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)
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club opens its doors - post Block
The Block auction comes to Woolamai Beach SLSC
The LSVj Youth Symposium is a fun-filled day of learning run by youth for youth!
Mental Health Awareness and Workshops
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.

Our gear inspection is on Cup Weekend - a big shoutout to all of our equipment officers who have been getting everything ready. Our new first aid officers, Izzy Bulach and Janine Lloyd, have also whipped our first aid room into great shape.

Congratulations to Erin Close, Emma Gallagher and Rex Mynott who have stepped into the very important Member Protection Officer roles. Look out for the great posters around the Clubhouse that will tell you who they are and how they can help you.

Our Nippers enrolments opened up and the Nippers Committee has been meeting regularly and planning an amazing program.

Darrell Clark and our Assets team have been busy getting the Clubhouse into shape for the season and the Board update provides an outline of some of the work underway.

Ron Nicholson and the Bass Coast Events team have opened up entries for the 3 big races for the season - the Channel Challenge, Cowes Classic and Cape Paterson Aquathon. As of a week ago, there were 320 entries for the 3 events already - an incredible result for early October.

The Member Development team and all of our trainers have also been extremely busy getting a full program of courses up and running. A big thank you to Phoebe, Ellie and the team for all of their hard work and planning. A Silver Medallion Patrol Captain course was run at Woolamai on October 19-20 and included members of a number of other Clubs.

In 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

Jason Close and Fi Blackmore attended the Phillip Island RSL Annual Dinner on October 15.

It was a fantastic evening and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the vital role the RSL plays in our community. While the RSL is deeply committed to supporting the welfare of returned servicemen and women, it also extends its support to many local organisations.

RSL President, Peter Paul, opened the event with guest speakers including RSL Victoria President, Dr. Robert Webster OAM and Federal Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent MP.

The RSL has been a great supporter of our Club over many years. This year, the RSL provided the Club with funds for some new rescue boards for which we are very grateful.

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.
Jason also met with the Smiths Beachcombers Association on site at Smiths Beach to accept a generous $1,000 donation to support urgent repairs at the Smiths Beach Rescue Base.
Darrell Clark and the Assets team have been busy with Clubhouse repairs, upgrades and obtaining quotes including replacing the front door lock and intercom, upgrading electrical works, cleaning cameras, replacing alarm batteries and servicing fire extinguishers.
The Lifesaving Services team is finalising patrol rosters and agreements with Life Saving Victoria, with several junior members stepping into leadership roles. A patrol leadership weekend is scheduled for October 19-20.
Gear inspection will take place over Cup weekend.
IRB motors and ATVs are being serviced.
Chief Instructor, Ellie, has updated the Club's website with information on training and facilitator programs.
Lastly, the Board will hold a season planning workshop on Saturday 5 October to set priorities and directions for the upcoming season.

Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club opens its doors - post Block

During September, the reality TV series, ‘The Block’, aired several episodes featuring our Club.

To build on community interest in our Club as a result of the show and to thank the community for its support of the Club over many years, we held a Community Open Day on the afternoon of Friday 27 September 2024 at the Clubhouse.

The day was a huge success with several hundred visitors passing through the doors of the Clubhouse to visit and have a look around an operational surf lifesaving club and, of course, take a look at some of the great work carried out by The Block.

During the afternoon, Club members ran Clubhouse tours, answered questions about surf lifesaving, our Nippers program and some of the special events, training courses and programs that the Club runs. Club Vice President and event organiser, Fi Blackmore confirmed that “we are always looking for new members and there are also many ways that people can make a difference in a surf lifesaving club even if they can't patrol the beach".

For many in the community, it was their first visit so it was a great opportunity to showcase the work we do. We even had a few membership enquiries and people offering to help the Club with various tasks.

A huge thank you to Fi Blackmore and the many members who volunteered their time to conduct tours and set up everything for our big day.

The Block auction comes to Woolamai Beach SLSC

The Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club hosted a highly successful fundraising auction night on Friday 11 October with support from The Block team. The event featured food, drinks, live music and auctions, attracting over 100 attendees including local community members, lifesavers and The Block cast and crew. The evening raised valuable funds for repairs to the Smiths Beach Rescue Base and upgrades to the Clubhouse.

The event, promoted via posters and social media with ticket sales managed through Jotform, was seamlessly run by volunteers who handled the bar and food service. Dave Franklin, The Block’s legendary landscaper, served as MC and lead auctioneer, supported by guest auctioneers from The Block, Hadyn as well as sisters Maddi and Charlotte. The Block's Executive Producer, Julian Cress, also participated. The auction showcased generously donated items from local businesses, community members and The Block team with fierce bidding throughout the night.

Club music organiser Glenn Davidson brought together local talents Daisy Spratt and Dan Searle, who kept the crowd entertained. Club members Emma Gallagher and Jordan Kuerschner made their Clubhouse musical debut with an acoustic set, joined by Glenn on the bongos.

Event organiser and Club Director of Assets, Darrell Clark, highlighted the community aspect of the fundraiser, stating, "As well as being a fundraiser, the event was also about bringing the local community into the Club. We have enjoyed so much support from local businesses and the community for many years and it was great to see so many enjoying the evening and the Clubhouse."

Club President, Jason Close, praised the success of the night, giving credit to Darrell and Alison Clark along with Dave Franklin for their efforts in making it possible. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing connection with The Block team, saying, "We are thrilled that they reached out to support our fundraising efforts by donating auction items and attending to make it such a great night. We've also discovered some very talented musicians in our midst."

Food was provided by the San Remo Hotel. Many supporters including the Williams family were in attendance. Darrell Clark emphasised the importance of bringing the community into the Club, acknowledging long-standing support from local businesses.

Special thanks were extended to those who donated auction items including Island Surfboards, Dave Franklin, The Block, Amelia Trappett, Colleen Williams, San Remo Hotel, Korumburra Hotel, Rubicon Hotel, Alana Kozik, Phillip Island Winery, Shoreline Pest Control, Tommy Williams Photography, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Thundercat Tours, Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Wildlife Coast Cruises, Prestige Surfaces, Pyramid Rocks Gallery and Green Works.

Photos from the night, taken by Nici Cahill of Snapshot Photography, are available on heir Facebook page.

Jason Close concluded by acknowledging the transformational impact The Block has had on the Clubhouse, making it more welcoming and comfortable for volunteer lifesavers who give up so much of their time to assist. He hinted at more exciting social and fundraising events at the Club to come this summer.

Fully tax-deductible donations can be made at https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/donate.

The LSVj Youth Symposium is a fun-filled day of learning run by youth for youth!

The LSVj Youth Symposium is an initiative that is open to all youth members aged 13-17yrs within lifesaving.

The Symposium brings together youth members from across Victoria for a day of inspiration, fun and empowerment through the delivery of keynote speakers, leadership development activities and a platform to discuss the big issues facing our youth members.

The day promises to enrich, challenge and facilitate our leaders of tomorrow with valuable leadership and communications skills. The jam-packed program will feature keynote speakers and activities including:

LSVj-led Amazing Race which is always a key highlight of each year’s Youth Symposium

Lifesaving journey life mapping

Pathways fair

Mental health session - 'Supporting young peoples confidence to not compare in a world of social media'

Scenario training

YACVIC - 'Empowering young people to connect and lead'

Get your lifesaving friends together and register your attendance here for a fun day.

Mental Health Awareness

Over 100 people attended the Mental Health Awareness Forum hosted by Phillip Island Medical and Health Action Group in September. The event was held at the Phillip Island RSL and 12 different community organisations attended.

With half the population likely to experience mental health issues in their lifetime, it is an important issue in the community and one which is important for our Club to be across.

Representing our Club at the forum were Darrell Clark, Phoebe Clark and Erin Close.

Additional workshops for Mental Health Matters (hosted by ESF)

Mental Health Matters workshop in Inverloch

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/

Training and Assessment

With the 2024/25 season now fast approaching, it is time to ensure your membership is current and awards are up-to-date. That's right, it's requal time!

We refer you to the club's website for all information on Skills Maintenance: https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/skills-maintenance

PLEASE NOTE: All regular awards will be available for requal on the skills maintenance weekend despite what MT lists in the courses - LSV will hold off officially listing IRBs until after our TAFs are qualified in the new awards.

Steps of Skills Maintenance

In order to complete skills maintenance and requalify your awards for the 2024/25 season, you must complete these steps:

1) Renew/Pay your Membership

2) Ensure you have a valid WWCC & ADD THE CLUB TO YOUR CARD

3) Complete E-learning

4) Book into a practical session (Sessions are now online)

Practical Sessions at Woolamai 2024/25 Season

Woolamai Beach SLSC is running 2 skills maintenance days which are the 30 November and 1 December 2024.

These session will run from 9:30am to 3pm on both days.

Please see the website to access the course IDs https://www.woolamaibeach.org.au/skills-maintenance.

REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE TIME SAYS ON MEMBER TRAINING, EVERYONE SHOULD ARRIVE AT 9:30AM.

Resuscitation courses

We will be running a CPR course from 8am - 11am on BOTH the Saturday and Sunday of the Skills Maintenance weekend. You need to completely redo your CPR course every 12 months. This is an opportunity to redo your CPR course if you haven’t already this year - you get your CPR course done. If you wish to complete on of these courses, please enrol in one of these course IDs via Member Training Portal:

New IRB Requal 2024

The IRB Crew and Driver course content has changed from this season going forward; everyone who currently holds this award will be required to be updated on these changes at Skills Maintenance 2024. If you hold your IRBC or IRBD and are planning on using these awards in the coming seasons, you must attend a skills maintenance this season to ensure you are current in new course.

Please refer to the club website if you have any questions or concerns but reach out if you can’t find your answers there.

The Patrol Roster will be distributed very soon.

The Training and Life Saving Services teams can’t wait to see all of you on the beach this season.

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