Congratulations to all our Senior Competitors matching the Youth's result and achieving at 4th on the State's Leaderboard in the 2025 Championships.

Here a listing of the results from the finals:

Hello again Members and Friends and welcome to the March edition of our Bluing Club Newsletter. Please take the time to have a read this newsletter in full, we very much want to keep you up to date.
So what’s news in brief at South Bra?

1. State Title Competitions concluded last weekend with South Maroubra SLSC realising its best results ever. The first competition was State Age Championships (Nippers) where South Maroubra surged on the last day taking out an outstanding 4th place in the State of New South Wales.  To say we are proud of our young athletes, their coaches and supporters would be a massive understatement. Success also extended to our Inclusive Competitors taking out multiple Gold and Silver medals. Plenty of photos on our South Maroubra SLSC Facebook site!
2. Last week our Masters and Open competitions took main stage and achieved the BEST ever result taking out 4th Place in the State, just incredible. Our Masters Team excelled in all age groups and events including sand, beach and boat with some terrific results as seen on our Facebook page. Following Masters were our U/17 and U/19 Belt Races (a traditional and demanding sport) where we again excelled taking Gold, Silver and Bronze medals (full results on our Facebook page). Last Saturday and Sunday one of the most incredible scenes took place at a State level competition with our Beach Team under the watchful eyes of Coach Andy realising record success never seen before at our club. To many results to mention here but it’s been incredible experience to witness our competitors dominating this sport. A big well done to our board, ski, boat, march past competitors that also performed extremely well with success not far away. Again, photos and highlights are on our Facebook pages!
3. Aussies 2025 is officially on after the Gold Coast copped a bashing from Cyclone Albert. North Kirra has come through the cyclone well so it’s all systems go, we hope by now competitors have booked their accommodation and flights. For those boaties staying with the club at Tweed Heads, you’ll soon be receiving your accommodation invoice. Please be sure to settle accounts asap.
4. Last week, friends and club members said a sad farewell to Rod MacDonald 59 years old. Well known to his friends as ‘Chicken Dinner’ Rod was a wonderfully gifted athlete and brave journeyman who spent much of his earlier life discovering parts of the world whilst undertaking Lifeguard and Ski Patrol duties in Europe during which time he was recognised for bravery. Thank you to his many friends who worked hard to look after Rod in his later years whilst suffering the effects of MS. RIP Chicken Dinner you will be sadly missed.
5. The Ocean Swim is again scheduled for the final surf patrol day in April, so we’ll need help in and out of the water and importantly we’ll need to help to spread the word. More to come in the next edition!
6. Thank you to Age Managers, Assistant Age Managers and Nipper helpers as we bid farewell to our U6 to U8’s last Sunday and all other age groups next Sunday 23/3 during what a day of fun and entertainment for all.
7. Our annual Gold Members event with our Life Members and some guests is also scheduled for Sunday 23/3. Pizza Boys will be catering for this event, acclaimed musician Jarrod (one of our nipper parents) will be entertaining the crowds from 12.30pm with some classic hits, NRL game of the day and members draw so big big day planned. Make a day of it and stick around!
8. For your information our Social Sundays will continue every Sunday 12 months of the year plus remember, we welcome Private Functions in our Heritage Room including all types of celebrations, wakes, conferences for members and non-members. A beautiful, place to bring families and friends whilst enjoying wonderful service from our bar staff and ambience of the area. Simply refer to our website or email [email protected] for more function details.
9. We’re still looking for a NEW BUS SPONSOR. Our current bus is due for changeover after Aussie Title travel commitments in April. We will be purchasing a brand new replacement bus and now searching for one or two sponsors to advertise on one or both sides of our NEW bus, sponsor branding can take the full centre area of  the bus on both sides, an excellent PR and advertising tool as this bus travels throughout Sydney and interstate.  A sponsor will get 3 years of advertising at a very reasonable $25k (total) plus cost of decals if more complicated such as a wrap. Please ask your boss, ask your partner, all enquiries via email [email protected]

 
See you at South Maroubra SLSC, the best club in the east!
Paul ‘Stretch’ Fownes APM OAM
President

On Friday, 28th February 2025, we hosted our Annual Nipper Trivia Fundraiser, and what an incredible night it was! We had an amazing turnout, with 250 nipper parents attending. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us; your support helped us raise just over $22,000 for our nippers! These funds will go towards purchasing essential equipment to keep our fantastic program running for our kids.
A special thank you also goes out to our generous sponsors:

• Nixco 
• Holfords Pool Services 
• In Control DJ’s
• The Juniors 
• Maroubra Seals
• Joseph Medcalf
• Engine
• Top Cat Catering
• Scarecrow Foods
• 6X Training
• ​Kaboo Studio
• First Education Maroubra 
• Good & Fugly
• Westfield
• Holey Moley Golf Club
• Clayground
• Ritz
• Young Henrys
• Dr Jason Kaplan - NSW Cardiology
• Des Renford Leisure Centre
• Manhattan Super Bowl
• Lets Go Surfing
• Taronga Zoo
• Kristen Wells Hair Stylist
• Archie Rose Distilling Co
• Sydney FC
• Verve Portraits
• Sports Lab
• Flooring Xtra
• Sydney Beer Co
• Outpost Agency
• Betty's Burgers
• Conditin. Maroubra

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships
We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievement of our nipper competition team at the 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Age Championships, held from March 6th to 9th at Manly beach. The event, which brought together some of the best young surf lifesavers from around the state, saw our talented athletes shine with determination, skill, and sportsmanship.
After months of preparation, training, and hard work, our team proudly finished in 4th place overall—an incredible achievement that speaks volumes about their dedication and commitment to the sport. This result places South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club among the top clubs in New South Wales, and we couldn’t be more proud of the effort and passion shown by each of our athletes.
Throughout the competition, our juniors showcased their talent in a variety of events, with many athletes making it to finals and achieving personal bests. The fierce competition, challenging surf conditions, and the spirit of camaraderie displayed by all participants made this championship an unforgettable experience for our club.
A huge thank you to all the coaches, volunteers, and parents who supported our team throughout the event. Your encouragement, guidance, and hard work were instrumental in helping our athletes perform at their best.
We would also like to acknowledge our junior competitors for their incredible resilience and sportsmanship. Their efforts on the beach and in the surf demonstrated the true spirit of South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.
Once again, congratulations to all our athletes, and thank you to everyone who played a part in this fantastic achievement. Let’s continue to support and encourage our juniors as they strive for excellence both on and off the beach.

Here are our impressive results from the NSW State Age Championships:

All Age Beach Relay - 4th - South Maroubra Team A - Viva Paull, Ella Coleman, Nicholas Kondilios, Ethan Costa, Makayla Kondilios, Dewa Putu Krishna Inder

Junior March Past - 5th - Emily West, Isis Buckett, Jessica Edwards, Lexi Ellis, Alexa Jeffries, Emily Jeffries, Grace Jeffries, Sage Killigrew-Sweeting, Oliva Philp, Francesca McKenney, Saoirse Palmer, Fiona Perry

U9 Female beach flags - 3rd - Viva Paull
U9 Female beach sprint - 5th - Viva Paull
U9 Male beach flags - 2nd - Kycen Puroku
U9 Male beach sprint - 5th - Kycen Puroku
U9 mixed beach relay - 4th - Annabelle Cutugno, Harvey Hornigold, Viva Paull, Kycen Puroku

U10 mixed beach relay - 1st - William Ammon, Ella Coleman, Lucas Salicath, Alexandra Service
U10 female beach relay - 6th - Ella Coleman, Lucy Hunter, Lucy Menere, Alexandra Service
U10/U11 2 Person R&R - 
2nd - Ella Hallen-Taylor, Grace Jeffries

U11 Female 2 x 500m Beach run - 2nd - Callie Simpson, Asher Simpson
U11 Female beach sprint - 2nd - Stasia Serafin
U11 Female 1km beach run - 2nd - Asher Simpson, 3rd - Alexa Jeffries
U11 Female beach relay - 1st - Callie Simpson, Asher Simpson, Stasia Serafin, Scarlett Gutteridge
U11 Male beach sprint - 6th - Nicholas Kondilios
U11 male beach relay - 1st - Nicholas Kondilios, Liam Morrissey, Callum Rollo, William Ammon
U11 mixed beach relay - 3rd - Nicholas Kondilios, Liam Morrissey, Asher Simpson, Stasia Serafin

U12 Female beach flags - 6th - London Maynard
U12 female beach relay - 1st - Desak Made Shanti Inder, London Maynard, Francesca McKenney, Billie Rollo
U12 Mixed 2 x 500m Beach run - 5th - Francesca McKenney, Jack McKenney
U12 Male beach sprints - 1st - Ethan Costa
U12 Female 2 x 500m Beach run - 3rd - Francesca McKenney, Niamh Perry

U13 Female board race - 3rd - Sophie Maley
U13 Female Ironperson - 3rd - Sophie Maley
U13 female beach relay - 6th - Billie Rollo, Makayla Kondilios, London Maynard, Skye Sinclair
U13 Male Ironperson - 3rd - Billy Holford
U13 Male Beach flags - 2nd - Max Israel
U13 Mixed 2 x 1km Beach run relay - 1st - Billy Holford, Olivia Philp
U13 Male 2 x 1km beach run relay - 2nd - Billy Holford, Jacob Roorda
U13 male beach relay - 3rd - Sean Dickson, Max Israel, Jacob Coleman, Tenison Millward
U13 male beach relay - 4th - Liam Knibbs, Billy Holford, Jacob Roorda, Aimatai Vakasiwa
U13/U14 2 Person R&R - 6th - Emily Jeffries, Sage Killigrew-Sweeting

U14 Female beach flags - 2nd - Katahra Boyle-Raniga
U14 Female beach sprint - 1st - Katahra Boyle-Raniga, 3rd - Emily Maxwell
U14 female beach relay - 1st - Katahra Boyle-Raniga, Emily Maxwell, Emily Rana, Sienna Sharpe
U14 Male beach flags - 2nd - Dewa Putu Krishna Inder
U14 male beach relay - 3rd - Dewa Putu Krishna Inder, Jayden Newrick, Christian Smith, Jake Tobin
U14 mixed beach relay - 3rd - Emily Rana, Sienna Sharpe, Christian Smith, Billy Holford

Last day of Nippers - Sunday 23rd March 2025

As the 2024/2025 Nippers season comes to a close, we invite all our Nippers and families to join us for a fun-filled and memorable last day of the season on Sunday, 23rd March.
We’ll be celebrating with a fun nipper session full of games, activities, and plenty of smiles as our young surf lifesavers wrap up another fantastic season. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the growth, achievements, and friendships made over the past months.
To make this day even more special, we’ll also have a disco for the kids and we will be firing up the BBQ.
The day will also be a bittersweet moment as we farewell our U14 Nippers, who are moving on from the Nippers program. These nippers have shown incredible dedication and we want to celebrate their contributions to our club. We’ll take a moment to acknowledge their achievements and wish them all the best as they transition to the next chapter in their surf lifesaving journey.
It’s been an amazing season for all of our Nippers, and this celebration is a chance for everyone to come together, have fun, and make lasting memories before we wrap up.
We look forward to seeing you all there for what promises to be a fantastic day of fun, food, and celebration!
Peter Kondilios
Director of Youth Development

​

Our lifesaving team is always busy on our beach and this past month has been no exception. Our competitors are often training on the beach either early in the morning or late in the evening and this seems to be the time that our community needs us the most. Just this week our Boatie and lifesaver Kai Jones rushed to rescue and bring in a lady in distress during a training session. A reminder of just how vital our after hours rescue equipment is and for all members to be vigilant when down there, regardless of the day or time.

On Australia Day long weekend, Patrol 12 found themselves with an extremely packed beach, topped with bluebottles stings and a medical episode occurring during the morning and afternoon patrol handover, requiring an ambulance call. While continuing to keep a close eye on the flash rips, it finally culminated in a large crowd of swimmers being swept out to sea.

The team, led by Simon Torsellini our Director of Lifesaving, jumped into action to rescue about 20 people. Using all our resources of boards, tubes, the IRB, the lifeguards Jetski and multiple Maroubra lifeguards on boards, this mass rescue put all to the test including our youngest members who supported a number of distressed
swimmers with first aid afterwards. A big congratulations for being recognized by Branch and winning Rescue of the Month. Congrats to Simon Torsellini, Ashleigh Breaden, Matthew Evans, Kirsten Newrick, Simon McCartney, Lisa Morgan, Mark Arbib, Andrew McCabe, Molly Menzel, Zachary Messis, Gavin Savage, Jake Torsellini, Max
Torsellini, Cara Kane, William Lee, Owen Lloyd-Jones, Joey Menzel, Rory Muldowney, Ned Panlilio, and Nate Schembri.

Our education team have also been busy with an another SRC course underway, as well as a Bronze course. We also have another IRB Crew course starting soon. These courses continue to be vital to provide our lifesaving teams with valuable new skills and people. We are very appreciative of our education team and the knowledge they have.

Coming up we have the opportunity to again celebrate our wonderful ladies in lifesaving, whether they are water safety mums and sisters or patrolling our beaches. Come and join the Special Patrol celebrating International Women’s Day on 8th March from 8.30am – 1.30pm, or stop by and give your thanks to these amazing ladies.

Members, with the Christmas Holidays now well behind us and students back at school after a long break, its full steam ahead on all fronts at the club.
Here’s a short summary of the last 2 months;

• Our Patrolling members have carried out a remarkable job tending to record crowds, significant first aid cases and blue bottle stings and on some patrols numerous rescues in challenging conditions.
• On the 27th January, Patrol 12 led by Simon Torsellini confronted massive crowds and challenging surf conditions resulting in a big group of swimmers being washed off a sand bank and into a massive rip. It was fantastic to see the team swing into action on rescue boards, IRB and tubes alongside Lifeguards. This mass rescue was recognised by Sydney Branch as their Rescue of the Month. Well done team and a great lesson for all our lifesavers to be vigilant and competent on rescue boards and in the surf.
• After hours rescues have featured this year and great to see members and the public chip in to help swimmers in trouble. Also in the month of January, our after hours rescue gear was utilised by the public to rescue a swimmer in the south end rip. Please always keep an eye on our beach whenever down at the club.
• Congrats to Murph Renford on his successful completion of 30+k Derwent River Tasmania marathon swim to raise funds for the Rainbow Club. Over $50+k raised by Murph, what an effort!
• Branch Championships have been run and won at Wanda, well done to the many members who excelled. A great test to see where we sit against other clubs and work needed as we head towards State and Australian Titles.
• Our Sportsperson Day was simply the best. Thank you to those members that were part of the sell out crowd and thank you to our guest speakers, event donors and members that helped to pull this together.
• A big South Maroubra welcome to our new surf boat sponsor Warren, Hazel, Alex and Anne from Ultra Randwick and Fast & Ezy, your local store along with Jordan and Dorian from Kamber Construction. We had a wonderful Christening of this fantastic boat with Fr Paul O’Donohue.
• Well done to our IRB Leadership Team who conducted a very successful ‘ Have a Go Day’ last weekend and distributed their 2025 Competition Plan. I’m sure existing IRB Drivers and Crew would be welcome to join this off season competition team. Enquiries to Brett Gibson.
• State Titles commence in 2 weeks, best of luck to our very big Nipper, Masters and Open teams. The club was excited to provide all team members with a full touring uniform.
• SPONSOR NEEDED CAN YOU HELP? Our magnificent Surf Club bus is due for changeover after Aussie Title travel commitments in April. We will be purchasing a brand new replacement bus and now searching for one or two sponsors to advertise on one or both sides of our NEW bus, sponsor branding can take the full centre area of  the bus on both sides, an excellent PR and advertising tool as this bus travels throughout Sydney and interstate.
  
  •  3 years sponsorship @ $25k plus cost of advertising decals. Can you refer us to a suitable sponsor? Please email [email protected]
• Our club very much appreciates the support of our sponsors and supporters. Friday week we will be hosting our annual sponsors lunch on the balcony of Horizons with fine food, refreshments and great company.  Invitations should be received shortly.
• Our Social Sundays and Private Functions have proven to be a big hit for members and locals alike. A beautiful, peaceful  place to bring families and friends whilst enjoying wonderful service from our bar staff and ambience of the area. We’re open every Sunday 10.45am to 7pm and for your Private Functions simply refer to our website or email [email protected]

See you at South Maroubra SLSC, the best club in the east!
Paul ‘Stretch’ Fownes APM OAM
President

Dear Members and Friends,

With less than a week left before Christmas, schools now in the process of breaking up for the year, families embarking on their annual holiday, our own Christmas Scramble and final 2024 Nippers is this Sunday (22nd December), on behalf of the Board of Management I would like to extend a very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year to each of you. I also take this opportunity to thank our dedicated lifesavers who will be heading into a busy and often treacherous time of the year keeping bathers safe over the festive summer season, please if you’re rostered for patrol make every effort to attend or get a substitute.

To those that may be alone this Christmas please remember we’ll be opening the Bernie Kelly bar on Boxing Day 26/12 and invite you to come down and join us for a Christmas snack and a refreshment whilst watching the Sydney to Hobart yachts fly past around 12.30pm.

Whilst the first half of the season is now behind us, a great deal has been delivered to the membership which I’m sure most of you will have seen including the complete transformation of the old lifesaving room into a new multi-purpose/education room. Much hard work and time went into renovating that room, all we ask in return is that any room user please simply keep it in the condition you find it. In addition to this room, we successfully transitioned into the new Lifesaving Facility within the amenities block. What a great job done by a small group of members to turn that space into a productive, modern lifesaving facility all clubs would be proud to own. Thank you to those members that helped create this new space and again, lets all work together to keep the facility clean and safe.

So far this season, we’ve seen so many positive achievements in addition to the above. We said goodbye to Michelle Lo our Office Manager after 10 years running the office and hello to Tracey and Jen both bringing expertise with them plus 5 days per week in which the office will be open to service the 2,200 + members. 

I’ve also been thrilled to see our competition section, senior and nippers including beach, water plus our boat section all excelling. Its so exciting to see a whole of club effort to achieve the best we can be. Thank you to coaches, sweeps, water safety and all those who contribute in some small way to ensure our success.

On that note you will have seen a number of dispatches via social media and emails looking for a corporate or private sponsor for  a new Surf Boat which is being delivered very soon.  As we enter the season of giving, can I appeal to each of you to consider this sponsorship opportunity of $40k which is a 4 year sponsorship term with a variety of payment options available. If you can open a door or have a suggestion please, we’d love to hear from you at [email protected] .

You might be interested to know that our Social Sundays are on fire, with so many positive comments including the introduction of our members discount electronic card courtesy of much hard work by Uri the Finance Director. We have been enjoying record crowds each Sunday and Public Holidays and our functions in the Heritage Room have been at record levels so clearly were doing something members and the public really enjoy at a place they feel safe and comfortable at. By the way our annual Octoberfest was a great success with our other important fundraisers start in February 2025 with our Sportsperson Day (02/02/25).

This Sunday will be another Social Sunday plus live music from 11.30am to 4pm we hope you can join us plus we’ll be open Boxing Day and every Sunday in January including Australia Day on the 26/01/25 for our famous national day of celebration.

In closing, thank you to all that have made this year probably the best in recent times, we look forward to welcoming you into 2025 and please remember, we’re all volunteers, sometimes things don’t go as we would like but the best clubs put adversity aside, the members stick together and find solutions to the many challenges we will continue to face as a big diverse club.  

Cheers to you all and a very Merry Christmas.

Paul ‘Stretch’ Fownes APM OAM

President.

Announcing the Flooring Xtra Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series!
Attention ocean swimmers of South Maroubra SLSC: Mark your 2025 calendar to
swim the Flooring Xtra Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series, bringing together three
popular local swims to help raise funds for great causes, including our surf club.
What’s more all swimmers taking on the series have the chance to win one of two
$1,000 cash prizes!

Whether you're an experienced swimmer or just looking to challenge yourself in the
open ocean, this is your chance to compete in three of Sydney's most iconic ocean
swim events and potentially walk away with extra cash in your pocket, courtesy of
the generous team at Flooring Xtra.

The Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series includes three spectacular events:
- Murray Rose Malabar Magic
- Coogee Island Challenge
- South Maroubra Ocean Swim
To qualify for the $1,000 Prize Draw:
1. Enter and complete all three swims, one from each event in the series.
2. Be 10 years of age or older.
3.Be present at the Prize Draw during the South Maroubra Ocean Swim Prize
Ceremony on April 27th, 2025.

Two prizes will be awarded—one for a qualifying male swimmer and one for a
qualifying female swimmer. Read the full Terms & Conditions here.

Why Join the Flooring Xtra Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series?
​
Each event is unique, offering its own challenges and stunning coastal scenery.
You’ll swim alongside like-minded ocean enthusiasts, test your endurance, and
create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re racing for a personal best or
simply enjoying the experience, completing the series is an accomplishment to be
proud of—and the chance to win $1,000 makes it even sweeter!

Enter all three swims here, grab your goggles ready and start training for the 2025
Flooring Xtra Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series. See you at the starting line!

Dear friends in our community,
 
Clovelly Community Bank has just launched our annual community Christmas present drive and we would like to invite you and our local supported community groups to mobilise their members to give a gift to someone in need in our community this Christmas.
 
Now in it’s 5th year, last year we were able to pass on 1,500 donated gifts, toys, toiletries, and food hampers directly to those in need.
 
5 local charities have been invited to receive the donated gifts this year. These charities will choose from the donated gifts and pass them on directly to those in need in their care.
 
The local charities we are collecting gifts for:
 

• The Lokahi Foundation (local domestic violence charity),  
• Bayside Women’s Shelter (local domestic violence shelter),
• The Deli (local domestic violence charity),
• Project Kindness (To help those struggling in our community),
• Caring Kids charity (toys for child carers)

 
We gratefully receive all donations however you would like to donate!
 
Either directly under the Christmas Tree at the bank, open Monday – Friday 9.30 – 5pm.
Or we can arrange a specific time for you to drop the gifts off at the bank with a photo opportunity, to thank your groups on our socials.
Or if you want to collect the donations yourselves, we can organise to collect. Just let me know.
 
Specific requested items from the charities are outlined below: 
For Children: Toys, sport balls, LEGO, arts & craft supplies, board games & puzzles, school stationery, backpacks, water bottles, beach towels, goggles. 
For Teenagers: Gift vouchers in smaller nominated amounts for K-mart, Woolworths, Rebel, etc. 
For Adults: Toiletry packs, perfume, moisturiser, aftershave, 2025 diary or journal, water bottles, gift vouchers for food, botany pool vouchers, movie & bowling vouchers. 
Other Notes: No perishable foods for Christmas Hampers, gifts 30c of less in size unwrapped - optional gift tag or card, donations to be place underneath the Community Bank Clovelly Giving Tree until December 15th. 

Community Bank Clovelly 222-226 Clovelly Road Coogee NSW. Monday – Friday 9.30 – 5pm.
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT