Web: www.woolamaibeach.org.au | Email: secretary@woolamaibeach.asn.au | Postal Address: PO Box 49, San Remo, VIC 3925 | Telephone: 0467 475 263

In this Edition:

Communications Introduction
President’s Update
Board Meeting Update (2 October 2024)
Requal – new patrol uniforms
Behaviour at the Club
Training and Assessment
Club Historian wanted!
Member Spotlight: Getting to know you!

Communications Introduction

Hello everyone,

This month’s newsletter is packed with exciting updates and events!

We kick things off with a message from the Club’s President (Jason Close), followed by an inside look at our recent Board meeting on October 2. Ever wondered what happened afterThe Block hit our shores? We’ve got the scoop on our post-Block open day and the epic auction night that raised vital funds for the Club’s future.

Young lifesavers, get ready for a fun-filled day of learning at the LSVj Youth Symposium. Discover how we’re tackling mental health with some powerful workshops designed to strengthen our community. Feeling a connection to the Club’s history? We’re searching for a passionate historian to help us preserve our story.

Plus, don’t miss out on contributing to our brand-new Member Spotlight where we shine a light on the amazing people who make Woolamai Beach SLSC so special.

There’s plenty to catch up on so dive in and enjoy!

Louisa Williams

President’s Update - Jason Close

October is one of the busiest months for pre-season planning.

Our Club Board, Life Saving Services team, Nippers team, Assets team, Events team as well as Member and Leadership Development team have been working incredibly hard to get everything ready for a huge summer.

The Board held a season planning workshop on October 5 to set some objectives for the season. Each Director provided an outline of key directions and progress being made in each of their areas.

The Life Saving Services team has locked in patrolling dates with Life Saving Victoria and we have signed our patrol agreements. Our season will run from Saturday 23 November until Monday 21 April. Patrol rosters will be out shortly and our Club Captains, Jordan Kuerschner and Erin Close, along with Patrols Manager, Christos Argyropoulos, ran a great weekend patrol leadership course over the October 19-20 weekend. Nick Reynolds’ leadership presentation also gave everyone involved an opportunity to talk about the leaders around the Club that they admired and the leadership qualities to which they can aspire. It was great to see so many of our junior members stepping into leadership roles and we have a great team for season 2024/24.

OIn late September and mid October we also hosted two terrific community events. A huge thank you to Fi Blackmore, Darrell and Alison Clark and everyone who helped; read more about these very special events later in the newsletter.

Phillip Island RSL

See you down at the Club soon.

Regards,

Jason Close (President) - President@woolamaibeach.asn.au

**Board Meeting Update - 2 October 2024**

Meeting online

Present: Jason Close, Fi Blackmore, Nick Reynolds, Christian Born, Jordan Kuerschner, Erin Close, Emma Gallagher, Phoebe Clark, Darrell Clark

Apologies: Jules Hay

Decisions

The Board approved $11,500 for a series of improvements to the Clubhouse which included enhancements to the bunk rooms (creating storage, re-tensioning balcony wires and adding beading near upstairs doorways to reduce trip hazards). Additional projects include installing a bulkhead above the large TV in the function room and repairing, sealing and painting the roof ridge in the bar area to prevent sand inundation. Some of these upgrades are essential safety measures.
Following the airing of ‘The Block’ TV show on Channel 9 in August/September, the Club decided to host an Open Day shortly after. This event provided a great opportunity to engage with the community, showcase the Club's activities and highlight fundraising efforts, particularly the need for donations for the Smiths Beach Rescue Base. A sub-committee will be formed to manage this project and make further decisions related to ‘The Block’ follow-up activities.

General Business

A new entry sign was recently installed by Archisign at the Clubhouse, funded by a generous grant from the Bendigo Bank-San Remo & District Community Bank.
This grant allowed us to improve the entrance with a concrete pathway and sign that shares information about the Club, its programs, how to get involved and make donations. The sign also features a lockable community notice board for publicising activities, inserting posters and acknowledges our supporters.
We are very grateful for the Bank’s continued support.
A number of ‘Block’ events have been planned; read more below.
Jason Close and Fi Blackmore attended Councillor Clare le Serve's farewell event, marking her retirement after 11 years as a Bass Coast Councillor.

Requal – new patrol uniforms

Is your patrol uniform a little tight? Is it manky/torn/too many oil stains from the IRB motors etc?

If you bring yours to requal day, the club will replace it with a lovely new uniform – free! In addition….your old uniform will be recycled via new facilities organised by LSV.

You must bring the old item to get a new one.

If you don’t want to exchange your current uniform, you can purchase one at requal day. Shirts are $14 and shorts are $15.

Please see Mel Davies or Fi Blackmore on your requal day.

Behaviour at the Club

Our club has a Code of Conduct which all members need to follow. The Code sets out expectations on behaviour for members’ safety, wellbeing and to have an effective, harmonious culture.

It covers general expectations like being respectful and specific requirements such as not bullying or harassing others. There’s also details on areas like alcohol, staying at the club and cleaning up.

If a member doesn’t follow the Code, there are likely to be consequences. This may mean a warning, suspension or even, in the most serious cases, expulsion from the club. If you’re a junior member and break the Code, your parent/guardian will be contacted to pick you up from the club pending review of the situation. It’s therefore important you’re familiar with the Code (and that parents are too) and that you keep to it, both in requirements and in intent.

Don’t know where to find the Code? It’s on our website here or via Members/Member Welfare.

If you’re unsure about something in the Code or if something’s happened that you don’t think is in line with the Code, please speak with your patrol captain, a Member Protection Officer (Rex Mynott, Erin Close or Emma Gallagher) or a member of the Board.

Additional workshops for Mental Health Matters (hosted by ESF)

You are also invited to participate in a free Mental Health Matters workshop hosted by the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) on Saturday 23 November from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club.

Thanks to funding from the Victorian Government, this program aims to support emergency service volunteers and their partners in understanding and promoting mental health and wellbeing. Participants will gain valuable insights into:

Mental fitness and wellbeing
Identifying signs and symptoms of mental health issues
Tools and resources for support
Creating a personal support crew
Addressing stigma surrounding mental health
Practical skills for supporting each other including how to effectively ask “R U OK?”

What’s Included:

Free Appetiser, Dinner, Refreshments and Dessert: Enjoy a complimentary meal during the workshop.
Accommodation: If required, accommodation can be arranged for participants travelling from afar.

Teams are not only encouraged to attend but to invite partners and significant others to this important event, fostering a supportive environment for emergency workers and their families.

RSVP: Click 'going' on the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/pK9v1wCNkfsTTdq3/

Exciting Member Development Events!

As we gear up for the start of the season, we’ve got some fantastic events lined up that I can’t wait to share with you all! A group of younger members and I have put together a calendar full of activities designed to help improve skills, foster a sense of community, and—most importantly—have fun! While these events were created by the younger members, we've made sure to include something for everyone, no matter your age, skill level, or experience.

I encourage everyone to get involved, meet new people, and make the most of these opportunities!

First up 23/11:

Pre-Patrol Water Session

Post-Patrol Yoga with the amazing Ellie Ryan

Are you a budding Historian?

At our Annual General Meeting in July, our beloved Club historian, Graeme Clauscen, announced that this will be his final season in the role as he plans to retire.

Graeme, one of the Club's first members and who has been with the Club almost throughout its entire history, has dedicated much of his life to meticulously preserving our history. One of his highlights has been authoring ‘Wild About Wooli – 50 Years at Woolamai Beach SLSC’, a remarkable chronicle of the Club's journey.

With over 50 years of service, Graeme has held numerous positions including President but his most enduring and impactful contribution has been as our official historian. His legacy leaves behind a remarkable foundation and while his shoes will be difficult to fill, the role is crucial for maintaining our Club’s heritage.

We are now seeking a new Club Historian and volunteers to help catalogue the Club's collection. If you're passionate about preserving history and want to contribute to this vital role, Graeme is more than happy to chat with anyone interested in stepping into this position. Please contact him on historian@woolamaibeach.asn.au.

Member Spotlight: Getting to know you!

We’re excited to launch a new feature in our newsletter: Member Spotlight, where we’ll be highlighting the amazing individuals who make our Club such a special place. Whether you’re a longtime member or new, we’d love to learn more about you and your connection to the Club and the beach.

If you’d like to be featured, send us your brief story and a photo(s)!

Questions to consider:

How long have you been a member of the Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club?
What first drew you to join the Club?
What has been your favourite memory or experience as a member?
Do you participate in any club activities (Nippers, surf patrols, events etc)?
What do you love most about being part of the community?
What’s your go-to surf or swimming tip for newcomers?
Anything else you'd like to share about your time with the Club?

We encourage everyone to participate—whether you’re a surfer, swimmer, volunteer or just love the beach. Your stories help inspire and strengthen our community.

To submit, simply send your responses to Louisa. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Woolamai Newsletter - October 2024 Edition