Hannah Minogue qualifies for Nutri Grain trial final - places 16th

Bulli's 3 star iron-persons namely Hannah Minogue, Oscar Bradley & Mitchell Fagerstrom raced this weekend at the Nutri Grain trials on the Sunshine Coast at Noosa Heads. After racing in cold, wet and windy conditions on the Saturday it was good to see the sun back out on the Sunday for the final day of the Nutri Grain trials.

Unfortunately Mitchell & Oscar didn't make Sunday's final. 60 blokes faced the starter on Saturday with 22 qualifying for Sunday's final with only 7 confirmed as making the Nutri Grain Iron-man Series....they will also hand out 3 wild-cards to athletes. For both of them it was a good experience racing against the best iron-man in the country and will help them in the years to come. Oscar was actually crook all week and didn't race up to his best. Mitchell didn't feel comfortable in the swim legs which is one of his strengths.

Hannah raced unreal on the Saturday in her 2 heats to qualify through to Sunday's final. Unfortunately for Hannah she became ill on the Saturday night with a bad case of vomiting and diarrhoea. She even contemplated not racing on the Sunday.

But being Hannah and as tough as they come she raced and finished a gallant 16th out of 20 finalists. The order was ski, board & swim....she came out equal first with a few of the girls on the ski, but the run legs really killed her and no doubt not feeling the best from a 24hr virus.

Surf/Craft Coach Downie Langthorne said, " I think our 3 kids realised how tough it is racing against the best, but what a great experience for them. Not being able to swim in the surf was a big thing with the water so cold down here on the South Coast, pool training is the only way to go for most of the NSW athletes. They will now sit down and re-adjust their goals for the season".

The club would like to thank Michael McKeon & Downie Langthorne for towing the surf club gear trailer to Noosa and back, all of the Illawarra kids that raced in the trials had their gear on our trailer and Bulli supplied 2 tents for the weekend.      

7 medals won at National Pool Rescue Championships in Canberra

Well done to our small squad of 9 athletes known as 8 young ones + 1 master on their efforts at the 2011 Surf Life Saving Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Canberra last weekend.

The master 1 was the star athlete for Bulli, normally known as Peter Richards, our only veteran who raced in the Male 44-49 years age group. He contested 4 events and came away with 4 silver medals in the 200m Obstacle, 50 Manikin Carry, 100m Manikin Carry with Fins & 100m Manikin Tow with fins. He was beaten by a mate who he grew up with...Chris Gately from Coogee, who by the way is a former Australian Open Belt & Surf Champion! 

Our other medal winners included the U17 Female Line Throw (Elizabeth Crilley & Brittany Greene) who placed 3rd, U19 Female Line Throw (Brittany Greene & Bernadette Cardillo) who placed 2nd and U17 Male Line Throw (Calvin Richards & Lachlan O'Grady) who placed 3rd.

All team members swam well with our younger ages U13-U14 (Kiah Taylor, Abbey Dawson & Joshua Gordon) swimming in the U15 category and then the girls teaming with Brittany Greene & Elizabeth Crilley to swim in combined U15-U17 relays.

Good weekend had by all – athletes & parents on best behaviour. Special thanks to Scott Gordon for again being our pool setting rep for both days.

Peter, Calvin, Kiah, Abbey, Josh & Scott all achieved Legendary status at the Canberra Tradies on Saturday night where they took on their “Legendary” size schnitzels (covered the whole plate) & conquered them – we were a bit worried that they would all sink the next day but no worries!

Many thanks to Leanne Taylor for taking on the Managers role at these championships...a job well done.

Check out photos from the weekend in our Photo Gallery on the website.

2010-2011 Start of Season Info

Well the season is nearly upon us, so here is some important information for existing or new members wishing to know about our club activities.

Senior & Junior Activities Membership:

Information is listed under the Membership Page concerning how you can join the club. It can be done  either on line or in person. If you are registering on line, please bring a copy of your receipt on the 1^st junior proficiency day – Sunday 9^th October!

If you are joining and doiong it in person, existing or new members can register on the following dates;

• Friday 9^th September: 5pm-7pm @ Bulli Surf Club
• Sunday 11^th September: 9am-12pm @ Bulli Surf Club
• Sunday 9^th October: 8.00-9.30am @ Bulli Surf Club

Fees: 

Fees will be the same as last year. Fees are listed on the website under Membership.

Patrols:

Senior Members of the club will start patrolling Bulli Beach on Sunday 25th September 

Nippers Program:

Below are some important dates in October for nippers

Sunday 9^th October Proficiency 9.30-11.30am @ beach

Wednesday 12^th October: Proficiency Pool Swim 4.30pm-5.30pm – Corrimal Pool

Sunday 16^th October: Proficiency 9.30-11.30am @ beach

Saturday 22^nd October: Sydney Water Carnival @ Towradgi Surf Club

Sunday 23rd October: Illawarra Branch Team selection trial carnival - Location TBC

Sunday 23^rd October: Point Score 9.30am

Sunday 30^th October: Point Score 9.30am

If you have any further questions please go to the Contact Us Page and send an email. 

Dave Greene shines on Presentation Night with a Trifecta of Awards

Dave Greene was the big winner on Presentation Night at Bulli Workers Club capturing 3 major awards in front of 140 members and guests. With John Hennessy as MC & a couple of DVD presentations by Ingrid Cardillo the major part of the night was finished at 9.30pm with people then able to mix & chat with members & guests. 

Dave was announced Patrol Member of the Year along with his Patrol Team No. 10 (Dave Greene (Capt), Mitchell Roberts (Vice Capt), Dean Roberts, Stephanie Barlow, Paul Brightwell, Brittany Greene, Dylan Davies, Cheyenne Miller & Zac Greene) – 6 members with 100% patrol attendance winning the 'OWEN MERCER' Memorial Patrol Effeciency Award.

Not to be finished with he also won the 'JOHN BRUTON' Memorial CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR award.

What a big night for Dave but thoroughly deserved as he has had an outstanding season for the club with involvement in patrols, coaching at junior development level, official duties at carnivals, attending fund raising events. A Patrol Captain with 100% Patrol attendance – 36hrs of patrol duty , Level 1 Surf Sports Coach & Level 2 Surf Sports Official, Represented Bulli at Sydney Water & Branch Championships as a senior surf/craft official. He was also an official at both the NSW & Australian Surf Life Saving Championships – gaining a start at both championships on the Sunday (selected by officials panel), plus attendance at club fund raising events. He also assisted junior section as various times during year as a board coach. Well done Dave.... a Trifecta of awards!

The U19 ‘FRED DUNN’ Memorial CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR was Bernadette Cardillo who is an U19 member of the club and this season has had an all round involvement in club activities including patrols, fundraising and competition.. 00% patrolling member (36 hrs) Obtained extra lifesaving awards to assist patrol requirements including Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate & Spinal Management Certificate Involved in fund raising activities including appeal day, Christmas raffle, trivia night, sportsman’s luncheon.  Competition – always gives 100% in events & was selected in Surf Life Saving Illawarra Branch Team, was part of the Bulli Rescue 2010 team that travelled to Egypt and she placed 6^th in Open Female Flags. Had another good season winning medals at the Branch Championships (5 Gold & 1 Silver) NSW & Australian Pool Rescue Championships (2 Gold & 1 Silver). She won 2 gold medals at the NSW Championships (U19 Female Beach Sprint & a member of the victorious Lifesaver Relay team) At the Australian Championships she placed an unlucky close 4^th in the U19 Female Beach Sprint

Dual winners were announced for the U15 ‘JACK HORNE’ MEMORIAL CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR with Ellyse Heycott & Peta Lunney. Both Ellyse and Peta have come through the Bulli Nipper program (both from U8 to U14) and enjoy everything that is Surf Life Saving – patrols, fundraising, helping the community, meeting new friends, being part of a movement with an active & healthy lifestyle.  Both are pleasant young ladies who respect their peers. Ellyse was a 100% patrolling member (leading club patrol member with 60 hrs), involved herself in fund raising activities including lifesavers appeal day & caravan park raffle Helped in Junior Section, participated in club Rookie Program and Surf Life Saving Illawarra Youth Development. Competed in surf sports at the Illawarra Branch Championships. Peta was also a 100% patrolling member (41.5 hours), involved in fund raising activities including lifesavers appeal day & caravan park raffle. Helped in Junior Section , participated in club Rookie Program and Surf Lifesaving Saving Illawarra Youth Development. She trained strongly all year with the senior surf/craft squad really putting in 110% effort at all sessions. She competed in surf sports at the Illawarra Branch Championships, New South Wales & Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in individual & team events.

Other major award winners on the night included;

ROOKIE PATROL MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Mitch Dwyer as a 1st year Surf Club member and is in the U17’s obtaining his Bronze Medallion at start of year & showed great interest in all patrol activities during season, 100% patrol attendance including 51.5 hours patrol duty. Mitch also completed his Duke of Edinburgh award through the surf club – registering extra 50 hours of voluntary work around the year including fund-raising events (golf day), water safety with nippers, maintenance work with IRB engines under supervision. He also trained with surf sports squad & competed at local Sydney Water carnival. Involved in club rookie program

PRESIDENT’S AWARD: Ingrid Cardillo who was the Liaison Officer/Chaperone/Club Photographer of Bulli’s Rescue 2010 Egypt tour,  unofficial club photographer – over 4,000 photos taken this season alone. Helped with fundraising activities (Rescue 2010 Sportsman’s Luncheon & Trivia Night) which included invitations to guests, obtaining raffle & auction prizes. Ingrid attended majority of fund-raising events for the club and was instrumental with photo gallery on surf club website – over 500 photos displayed. She also assisted as one of the Beach Squad managers at both State & Nationals.     

BULLI WORKERS CLUB TROPHY: Al Green was a Patrol Vice Captain with 35.25 hours of patrol this season, obtained his Silver Basic Beach Management Certificate this year to assist with patrol requirements. He did a heap of maintenance work with our IRB engines at the start of the season also assisted on training days at IRB Courses. One of the main co-ordinators for major fund raising event (Golf Day) including obtaining sponsors, purchasing BBQ supplies, rallying numbers as golfers on the day plus one of many that drove boat/craft trailers to Australian Championships in Queensland. Attended majority of fund-raising events for club during season

KEN BAKER SURF SPORTS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Tom Dewey another 1st year member at the club, an U17 beach competitor who competed strongly all year representing Illawarra at NSW Inter-Branch Championships & very unlucky not to make NSW Team after winning U17 sprint & 4^th in flags. At the East Coast Surf Festival Series 1^st U17 Male Beach Sprint, Sydney Water Series 1^st in U17 Male & 3^rd Open Male Beach point-score. Illawarra Branch Championships (5 Gold & 1 Silver medal). Tom also won 2 medals @ NSW Championships – 1^st U17 Male Beach Sprint & 2^nd U17 Male Beach Flags and 1 medal @ Australian Championships – 2^nd U17 Male Beach Sprint. He was also Awarded Surf Life Saving Illawarra Young Male Athlete of the Year and was a finalist in the Surf Life Saving NSW Young Athlete of the Year

RUSS JONES BOAT TROPHY: ‘A’ Boat Crew Paul Jones (sweep) - Heath Mercer – Dean Roberts – Adam Barlow – Ben Lowe. The crew rowed strongly all year with some great results; 1^st in the South Coast Boat Series, 2^nd at the Branch Championships, & NSW Inter-cities, 3^rd in the Best of the Best Carnival, 4^th in the State Grand Prix. At the NSW Championships winning 2 medals, 3^rd in the Open Boat & 1^st in the Lifesaver Relay. At the Australian Championships they made the qualifying semi finals.

NSW Surf Life Saving Coach of the Year - Downie Langthorne

On Saturday night Downie Langthorne, our club's Surf/Craft/Pool Rescue Coach was announed as 'Çoach of the Year' at the 2011 NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence Night at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour in front of 300 surf life saving members & supporters. Unfortunately Downie couldn't make it on the night due to work commitments with Club President Keith Caldwell accepting his award on Downie's behalf.

Downie is part of the new breed of surf sports coaches and will be the future of Surf Life Saving in Illawarra for many years to come. Downie began his surf life saving career as a young nipper with North Curl Curl SLSC many years ago and at the age of 31 is still putting in the hours as a competitor & coach in an organisation he loves being involved in. Downie is a great boach & ski paddler plus also is acknowledged as one of Australia's best pool rescue competitors, having made 8 Australian Surf Life Saving representative teams, the most recent being at Rescue 2010 in Egypt. 

He is a current Level 2 accredited coach & looks after our senior surf/craft squad. 2 members under the coaching of Downie were selected in Surf Life Saving Australian U21 Development Team that travelled to the New Zealand National Pool Rescue Championships (Mitchell Fagerstrom & Sean White). A heap of our kids also made the Illawarra Branch Team that competed at the NSW Inter-Branch Championships.

Downie has great maturity beyond his years in dealing with young persons from the age of 13 years through to mid 20’s and also includes our masters athletes. The information that he passed onto these athletes including formalizing training sessions, commitment, nutrition, surf skills definitely enhanced everybody’s performances throughout the season. It is not only about winning medals but also helping athletes achieve personal goals and giving them self confidence in life as well, with the support of the club, Downie travelled the East Coast of Australia attending carnivals placing the senior surf/craft squad against the best. He must be doing something right as the medal tally over the past few seasons has been quite staggering and remains at a high total consistently.This season when the Illawarra Branch Team was selected he was selected as Assistant Surf/Craft Coach & helped conduct training sessions prior to Inter-branch and helped local club coaches at these training sessions to work on skills based training in surf/craft. 

Downie really relates to our younger members, as a former school teacher he has the respect of parents and athletes. He takes interest in their social aspects of life and encourages them to participate in social gatherings and makes sure that they have life after surf club activities. One of his best qualities is his communication skills, this season he has put the belief in our senior members to be role models & mentors to our young surf/craft squad.The club believes that Downie’s personality and ability to get the best out of all athletes (including beginners, improvers, middle of the road, elite etc) has assisted the club in greater member retention this season.

Downie’s most outstanding achievement was the U17 female girls in the senior squad (6 girls). With Bonnie McGregor as a guiding light for the young girls on the ski's, Downie put the finishing polish on these girls. These girls as a group have gone from good average competitors to girls that now believe in themselves winning medals & making national finals. None of these girls had ever made a national final previously, so to see 3 girls in the U17 National Ski final, 1 girl in the U17 board final, 1 team in the U17 Female Surf Teams final, 1 team in the U17 Female Board Relay final and 1 team in U17 Female Board Rescue final was unbelievable.

At the WORLD LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS with our Bulli team he coached Hannah Minogue (Open Female) who was a finalist in Iron-woman, Ski, Board & Swim & the Open Men’s Board Rescue team of Mitchell Fagerstrom/Jake Hogarth who placed 5^th

A quick look at medals won by members under the guidance of Downie;

2010 Surf Life Saving New South Wales Pool Rescue Championships: 12 Gold, 8 Silver & 4 Bronze medals 2010 Surf Life Saving Australian Pool Rescue Championships: 8 Gold, 8 Silver & 8 Bronze medals 2011 Surf Life Saving Illawarra Championships: 41 Gold, 33 Silver & 35 Bronze medals 2011 Surf Life Saving New South Wales Championships: 3 Gold, 1 Silver & 3 Bronze medals 2011 Surf Life Saving Australian Championships: 1 Silver & 1 Bronze medals (members coached by Downie also made 18 finals)

In all a staggering medal count at Major Championships totalling 64 GOLD 51 SILVER 51 BRONZE

Whilst on the NSW Awards Night.......Congratulations also must go to Maria Caldwell (Volunteer of the Year), Keith Caldwell (Lifesaver of the Year) & Tom Dewey (Young Athlete of the Year) as being acknowledged as finalists in their respective categories on the night.

Maroubra SLSC won Club of the Year but from all reports our Club of the Year nomination wasn't far of the mark.

Great results at NSW Pool Rescue Championships

Bulli’s rising stars stole the limelight from the senior section of the team, with some very impressive performances from Abbey Dawson and Kiah Taylor in particular. A very young squad of 16 Bulli Surf Life Saving athletes (which also included 2 Open & 2 Masters guys) continued to show its strong form it has displayed over many years as a leading club in Pool Rescue competition, finishing fifth in the overall club point score at last weekends New South Wales Surf Life Saving Pool Rescue Championships held at Woy Woy on the Central Coast. 

A special thanks to Downie Langthorne (Bulli Pool Rescue Coach), Ben Denner, Keith Caldwell & Ryan O'Grady for assisting with training sessions at Wollongong University Pool recently helping our younger members experience pool rescue events for the first time.

Downie who hasn't hit the pool since last years World Championships in Egypt competed on the second day of the championships and showed to our younger members why he is known as one of Australian's best pool rescue athletes, finishing a close 4th in the 200m Super Lifesaver (still second with 10 metres to go.....fitness gave out). Just his appearance and guidance on the day with fellow club member & Aussie Rep Sean White helped the younger kids. 

Special mention to Mali Taylor who helped as a live patient in the SERC event. Also John Meehan & Kevin Starling who were officials over the weekend. Scott Gordon was our volunteer all weekend who assisted with equipment set-up and placement of manikins in the water. He looked like a dried prune when he finally got out of the water. Well done big fella! 

As mentioned the club finished 5th in the overall point-score with Terrigal running out winners with a large quality squad, recruiting some star athletes from other Central Coast clubs for the up coming summer season;   

1st Terrigal 495   2nd Wanda 361  3rd Cronulla 189  4th Umina 174  5th Bulli 138

Results for Bulli members below;

4 GOLD 3 SILVER & 9 BRONZE MEDALS

1^st U13 Female 100m Patient Tow - Kiah Taylor/Mali Taylor

1^st U13 Female 50m Freestyle with fins – Abbey Dawson

1^st U13 Male Line Throw – Connor Basham/Joshua Gordon

1^st U13/U14 Male 3 x 16m Manikin Relay – Connor Basham/Riley Lord/Joshua Gordon

2^nd U13 Female 100m Patient Tow – Abbey Dawson/Kiah Taylor

2^nd U15 Male Line Throw – Dale Dawson/Lachlan Hand

2^nd Open Male Line Throw – Sean White/Lachlan O’Grady

3^rd U13 Male 100m Obstacle – Joshua Gordon

3^rd U14 Female 100m Manikin Tow – Abbey Dawson

3^rd U17 Male Line Throw – Beau Wheeler/Calvin Richards

3^rd Open Male Line Throw – Downie Langthorne/Beau Wheeler

3^rd U13/U14 Female 4 x 50m Medley Relay – Abbey Dawson/Emma Brown/Bridgette Lockhart/Kiah Taylor

3^rd U15/U17 Male 4 x 50m Medley Relay – Calvin Richards/Dale Dawson/Lachlan Hand/Lachlan O’Grady

3^rd U13/U14 Female 3 x 16m Manikin Relay – Kiah Taylor/Abbey Dawson/Emma Brown

3^rd U13 Female 50m Freestyle – Abbey Dawson

3rd U13 Female 50m Freestyle with fins - Mali Taylor

 

Members who gained 100% Patrol Attendance 2010-2011 season

Congratulations to the following members who gained 100% Patrol Attendance for season 2010-2011.  

Paul Hennessy—Bridgette Lockhart—Jamie Caldwell—Claire Smith

Kyle Heycott—Dean Dudley—Ryan O’Grady—Madeleine Dine

Lachlan O’Grady—Calvin Richards –Morgan Richards—Kayla Hennessy

Riley Lord—Al Green—Madeleine Green—Carly Fagerstrom

Jamie Brinkworth—Peta Lunney—Ellyse Heycott—Scott Gordon

Mitch Dwyer—Mal Nelson—Bernadette Cardillo—Alex Kirkland

Damian Clark—Matt Crilley—Paul Barlow—Kyle Mercer

Toby Allnutt— Dave Greene—Mitchell Roberts—Dean Roberts

Paul Brightwell—Brittany Greene—Dylan Davies—Eden Taylor

Club President comments on SLSI Club of the Year Award

The Surf Life Saving Illawarra Club of the Year award is always highly sort after and the club has now won it for a 2^nd consecutive season. Bulli are only 1 of 3 clubs in the Illawarra which has received the Bronze Level Status within the Quality Clubs Program of Surf Life Saving New South Wales. Bulli was recognised for their efforts with best practice operations within all areas of Surf Life Saving.

The club is the No.1 surf sports club within the Illawarra Branch having won the Illawarra Branch Point-score for the 5^th consecutive year, plus members have won medals at Branch, State & National championships and also represented at Branch, State & National level this past season.

Club President Keith Caldwell said, “This is a great result for our hard working members who put in so much volunteer work through-out the season. Leadership is one of our great strengths with 4 members of the Executive Committee actually Life Members of the club (Keith Caldwell, Barry Adams, Garry Horne & Paul Hennessy).  People believe we are a surf sports club only and yes it is an important asset for our club. But the real important message is that surf life saving club's major priority is making the beaches safe for the community. As a member you need to gain life saving awards and patrol the beach before you can get to a carnival to compete. We have a great deal of experience in all areas in surf life saving, this alone brings confidence to the members and a greater participation in activities within the club.  We try to make sure that our members have access to the best education services, lifesaving equipment and training, surf sports programs, plus members are given an opportunity to succeed in any club activity. With that comes our club acknowledgement’s of any achievement by members resulting in 11 awards for our club on the night.”   

Members shine at the SLSI Awards of Excellence

Last night a large contingent of members (38) attended the 2010-2011 Surf Life Saving Illawarra Awards of Excellence night at the Portofino Function Centre in Wollongong.

Close to 260 people from the 17 Illawarra Surf Life Saving Clubs along with invited guests & sponsors saw 11 awards heading back to Bulli Surf Life Saving Club....with 2 of the club awards going our way namely Surf Sports Club of the Year (6th consecutive year) and the big one being Club of the Year for the 2^nd consecutive year!

The Club of the Year award really shows the all round talent of our members who excel in all facets of surf life saving. Right through from our junior activities (nippers), rookie program, member development in lifesaving/patrol education and surf sports activities our members continue to be the bench mark in the Illawarra region. 

Big congratulations to the following members for their achievements during the past season;

Female Junior Athlete of the Year  (8-14yrs) Ashley Dribbus

Female Young Athlete of the Year (15-19yrs) Bernadette Cardillo

Male Young Athlete of the Year (15-19yrs) Tom Dewey

Female Athlete of the Year Hannah Minogue

Coach of the Year Downie Langthorne

Facilitator of the Year Dean Dudley

Age Manager of the Year Janaya Gurtner

Volunteer of the Year Maria Caldwell

Ted Marshall Memorial Life Saver of the Year Keith Caldwell

Surf Sports Club of the Year Bulli

Club of the Year Bulli

Top 20 Patrolling members this season

Well done to the following who made the Top 20 of members with most hours in rostered & volunteer patrols during the 2010-2011 season

Elyse Heycott 60

Paul Hennessy 58.3 (Club Captain & Life Member) 

Mitch Dwyer 51.5 (New member)      

Keith Caldwell 50.3 (President & Life Member)

Emma Lockhart 45.8

Riley Lord 44.5 (Junior Male Illawarra Lifesaver of the Year) 

Lakeisha Graham-Jackson 44.3  

Ryan O’Grady 44.3   

Tom Dewey 44     

Peta Lunney 41.5

Eden Taylor 41.5      

Toby Allnutt 41 

Kyle Heycott 40.8 

Kyle Mercer 40 

Bridgette Lockhart 39.5 (Junior Female Illawarra Lifesaver of the Year)

Daniel McKellar 39.5

Elizabeth Crilley 39.3

Carly Fagerstrom 37.5

Mikayla Morris 37

Bernadette Cardillo 36.3     

Kimberley Fleming & Tom Dewey win medals @ Aussies

Well the 2011 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships have been held on the Gold Coast at Kurrawa.

In surf conditions varying from 0.5m to 1.5m waves, dangerous shore dump, massive currents sweeping north and the normal two surf breaks, the skills of all surf sports athletes were put to the test. Weather conditions weren't too bad with rain periods on the first two days then fine weather with gusty southerly winds causing further challenges for boat, surf & beach athletes.

Well done to TOM DEWEY on placing 2nd in the U17 Male Beach Sprint & KIMBERLEY FLEMING on picking up two medals in the 40-44yrs Iron-woman (2nd) & 40-44yrs Female Single Ski (3rd).

Both Kimberley & Tom winning their first national medals. 

A heap of our members also made finals and these results will be in another news story soon!

Members win medals at NSW Open & Masters Championships

Well the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships have been run and won at Kingscliff Beach over 4 days from 17-20 March 2011. With varying weather conditions (steamy, hot, cold, wet) & small surf our members achieved some great results. Congratulations to all of our surf sports athletes who achieved some personal best results in individual and team events.

To our 2011 NSW Champions well done;

• ·         180 yrs Male Boat (Shane Geloven – Barry Lowe – Craig Lunney – Jason Sparkes – Glen   MacMillan)
• ·         U17 Female Ski Relay (Emma Lockhart – Elizabeth Crilley – Jamie Brinkworth)
• ·         U19 Male Ski (Ben Griffiths)
• ·         U17 Male Beach Sprint (Tom Dewey)
• ·         Lifesaver Relay (A Boat Crew Paul Jones – Heath Mercer – Dean Roberts – Ben Lowe – Adam Barlow U19 Ski paddler Ben Griffiths U17 Board paddler Beau Wheeler Open swimmer Mitchell Fagerstrom & Female Sprinter Bernadette Cardillo)

Medal winners also included the following: 2^nd U19 Female Beach Sprint (Bernadette Cardillo), 2^nd U17 Male Beach Flags (Tom Dewey), 2^nd U17 Male Board (Beau Wheeler), 2^nd U15 Male Board Riding (Jesse Morris), 3^rd 40-44yrs Iron-Woman (Kimberley Fleming), 3^rd Open Male 2km Beach Run (Ben Allen), 3^rd U15 Female 2km Beach Run (Morgan Richards) & 3^rd Open Male Boat (Paul Jones - Dean Roberts – Heath Mercer – Ben Lowe – Adam Barlow)

Overall members contested 55 finals over the 4 days of Master’s & Open competition with a heap of Top 10 finishes. 5 GOLD – 4 SILVER – 4 BRONZE MEDALS (OVERALL 14th in CLUB POINT-SCORE)

As always there are some hard luck stories that go with races and we are no different with a few of our guys & girls a little unlucky.......Hannah Minogue after having a great paddle in the Open Female Ski and leading the field a merry chase (approx. 30 metres in front) only for 3 girls to catch a wave and ultimately finishing 4^th. Daniel McKellar getting two 4^th’s in the U15 Male Sprint & Flags with 2^nd-3^rd-4^th over the line in the sprint unable to be separated for a period of time by the judges. Kimberley Fleming a great 4^th in the 40-44yrs Female Ski after paddling 2^nd all the way until the waves played their part.

Big thanks to our members that filled roles during the course of the championships;

• ·         Boat & Craft trailers (Keith Caldwell – Russell Brinkworth – Jason Sparkes – Adam Barlow)
• ·         Officials ( Kevin Starling – Dennis Allen – Dave Greene – John Meehan)
• ·         Team Manager (Keith Caldwell)
• ·         Assistant Team Managers (Adam Barlow – Stella Wassens – Dave O’Grady – Robyn Fagerstrom – Kris Crilley - Leanne Lunney - Craig Lunney)
• ·         Accommodation Managers (Maria Caldwell – Adam Barlow)             

Ashley Dribbus wins Gold at State Championships

Congratulations to Ashley Dribbus on her win in the U10 Female Sprint at the NSW Age Championships held this weekend at Kingscliff Beach, a great effort and just reward for her efforts throughout the year. Ashley also placed 5th in the U10 Female Beach Flags.

Abbey Dawson gained a 6th placing in the U13 Female Surf, her goal was to make the top 10 which she has never done before, so Abbey was quite excited.

The Champion Lifesaving events for seniors were also run over the weekend with Mikayla Morris placing 6th in the U19 Female Champion Lifesaver. 

Well done to all of our nippers that raced over the weekend, with some making finals namely Kiah Taylor (U13 Iron-woman), Mali Taylor (U12 Iron-woman & Swim), Bridgette Lockhart (U14 Iron-woman), Riley Lord (U14 Male Swim), Zoe Dribbus (U9 Girls Swim), Coen Taylor (U8 Boys Wade) plus Bridgette Lockhart & Emma Brown (U14 Female Board Rescue) and of course Ashley Dribbus (U10 Female Sprint & Flags) and Abbey Dawson (U13 Female Surf).

Big thanks to Sean Taylor for towing the new craft trailer and all the family members that supported our kids over the weekend. I am sure everybody enjoyed the weekend.

Both Bridgette Lockhart & Riley Lord (winners of the Illawarra Junior Female & Male Lifesavers of the Year) qualified for the NSW award and spent a few days prior to the championships in the Gold Coast Hinterland at a camp. Unfortunately both winners came from the Mid North Coast branch, but from all reports our 2 enjoyed the experience.        

R.I.P Owen Mercer - Life Member

It is with regret to announce the death of Owen Mercer, aged 80 years, on February 23 2011. Owen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after battling a number of medical conditions in Wollongong & Port Kembla Hospitals.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Owen's funeral service to be held at St Augustine's Angilican Church, Park Road Bulli on Monday 28 February at 11.00am. Club members are asked to wear Bulli Surf Club attire. A celebration of his life will also be held at Bulli Workers Club after his funeral.

The Mercer family is legendary at Bulli Surf Life Saving Club as a 4th generation family with both of Owen's sons, Christopher and Rodney, being  members of the boat rowing fraternity. His grand-son Heath is now part of the current Men's A crew, another grand-son Kyle has just done his bronze in the past few months and has started training/learning with the boat rowing section and his great grand daughter Noumea is part of the nipper movement at the club.

A short history of Owen Mercer and his involvement with Bulli Surf Club shows he joined the club in season 1945-46 when he gained his qualifying certificate and bronze medallion.

Owen was a person who was a great believer in not comparing members and their records, but many a time over a beer he was regarded as one of the club's greatest club captains ( 8 seasons) and also widely aknowledged as one of the club's best members. The greatest honour bestowed upon him was being awarded Life Membership in the season 1962-63.

Owen held many positions in Bulli Surf Club, but the thing that stands out was that he held at some point every senior executive position within the club (President, Deputy President, Secretary, Treasurer & Club Captain).

Owen continued to maintain his interest in Bulli Surf Club up to and including this season, attending social functions, general meetings, always keen to have a beer with old & new acquaintences, his advice and knowledge valued by past and current executive members.

I know every member that knew Owen and his family offer their thoughts at this time and as one member commented recently "RIP Owen Mercer - surf club patriarch and all round gentleman"

Club wins Point-score at Branch Championships

In cold chilly wet conditions over the weekend (Sat 12 & Sun 13 Feb) at Bellambi Beach, Bulli Surf Life Saving Club claimed the title of "Champion Surf Sports Club" for a fifth consecutive season.

With the juniors finishing 2nd behind Thirroul SLSC in Saturday's junior point-score it was left up to the seniors to further take up the challenge. With an all-round strength on the beach, in the water with boats, surf & craft competitors, the club quickly cancelled out the points from Saturday and proceeded to power away with the overall point-score, even with some events cancelled due to the wet & cold conditions.

Just in the Open Individual events the club nearly achieved a clean sweep with victory's in the Open Male Ski (Michael Locke), Open Female Ski (Hannah Minogue), Open Male Surf (Mitchell Fagerstrom), Open Female Surf (Hannah Minogue), Open Male Board (Jake Hogarth), Open Female Board (Jamie Brinkworth), Open Iron-man (Oscar Bradley) & Open Iron-woman (Hannah Minogue). The only 5 individual open events which eluded our athletes were the Open 2km beach run, plus the Open Male and Female Sprint/Flags. 

In Open Team events the club collected wins with the Open Male & Female Surf Teams, Open Ski Relay, Open Male & Female Double Ski, Open Mixed Double Ski, Open Male & Female Beach Relays, Open Male Board Relay, Open Male & Female Board Rescue. The only open team event missing was the Open Boat.

But in saying that our crews raced great all day, with the Open A crew finished a close 2nd to Austinmer. Three crews also picking up the gold medal, namely the U19 Male, U23 Male & 180+ Vets crews. 

Both our Lifesaver Relay teams (Gold & Maroon) have now also qualified for the NSW Championships to be held next month with a 1st & 2nd placing in that event.

Overall a great show of depth with the Juniors collecting 15 GOLD - 15 SILVER - 14 BRONZE and the Seniors collecting 55 GOLD - 37 SILVER - 37 BRONZE (Total combined 173 medals) 

All results will be placed in the Annual Report at the completion of the season. There are just too many to place in a news story!

Check out the photo gallery page on the website, with some great shots from both days. 

The club wishes our members good luck with the upcoming New South Wales & Australian Championships.

2011 SLSI Junior Lifesaver of the Year

Congratulations to Riley Lord and Bridgette Lockhart who have been named 2011 Male and Female Junior Lifesavers of the Year for Surf Life Saving Illawarra. 

Riley, Bridgette and Emma Brown were all finalists.  The three were judged on their paper nomination and also interviewed by a panel.  

Selection criteria included:

 Contribution to Surf Life Saving

 Demonstration of leadership roles in club activities

 Contribution made to the club

 Awards received in Surf Life Saving and the community

 Involvement in community events outside of Surf Life Saving

 Awareness of club events and current affairs

 Initiative applied to cub and community activities

 Promotion of Surf Life Saving to the community

 Attendance record at club activities

 Encouragement of new members

 Demonstration of surf lifesaving knowledge and skills

The judges were very impressed with the finalists  level of application and their presentation.  They commented that all the finalists have wonderful skills and that this is the start of their journey into leadership within surf life saving.

Riley and Bridgette are now in line for SLS NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year.  They will attend a 3 day camp with the other Branch nominees and the SLS NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year will be announced at Junior State Championships.

Rescue 2010 wrap-up

Well all bar one have returned from the World Life Saving Championships in Egypt. The team captain and one of our senior surf/craft coaches Downie Langthorne is still cruising the Nile and relaxing after 2 weeks of gruelling competition.

For Downie he had a mixed trip, tearing his hamstring 2 days prior to the international competition, missing out on A finals in the pool by .5 of a second on some occasions, getting crook with food poisioning.

As President Keith Caldwell mentioned prior to the team departing Australia, "This is a very young team and I am sure they will gain some experience in racing against the best in the world in the pool and at the beach with surf and beach events. Being in a new country and experiencing their cultural living will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives. Best of luck, have a safe and enjoyable trip "

Keith spoke with Ingrid Cardillo (Team Liasion Officer/Team Photographer) upon her return and she believed the whole team pulled together and supported each other in a quite different cultural environment. Some of the highlights are mentioned below and there are also photos posted in the gallery section of the website. 

Each year that the Bulli team goes to the World Championships, they take a mascot which members have to wear, keep in their possession as part of team protocol. This time it was a child's floating ring (duck shaped) and it was known as Brittany (alias Brittany Sharkey one of our senior girls, an outstanding pool & surf swimmer) who couldn't make the trip. Basically you got to wear the ring if you were the quietest person the day before.

The high lights of Brittany's tour were; Jake walking the length of the pool deck with Brittany, fins, goggles, and towel, to the cheers of all the spectators, Matt jumping of the 10m diving platform to the cheers again, and Downie wearing Brittany for his ski warm up.

There was a penalty for saying the word “mine” (as this word did not mean you were a team player).  The penalty was ten pushup on the spot no matter where you were.  The team members were seen doing pushups in restaurants, at the pool, on the beach, and in the bus.  We all had a nick name and were fined for not using them.

The bus trip from Cairo airport was supposed to be 2-3 hours was 5 ½ hours, we had to change buses half was as we had no air conditioning.

The accreditation centre only had one person booking everyone in.  This made for a long wait.

The accommodation was far below any standards in Australia.  The beds were so hard a few of the guys had bruised hips from trying to sleep on their side. The stove was ancient and on a LPG gas cylinder.  We bought a new fry pan and pot for cooking and ate out of them. Nothing was clean. Nothing was finished well.  The only good thing was the air conditioning.

The team mostly ate at a restaurant called “Spetra”.  It was fantastic.  The meals were huge and cheap.  The most popular meals were the grilled chicken fajitas and pasta with meat balls.    

The traffic in Egypt is pure chaos.  They are all lunatics.  We saw accidents and were very close to having accidents as well.  The taxi drivers are crazy.   Jake, Mitch and Sean nearly had a head on, as their taxi driver decided to overtake.  The taxi drivers loved Brittany and were more interesting in playing with her than watching the road.

Where the team stayed, only 3 doors down was a mosque, so prays were happening at 4.30am every morning. So there were some very long days.

All of the team got to do some sight-seeing and experience Egypt at it's best!

Competition wise, the team raced well, with some personal best times in the pool and some very good racing at the beach. Heats, Quarters & Semi Finals were held and most of our team made finals in individual and team events;

Male Surf

Mitchell Fagerstrom 13th Sean White 21st Matt Crilley 32nd

Female Surf

Hannah Minogue 13th

Female Board

Hannah Minogue 6^th

Iron-woman

Hannah Minogue 8th

Male Board Rescue

Mitchell Fagerstrom & Jake Hogarth 5th

Male Ski

Downie Langthorne 8^th

Male Taplin Relay

Mitchell Fagerstrom – Jake Hogarth – Downie Langthorne – Matthew Crilley 7th

Female Ski

Hannah Minogue 5th

Female Beach Flags

Bernadette Cardillo 6th

Simulated Emergency Rescue Competition

Downie Langthorne – Matthew Crilley – Mitchell Fagerstrom – Ben Denner 9th

Downie Langthorne wins GOLD for Aussie Team at Rescue 2010

Our very own Downie Langthorne helped Australia win the Inter-National Teams Point-score at the World Life Saving Championships at Alexandria (Egypt).

Australian Surf Life Saving defeated their arch rivals New Zealand by 24 points (800 to 776). A total of 44 nations competed in this stage of the championsips. Italy & Germany pushed both Australia and New Zealand in the competition, but the experience of the Aussie surf/beach team shone through in the end.

Downie played a very large part in the teams success with his leadership in the SERC (Simulated Emergency Rescue Competiton) never in doubt, gaining the aussie team a world gold medal!

He also got a silver medal in the Oceanman Relay (Taplin Relay) as the ski paddler.

Downie played an important part in the overall victory for the team, with other personal highlights being;

* 6th in the Open Male Ski Race

* 9th in the 100m Manikin Tow with Fins

* 12th in the 100m Rescue Medley

* 12th in the 200m Super Lifesaver  

* Member of the 4 x 25m Men's Manikin Relay team that placed 5th

* Member of the 4 x 50m Men's Medley Relay team that placed 6th

* Member of the 4 x 50m Men's Obstacle Relay team that placed 7th 

Our own Bulli Team have also arrived in Alexandria and I am sure Downie will gee them up for the inter-club competition which starts on Monday 11 October with 3 days of pool rescue events & then 3 days of surf/beach events. 

Become a sponsor of Bulli Surf Life Saving Club

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A SPONSOR

Bulli Surf Life Saving Club Inc is on the lookout for sponsors/donors/supporters for the 2010/2011 surfing season and beyond.

We have packages that offer an exciting and effective marketing tool for your organisation.

Supporting Bulli SLSC provides a valuable opportunity for your organisation to align themselves with the ideals and established tradition of vigilance and service through the surf life saving movement. We are a small but highly successful club known throughout Australia for our dedication to community service in beach patrolling, professional and progressive management and exploits in competition through surf sports.

Our club is truly a ‘family club’ and has been providing structured activities for members from 6 years and upwards for over 97 years.   A partnership with Bulli SLSC offers the opportunity to be associated with surf life saving – the great Australian Icon, whose cultural and humanitarian importance is recognized far and wide.

Our members, lifesaving and surf sports equipment, website, club newsletters and club house provide a visible presence to promote your organisation to the wider community.

For any further details please contact Keith Caldwell (President) Email: mkcaldwell@bigpond.com.au  

Renew your membership online now!

Surf Life Saving Australia has introduced a new service to our members. Our club has taken the steps and we are on line, so members if you wish to renew your membership on-line and save the hassle of carrying forms & money around with you at the beach, check out the below information.

www.lifesavingonline.com.au is a great web tool for surf club members.

On this site you can: renew your membership, update your personal details, check your awards, see your patrol roster & keep up-to-date with your patrol hours.

1) Visit www.lifesavingonline.com.au

2) If you have used Lifesaving Online before go to the Login tab. If you have

forgotten your username and/or password, follow the links to receive you login

details (PLEASE NOTE THE CLUB CANNOT ACCESS OR PROVIDE THESE

DETAILS TO YOU.)

3) If you have not used Lifesaving Online before go to the Register Tab, Follow the instructions to register and receive a confirmation email or sms. When you receive your confirmation email or sms follow the instructions to activate your account.

4) Once you have activated your account or logged in click on the link to renew

your membership.

5) Please check your details carefully and make any changes. Ensure your email

address is correct. This email address is the one the surf club will use for you.

6) Read and tick the declaration agreement boxes at the bottom of the page.

7) Please note, each club member will need to complete this process. If you have a

family membership, please ensure you renew each individual member separately.

8) You will then be directed to the payment gateway (where you can pay your

membership by credit card).

TO PAY ONLINE:

1) Once you have renewed your membership, you will be prompted to pay your fees online (or visit www.slsa.com.au and click on the payment gateway link.

2) Ensure BULLI appears as the club or service to be paid.

3) Choose "Membership Fee" categoryfrom the drop down menu

4) Write in your name in the payment details field (VERY IMPORTANT!)

 5) Enter your Visa or Mastercard details, confirm your payment details, add your email address and submit.

6) Your membership renewal and payment are now complete.A receipt will now be emailed to you if you have provided your email address.

IF YOU RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE THERE IS NO NEED TO HAND IN MEMBERSHIP FORMS.

YOU CAN STILL RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP, THE GOOD OLD FASHION WAY,

CHECK YOUR MEMBERSHIP FORM (that was posted out last week), SIGN IT AND

RETURN IT WITH PAYMENT TO BARRY ADAMS OR KEITH CALDWELL

NEED A HAND?????

Please contact Maria Caldwell mkcaldwell@bigpond.com if you have any problems with the online renewal process.

* 2010-2011 MEMBERSHIP FEES *

Active (18+), Reserve Active and Long Service $50.00

Junior (15-18 Yrs) $40.00

Associate member $50.00 (plus $30 for gym by application)

Award member $50.00 (plus $30 for gym by application)

General (Nipper Parent) $30.00 (not eligible to use gym)

Nipper Kid (5-14Yrs) $50.00

Family membership $150.00 (2 adults & 2 children under 18)

and $20 each child thereafter.