WANDA’S CONNECTION WITH JAPAN

We thank Wanda Life Member, Tait Brannock, for contacting us this week to highlight Wanda’s connection with Japan, and in particular with our sister club, Yugawara LSC! It is timely for us to reflect on the wonderful Japanese exchange program that Patron Emeritus, Ernest “Solly” Stephens, established at Wanda.

Tait wrote:

“For those who may not know, Wanda’s connection with Japanese lifesaving dates back to the 1980s when a group of Japanese lifesavers studied Bate Bay lifesaving techniques, I remembered a few of the old Wanda members not too keen to have this Japanese contingent visit. 

Thankfully a bond was formed in 1990 when Kentaro Yamashita arrived to stay at the club, leading to a lasting friendship with Yugawara LSC, their adoption of our club cap and leading to many of their members gaining their bronze and patrolling at Wanda. Over the years, many Wanda members patrolled in Japan during their summers.”

In December we had a couple of Japanese families visit Solly to relive those wonderful memories. This weekend, Kentaro Yamahsita has returned to Wanda to visit Solly. Let’s make Kentaro feel very welcome.

Wanda is extremely proud of the legacy created by Solly. It is a rich part of our history and one that should be celebrated.

If you see Solly around the club, say hi and sit down with him for a chat. He has so many stories to tell about Wanda, lifesaving and the Japanese program.

A few pics that reflect some of those wonderful times are found here >>

INAUGURAL WoW DAY (WOMEN OF WANDA)

WoW! What an amazing day we had celebrating our inaugural WOW (Women of Wanda) Day event!

GREG ALLUM AM – COMMANDER, ORDER OF LIFESAVING

Greg Allum AM has been awarded the highest honour of Commander in the Order of Lifesaving.

The award was initiated in December 2023 with the appointment of five Commanders:

• Dr Harald VERVAECKE PhD (Belgium),
• John MARTIN MBE (Great Britain – Surf),
• Jelle MEINTSMA (South Africa),
• B. Chris BREWSTER (USA – USLA); and
• Greg ALLUM AM (Australia – Surf)
• A sixth Commander (Peter GEORGE AM [Australia – Surf]) was appointed in May 2024.

The Minimum qualification is any person who has given extraordinary service to the ILS and/or its Regions over a period of years in a voluntary capacity as an officer, a Member of the Board of Directors, or a Member of a Commission/Committee. Such a person must, at a minimum, have served ILS, WLS or FIS in such a capacity for a period of no less than twenty (20) years and must have served as a Member of an ILS member organisation/federation for no less than twenty-five (25) years.

Congratulations Greg.

YOUTH MEMBER OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER 2024
IMOGEN PORTEOUS 

Imogen Porteous is always putting up her hand to help. Immogen was a huge help at the gear inspection and also backed up the next day to help out with the preparations for the boat launch and unveiling of the new SSV (thanks to IMB Bank). Imogen did a great job reading the Lifesavers Prayer at the event.

Imogen is a keen and very helpful patrol member who obtained 100% patrol attendance last season and is a very well-deserving recipient of our first Youth Member of the Month and has just picked up a $50 Betty’s Burgers Voucher nom nom nom!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
14 July 2024 

Thank you to all members and distinguished guests, Cr. Carmelo Pesce – The Mayor, The Hon. Simon Kennedy MP, Federal Member for Cook (MHR) and Cr Carol Provan OAM – Deputy Mayor who attended our 78th Annual General Meeting on Sunday 14 July. It was great to see so many members and guests supporting our club and our members successes.

The lifesavers prayer was read by Nipper Captains Estelle Slater and Max Bowmer and a minutes’ silence was observed for those members we lost during the past year.

It was adopted that Ernest ‘Solly’ Stephens OAM be elevated to the honorary title of Emeritus Patron for his commitment, dedication and passion to the role of Patron for Wanda SLSC for the last 26 years.

It was adopted that Mark ‘Sarge’ Sargeant be recognised for the position of Patron, and he accepted the position graciously.

It was also adopted that the following life members be recognised as Senior Vice Patrons – Gary Bradshaw, Gordon McKirdy, Greg Allum AM and Michael Brannock OAM.

The 2023/24 annual report was received and copies are available from the office or you can download a digital version here.

Congratulations to our 25, 30, 40 and 60 year long service members.

The new Board of Wanda has been elected, with three new members:

President – Fiona Sutton
Vice President – David Gumley (new)
Senior Vice President – Grant Sandstrom (new)
Director of Finance – Anne Caterson OAM
Director of Administration – Donna Brown (new)
Club Captain – Denny Rowlands
Director of Lifesaving – Glenn Bell
Director of Education – Lachlan Black
Director of Surf Sports – Greg Pierce
Director of Facilities – Brett Thatcher
Director of Member Services – Natalie Buckley
Chairperson – JAG – Dean Slater
Director of Youth – Lisa Zammit

Once again we were thrilled to wrap up the meeting with a 92 year birthday celebration for Emeritus Patron Ernest “Solly” Stephens OAM.