Minnie Water – Wooli

Surf Life Saving Club Inc.

Annual Report

2012 – 2013

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I’d like to open our Annual Report by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land where

we carry out our club operations. This beautiful area that we all love always was and is

aboriginal land.

The 2012-2013 season has now passed and I must say “Where did it go?” This was my first

year as president of the club, with a new committee made up of a couple of old faces and a

couple of new ones. Thank you to my wife Kerry for taking on the role of club registrar;

Sandra Johnson for keeping our finances in line as the club treasurer; Tamara McSkimming

did a sterling job as club captain with 7 patrols and just short of 80 patrolling members to keep

track of; Brad Neil and Mark “Bear” Casson looked after all our training needs; Terry Byrne as

vice president helped guide me through the year; George Nowak as secretary and Geoff

Brodin as the JAC chair, big thanks to all.

On a sad note we had the sudden passing of Peter Casson on the 18th January aged 57

(Bear’s brother). Peter was a valued member of the club especially the nippers, he was

always on the beach be it as an age manager, water safety or cooking a BBQ, rest in peace

Peter.

I would also like to thank our major sponsors, Clarence Coast Motors, Komatsu, Ken

Casson Motors, Low Pressure Surf Co and the Clock Tower Hotel at which we hold our

Friday night raffles during the season. Your investment into our club is much appreciated by

the committee and members alike.

The club recognises the support of Dulux, who supplied paint as part of a nation-wide

sponsorship program to assist clubs in refurbishing the exterior of club houses. We were able

to complete the task at a working bee at the beginning of the season, and it looks great.

We also acknowledge DHL, Westpac and Telstra for providing assistance in the form of free

uniforms for our patrolling members. Woodside has provided the club with Sun Shelter

Marquees which are invaluable to our patrols.

Bonds contributed to the club by assisting the Nippers to acquire subsidised pink rash shirts

that became mandatory during the season.

The club would like to acknowledge Surf Life Saving NSW and the Surf Life Saving

Foundation in their fundraising efforts on behalf of all clubs. This is particularly helpful to us as

it frees up our time and resources so we can focus on our core lifesaving activities.

Please remember to support our sponsors whenever you can.

Congratulations to Geoff Brodin for his many years of dedication towards the nipper

movement, the end of this season sees Geoff stepping aside from the top seat in the nippers.

It must be said his commitment is unrivalled when it comes to his passion for teaching,

training and encouragement to the junior members be it at the beach on a nipper day, down

at the river after school or away at branch competing, thanks Geoff.

I would like to extend a big thank you to all our rowers who make up a sizeable portion of our

patrolling members. Without your dedication we would struggle to safely patrol our beach.

In summary, to all those who have contributed to the running of the club with patrolling,

training , fund raising and helping on the BBQ a big thank you. It all goes towards the

successful running of a club and I look forward to seeing you back down on the beach next

season.

Paul Gallagher

Beach Volley Ball Day at Minnie

Club Captain’s Report

What a great 2012-2013 season we have had at Minnie Water Beach. Most importantly, no lives were lost. We had several rescues throughout the year and 242 preventative actions. This shows that our patrolling members are doing what they volunteered to do, effectively patrol the beach. After looking at the comments and the reports that were left after the North Coast Branch assessors visiting our beach for "patrol inspections" and actually talking to them it is pleasing to see that there is nothing but positive feedback. I would like to thank Branch assessor Mr John Wake for his continued patience and guidance. One thing I would like to emphasise is the fact that patrolling members are wearing patrol uniforms as they should be warn. Patrolling members look professional and competent when properly attired. Well done to those members who completed 100% of their patrols. The simplistic manner we adopted was that if you were rostered to perform 48, 54 or whatever hours of patrols and you did that (or more) you got 100%. That covered patrol swaps, make ups etc. In particular, congratulations to Club stalwart Tony Benfield for his effort in doing the most patrol hours this year. It isn't the first time he has achieved this feat. Well done to the members of patrol 2 for taking out the "best patrol of the year". That patrol had the highest amount of 100% attendees, did the most patrol hours pro rata to members and had the least amount of patrol defaulters. A credit to the motivation and encouragement provided by the patrol captain Tony Benfield. An old head with young members was a good mix. Well done to Nash, Zac, Jake, Tim, Emily, Sam, Peter, Cale & Darcy and anyone else who subbed on this patrol. Thanks to everyone for patrolling this year. You have been a dedicated lot and should be praised for your great work. Club Championship day was well patronised and was a fun day. The use of rescue boards in lieu of comp boards gave the board component of events a true life saving feel. Congratulations to the respective winners and thanks to everyone who turned up and either competed or helped out. Speaking of competition, well done to our surf boat rowers on their competition results throughout the season. Tony Benfield swept a Women's and a Reserve grade crew that won Silver medals at NSW Country Championships as well as the Reserves (the RJ's) who came third in the north coast surf boat series. Damian McSkimming swept the Clubs A crew as well as a B crew and 2 masters crews and sometimes an under 19's crew. The A crew who

rowed B’s at country came away with a bronze, was the best result of Damien's crews but

they trained hard and deserved better. The 160 years Masters crew were desperately unlucky at the Coffs Harbour Interstate Craft Carnival not to win their final after winning all their preliminary races. Maybe next season will be their time to shine. That is it for 2012-2013. Thanks again to everyone for making this season one to remember. Onwards and upwards for Minnie Water Wooli SLSC.

Tamara McSkimming

Last patrol for 2012-13 season

Open women’s silver

JUNIOR ACTIVITIES Report

(nippers)

This season was very challenging, given the conditions we had to deal with. It started with great beach conditions, excellent weather and a good roll up at most activity days. Our club sent between 12 and 20 juniors to the Coffs Jetty, Woolgoolga and Sawtell Carnivals, achieving some good results. We also had 5 juniors compete at the NSW Country Titles held at South West Rocks. Unfortunately, the second half of the season saw the North Coast hit by three major big seas and two big floods which devastated our beaches. We had to contend with no sand exposing pebbles and rocks on our beach in front of the surf club. We had to relocate our activities towards the southern end of the beach. It was a struggle at times but with a lot of help from parents we managed to get through it. The Branch Championships were relocated to Coffs Jetty and we had a good roll up of juniors. The highlight was Jordan Gallagher winning the U10’s surf race and our U10 Swim team comprising of Jordan, Mathew, Cody and Logan winning a ribbon – a great effort. A big thank you must go to our parents, age managers, water safety and committee for doing such a great job. A big thank you must also go to our senior committee and patrol captains for helping us over the season. On 7th April 2013 we had our AGM and Presentation Day. We had a good roll up and it was great to see parents nominate for positions for next year. We have a keen and enthusiastic committee for next season with most Age Manager and assistant positions filled. I will be standing down as Chairperson this year, but will still be around next year to help guide our new committee through the upcoming season. My involvement with the Junior Club over the past ten years has been very rewarding. I have made many good friends and have seen our juniors grow and evolve into good young adults. I would like to acknowledge and thank our committee and parents for helping make our club such a positive and friendly environment. Lastly, the abundant support the North Coast Branch has given to our club over the years is greatly appreciated. We look forward to continued good relations for many years to come.

Geoff Brodin Chairperson

Surf Boat Report

Season 2012-13 once again saw a good representation of crews don the purple and green at

carnivals up and down the east coast. Plenty of new faces combined with the usual suspects

to ensure that Minnie Water- Wooli continued to “punch above our weight” against clubs

boasting far greater membership numbers.

Damien McSkimming came on board this year from Red Rock-Corindi SLSC to share the

sweeping and coaching duties with Tony Benfield. This enabled us to enter seven crews into

the local North Coast Surfboat Series, being Open Men, Open Women, two Reserve Crews,

Under 19 and two Masters’ crews.

Tony’s Reserve crew finished third in their division and Damien’s 160 years Masters did

likewise but it was consistency right across the board, with every crew finishing in the top five

that saw the club finish a close second in the overall club championship race.

NSW Country Championships at South West Rocks produced silver medals for Tony in the

Open Women and Under 23 Men, whilst Damien’s Reserve Crew won a bronze. Minnie

Water- Wooli was again well represented, with six crews.

NSW State Championships, held in Umina saw both Tony and Damien take their Reserve

crews through the round robin stage and into the knockout final stages, where they met their

doom. In a real test of harmony we decided to sleep 18 people in a 3 bedroom penthouse

and came out unscathed.

Damien took his Reserves up to Maroochydore for a crack at the Queensland State where the

boys won through to the Sunday quarter finals. The extended holiday was over quickly that

morning but it was a good result nonetheless and good to have them flying the flag for the

club.

A bizarre chain of events with a string of withdrawals due to injury and other reasons saw our

representation at North Kirra for the Australian Championships limited to Damien’s Reserve

Crew again. The crew were eliminated in round 3 of the knockout competition and probably

had the boat back on the trailer a little earlier than expected. Nathan Adamson had spent the

beginning of the week in hospital and bravely showed up for the championships. I believe

that a crew with a fully fit Nathan would have advanced further into the competition.

Away from competition, Tony initiated the delivery of an information session with Nathan

Perry, of Perry Surfboats, open to all North Coast Rowers and sweeps. The session outlined

boat rigging, training, club culture etc. and all who attended found it extremely worthwhile.

Nathan Adamson picked up the “Boaties’ Boaty” award at the presentation evening for his all-

round commitment to all things Minnie Water Wooli while Damien’s Open Crew “won” the

dreaded toilet seat for travelling to Woolgoolga for a training session without a surf boat.

The surf boat fraternity within the club have this season continued the high standard

established in equipment and personal appearance whilst attending carnivals and public

engagements. I may be biased, but believe that our boats, rigging and uniform to be amongst

the highest standard of any club, city or country. Looking forward, however, there needs to

be a conscious effort to maintain that which we have, which has been built up over many

seasons of hard work. Boats and gear are quickly out-dated or get knocked about. I would

suggest that one area we can work harder in is fundraising and sponsorship to work towards

new boats and equipment down the track.

Also pleasing is the fact that surf rowing has brought some new patrolling members to the

club, in Anthony Watts, Jacob Brotherson and Eranda Gunesakara. Our numbers have also

been strengthened by rowers from other clubs that have transferred their competition rights to

Minnie. By allowing these rowers to carry out patrols at their club ensures we are not harming

the patrolling membership of that club, which I believe is important.

Rowers continued their good work with attendance at patrol and the Friday night raffles.

Thank you to all who took the time to do so. I would also like to thank everyone that assisted

me in this role for the season, in particular Tony Benfield and Paul Gallagher. I have learnt a

lot and some of it has been the hard way, but the sun will still come up tomorrow.

“Grip It and Rip It”

Terry Power

U23 Silver

Res Bronze

Treasurer’s reporT

This is my first year as treasurer of Minnie Water – Wooli Surf Life Saving Club, and I wish to

thank former treasurers Gail Benfield and Alan Langford in assisting me with the transition.

As I took up the position, the committee approved the purchase of a newer version of the

accounting software (MYOB), and this has enabled us to keep track of our financials with

added efficiencies, such as paying most of our bills electronically. I thank the committee for

their patience during the changeover, and trust that the benefits are worth the effort.

The most significant external financial contributor to our organisation is the Clarence Valley

Council. This demonstrates the council’s support of the work we do in keeping popular

swimming beaches such as Minnie Water safe for the public.

The state-wide raffle and “Guardians of the Surf” fundraising programs donated funds through

Surf Life Saving NSW to assist in the purchase of rescue gear, first aid and medical supplies

and education programs and materials.

Our financial institution Bananacoast Credit Union (BCU) also contribute to the club via their

“Community Saver Account” scheme, whereby their members nominate any community

group, and a percentage of the balance is contributed each year by BCU.

Another innovative source of funds for our club is the commission from New Co Financial

Services through Westpac. This is an arrangement where club members or their friends and

family can receive a home loan at a rate that is better than advertised rates when they are

“introduced” by the club. We receive an up-front commission, along with monthly “trail” fees

for the life of the loan. If you are in the market for a home loan, please remember to contact

me to obtain an introduction.

The Minister for Police & Emergency Services, the Hon. Michael Gallacher MLC provided a

Club Auxiliary Equipment Grant in the form of a credit on our Surf Life Saving Australia’s

Online Store.

Financial reports have been finalised and audited by Westlawn Business Services Pty Ltd. I

thank Steve Noakes for his work with me both as auditor and also in consultation on

accounting matters. The reports show that the club made a significant loss this year of

$22,554. This can be attributed to rising costs particularly capitation, along with a reduction

in our income. Clearly this needs to be addressed, so I would like all members to consider

how the club can increase sponsorship and donations, and also to remember that the club

needs to keep expenditure in check.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that our organisation operates on a small budget and the

unmeasured value that all members put into our club is acknowledged. If the hours and skills

we volunteer had to be paid for, we would indeed need a much bigger budget.

Sandra Johnson