President's Chat - Sept 21

President's Chat
Welcome to the first edition of the Blu-ing for season 2021/22.
I’d like to start by welcoming all Board of Management and Committee members that have taken on a role this season. Each one of you will ultimately be the difference between a highly successful season and, well, not as successful season. A big congratulations to Linda, Nicole and the team for pulling off a highly professional Zoom AGM which I thought would be near impossible but not so, well done to all involved and big thanks to our Patrons Bob Carr and Michael Daley for making an appearance.

I also take this opportunity to thank Yvette Rutherford Life Member for her outstanding service to the Board for many many highly productive years and a continued role in our Ocean Swim subcommittee.

Still on committee position, later in this edition you will find a number of positions that remain unfilled. I reach out to all of you reading this newsletter to please consider filling one of these positions if you have the time and genuine interest.

What are we up to?

This season has started with an absolute bang with so much happening on so many fronts.
In no particular order I can inform you of the following;

• Covid has seriously interrupted club business including access to all areas within the club. We sincerely apologise for this but have had to fully comply with health orders. We hope you are satisfied with the ongoing updates and information that has been provided by our social media and website platforms. At this stage Surf Patrol commenced as programmed on the 18/9, Nippers is programmed to commence in October with a date yet to be approved by the government. As announced as recently as today, from the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to participate in community sport. Until then, community sport including club based Nippers cannot recommence. What this does provide is some certainty for what will be almost a full summer program for surf sport and Nippers. We encourage all members eligible to get a Covid vaccination, when possible, this will protect you and others and will hopefully prevent interruptions to business.
• Beachside upgrade is underway, this is to improve the beachside experience for all members. As part of this upgrade, the footpath will be widened for vehicle use (ATV) and deliveries. Bollards will be installed at the edge of the expanded bitumen turn around area to prevent vehicles from driving on the grass, plus parking of the ATV during surveillance patrols.
• In other club news, I can report plans continue for the new amenities block build with the project passing the DA phase. We expect late this year or a start early next year with minimal disruption expected to club business.
• Social Sundays are expected to recommence once Nippers kick off or possibly before depending on dates. We’ll have a fantastic Covid Safe outdoor beer garden once again which was so popular with members and the community alike last year.
• A review is currently underway of club storage and some new exciting developments happening on that front that will be announced soon meaning more space for nippers and board, ski competitors.
• Club Office remains operational however no face-to-face transactions at this stage. We expect this to change early to mid-October. In the meantime, Michele our office manager can attend to enquiries via phone on 93140070 or [email protected] Her response may be delayed by the large amount of correspondence presently coming through the office so please be patient.
• Club Sponsorship. As always we are reaching out to all mums, dads, members and friends to keep an eye out for potential club sponsors. You may have a connection with a company, corporation, person, Trust or Foundation, that sees the great work South Maroubra is doing in our community. Being the largest Nipper club in Australia makes us a great investment for any organisation or person. We are currently searching for a naming rights SPONSOR for our Ocean Swim in April. Around the $10 to $15k mark with great exposure and publicity, if you know of someone, please feel free to send an email to the above email address.
• New Club Bus. I’m pleased to announce the sponsorship of a mini bus by The Heartfelt Foundation, a part of the Precision Group. A christening of the bus will be held in due course.
• Don’t forget once health rules change which we expect around late October, particularly family parties, Christmas and so many other family events, the hire of the Heritage Room will once again be available. Get in quick as there is a backlog of events members and friends will be looking to catch up on. Club Hire enquiries via the above email address.
• Are you the holder of an RSA?  We are looking for volunteers once again for our Social Sunday roster which will likely be one Sunday per 4 or 5 weeks.  Also looking for a Covid Marshall if you don’t have an RSA but would still like a little voluntary job. Emails again to our office email address.
• Lastly, Gold Membership and all other memberships are now due. Fob keys will be switched off to non-financial members. Club events calendar will be forwarded out to you in due course when health rules become apparent.​

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon. Please be safe, get vaccinated as soon as you can and lets make this season the best ever!
Paul ‘Stretch’ Fownes APM OAM
President​