilt in.
Woolamai’s Club historian and life member Graeme Clauscen attended the event on behalf of the club with long standing member Ron Stephens also in attendance.
Woolamai Beach from above
With summer coming up, this photo sent in by former member Dave Chivers via Life Member Phil Mylecharane perfectly illustrates the extent to which rips form along the beach at Cape Woolamai.
It may seem obvious to us, but many members of the public are unaware that the dark water between the sand bars and surf breaks are rips. Fortunately as you can see from the photo, the rips eventually dissipate after a couple of hundred metres.
Thanks Dave and Phil for sharing.
Casual lifeguard job - first 3 weeks of January
Vic swim is an intensive holiday learn to swim program that teaches out of the local pools and Inverloch Inlet as well as Cowes Inlet.
They are after bronze medallion lifesavers to help assist and lifeguard the program as our teachers teach. We have a competitive pay rate of $34 an hour.
It would be for the first 3 weeks of January Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm
If you are interested in this please get in contact with Khy Blizzard
5672 4194
Bass Coast Series getting closer!
Registrations are filling up for all 3 Bass Coast Series events which is great to see as we’re under 2 months out from the first event.
We look forward to seeing you compete in our most exciting year yet!
Pricing is consistent for all 3 events with no increases from 2023
Standard
Individuals 18 Plus - $60
Juniors U/18 - $40
Relay Teams - $90
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!
We now have a new email address historian@woolamaibeach.asn.au which is a great way to send in any photos or historic information you might have for the club’s records!
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
Discounted for Summer
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 January’s Newsletter - 8th of January
Cheers,
Ryan Box - Director of Communications