Woolamai Newsletter - September 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
Membership Renewal!!
Lifesaving Services Team announced
Bass Coast Series dates announced
Patrol Surf Rescue Jumpers
Club Social Events
AFL Grand Final
Spooky Halloween Party
Social events committee
Social Events Calendar
President’s Update - Jason Close
Hi everyone
Its now spring, footy finals and time to start getting ready for another season of life saving.
Many club members are already working hard to make 2023-24 one of our best yet.
A big congratulations to all of our newly appointed patrol leadership group. It’s a terrific mix of experienced leaders and some very talented new ones. It is great that many of the patrols also have junior captains.
You will also see some big changes at the Clubhouse when you next visit.
There will be plenty of reasons to visit Woolamai Beach between now and summer - training, fantastic social events, getting equipment ready for summer, working bees and planting days.
I look forward to catching up with you at some of these events.
Help needed
Our Club is kicking goals on the beach, but there are some very important behind the scenes roles that we really need help with.
Running a surf life saving club is an expensive activity. Each season we have some significant recurring costs and there are some great things we could do to improve the Clubhouse and our facilities if we can bring in some additional income.
Without people putting together grants and seeking sponsorships the Club’s ability to raise funds will be significantly compromised.
Our Club merchandise is enormously popular but we need someone to co-ordinate it so that it meets the needs of the Club and our members.
We also have lots of amazing members who are doing outstanding work who deserve far greater recognition than they are currently receiving. We need someone to help promote this work and put together some nominations for special awards -as well as help co-ordinate our own Club awards for service.
We will soon advertise the following roles:
Grants Manager
Sponsorship Manager
Merchandise Manager
Awards & Recognition Manager
Each of these roles can be done in your own time, from the Island or Melbourne and the amount of work involved is largely dependent on the time that you can put into it.
Training and mentoring are available for each of these roles.
If you are interested in one of these roles or you know someone who could be suitable (a parent, relative or friend) please get in touch with me at president@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Woolamai Beach SLSC Environs Management Plan
After years of liaising with authorities, grant applications, gaining approvals, engaging contractors it is very exciting to see the recently completed works surrounding the Clubhouse.
During July work was undertaken on the removal of sand and stabilisation of dunes surrounding the Clubhouse. Sand has beenrelocated to repair dune blow outs, strengthen the foredunes and distributed along the beach.
The pathway down to the beach has been better defined and haybales and bundled tree branches on the sides will allow sand to cover them and help better shape the dune alongside the pathway.
60 metres of 1.7 high retaining wall has been assembled around the Clubhouse to prevent future dune encroachment and to widen and retain access around the Clubhouse.
The driveway to the gear room has been widened and it is now possible to fully circumnavigate the Clubhouse in an All Terrain Vehicle.
Sand will eventually build up again behind the wall and so there will still need to be a regular program of maintenance. Unfortunately this is one of the disadvantages of having a clubhouse in a moving dune system.
Revegetation works proposed for spring 2023 and autumn 2024 will help stabilise the dunes further and significantly improve their appearance. This work will be led by Phillip Island Nature Parks with our members helping with the volunteer labor.
Keep your eyes on our Facebook page and future newsletters as we will be seeking assistance with planting. Our planting days will also be accompanied by social events -stay tuned.
A new concrete path has now been built to connect the car park to the Club entrance. The pathway helps drain water away from the Clubhouse and so we expect this will greatly assist with reducing flooding.
The pathway also connects to the all abilities access ramp which leads to the kiosk. Phillip Island Nature Parks has added a new link between the path and the ramp, replacing the very out of place logs and bitumen arrangement that we have had for many years. This will greatly assist people with mobility issues access the clubhouse and kiosk.
The biggest problem we still face is sand build up as wind blows sand up the beach. The path can be buried in sand in a matter of hours. We are working with Phillip Island Nature Parks to introduce some additional fencing with deflectors to help keep the sand away from the Club entrance.
The timber wing wall near the Club entrance will at some point be re-assembled and new signage introduced to give better information about the Club.
Now that all of this work has been carried out it is extremely that all members stick to the pathways and not enter the dunes or vegetated areas.
We have put a lot of time, effort and money into revegetation and stabilisation of the dunes and so we do not want to undo this good work through human activity. Should you see members of the public in the dunes please ask them politely to return to the beach or pathways.
This work has been made possible by the Commonwealth Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, Club funding and significant contributions by Phillip Island Nature Parks. The concrete pathway has been constructed thanks to a grant from the San Remo Bendigo Community Bank and Coastcare have provided a grant which will assist with some of the revegetation work.
A huge thanks also goes to Stafford Smith for all of his work co-ordinating the works with the contractors and Phillip Island Nature Parks. Andy Dallinger of Phillip Island Nature Parks has also gone above and beyond with on site supervision and working with the contractors to ensure the best results for the reserve and for the Club.
See you down the beach soon.
Regards
Jason Close
President
Board Update
Decisions
New shark alarm to be installed at Clubhouse
The board has been finalising the Nippers budget for 2023/24 and planning for future years stock to ensure equipment is available for future years.
Paella Night 2024 to be held in Jan 2024. Event to also be a celebration of 50 year anniversary of Woolamai Beach SLSC surf boat team winning Aussie title at Glenelg in 1974. Deposit to be paid to secure the services of a Paella catering company. Members of the winning boat crew to be invited.
General Business
Club calendar of events to be published on website
Club Strategic Plan to progress in October
Director Update
See below updates from the board:
President - Jason Close
This is the first meeting of the 2023-24 Board of the Woolamai Beach SLSC. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome those Club Directors who have returned for another season and welcome Fi Blackmore (Vice President) and Dave Ellison (Director Assets) to the Board.
The past month has seen a lot of time put into co-ordination of a major infrastructure project at the Clubhouse, with the stabilisation of sand dunes surrounding the Clubhouse and construction of the retaining wall. This has also seen the entrance of the driveway to the Clubhouse widened by almost 2 metres. The sand pathway down to the beach has had haybales and bundled tree branches added to the dunes next to it, to help better define the pathway. Construction work for this phase of the project has been completed.
Construction of the concrete pathway connecting the car park to the Club entrance started the week beginning 4 September. A huge thank you to Stafford Smith for all of his work co-ordinating the works with the contractors and Phillip Island Nature Parks. Andy Dallinger of Phillip Island Nature Parks was responsible for on site supervision and has worked incredibly hard with the contractors to achieve an incredible outcome on site.
Revegetation work for the dunes which surround the Clubhouse is due to take place throughout spring, with further planting to occur in autumn 2024. Phillip Island Nature Parks in conjunction with our Sustainability Committee and volunteers will undertake this.
Recent San Remo Bendigo Community Bank and Coastcare grants have assisted with some of the costs of these projects in addition to the Commonwealth’s Building Better Regions Fund, Club funding and Phillip Island Nature Parks contributions to the project.
Admin & Finance - Christian Born
I’m returning for a second season in the role, and it is shaping up to be a good one!
Our big expenditure this month was the final 50% payment to MAW Civil for the retaining wall works. The wall looks great and is built to last!
Financially speaking, we are in a good position as we enter the new season.
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
It has been a hectic few months, for the assests team. With completion of the our new retaining wall, laying of a new concrete path out the front of the club house, installiation of double glazed windows in some areas, repairs to electrical fixtures, and finally the purchase and installiation of the new bar area TV in time for Grand Final day.
Many many more projects are still going on in preparation for the 2023/2024 season.
Sunday October 29th will see our first big working bee of the season. If you are able to help, please come on down to the club at 9.30am on Sunday 29th October. A lunch, nibbles and light refreshments will be provided free of charge. All welcome! More media correspondence to come.
Communications - Ryan Box
Excited to be back again for my 3rd season on the board with many big things planned!
Bass Coast Series dates have been announced with registrations opening in October! read below for more information!
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
Lifesaving Services Team Announced!
We are excited to announce our Lifesaving Services Team for the 2023/24 season!
In the coming months, our LS Leaders will come together for an intensive weekend workshop to ensure they are all prepared and well equip to lead their patrol teams.
To continue keeping our members engaged, every active member from last season will get a phone call from our leaders to see how you are travelling and to give you all the information you need for the upcoming season.
If you have any questions or concerns leading up to the patrolling season, please contact your relevant Patrol or Vice Patrol Captain.
Beach Equipment Officer - Positions VACANT
We are still seeking 2 members to join our Lifesaving Equipment Team.
Working closely with the lifesaving equipment coordinator (BOO THANG), the Beach Equipment Officer is responsible for the club’s life saving operational equipment, ensuring the equipment is maintained and operational throughout the season.
This role is perfect for new Bronzies who want to be more involved and take on responsibilities within the club. The more you put into the club, the more you will back!
If you are interested in being a part of the team, please email lifesavingservices@woolamaibeach.asn.au
Bass Coast Series dates announced!
After last year’s success with all 3 events running for the first time since Covid, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Cape Paterson SLSC, and Phillip Island Football and Netball Club hope to see you all back keener than ever and help us set some new participation records for all three events in 2024.
With only months to go until the series kicks off, now is the perfect time to get ready and put these dates in the calendar!
Dates:
Cape Paterson Aquathon
Sunday 21st January 2024 @ 10:00am
San Remo Channel Challenge
Saturday 10th February 2024 @ 12:15pm
Cowes Classic
Saturday 2nd March 2024 @ 2:00pm
Little Penguin Dash
Saturday 2nd March 2024 @ 10:30am
Patrol Surf Rescue Jumpers
Our Patrol Surf Rescue Jumpers have arrived and are looking nice and warm for those colder/windy patrol days. If you are interested in purchasing a Surf Rescue Patrol Jumper, there will be another order made in January in time for our shoulder season. There will also be opportunities to try on some of our samples as sizing is not standard.
If you have any questions, please contact one of your Patrol Leadership Team Members.
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:
Season Open Event
Club Champions
Paella Night
Trivia Night
The club currently has 2 pre-season events coming up and we would love for as many members to come down and connect before the start of summer.
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
AFL Grand Final
Come and join us on the day that stops the nation to watch one of the biggest games of the year!
The AFL Grand Final will be playing on our Big Screen!
Bar will be open (cheapest drinks on the island)
Sausages and Nibbles available
Sick Vibe
Make sure to respond to the Facebook Event for more details closer to the event!
Facebook Event
https://fb.me/e/6p3hBfFZW
SPOOKY RAVE HALLOWEEN PARTY
“Save the Date...Buy a costume...and get ready for our first Pre-Season Club Party!”
📆 Date: Saturday 28th October 2023
📍 Location: Woolamai Beach SLSC
💲 Cost: $10
👻 Dress Code: MUST BE IN COSTUME! (prizes to be won!)
RSVP here 👉 - https://form.jotform.com/232071832584860
All costs are going towards decorations and food!
Please RSVP by 15th October!
Social Events Committee
If you are interested in creating or running some social events during the season, why not join our Social Events Committee?
For more information contact Terry Aslanidis - memberdevelopment@woolamaibeach.asn.au
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 October’s Newsletter - 8th of October
Cheers,
Ryan Box - Director of Communications