BURNING PALMS SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB INC 86th Annual Report 2024-2025 Season
Thank you to the Supporters and Members of Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club for a successful 2024-2025 Season PATRON SURF LIFE SAVING SYDNEY Peter M Pearce OAM accepted a 3 Year Term as Patron. He was excited to accept the role having been in roles previously as President and Administrator. Peter appreciates the support of the Directors of Surf Life Saving Sydney.
1 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. ABN: 25 945 774 843 86th Annual General Meeting for the 2024-2025 Season Saturday, 12th July 2025 at 1.00 pm St. George Masonic Club (Maso’s) 86 Roberts Avenue, Mortdale AGENDA 1. Welcome 2. Apologies 3. Minutes of the 85th Annual General Meeting held on 6th July 2024 4. Presentation of the 86th Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30th April 2025 5. Presentation of Awards and Trophies for the 2024-2025 Season 6. Notice of Motion To be Moved M Braithwaite-Young / Seconded C Fogwell “That Gary Daly ESM be elected a Life Member of Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club”. To be Moved M Pearce / Seconded R Helyer “That Adam Dansie be elected a Life Member of Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club”. 7. Election of Officers for the 2025-2026 Season 8. General Business Peter M Pearce OAM Honorary Secretary
2 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Officers for 2024-2025 Season President Dr Paul Cooper Deputy President Margaret Pearce Secretary Peter M Pearce OAM Treasurer Tim Conde Club Captain Terrence Farley Vice Club Captain Oskar James (elected September 2024 left Committee in February 2025) Junior Activities Co-ordinator Vacant Registrar Kerry Langham Chief Training Officer Dr Paul Cooper Boat Captain Vacant Equipment Officer Christopher Fogwell IRB Captain Adam Dansie Committee Person – Member Services Scott Barwick Committee Person - Communications Dr Rebekah Helyer Member Protection Information Officer Gary Daly ESM Complaint Manager Paul Moorhouse Member Services Officer Scott Barwick Work Health and Safety Officer Geoffrey Phillips Delegate to Surf Life Saving Sydney Dr Paul Cooper Clubhouse Booking Officer Peter M Pearce OAM Team Manager David Falkiner Honorary Legal Officers Peter Terrett Paul Moorhouse Honorary Medical Officer Dr Jodi Culbert MONTHLY MEETING ATTENDANCE No meeting was held in January. ** September until February Name Position Attended Apologies Dr Paul Cooper President /Chief Training Officer 10 Margaret Pearce Deputy President 10 Peter Pearce OAM Secretary 10 Tim Conde Treasurer 10 Terrence Farley Club Captain 10 Oskar James ** Vice Club Captain 2 Adam Dansie IRB Captain 9 1 Kerry Langham Registrar 8 2 Christopher Fogwell Equipment Officer 9 1 Scott Barwick Committee Person 7 3 Dr Rebekah Helyer Committee Person 9 1 Stephen Strange OAM Life Member 6
3 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Secretary It is with pleasure and enthusiasm that I present to Members, the 86th Annual Report and Financial Statements for Season ended 2024-2025. Our major objectives this season have again been performed “no lives lost” whilst patrols were on duty between the yellow and red flags for the 8 months of the year – September 2024 to end of April 2025. Well done to our patrols. During the period we had our many challenges which are to be expected for our location. Reviewing the season: HIGHLIGHTS: o 40 Year Anniversary of the Clubhouse opening was well supported by members and friends along with local Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes and State Member and Minister for Planning, Paul Scully MP. Thanks to Margaret Pearce for organising the day. o We had three Youth Camps during the season – Surf Life Saving Sydney Youth Leadership thanks to David Love, Director of Youth and Junior Development. South Maroubra’s Youth Camp organised by Ben Liquete. Soldiers Beach Youth Camp organised by Jaydee All were very successful, well organised, managed and enjoyable, friendly groups. o After discussions with Sutherland Shire Council it was not possible to deliver the 40ft container to Heathcote Emergency Rescue Centre due to space availability – we are in the interim at the Woronora RFS Station grounds while we wait to see what follows. o Christmas Day patrol, Peter Pearce OAM, Paul Cooper, Kyoto Cooper, Laetitia Cooper. Thank you for taking on the challenge. o Patrol strength has grown. Again four patrols with all major awards with an average of 15 in each patrol, plus Stand By patrol if required. o RNP completed the paving and sealing the area in front of the Boat House, we thank them for undertaking this task. o A social Saturday was arranged with Era which was an enjoyable day and well attended by both Clubs. o March Past team competed at Worlds, Branch, State and Australian Championships with no major placings. o Boat House inside support beam has been fitted and completed. o Work weekends were arranged at the Clubhouse with reasonable support from members – appreciate those who attended. o New solar batteries and fire mesh around the lower area of the building were installed and completed. o Sydney Branch Awards of Excellence – Most Awards of the RNP District. o Patrol of the Year – Patrol 2 – Scott Barwick Patrol Captain. o Patrol Person of the Year – Rebekah Helyer o Unsung Hero – Jocelyn and Peter Jones for the mighty effort of cleaning, organising and repairing the fire equipment and conducting a training program with all. Thank you both. Our project this year has been the replacing of solar batteries and fire mesh around the building. This is now completed thanks to builder Steve O’Connor under supervision of Margaret Pearce and Geoffrey Phillips, special thanks to both. This now completes the total refurbishment, it is now regular maintenance from now on.
4 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season In competition the RNP District Carnival was not held due to massive seas and bad weather. A back up date was not available due to the end of season Branch, State and Australian Championships. It was decided to cancel the carnival completely. Our March Past Team was out and about with the only placing being 3rd at the Sydney Branch Championships – unfortunately they missed a major place at the State and Aussies. I would like to thank the members who voluntary assisted with support for the Sydney Surf Life Saving Championships at Wanda. IRB support Wayne and Riley Vaughan, First Aid Todd Mison and Terry Farley. A job well done in supporting our competitors. Peter Pearce OAM and Adam Dansie attended a morning tea with the Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP who presented us with a framed copy of her Community Recognition Statement at the First Session of the fifty-eighth Parliament about Burning Palms and what its achievements have been for a small isolated Club during the past 85 years – we appreciate her commitment and support. We continued during the season to look for grants and have submitted the following: NSW Surf Clubs Facility Grant for solar batteries and fire mesh – completed. BSEF Grant – replacement of IRB motor and rescue board – completed. CLEGS Grant – Rescue Equipment – completed. For all the above grants we appreciate the support from the Federal and NSW Governments. We have no direct sponsorship, we are relying on Grants from Surf Life Saving NSW and the Grants Unit SLS Foundation. We continue to seek assistance but it is difficult for a small Club with no businesses in the area. If any member has any contacts, let us know and we will follow up. The Surf Life Saving Lottery and the Return and Earn recycling program has returned little. Members, we need to focus on this more next year to achieve more funds from both. During the first three months we conducted a number of Skills Maintenance Assessments for all Awards and we show our appreciation to Gary Daly ESM, Dr Paul Cooper and Terry Farley for conducting these. We also extend our thanks to Lifesaving Officials, Gary Daly and Dr Paul Cooper for their time in training and assessing throughout the RNP area. We also extend our appreciation to our Surf Sports Officials, Stephen Strange OAM and Gary Daly ESM for the Club’s competition support at carnivals with the March Past Team. Todd Mison also competed at the Aussies in the Ocean swim. The Royal National Park Manager Brendon Neilly, along with Area Ranger Mel Keith, and Team Leader David Croft, continued the financial support towards our rescue gear and equipment along with first aid for the visitors to the beach and Figure 8 pools. This has greatly assisted the Club, in particular towards supporting our many visitors. Our relationship with the RNP is strong and we look forward to this close association continuing. We are still in negotiation with the RNP and State Government over additional financial support to assist with building maintenance, also gear and equipment. We again thank Brendan, David and Mel for their additional expenditure to assist us and the public with a new safe all weather access to the beach. We also thank the RNP for their support with the vehicle exemption permits for our members. We are disappointed that the new approved helicopter landing area has not commenced building. This is due to resources being allocated to other urgent areas within the Park.
5 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season The Garie Road remains closed with repairs in progress, to open in late 2025. With the road closed we have to revert to Helicopter transport gear and equipment in and out. Appreciation is extended to Touchdown helicopters who continue to support Burning Palms and Era. Anzac Day was held with the flag lowered to half-mast by Peter Pearce OAM, the Ode recited by Scott Barwick, surrounded by, visitors and Patrol 2. Thank you to all for attending and your support. I would like to extend our appreciation to our Cabin and Surf Club Representatives, Stephen Strange OAM, Margaret Pearce, Jocelyn Jones, Bruce Jarvis and Martin Chafei who represent us on the Cabin Protection League and Cabins Consultative Group. We thank them for their interest and time in meeting regularly with the Park Management and in pushing our requirements. Thank you. The Committee has performed as expected, under President Dr Paul Cooper and Deputy President Margaret Pearce leading the team now reverted to bi-monthly meetings of face to face at the Maso’s and Teams. This seems accessible to all. I would also like to thank Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Steven Pearce AFM CEO, Peter Agnew AM ESM President, Board of Directors and Staff for their valued assistance. President Elissa Hancock and Directors of Surf Life Saving Sydney also Linda, Catherine and Mason, your assistance is appreciated. I congratulate and thank every one of our members who spent time on patrol, competing, being an Official, nurturing our Nippers, training new members, working around the Club and just being there when needed; you have all contributed to the success of the Club. This has been an overview of our performance this year which has been challenging but one we have pushed to have achievements and overcome the problems that faced us. On behalf of the Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club members I would like to thank our valued sponsors and financial contributors, without their assistance it would be difficult. We look forward to their support continuing. Next season we have a great deal of work to do, we need to improve our strategies in developing membership in both seniors and juniors and also focus again on awards and excite our members in surf sports which is part of being a Surf Lifesaver. Our challenges are: Further improve communications Attendance at work days RNP complete helicopter pad Hold club championships Work with Surf Life Saving Sydney on final plans at Heathcote SES facility. Peter M Pearce OAM Secretary
6 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season President ‘No Lives Lost’! This is certainly one of the most rewarding exclamations any President can make at the end of a surf life saving season. This has much greater relevance today where we learned that in the previous season, 150 coastal drownings occurred and sadly to date, a much higher one this season! These statistics clearly show that education is missing its mark and more and more people are ignorantly making foolhardy decisions to swim in unpatrolled areas of our coastline or outside patrol hours. This should serve as a reminder to all as to why we need to keep our skills at a confident proficient level so we can respond without risk to ourselves. I would like to record my appreciation to the Patrol Captains, Committee Members and others who assisted in supervising and assessing members’ skills through the annual skills maintenance program, more is written in the Training Officer’s Report in this report. What a season it has been! Whilst I will probably miss some events which I know Peter will mention in his report, there could be none more pleasing that our 40th Clubhouse Anniversary. What a day of celebration and more importantly the memories that were provided through the historical pictures taken at the time of original construction! Thank you to all who attended and also more specifically to the organisers!! To ensure our club always showcases in a very presentable manner I would like to record my appreciation to all who gave time effort and experience to labour voluntarily at our Club Work Days! Thank you and I do hope you will be able to help again next season and perhaps bring a few friends along with you. Every visitor to the club remarks how good it looks, which we know can only be maintained through the working bee days. Your efforts on the Club’s behalf are greatly appreciated. To Dave Falkiner and his March Past Team, congratulations on waving the Club Flag all the way to the national Titles in Queensland. Whilst the results were not what was hoped for, if a more stable team can be found, success too might follow. To all who marched a big thank you and a hope you can back up next season. The life blood of any club is found through rejuvenation which translates in reality to welcoming new members. To all ‘newbies’, thank you for taking the plunge literally and gaining either your SRC or BM. I hope you find the same reward I and many others have had through our surf life saving membership. We report every year that the way to improve as life savers is to gain skills through challenging oneself by undertaking additional awards. This season has been no different and I thank our members who made time to train with our trainers to better support our patrols with additional skills capacity. Well done and ask that you look to challenge yourself again next season, there are always more award challenges you can take. The Club’s appreciation is again recorded in the Training Officer’s report. I would also like to extend the Club’s appreciation to Dave Love, Sydney Branch Director of Youth and Junior Development and his team for again introducing his youth leadership team to the Palms. It was great to be able to host the Branch and show the challenges our members overcome just to do patrols! On behalf of our active membership in particular, I would like to record our appreciation for the support given on our behalf by the Branch President, Elissa Hancock and Director of Life Saving, Michael Bonnici to lock in our 2025-2027 Life Saving Service Agreement through negotiations with SLSNSW. We can now fully focus on keeping visitors to the RNP safe when they investigate the Figure 8 Pool or take a swim in the surf at the Palms. To reach this point our members might not realise that their Executive Committee worked with our neighbours to present a united proposal to SLSNSW through the Branch that reflects the challenges we face every season whilst on patrol.
7 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Whilst I had hoped to be able to confirm the completion of two outstanding tasks this season, more work is still required by us, the Branch and SLSNSW to ensure our transition to accommodation of emergency gear and equipment at the Heathcote SES facility. We also appreciate their prosecution of the helicopter landing area just north of our Clubhouse facility. These actions do need to see conversion to completion as soon as possible! Late in the season our coastline was again battered by large seas, high tides and strong winds. Fortunately, Geoff Phillips, and a band of ‘first responders’ mentioned in Peter’s report, made an unscheduled dash to the beach and removed, just in case, all the items in the Boat House so if it did wash away, only it would be gone. A huge job done mostly in the dark! Much appreciated. On behalf of the Club, I would like to record my appreciation at the positive support offered by our Federal Member, Alison Byrnes, on her several visits to the Club during the season and take this opportunity to congratulate her on retaining her seat of Cunningham in the just concluded federal election. Yes, she did walk in and out as well as taking time to visit Era! It was certainly our pleasure to provide accommodation and a social dinner at the Palms for her and her very supportive husband, our State Member and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon Paul Scully. We look forward to hosting them again through the 2025 – 2026 season! With track work nearing completion between Era and Otford, it is certainly worth recording our Club’s appreciation for the work this wonderful team has done in completing the track from our Clubhouse to our Boat House. They also sculpted the immediate area in front of our Boat House making it a more userfriendly IRB Trolley loading area. Thank you! It would be remiss of me to not highlight our appreciation of the continuing support provided through our Branch’s leadership team under the tireless leadership from Elissa Hancock. In regards operational matters, the Club would like to record its appreciation to Branch for its continued support, especially through the office staff primarily Linda, Catherine and Mason with the hope, in the not too distant future there will be a means by which the club level administration can be moved to Branch! I would also like to record the Club’s appreciation to Steve Pearce ESM CEO and Peter Agnew AM ESM President, from SLSNSW and the supportive relationship they have with our Branch, as without their collective efforts, change would be more than a challenge. Finally, I would like to record my continued appreciation for the work completed on your behalf and the support provided to me, by your Committee being Tim Conde, Dr Rebekah Helyer, Scott Barwick, Chris Fogwell, Terry Farley, Adam Dansie, Kerry Langham, Margaret Pearce and Peter Pearce OAM. Dr Paul Cooper President
8 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Club Captain As the Club Captain, I am proud to present this year's achievements and highlights in our lifesaving operations. Our patrolling members have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all beachgoers, and their efforts have truly made a difference in ensuring no lives lost on our beautiful beach. Lifesaving Achievements • Patrol Hours: Our patrol teams have collectively logged over 1,615 hours this season, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to keeping our beach safe. • Rescues and First Aid: We successfully conducted 5 rescues and provided first aid on 46 occasions and carried out 163 preventative actions. Each rescue, first aid and preventative action is a testament to the skill and readiness of our lifesavers. • Training and Proficiency: This year, we were able to issue 29 awards. We also conducted numerous training sessions, ensuring all members maintained their qualifications and were prepared for any situation. We also conducted our missing nipper scenario training which received glowing feedback from the Sydney Branch Duty Officer, this was also well-received by those that attended. Community Engagement • Hosted other Surf Clubs: We hosted South Maroubra Surf Club and had the opportunity to showcase our beautiful beach to a whole new demographic, providing information on beach safety and lifesaving techniques within the Royal National Park. • Beach Clean-Ups: Our patrol teams participated in beach clean-up events, contributing to the preservation of our beautiful coastline. Awards and Recognition • Patrol Person of the Year: Congratulations to Rebekah Helyer, whose dedication, leadership, and exceptional performance in patrol duties have set a high standard for all members. Rebekah went above and beyond in providing support to our beach and works hard as the Communications Officer. • Team Excellence: Congratulations to Patrol Team 2 for their efforts in being named Patrol Team of the Year. Patrol Captain Scott Barwick was able to guide and lead the Patrol throughout the year and was able to achieve a staggering 1700 Patrol Hours to Burning Palms. A big thank you to all our patrol teams and patrolling members, as they have consistently demonstrated teamwork, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty, making our club a leader in lifesaving excellence. • Junior Member of the Year: Congratulations to Zach Williams who is awarded the Junior Member of the year. Zach completed 58 hours of patrolling on our beach, providing substitutions, volunteering and picking up new awards throughout the year. Future Goals • Enhance Training Programs: We aim to introduce more specialised training sessions, including advanced rescue techniques and first aid certifications during the coming seasons. • Community Outreach: We will aim to engage with the community through educational programs and events, promoting a culture of safety and awareness for all that attend our beach. Conclusion I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our lifesavers, volunteers, and supporters for their dedication and hard work. Together, we have made significant strides in lifesaving down at Burning Palms. I look forward to another year of growth, safety, and excellence. Terrence Farley - Club Captain
9 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Patrols Undertaken Substitute Hours Volunteer Hours Excused (RNP Closed) 100% Patrol Efficiency Total Hours Patrol 1 Garth Taylor (C) 9 4 41 Jarrod Phillips (VC) 11 6 4 47 Martin Chafei 13 10 4 64 Wayne Vaughan 10 4 48 Riley Vaughan 7 4 30 Isaac Chafei 3 4 11 Tim Conde 8 4 36 Matthew Brown 11 4 54 Esther Tucker 5 4 22 Sharon Mitchell 5 22 Amelia O’Loughlin-Brown 7 4 36 Lilli Drevon 5 4 24 Patrol 2 Scott Barwick (C) 14 9 58* Sandra Marshall (VC) 14 18 61 John Whittingham 17 25 3 74 Huon Whittingham 7 3 3 28 Amy Duncan 4 17 Joseph Francis 13 8 53 Layla Francis 12 4 50 Michael James 7 30 Zach Williams 14 5 8 58 Aydin Issa 11 6 3 45 Maxwell James 12 6 3 49 James Garland 9 34
10 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Patrols Undertaken Substitute Hours Volunteer Hours Excused (RNP Closed) 100% Patrol Efficiency Total Hours Patrol 3 Brendan Watmore (C) 10 44* Paul Moorhouse (VC) 6 6 26 Adam Dansie 11 4 4 48 Oskar James 8 34 Noah Gordon 3 14 Joe Bearup 4 18 Jasper Watmore 4 19 Claire Dansie 9 41 Ruby James 11 9 53 Keira Bunt 8 38 Eloise Trickey 10 47 Sam Knight 5 4 20 Nicholas Swanson 5 6 4 20 Aurelia Gordon 1 6 Stella Watmore 7 29* Eliza Bearup 6 25 Rebekah Helyer 22 24 8 100* Patrol 4 Eri Shimamoto (C) 5 19 Annabel Braithwaite-Young (VC) 9 3 36 Paul Cooper 12 3 45* Laetitia Cooper 9 35* Matthew Braithwaite-Young 11 3 45 Felix Ancher 6 23 Miles Braithwaite-Young 7 26 James Hong 5 20 Steven Falkiner 9 35 Kyoko Cooper 9 35* Troy Van Santen 7 28 Kaitlyn Liddell 5 22 Michael Howard 2 8
11 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season * Includes Christmas Day and Patrol A Registrar This year we completed the season with 1615 patrol hours. The beach was patrolled from 29 September 2024 to 27 April 2025 which included public holidays and Saturdays. I would like to thank the members who undertook substitute and volunteer patrols. Congratulations to Rebekah Helyer who completed 100 patrol hours – these consisted of rostered, volunteer and substitute patrols and to Zach Williams who has been awarded the Best Junior Member award. Zach completed 58 hours which included substitute and volunteer patrols. Once again thanks to the Cooper family for undertaking the Christmas Day patrol and a special thanks to Peter Pearce to jumping in at the last minute to fill in for Eri Shimamoto. Thanks to Terry Farley who completed Sydney Branch Support Service Duty Officer - 42 voluntary hours. Kerry Langham Registrar Patrols Undertaken Substitute Hours Volunteer Hours Excused (RNP Closed) 100% Patrol Efficiency Total Hours Standby Patrol Peter Pearce 5 22 25* Gary Daly 4 14 6 20 Terry Farley 3 4 8 12 Scott Williams 2 6 4 10 Ian Spencer 1 6 6 Eloise Cooper 1 6* Preventative Actions Type Total Beach Users Advised/Warned 25 Craft Users Advised/Warned 1 Preventions 31 Swimmers Advised/Warned 99 Warning Signs erected 7 Total Preventative Actions 163 First Aid Fractures/Dislocation 1 Minor Cuts/Abrasions 29 Minor Marine Stings 12 Other 4 Total First Aid 46 Rescues No Gear 1 Rescue Tube 4 Total 5 Beach Closed Dangerous Surf 4 Storms 2 Total 6
12 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season LIFESAVING Patrol 1 Captains: Garth Taylor (Captain), Jarrod Phillips (Vice Captain) Bronze Members: Tim Conde, Matthew Brown, Esther Tucker Award Members: Sharon Mitchell SRC Members: Amelia O’Loughlin-Brown, Lilli Drevon IRB Drivers: Wayne Vaughan, Martin Chafei, Riley Vaughan, Issac Chafei It’s been another great season for Patrol 1, I had a new team this year and I couldn’t be prouder of them. Everyone showed up with a positive attitude, improved their skills and supported one another throughout the year. Whether it was covering shifts, handling first aid, or just being a solid presence on the beach, each of you played a part in making our patrol run smoothly. This season was pretty quiet overall — no helicopters this year — but we were lucky with great weather and warm water, which made for some enjoyable patrol days. It’s always good to spend time on the beach with a crew that works well together and has a laugh along the way. Thanks to each of you for giving your time and energy to the club. It’s your commitment that keeps everything going and I appreciate it. Looking forward to seeing you all back on the beach next season. Garth Taylor Patrol Captain Patrol 1
13 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Patrol 2 We had another great year of coming down to the Palms providing service to our community and visitors to the Park. Thankfully we had a pretty quiet year in regards to incidents and long may this continue. After the number of patrol members who qualified as IRB drivers last year a team refresh was inevitable. We welcomed back after a few years Mike and our junior ranks were bolstered by Zach, Aydin, James and Max. The diehard Patrol 2 old guard of John, Sandra and Huon was further augmented by Layla, Joseph and Amy also joining us. Work commitments limited Amy and Houn from attending for much of the year, but when able to be with us, their company and expertise on the beach and in the water was appreciated. I look forward over the next few seasons hearing from Aydin, James and Max the solutions to the big issues of the world they have been dissecting in deep conversation, either on the rock of knowledge behind the patrol tent or when a different perspective is required, on the boards behind the surf break. Love your energy boys. It is also to be commanded the future of our Club and organisations like us with the quality of our young brigade. Layla, Joe and Zach – nothing I have asked assistance with is a problem and is always taken on willingly. Thank you again. Finally to my Vice Captain Sandra and emeritus Captain John thank you for wise counsel and assistance in all aspects of the patrol, set up and just being steady prudent advisors. On a personal highlight was patrol 2 participating in the Anzac day flag raising before our patrol. It was a nice moment to see members of the public walking past pausing to observe our participation in the day’s remembrance activities. A fond memory for me from the year. I look forward to seeing you all and the rest of the Club members on the beach for season 2025-2026. Scott Barwick Patrol Captain Patrol 2
14 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Patrol 3 Another glorious season has come to a close for Patrol 3 at Burning Palms. As with most years, we saw many sides to our beach across the season. From paradise to paranormal, exquisite to extreme, from magic to mayhem. 2024/25 saw us close the beach twice and nearly lose the beach more than once. With a significant proportion of teenagers in our patrol we were challenged at times by lives full of competing priorities - like exams, partners, nights out, days out or days in front of the playstation..... leading to resources sometimes thin on the ground. I want to commend Adam, Bek and Paul for filling the breach on more than one occasion. Our patrol welcomed new award holders this year with Eliza Bearup reaching SRC and Sam Knight and Nicholas Swanson achieved their Bronze Medallion. We also had patrol members training for their IRB Crew certificate, Claire Dansie, Ruby James, Keira Bunt and Eloise Trickey. Again - a big thank you to Adam Dansie for encouraging the group work for their crew certification and providing the training, including building experience in some beautiful and challenging conditions. Thanks to a number of days where conditions did not encourage swimming the patrol was also able to hone some beach cricketing skills during the season. A big thanks to Gary Daly for helping out during the season and ensuring our skills were up to date. To Bek managing comms channels and ensuring everyone is capturing great content for the site. Thanks to Paul, Pete and the Committee for making sure everything gets done to keep the club running. And a big thanks to Marg for always helping me with patrol admin matters. And finally – Thank you to Patrol 3. We shared some great times in a special place. And no lives lost! See you next year. Brendan Watmore Patrol Captain Patrol 3
15 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Patrol 4 Another season with Patrol 4 has come to a close and as always I want to thank the team for having me as your captain again this year. It was fantastic to have everyone return this season, bringing a sense of consistency and camaraderie that makes our patrol such a pleasure to lead. We also welcomed Troy, Steve and Kaitlyn this year who quickly become valuable members of our patrol. We had a relatively uneventful season in terms of rescues, with great conditions allowing the beach to be open most weekends. Our team remained diligent with first aid incidents and staying on top of preventative actions. All in all it was another undoubtedly enjoyable and smooth season. Thank you again to my patrol and any other member who subbed in for us for your efforts this season and I’m already looking forward to doing it all again next season! Eri Shimamoto Patrol Captain - Patrol 4
16 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Education It is my special pleasure to begin this report by listing all awardees who trained and gained their awards with us. It is also important and my privilege to welcome any who are new members amongst this long list to Burning Palms SLSC and I do hope your association with us is a long one! Surf Rescue Certificate Eliza Bearup, Yoris Bekker, Lilli Drevon, Amelia O’Loughlin-Brown, Malena Darsha Scarponi and Felix Webster Bronze Medallion Aquatic Rescue Cert II Sam Knight and Nicholas Swanson IRB Crew Amy Duncan and Zach Williams Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Sandra Marshall Training Officer Bronze Medallion Sandra Marshall First Aid Certificate Yoris Bekker, James Garland, Aydin Issa, Maxwell James, Ruby James, Greg Knight, Eloise Trickey, Claire Dansie, Felix Webster, Huon Whittingham and Zach Williams ART Claire Dansie, Ruby James, Eri Shimamoto, Eloise Trickey and Huon Whittingham Resuscitation Certificate Peter Terrett As surf life savers, we know only too well, it is the work that goes on behind the scenes that ensures the success and continued viability of our service generally and our Club specifically. To that end, I thank the members of the committee, Patrol Captains and our trainers who stepped up to ensure all of our members maintained their active status by ensuring that they completed their annual Skills Maintenance proficiency by December 31st last year. For some time now, annual skills maintenance has required members complete an online e-learning component before the practical component. Despite early advice, quite a number this year failed to do this in a timely manner further complicating the process and delaying the administration behind this activity. Again, for some unknown reason it seemed particularly challenging to close the practical component as well due to members not availing themselves of the published rostered proficiency dates or being otherwise busy. I take this opportunity to remind our members that those who assess proficiencies are volunteering to do this as an extra duty and therefore, for next season, please do not procrastinate when the opportunity presents and complete your skills maintenance during your rostered patrol! We do have additional challenges ie conditions, that impact which we can accommodate but when members fail to commit in a timely manner it places additional work on those who volunteer! As with all Clubs, we too have a dedicated and very capable instruction team, albeit small, and without their commitment to offering their time to instruct we would not continue to fill our patrol ranks every season. To that end, Gary Daly, Bruce Jarvis and Matt Brown please accept the gratitude of our Club for your continued support in providing instructional training to the above candidates, it is most appreciated.
17 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Whilst on training and skill maintenance, a big thank you to Adam Dansie for the time effort and perseverance in seeing our IRB drivers and crew meet standards for proficiency as well as the time spent on training the next generation. Whilst Zach Williams was able to complete his crew certificate this season, many are close and hopefully will undertake assessment in the early part of the next season. We can always add extra IRB crew to all of our patrols so think about pressuring your patrol IRB driver when next on patrol to add this skill to your award list and for those who already have this award, why not follow the lead and upgrade to driver? Next season is starting to creep over the horizon, to all active members, please ensure as soon as you can, that you complete the required e-learning for your annual skills maintenance so that you will be able to have a flying start to the practical components. For those, in particular, who are drivers, consider undertaking what was previously referred to as the ALBERT program whenever the opportunity presents. To learn about the experience, I am sure our newest participant- graduate, John Whittingham, will be more than willing to offer his opinion on the advantages of doing this course. Next season will have many challenges and at this stage will include conversion of the SMBM to a SMPC award, IRB driver and crew understanding of the new procedure for patient pick up, launching and negotiating the surf to advise simplistically. As well, the resuscitation procedure will require some consideration as to procedure as it is going to be very proscriptive on where operators position themselves as well as the equipment placement. More about these changes at the beginning of the season. I would also like to acknowledge the support provided by our nearest neighbours, Era. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the close working relationship we enjoy with Mark Wood and Dave Staples; thank you for your continuing support! Finally, don’t be a spectator, think about what award you could obtain next season so that you could not only help the Club but also gain a greater confidence and skill set for your patrolling duties! I offer advance notice that we will be looking to run a First Aid Course and an ART upgrade and/or Award probably in mid season. For and on behalf of the Palms Instruction Team Dr Paul Cooper
18 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Equipment Officer Season 2024/2025 started off for us with the annual Gear Inspection on Saturday 14th September, and once again we passed the inspection 100%. Thanks to those members who helped in the preparation for the inspection. A 40ft shipping container was purchased and delivered to a site on the Woronora River (occupied by the Woronora Bush Fire Brigade). We have placed some equipment in it, in case we need it locally for training or emergency use. This was purchased from the 2023/2024 Beach Safety Equipment Fund (BSEF). Also purchased from this fund was a new Mercury outboard motor. With the funding from 2024/2025 BSEF we have purchased four new radios and another Mercury outboard motor. From the Club Lifesaving Equipment Grant (CLEG) we purchased a rescue board and an IRB fuel cell. A rescue board and rescue board has been mounted on the exterior of the Boat House for any rescues when there are no patrols on the beach. A new Honda portable generator was purchased as a backup power supply for the Clubhouse. The three fire pumps and associated equipment have been serviced and new parts fitted. For the gear and equipment, we had another good season with no major losses or repairs needed. Christopher Fogwell Equipment Officer Deputy President Following our very successful 85th Lunch held in May 2024, the Club celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the opening of the Clubhouse in October. Work was done prior to the event to ensure that the Clubhouse and surroundings were neat and tidy, including restaining the decks! Two Helicopter lifts– Monday 19 August and Monday 9 September 2024 during the season. Monday 19/8/24 to bring in new lithium batteries and cabinets which allowed Johnson from Australia Wide Solar to install the new batteries early September 2024. Monday 9/9/24 – Removal of old batteries and bring in ember mesh. Thanks to the members who assisted in the helicopter lifts and also on the work days which also included mowing and clearing around the building. Regular maintenance is required to keep the Clubhouse up to the standard which we have become accustomed to. Look forward to seeing more members at the start of the season work day! Margaret Pearce Deputy President
19 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season IRB Captain The 2024/2025 season provided an opportunity for our new IRB drivers from last season (John Whittingham, Huon Whittingham, Martin Chafei, Isaac Chafei and Riley Vaughan) to develop and refine their driving skills. Did somebody say “fasten your seatbelt, it’s going to be a bumpy ride”? IRB driving guru, Klaus Dieter-Liss, would have been (somewhat) impressed by the ‘controlled aggression’ as the IRB was frequently seen whizzing through the surf, bounce over the waves – a view perhaps not shared by the crewperson! Congratulations to Amy Duncan on gaining her IRB crewperson award in June 2024, and thank you to Sandra Marshall for assisting as pickup patient on what was a particularly cold day. Congratulations also to Zach Williams on gaining his IRB crewperson award on Easter Sunday. Claire Dansie, Eloise Trickey, Ruby James, Steven Falkiner and Keira Bunt also commenced training to become IRB crewpersons but were unable to complete their training due to rough seas. Thank you to our IRB drivers who have been assisting with the training, and to Gary Daly, Margaret Pearce and Peter Pearce for your assistance with the administrative side of things. The “Turtle Award” is awarded to IRB drivers who test the limits of their skill and gravity by going beyond them. We don’t have any contenders this year (at least none I’m aware of). Therefore, last year’s winner (John Whittingham) gets to wait another season before the honour is passed on to someone else. If anyone is interested in becoming an IRB driver or crewperson please speak with your patrol captain, IRB driver or myself. Thanks to all IRB drivers and crewpersons who helped keep the IRB equipment in working order and our beach safe throughout the season. I look forward to seeing you all back on the beach next season. Adam Dansie IRB Captain Contractors working on the outside of the Boat House to make it easier to get the IRB trolley out.
20 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Junior Activities Despite facing another season with low numbers, our Junior Activities team has once again proven that heart, determination, and community spirit matter more than size. This year, our small but mighty group of juniors showed up with enthusiasm, courage, and a love for the ocean that inspired everyone around them. This season we partnered with South Maroubra Surf Club to offer SRC candidates more accessibility with training sessions at their beach. This collaboration was born out of both necessity and opportunity and has proven to be a resounding success. For a number of our members, South Maroubra’s city beach location is significantly easier to reach than our own beach. This convenience meant better attendance, less travel stress, and more consistent engagement through the training period. Our juniors not only gained vital lifesaving skills but also built confidence and formed new friendships across club lines. We also had the pleasure of hosting a group of South Maroubra’s SRC members and their parents at our clubhouse. During their visit, they joined our patrols as volunteers, gaining hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to our beach operations. The weekend was beautifully rounded out with an exploration of our local natural treasures – the lush Palm Jungle and the iconic Figure Eight Rock Pools. Most importantly, we introduced our visitors to one of our most cherished local legends: the Crocodile, a striking natural rock formation nestled within the forested escarpment. This dramatic ridge forms a natural amphitheatre behind the beach, giving Burning Palms its prehistoric atmosphere. One of the most anticipated events of the season, the Royal National Park District Nippers Carnival, was unfortunately cancelled due to dangerous surf conditions and persistent wet weather. It was a tough call, especially considering the enormous amount of planning and preparation that had gone into the day. Volunteers had worked tirelessly behind the scenes, from organising logistics to preparing food and coordinating safety. Despite the disappointment, it was heartening to see so many members from both Burning Palms and Era Surf Clubs turn up on the day, ready to support the event and each other. Their presence was a powerful reminder that while the surf might be unpredictable, the strength of our community and the friendships between our clubs remain unwavering. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated parents and volunteers. From water safety to BBQ duty, your support made every session possible. Special thanks to our Age Managers, Matt Brown and Toni O’Loughlin, whose leadership kept the program running. This season, we were incredibly proud to see five of our Nippers successfully make the transition into the next stage of their surf lifesaving journey by earning their Surf Rescue Certificates. Their dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm throughout the training process were a credit to themselves and the club, and we look forward to them grow as active patrolling members. Looking ahead, we’re excited to grow our active membership across the club. We plan to reach out to local residents, introduce a buddy system to welcome new members, and continue nurturing the confidence and friendships that make our club so special. In the surf, it’s not the size of the wave that matters - it’s how you ride it. Junior Activities Committee
21 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Committee Member - Member Services As members of a volunteer organisation our membership provides great service to the community. This is not just on the beach but in the surrounds of the Royal National Park and increasingly opportunities are arising for us to provide assistance further afield through initiatives such as the Emergency Call Out Team. What also needs to be reflected upon is that at a Club level we all need and rely upon each other so that we can continue to provide services to our community and that is not just through active patrolling roles. There are many parts that make up a club and all are important as no roles can successfully operate in isolation. Without all of as members pitching in, the greater good cannot be served and the reason we exist is not served. There is as a review of the members portal will confirm a policy document or statement for just about any eventuality and circumstance. What all of that technical reading does not necessarily pinpoint is that the most important thing in society, in my view, is mutual respect and decency to each other. As a cross section of our society those principles are even more important in the close quarters of a volunteer club. I would just like to reflect on that as every member is important both from past and current contributions and to make sure we continue to be a thriving club future contributions. Those future contributions will be from current and critically future members. It is important that we foster an environment where members continue to want to participate and expand on their skills and training but also to entice new members. At the end of the day we are all merely custodians of club for the current season. Consistent with the custodianship and the need to continue to develop existing and new members encouraging active participation and continuous skill development among our members and their respective cohorts remains a priority. Opportunities for awards such as Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and Bronze Medallion (BM), as well as training in First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART) are important to maintain our relevance as a well qualified and capable club to provide surf rescue and first aid support to visitors and users of our beach. Congratulations to all who have this season passed SRC and Bronze awards and to those who have added to their qualifications. Our level of achieving additional awards for a relatively small club is a credit to the training efforts provided. Our thanks and appreciation to all involved in training, developing, and assessing our members throughout the season. Communication Effective communication is vital in any organisation and we are no different. There are various platforms available and these are evolving and will be an ongoing matter to be refined. Whatever platform we use, utilise the principles I outlined above are paramount, that is mutual respect and decency in dealing with each other. The club communications are to inform members of what is happening, what needs to happen and what assistance is required. As can be the downside of social media, it is not intended to be a forum for our collective inner keyboard warriors.
22 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season In any organisation there will be disagreements and alternate points of view. We have various avenues through which these matters can be raised. These can be your Patrol Captain, a Committee member or the Member Services Officer or the Complaint manager. Member Recognition We rightly take pride in recognising the achievements and contributions of our members. This can be a successful rescue or first aid or a member obtaining a new award. Such accomplishments are celebrated on our social media channels and in our Down the Track newsletters and at the AGM. Member Protection Ensuring a safe (physically and mentally) inclusive environment is fundamental to our club's values and those of SLS NSW. There are dedicated resources and protocols in place to address any concerns regarding unsafe practices, harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour. Burning Palms SLSC is committed to protecting children and young people, adhering to Surf Life Saving Australia's zero-tolerance policy against harm, abuse, or neglect. We maintain a child-safe culture and provide support, training and reporting mechanisms to all members. Support from SLS NSW and SLS Sydney is available to support the implementation of these policies. Thank you to you all for being and continuing to be a part of our club no matter your role or contribution. No contribution is too small or insignificant. I look forward to season 2025/26, to keeping our members and visitors safe and enjoying what is the best club at the very least on the east coast. We enjoy a special location and environment and need to continue to work together to be able to provide the opportunities we enjoy to future Burning Palms members. Scott Barwick Committee Member On the way to Figure 8 Pools Members of Soldiers Beach SLSC to assist a patient requiring weekend visit to Burning Palms first aid.
23 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Committee Member - Communications This season, communication has been at the heart of how we connect, coordinate, and celebrate as a club. Whether through social media, Down the Track, or face-to-face gatherings, our members have shown that staying connected strengthens not only our operations but also our sense of community. When extreme tides threatened the Boat House, it was fast, effective communication that brought our members together. A quick callout via WhatsApp and mobile phones mobilised a team who worked swiftly to protect vital rescue equipment. Their coordinated response, followed by support from Patrol to restore everything days later, showcased the strength of our club’s communication channels and community spirit. This moment was a true testament to how staying connected helps us act quickly and support one another when it matters most. As we approached the end of the season, communication again proved essential in coordinating Easter patrols, clubhouse maintenance, and social gatherings. Members were encouraged to lend a hand with mowing, equipment checks, and general upkeep—efforts that were made easier by the many people volunteering. Next season, we’re aiming to bring our members even closer together by creating a positive, respectful, and supportive online space where everyone feels welcome and valued. We want to celebrate the spirit of our club by sharing stories, photos, and achievements, and by encouraging all members—new and experienced—to get involved in the life of the club. Whether it’s joining a patrol, signing up for a training course, or lending a hand at an event, every contribution counts. A big thank you to all members who contributed content this season, especially those who kept the WhatsApp group lively and positive. Your efforts help build a stronger, more connected club, and we’re excited to carry that energy into the new season. Together, we can continue to grow a vibrant, inclusive surf club community where everyone has a place and a voice. Dr Rebekah Helyer Committee Member
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