Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby tabled a Community Recognition statement in the NSW parliament on Thursday February 13, stating:
''I commend South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club in marking 20 years of their Bush to Beach program. Bush to Beach allows children from remote First Nations communities in far west NSW, the opportunity to experience beach activities such as snorkelling, surfing, and nippers, as well as to learn water safety skills.
This longstanding partnership between the Surf Club and Bush to Beach started thanks to the support of Life Member Mr. Peter Clarke and the then and Life Member President Steve Maxwell.
The program continues to this day thanks to the tireless work of Jack Cannons AM, Christopher 'Burra' McHughes, President Duncan Shieb and the Surf Club Committee.
I was lucky enough to join in on this year's activities and witness first-hand the positive impact of this program on both the Surf Club community and the Bush to Beach participants.
Long may this special partnership continue.''
South Narrabeen SLSC President Duncan Shieb stated on February 7th, after the 20th successful Bush to Beach:
''As President of South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club and someone who grew up in Western NSW, I'm proud to share the incredible success of our 20th Anniversary Bush to Beach program. From January 23rd to 27th, 2025, we welcomed children from Brewarrina and Goodooga to experience the magic of coastal life – many for the first time.
The transformation we witnessed over these few days was remarkable. From their first ocean swim to standing up on surfboards within 15 minutes, these young people showed extraordinary courage and determination. One particularly touching moment was watching Joyce Dooles' Great, Great, Great Granddaughter, just 10 years old, catch nine waves on her very first time on a surfboard – a testament to the program's ability to build confidence and break barriers.
What makes Bush to Beach truly special is how it's come full circle. Two of this year's carers, Thomas and Carissa, were once participants. The artwork on our anniversary towels features Myrtle the Turtle, created by Charlotte Boney, another original Bush to Beach participant who has become an accomplished artist.
This program wouldn't have been possible without our community's extraordinary commitment of over 1,500 volunteer hours. From the South Narrabeen lifesavers who ensured water safety to the Manly CWA ladies who provided endless sustenance to Miss World Australia representatives who taught snorkelling, every volunteer played a crucial role in making this anniversary celebration unforgettable. A special mention goes to Charlie, Matilda, Molly, and Oscar Schieb, who were with the kids from the time they got off the bus until the end of the Disco on Sunday night.
Special recognition goes to Matt Granger and Manly Surf School, who have donated their time since 2006, the dedicated team at the Collaroy Centre, Pizza Hut Australia, and our tireless local volunteers who managed everything from cooking to cleaning. The support from our government representatives has been outstanding, including Federal MP Dr Sophie Scamps,State MPs Michael Regan and Jacqui Scruby, Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins,Deputy Mayor Ruth Robins, and Councillor Vince De Luca. Their presence and support at our celebration dinner demonstrated the strong community backing this program continues to receive.
All participating children will become members of South Narrabeen SLSC, which will give them ongoing access to our training and awards programs through the SLS members portal. This digital connection means they can continue learning from their regional communities, working towards valuable qualifications like first aid and other lifesaving awards. This ongoing engagement helps maintain the connection between our communities and provides pathways for personal and professional development long after their beach visit.
At its heart, Bush to Beach inspires hope, builds confidence, and promotes education. It's about showing these remarkable young people that they are part of Australia's future and supporting them to be their best. As we celebrate 20 years of this transformative program, we remain committed to building bridges between coastal and inland communities, one wave at a time.
Special Thanks to Our Contributors:
Key Leadership:
- - Jack Cannons AM, Dan Robinson, Burra Mac, and John Cannons (Bush to Beach Board)
- - Danielle Boney and Thomas French (Brewarrina coordinators)
- - Duncan Schieb (South Narrabeen SLSC President)
Special Contributors:
- - Kristen Wright (Miss World Australia 2022, now Miss WorldOceana)
- - Jasmine Stringer (Miss World Australia)
- - Letitia Walker (Previous Miss World Finalist and artist)
- - Tom Troveich (Manly Rugby League)
- - Super Hubert (Magician)
- - Darren Pyecroft (CEO Collaroy Beach Club)
Dedicated Volunteers:
- - Charlie, Matilda, Molly and Oscar Schieb
- - Greg, Matt, John, Dan, and Sabrina
- - Holly, Luca, Zoe, and Gabie (Melbourne volunteers)
- - South Narrabeen SLSC Members Mia, Sharon, Peta, Tahlia and Coby
- - Peter, Ken, Brian, Mike, Steve, Alan, Brian, Nick, Lisa,Martin, and Ratna (cooking team)
- - Andy, Angie, and Brian (CPR and first aid training)
- -South Narrabeen Patrolling Members and Age Managers
- -Patrolling Members from Nth Narrabeen, Narrabeen and NorthCurl Curl
- - South Narrabeen Past Presidents and Life Members, including Peter Clarke (Clarkey), Steve Maxwell, Brownie, Ted Billett, and Brett Picknell
Bush to Beach is built on respect and trust, and after 20 years, it continues to demonstrate how a little surf club with a big heart can make a lasting difference in young lives.
The success of Bush to Beach relies on the collective effort of these individuals and many more unnamed volunteers, who contributed over 1,500 hours to make this program possible. Their dedication continues to transform young lives and strengthen the bonds between our coastal and inland communities.
Thank you for investing your time to make a difference in the lives of others.
Duncan Schieb, President
South Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club is at 1200 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen.
Visit: www.snslsc.org.au
