Release of 2022/2023 Annual Report

Dear members

I am pleased to present the Point Lonsdale SLSC Annual Report for Season 2022/2023.

This is an important document, which sets out achievements over the season, financial results and future plans for the club. A massive thank you to James Coutie and Bunny Carrigan for their efforts in putting together this impressive report.

We are well placed as a club to move forward into the future, and I look forward to presenting this Annual Report, and our future plans to continue to deliver our 2021-2026 strategy, Our New Era at our Annual General Meeting next Saturday 12 August at 2.30pm.

Members may ask questions about the Annual Report and the current state of the Club at the Annual General Meeting, either in advance, by emailing secretary@plslsc.com.au or otherwise in person at the Annual General Meeting.

As previously advised nominations for positions within the club for the next season required to be submitted by 5 pm today - Saturday, 5 August 2023. Pease see the Annual General Meeting page of the Club website for information on nominations and positions available.

While, I have previously advised of my intention to stand down as President at this AGM, the Board has decided that given the number of other Board members intending to retire at the AGM, it would be appropriate for me to seek re-election, with the intention to stay on until January 2024. This decision has been made in the interests of appropriate succession planning and maintaining continuity for the Club.

I will have more to say about this at the AGM next Saturday, and continue to encourage members to put their hands up for roles and help is great Club achieve what we all watch – long-term success.

Happy reading, and I look forward to seeing you next Saturday 12 August at 2.30pm at the AGM.

Kind regards 

Charlie

Charlie Pitney, President

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2023

Notice is given of Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club’s Annual General Meeting to be held at 2.30pm on Saturday 12 August 2023 The Annual General Meeting will be held in person at Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club.

The Notice of General Meeting and Proxy Form is available here.

If it becomes necessary or appropriate to make alternative arrangements for the meeting, we will provide further information on PLSLSC's website.

Please see a copy of the 2021-2022 AGM (link) minutes for the purposes of Item 1 of the AGM. Please advise the Club Secretary of any corrections you propose to make to the unconfirmed minutes.

The Annual Report will be circulated separately prior to the AGM.

The Annual General Meeting will be webcast on the Club’s Facebook Page, but members viewing the webcast will not be able to vote or ask questions during the meeting. Members who will be unable to attend but wish to participate are encouraged to lodge proxies and submit written questions in advance of the meeting.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - MUST BE RECEIVED BY SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 2022

For the purposes of Item 6, the following Board positions are vacant and members may submit a nomination for election:

• President - Position Description

• Secretary - Position Description

• Club Captain - Position Description

• Director (Programs) - Position Description

The Nomination Form is available here.

The Board also calls for nominations for all other officers and positions within the club to be formally appointed by the Board at a later date, including:

Commercial Executive

• Director (Property)

• Director (Marketing)

• Director (Fundraising)

• Director (Rip View Swim Classic)

Life Saving Executive

• Club Vice Captain (Life Saving Services)

• Club Vice Captain (Gear & Equipment)

• LERT Captain

Programs Executive

• Director (Training & Assessment)

• Director (Youth Programs)

• Director (Membership & Leadership Development)

• Director (Aquatic Sports)

Position descriptions for each role are contained in the PLSLSC By-Laws.

The Nomination Form is available here.

Now is a very exciting time to become a member of our committees and we encourage all members to consider getting involved.

Any questions in relation to the above, questions to put to the meeting or any General Business proposed to be considered at the AGM should be directed to the Secretary via email.

Wish list - help make our club great!

We are always getting great ideas from members about how to make our club better. So we’ve compiled these into a wish list, below.

If you are thinking of making a donation, take a look at the wish list and let us know how you would like us to spend your donation.

Contact the office to donate.

Big ticket

Shade blinds $ 41,900

Bin housing $ 7,600

Full length cushions for benches $ 7,000

Misting fans$ 6,500

Gifts under $5,000

Bike racks $ 4,700

Tilted umbrellas $ 3,800

Staging $3,700

Multifunctional controller for lights audio and vision $3,500

Electric BBQ (inbuilt) $ 2842

Gifts under $2,500

 Outdoor heaters $ 2,500

Outdoor lounges $ 2,500

Greenery $ 2,300

Taller rubbish bins $ 2,000

Custom deck chairs $ 1,600

Water bubbler $1,300

Lounge couches $1,000

Gifts under $1,000

Decorative outdoor cushions $ 980

Planter box $ 870

Gifts under $500

Sit-to-stand desk for office $ 500

Full length outdoor cushions $ 400

Mini fridge for office $ 380

Mini fridge for meeting room $ 380

Frame for menu (with menu printing on corflute) $ 320

Coffee machine for meeting room $ 250

Baskets for storage for office $ 200

Karaoke machine $ 150

Glasses/mugs for meeting room $100

Kettle for meeting room $ 50

Low cushioned stools $50 ea.

CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS - PRESENTATION NIGHT SEASON 22/23

Our annual presentation night celebrates the achievements and commitment of our volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to our club and surf lifesaving over the season. Thank you to everyone who attended the event to make it a memorable and special event for all.

Special thanks to Alison Marchant, Member for Bellarine and Isabelle Tolhurst, Mayor Borough of Queenscliffe for joining us to helping present the awards.

Please join us in congratulating the following members of PLSLSC on their exceptional performance and commitment to the lifesaving movement.

Life Saving Awards

Most Efficient Patrol Members, presented by Andrew Taylor and Jess Robinson

• Gus Price

• Hamilton Woodman

• Oliver Schelosky

• Edward Andrew

• Kitty Ingvarson

• Caitlin Bruce

• Charlee Woodman

• Alex Erwin

• Caitlin Erwin

• Margie Ross

Patrol Service Hours 35 +, presented by Andrew Taylor and Alison Marchant

• Caitlin Erwin

• Josh Vaughan

• Andrew McCredie

• Jodhi West

• Jessica Lennen

• Sheona Pearson

• Campbell Jones

• Ruby Keon-Cohen

• Ben Van Doren

• Will Adcock

Patrol Service Hours 40 +, presented by Andrew Taylor and Alison Marchant

• Caitlin Robinson

• Brigitte West

• Steph Padgham

• Ella Jupp

• Charlee Woodman

• Lorna Cairns

• Oliver Smith

• Samuel Murray

• Alex Erwin

Patrol Service Hours 50 +, presented by Andrew Taylor and Alison Marchant

• Huw Joyce

• Hamilton Woodman

• Jessica Robinson

• Oliver Schelosky

• Caitlin Bruce

• Chloe Evans

• Andrew Taylor

• Kitty Ingvarson

• Edward Andrew

• Daniel Barton

• Josh Brien

• Joe Murphy

Most Patrol Service, presented by Andrew Taylor and Alison Marchant

• Huw Joyce (104.85)

Club Champion Awards, presented by Graeme Smith and Caroline Cotton

• U 17 – Angus Robinson

• U 19 – Nick Evans

• U 19 – Caitlin Robinson

• Opens – Kye Gray

• Opens – Caroline Cotton

Bronzie of the Year, presented by Caroline Cotton

• Kitty Young

• Oscar Meadows

Distinguished Services to Training and Assessment, presented by Caroline Cotton

• Ben Van Doren

• Kye Gray

Certificate of Excellence, presented by Caroline Cotton

• Caitlin Robinson 

• Jodhi West

Encouragement Awards, presented by Jess Robinson

• Kitty Ingvarson

• Alex Keeble

• Chloe Evans

• Alice Murray

• Margaret Ross

Distinguished Service (general), presented by Caroline Cotton and Charlie Pitney

• Andrew Taylor

• Jodhi West

• Murray Keeble

• Matthew Vaughan

• Andrew Charlton

• Trent Schmidt

• James Cotton

• Matt Ponsford

• George Fortey

• Charlotte Furness

Distinguished Service to Lifesaving Operations, presented by Andrew Taylor

• Jess Robinson

• Joe Murphy

• Andrew McCredie

Exceptional Rescue, presented by Andrew Taylor

• Will Gourlay

Rob Anderson Foundation Award, presented by Caroline Cotton and Jodhi West

• Caitlin Robinson

President’s Award, presented by Charlie Pitney

• Bunny Carrigan

Club Captain’s Award, presented by Andrew Taylor

• Kye Gray

Club Person of the Year, presented by Charlie Pitney

• Charlie Gough

Life Member Recognised in King's Birthday Honours

Esteemed life member, John Turner has been recognised for his dedication and long service in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.

John has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). The Medal of the Order of Australia is awarded for service worthy of particular recognition, in John’s case for services to surf life saving..

In recognising the award, Club President Charlie Pitney said:

John’s contribution to the Life Saving movement, both at Point Lonsdale and Anglesea is extremely worthy of this recognition. John is a valued and dedicated life member who has committed much of his life to the conspicuous service he has given to the community.

As a pioneer in our Club and life saving in Victoria, John continues to be engaged and passionate about our Club and we are very fortunate to count him as one of our members.

Congratulations John - we are honoured have you as a member of our club!

JOHN TURNER OAM BIO

John ‘Dummy’ Turner OAM joined the Club influenced by his mates at the Williamstown Lifesaving Club and Williamstown Football Club, and became one of our Club’s most popular and successful Captains. He represented the Club in competition for many years at the State, Interstate and National levels, and with Harry Windmill, was the major force behind the introduction of the Nipper program to Victoria.

In 1955, when competing at his first Australian Championships for the Point Lonsdale beach relay team in at Dee Why, John saw a NSW ‘nipper’ group training. Concerned that that there should be some intermediate steps between completing the ‘learn to swim’ classes, John saw the benefit of rewarding young members with certificates and badges, similar to those in cubs and scouts. He also re-wrote the Manual to include First Aid instructions from the St John’s Ambulance Handbook and Rescue and Resuscitation the Australian Surf Life Saving Blue Book.

In 1958, John went too London for 12 months with Shell Company and Colonel Neil Turner and his wife enhanced the program progressively until John returned from his Australian SLSA trip to the U.S.A, returning with a Lifeguard Manual, and the introduction of the Lieutenant and Captain’s Course was formalised in 1966. The program trained children in surf awareness, surf life saving competition, basic first aid and resuscitation, as well as being an avenue to membership recruitment. Over time, this area has developed to become a major focus of Surf Life Saving across Australia.

John was a member of the first Victorian Boat Crew to win Gold at the Australian Championships at Scarborough in 1965. Also in 1965, John was a member of the Australian team to tour America, competing in demonstrations and carnivals held both during the day and at night. In 1967, he was joint organiser of the first USA team to visit Victoria, this competition being the forerunner of the Wieland Shield.

John was awarded the Ken D Allen Award in the 1962/63 season and Life Membership in the 1965/66 season. John is also a life member of Anglesea SLSC.

John’s extensive involvement in surf life saving has also included other Clubs – in the late 60’s, he was the sweep of the Fairhaven Senior Boat crew and for 3 years from 1998 he was the Competition Director at the Anglesea SLSC. During this time the Anglesea Club were the Victorian Champion team for 3 years, and won 20 medals at the Australian Championships. At Anglesea he continued as an Active Reserve patrolling member from 1980 to 1990 and received Long Service Membership. In 1994 he formed and supervised the Junior Development Squad.

Pink Zinc Patrol

Join us on Saturday 18th of February

to celebrate the amazing women of PLSLSC at our annual Pink Zinc patrol.

About the Pink Zinc Patrol

On Sunday 10th January 2016 the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club and Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club held their first ever all female patrol at the Point Lonsdale Back Beach. All female ‘Active’ patrolling members of both clubs were invited to attend with over 30 girls patrolling on the day. The aim of this patrol was to encourage and celebrate the female patrolling members of the Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove SLSC’s and to promote female leadership within in these clubs and the Surf Life Saving community. 

Surf Life Saving is the largest volunteer organisation of its kind in Australia and has a proud history that resonates with the entire nation. However it was not until 1980 when females became eligible to be active patrolling members and not until 2015 when the first ever female CEO of Surf Life Saving Australia was elected- Melissa King. A gender gap does still exist in SLS and women’s sport. The aim of this patrol was and is to close this gap and encourage female’s to get involved.

Guest speaker, Jo Burch- Point Lonsdale SLSC

I joined Nippers at PLSLSC when I was 10 years old because my parents wanted to ensure I learnt surf skills and was safe swimming at the beach. Since then I have spent every summer involved with the club in some aspect.

My leadership positions include the following: 

• Club Captain 2015-2018

• National Leadership College 2015

• Club Vice- Captain 2013/2014

• Youth Leadership & Development Officer (Nippers) 2009-2013

• Head Instructor Nippers 2006-2009

• Patrol Captain

• 2013 Recipient of the President’s Award- Point Lonsdale SLSC

• 2008/2009 and 2011/12 Club Person of the Year- Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club

• 5 years Patrol Service Award- Life Saving Victoria

I was instrumental in initiating the Pink Zinc all Female Patrol for the Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove SLSC’s something I hope to work on and develop further. I am also a member of the FLN and feel these opportunities are great for engaging women.

I am often asked, “Why do you give up some much time and all your weekends doing SLS?” I think the answer is that deep down enjoy giving/ volunteering and the values that SLS promote are similar to my own personal ones. 

I currently work as a child Psychologist and often talk about SLS in sessions with my clients as a suggestion of sports/ hobbies that may help keep kids engaged and mentally/ physically healthy. My aim for surf life saving is to continue to promote female leadership and ensure all girls are given an opportunity to lead.

Order of events

10 am Yoga at the clubhouse – all welcome (free event)

11 am Speeches and special guests followed by morning tea and networking

12.45 - 6.15 pm Pink Zinc Patrol – all active members welcome to participate (female & male)

6.30 pm Drinks and nibbles at the clubhouse

Life Member Recognised in Australia Day Honours

One of our esteemed life members, Matthew Ponsford, has been recognised for his dedication and long service in the 2023 Australia Day Honours, by being awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM).

The Emergency Services Medal recognises distinguished service by members of emergency services across Australia, and people who are involved in emergency management, training or education.

In recognising these awards, Club President Charlie Pitney said:

Matthew is a worthy recipient of tis honour. He is a valued and dedicated volunteer who has committed his life to conspicuous service to our Club and to the life saving movement, more broadly.

Matthew is a tireless and ever-reliable volunteer who gives and gives, including serving as our president from 2015 - 2019. In my opinion, he is the lifeblood of our Club. His knowledge and expertise are extremely valued and his unwavering commitment to keeping the community safe both on and off our beaches make him an extremely worth recipient of this honour.

Congratulations Matthew - we are very proud to have you as a member of our club!

Matthew Ponsford ESM BIO

Matthew Ponsford ESM’s unwavering commitment to the Surf Life Saving movement and to the Point Lonsdale Club have been outstanding.

Matt commenced patrolling at Point Lonsdale in Season 1987/1988 and continued regular Club patrols until Season 1999/2000.  During this time he was a Patrol Captain for over 5 years and a Patrol Vice Captain for a year before then.  Matthew competed in IRB’s at local and State Championships in Seasons 1990/1991 and 1991/1992, and competed in First Aid Competition at State Championships at Ocean Grove 1990/1991 (Equal 3rd Place) and Seaspray 1993/1994.  He has silver medals for Radio Controller, IRB Driver and Life Support.

In 1990, Matthew was the first Club member to attend the SLSA Youth Development Camp held in northern NSW.  He was then selected to attend the Advanced Youth Seminar in Sydney the following year.  His report from this seminar recommended the expansion of life saving services in the Borough of Queenscliffe, being the catalyst for lifeguard services at Santa Casa Beach. 

Since 2000, Matthew has remained a very active member, concentrating on life saving services, supporting our young members in providing the infrastructure and environment to be trained and ready to perform their duties.  In 2007/2008 he was responsible for the establishment of the Lifesaving Emergency Response Team (LERT) which supports the Bellarine communities in life saving services.  Thanks to Matt, the Club obtained the first RWC (jet ski) on the west coast, being only the second Club in the state to operate an approved RWC.

Matt was District Officer for Flinders in 1993/94.  When Regions were established in 2004/05, Matt took on the role of South West Regional Officer, coordinating Life Saving Services.  In 2009/10 this Region was split to form the Surfcoast and Bellarine Regions, and Matt continued to serve the latter as Regional Officer in the Bellarine Region.

In 2009 he was awarded the Premier’s Community Volunteering Award for his contributions throughout the community.

Matthew has also served in leadership roles in our Club for over 20 years. He served as President from 2015-2019, Secretary from 2003-2010 and Club Captain from 1992 - 1993. Since 2019, Matthew has held a variety of roles, including COVID-Safe Officer, Assurance Officer and LERT Captain.

Matthew’s greatest legacy as President is the instrumental role he played in our New Clubhouse project. Mathew worked tirelessly to negotiate government funding, fundraise and engage in stakeholder management for this project. He continues to serve today on our Back Beach Base Building Committee.

Comedy at the Clubhouse

Showcasing some of the best comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festival in support of Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club.

Summer Social Calendar 22/23

Vale Brian Fowler

Point Lonsdale SLSC is saddened by the passing of Life Member, Brian Fowler. On behalf of the Board, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brian.

Brian, nicknamed “Chook”, joined the Club from the Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club, and was taught to swim by one of our Club’s co-founders, Jack Meehan. Encouraged to try competition from the early age of 14, Brian took part in carnivals swimming for Williamstown. At 16, he gained his Bronze Medallion in 1951 and joined the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club when our membership totaled 25.

At his first competition as a junior, the Rescue & Resuscitation (R&R) Team defeated the ‘crack’ ‘A’ Team. This Junior R&R Team won the Victorian Championships for 3 consecutive years and were placed 3rd at the Australian Titles at Wollongong in 1952. He also competed in swimming, belt races, beach relay, beach flags and the March Past Team which won 7 State Titles during the 1950s.

Although family, study and work commitments intervened, Brain continued to compete in March Past for many years. Brian’s contribution to the Club includes Vice President, Club Vice Captain, Junior Club Captain and Honorary Legal Officer for 25 years. He continued to support the Club and take part in many activities late into his life, and received a 60 year long service award from SLSA in 2012.

Many members will remember Chook cooking sausages on the barbecues at Nipper Presentation Night, alongside Keith Joyce, Alan Joyce and Geoff Speed. An activity he loved doing for around 25 years as a way to give parents a break and enjoy the event.

We thank Chook for his outstanding contribution to our Club over many years. May he rest in peace.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday 15 November 2022 at the Nelson Bros Williamstown Chapel, commencing at 2.30pm.

81 Kororoit Creek Rd, Williamstown VIC 3016