Words from our President - Dec 2020

I’d like to start by wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
 
Regrettably 2020 will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, in particular Covid, the pandemic that  has terribly impacted our normal way of life, including our surf club activities, which I’m sure you’ve all experienced in some way.
 
What is the current club Covid status?
At the time of writing our club is still operating under our Safety Plan which relates to all aspects of club operations.

The more common rules include the need to always use QR registration when entering the club or any of our storerooms. Manual sign in is available in the absence of Smartphones.

Hygiene requirements still apply when entering clubs or storerooms, cleaning of gym equipment before and after use, cleaning of shared equipment such as boards plus our lifesaving equipment and training gear all need to managed in line with respective sectional Covid Plans.

We reported via Surfguard that changeroom showers are not available for use yet.
Please continue to use public outdoor showers located opposite Mick’s kiosk.
 
Current government updates cane be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates
 
Club Room Hire/Functions/Social Sunday status? 
We are pleased to advise that the Heritage Room and its BK Lounge are available for hiring purposes, whilst club’s Sunday socials will continue, room hire and socials can now operate under the 2 sqm rule.

This brings capacity in both rooms back to 100+ guests, great news for our club.

Restrictions still apply in terms of being seated when indoors and consuming alcohol but does not apply when walking indoors without alcohol or standing at tables.

Dancing of 50 people is now permitted so we’re almost nearly back to normal . 
Please consider and promote club hire of the Heritage Room for your and your friends’ private events.
 
Brief summary of what’s happening around the club?

• Nippers Covid Drop and Go continues to operate each Sunday for 8am and 9.30am. With parking changes happening at the time of writing we encourage families to use this safe drop off facility.
• Social Sunday’s continue courtesy of Licensee Gus and his band of bar staff. A variety of New wines are on offer, so be sure to ask about them and try them.
• Nipper Overflow Parking will soon be closed with alternate parking in Broadarrow Reserve (entry off Mons Av) available, and temporary parking in front of the club within water filled orange barriers you will see on Sundays. This will continue until the new bitumen parking area is completed where the nipper overflow area is presently located. 49 permanent spots will be established in what use to be the overflow and will join with the southern car park area. A further 25 spots are presently under construction along Bernie Kelly Dr creating a total of 74 parking spots.
• Important Club Messages are on display on our Facebook page and Club website. We’re utilising this vehicle to provide immediate updates to our members, in particular events cancellations (such as nippers) and Car Park availability. Make sure you follow us.
• Our club hosted Major Club sponsors at the annual luncheon in Horizons Lounge. Please continue to support our sponsors who are on display all around the club, and as always, new sponsors are welcome.
• Upcoming fundraising and social events:
  • Our annual Sportsperson Day is fast approaching on Sunday 24th January 2021. Always the highlight of the year with great guest speakers, lovely lunch, drinks and lucky door prize all for price of entry, we encourage you to get a few mates or tables of 10 for what promises to be 4 or so hours of fun;
  • Comedy for a Cause Friday 15/1/21 with funds raised going to our IRB competition section; and of course
  • Nipper and Cadet Trivia Fundraiser scheduled for February. Please put thee dates in your diary as they’re important social events.
  • Current club can  be accessed here: http://www.southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au/clubcalendar.html

• Best wishes to our competitors who are ramping up training in preparation for a busy 2021.
• Sunday 20th December is our final pre-Christmas Club Sunday Social will be run on this day with some live music beachside of the club. You are all welcome to come and enjoy a fun afternoon.

 
Best wishes again for the festive season, have a great and safe Xmas and a happy new year.
 
Paul 'Stretch' Fownes
​Club Presidente