Pittwater Online News

Bilgola SLSC held their 68th AGM on Sunday July 30th. The AGM was attended by Jason Falinski, Federal member for Mackellar, Rob Stokes, NSW Member for Pittwater, Kylie Ferguson, representing Northern Beaches Council and Doug Menzies, President Sydney Northern Beaches SLS (SNB SLS).  Also attending were Bilgola Life Members; Graham Foran, Bob Machar, Dennis O’Toole, Tony Bland, Robert Hawkins and Distinguished Service member Richard Crayford.

Incoming President for the fifth year, Romilly Madew, opened the AGM focussing on volunteerism at the club 

"The many hours members volunteered to ensure no lives were lost, that we are in good financial standing and our membership numbers are sound.  A number of events and initiatives stand out as examples of this.  

This year we received an award and cheque from SNB SLS Branch for our patrol assessment as we had received a high level of marks through our patrol audits – this is an acknowledgement of our Club Captain Pete Fenley and Patrol Captains.

We now have 9 trainers – resulting in nearly 90 people being trained across a number of awards throughout the season.  Don’t underestimate the hours our trainers spent taught.  This is combined with our 5 Assessors – who support our trainers.  As well as the many people who volunteered as Water Safety when it came assessment time.

 

We also held a number of events some sad and some happy that illustrated true club spirit and that sense of volunteerism at its heart

• The Anthony Whittet Search

• The Richard “Mr Bean” Crayfourd Benefit

• The fundraising by the morning swimmers and Bilgola Community for the Public Defibrillator

• The Sippers and activity around the club, and

• The energising of the Nippers program

Bilgola is a great club because its members are at its heart of what makes it great - Sunday mornings here - when there are hundreds of nippers running around, patrol is setting up, SRC, IRB and Bronze training is on and John Broggers has the BBQ humming - is Bilgola.  That’s hundreds of hours of volunteerism right there and why the committee have much to be proud of for another great year

Finally, I would like to acknowledge.

Graham Foran who is stepping down as both Boat Carnival Coordinator and Public Officer.  His ongoing support and advice is invaluable and his coordination of the Boat Carnival as well as the Swim previously has ensured our events continue to be great.

To our local members, Jason Falinski, Rob Stokes and Kylie Ferguson – thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for Life Saving.  Its so important for our Clubs to have your support.

To John Brogden – who even though it had been a really tough year for you – you still turned up to man the BBQ and support the club.

To those committee members not standing this year – thank you for your time and energy  – Rowan Jacob and Hayley Beckerleg. 

I want to also acknowledge the support of Blackmores once again this year and all our other sponsors.”

Seated Distinguished Service Member Richard Crayfourd, behind him Life member Bob Machar; Patron John Brogden and Jenny Crayfourd

Jason thanked the committee, life members and politicians. Acknowledged level of involvement – reputation and activity in the club. Mr. Falinski also recognised the SLS movement in saving lives. 

"There is a great spirit in the club and strong reputation. Thanks to Romilly and the committee for all the hard work." Mr. Falinski said.

" It's a pleasure to be here again and thanks for the service you provide to the community, the awards and countless volunteer hours.  Surf Life Saving is a community activity – an icon of the Northern Beaches and we appreciate you keeping the beaches safe. SLSC is a strong part of the culture of Australia. "

"Volunteerism is the basis of Northern Beaches and Pittwater does exceeding well. Thanks, you to all life savers and committee for building community, faith in swimmers, nippers and training. Keep it up and support. "

"Congratulations to Romilly and committee. Financially and membership numbers sound. Keep beach safe and on behalf of the community thanks for the safe environment. Thanks for all the training and work that has gone in."

Federal Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski; Rob Stokes; Incoming President Romilly Madew; Northern Beaches Council Representative Kylie Ferguson; John Brogden; Doug Menzies

Club President Romilly Madew

Club Captain         Peter Fenley

VP Admin         Nigel Penn

VP Membership Peter Fenley

Hon Treasurer Stephen Thatcher

Hon Secretary Claire Reading

Committee Person - Media Secretary Kath McKenzie

Committee Person – Social and Events David Madew

Management Committee

Chairman – Junior Activities Richard Hardwick

Sponsorship/Grants Secretary Ray Trevisan

Membership Secretary                 Rob Farr

Chief Training Instructor         James Campbell

Boat Captain                                 Mark Fitzgerald

IRB Captain                                 Piet Poelmann

Competition Secretary         Norm Pounder

House Captain                         Ben Gill

Cadets Captain                         Rob Chant

Board and Ski Captain                 Kai Schaefer

Licensee                                 David Madew

Incoming Committee, Life Members and VIPs