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1995/96

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

In our 15th year the club continued on its path of success, with an increase in tourists and beachgoers during the long hot summer of 1995/96.

Our Chief Instructor and Assistant gave their usual concerted efforts and put through a record number of Bronzies (48), ARC (14), Resus. Certificates (6), Radio Operators (40), plus many other more minor, but important awards - in all 159 certificates were obtained this season.

Our Instructors continued to supervise training during the winter months as well.

SPINNAKERS RESTAURANT

With further expansion, the club had no choice but to restructure the catering arrangements to provide lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday breakfasts.

The Committee called for tenders and out of a number of excellent applicants, reg Coryn, Jodie Donaldson and their partners Linda and Shaun Espie were chosen, and the restaurant renamed 'Spinnakers on the Beach' (now 'Spinnakers at Sunshine Beach').

The team created a new atmosphere in the club, attracting even more patrons than before, gaining an excellent reputation amongst patrons of the club and their guests.

After a short time, the Espie's moved on, with Reg and Jodie continuing on their own.

The Licensed Club's Association and the hospitality industry argue that one of the most important aspects of any successful club is quality food at reasonable prices, with an attractive and varied menu, all of which are paramount at Spinnakers.

On the agenda for the AGM this year was a motion for the club to proceed with the final stage of the renovations. Ten gaming machines were now on line, providing a much needed boost to the surf club's income.

Growth of the Junior Activities department was nothing short of spectacular, with membership reaching 85 this season. In the Branch Championships, our under 9 beach relay team came away winners.

The same year, one of our Nippers, Lucy Harrington, won the McDonalds Encouragement Award.

CADET DEPARTMENT FORMED

For the first time we also had a very active Cadet department. Cadet Officer Bill Doeland and Assistant Terri Saunders were nominated to help the transition of Cadets from Junior Activities to the Senior Club.

This year was also an excellent season for the boat section, with three crews competing throughout the year. There were outstanding performances from our ladies crew and masters men's crew in particular.

The ladies crew consisted of Rachael Lethbridge, Megan Slater, Meagan Oakley and Jenny Hurley, with Noel Mason as sweep. The crew were winners of the VB Cup, Branch Titles and came second in the World Titles held at Mooloolaba.

The Masters Crew consisted of Robert Allen, Mal Ford, Luke Lucas and Wayne (Radar) Wren, with Leigh Oakley sweeping.

This crew won the State Championship, the Over 45 Years event at the Branch Masters, the World Title Masters at Mooloolaba, placed third in the VB Cup and third in the Reserve Grade at the Branch Titles.

CHECKS FOR SKIN CANCER

The club organised another Skin Cancer Check Day in October 1996, with Doctors Richard Pearson and Ashley White in attendance, and assisted by Sisters Wendy Fahey-White and Liz Sinclair. We also ran a Hepatitis B vaccination program, as well as a St. Johns First Aid Certificate course.

Life memberships were granted to Michael Gowland, and Rod and Janis Evans in recognition of their services to this club and surf life saving in general.

1996/97

Still we continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Yet another record number of Surf Life Saving Awards were gained by our active members. The gaining of awards is not achieved without a lot of help - and the team of examiners, including Scott Braby, Rod and Janis Evans, Brian Rudd, Jane Lever, Ross Bartlett, Michael Truskett and Dean Wilson must be commended.

Brian Rudd, our representative at the South African World Masters Carnival, won a Silver Medal, coming second in the Tube Race.

Junior Activities membership was halted at 90, considered to be a limit at which our qualified safety personnel could reasonably supervise our younger members. The introduction of under 7 year olds was trialled, and proved successful. SLSQ permitted this age group as members, for siblings of older members.

Formation of a junior competition March Past Team, complete with reel and uniforms occurred this season. Their first appearance was at Branch Championships at Mooloolaba.

Nipper Michael Smith gained first place in the Board Riding competition, firstly in Branch Under 14 years champtionships at Peregian Beach and then competing at State Championships at Burleigh Heads. Not bad for a 13 year old!

This year's McDonalds Encouragement Award went to Tim Birss.

The number of Cadet members continued to increase, and after gaining their various awards, were often attached to a group of water safety officers for the junior activities.

VALE - WAYNE SCHULSTAD

In June 1997 the club was devastated to learn of the tragic death of our friend and fellow lifesaver, and inaugural committee member, Wayne Schulstad. During his time at the club Wayne served in many positions and clearly undertook his duties with vigour. He was a colourful character and is genuinely missed by all who knew him.

CLUB TEAM MANAGER

The club's Team Manager, Ann Oakley, was kept very busy oranizing 57 competing Cadets, Seniors and Masters for up to 15 different carnivals, including the VB Cup Boat Series, as well as all the official paperwork required! A record 41 competitors enterted the Branch Championships this season.

Not to be outdone, our open ladies boat crew were by far the most enthusiastic and consistent competitors, attending a total of 15 carnivals, winning the Branch and the VB Boat Series, and gaining places at most other events. The crew was made up of Meagan Oakley, RAchael Lethbridge, Sally Neubecker, Kassie Henschel, and sweep leigh Oakley. Michael Smith competed in the State Surf Board Rising competition, achieving Gold. He also entered the National Titles at Kurrawa with mixed results, however Brian Rudd won two silver medals in the Masters section. The 3-Way Carnival Noosa Shire Cup was won this year by our club.

On the Supporters Club side, Spinnakers Restaurant was still breaking records, with our new outdoor dining areas proving extremely popular. The gaming machines were still providing a welcome dividend to our finances, however the club had no intention of increasing the number of machines on the premises - the Executive was adamant that the club retain its family atmosphere.

In order to train our life savers and to provide the essential safety equipment cost the club $80,000 this season, which thanks to our very sound financial position was within budget - in fact, the Supporters Association donated $141,000 to the Surf Club this year. Our bar takings, in comparison with last year's trading, increased by 68%, and whilst our operating costs increased marginally, we achieved a trading surplus of $299,508.More.

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