Nippers start back this Sunday 15 October!!

Bulli Nippers starts THIS SUNDAY 15th October.

Members are encouraged to arrive 9am to be ready for new season briefing at 9.15am.
Activities will then commence promptly at 9.30am.
As there is a bit to get through for this week Age Managers are requested to attend an 8.45am briefing to give an update on the Clubhouse, Age Groups & Proficiencies. 
Water Safety is also required to sign on 9am so we can determine numbers and appropriate assessment procedure.
Uniforms will be on sale 8:30-9:00am. Registrations and new memberships will be taken from 8.30am. 
Anyone able to help with BBQ and Work Party would be greatly appreciated. Please lend a hand. Looking forward to seeing you all on the beach!!😎😎😎🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️

Surf Club Open Day - Come on down to our club

4 Generations of Caldwell's are members in season 2017-2018

Bulli Legacy Passed Through Generations

When one starry eyed Nipper and his proud parents complete the registration papers at Bulli SLSC on Saturday he will not only be continuing a family tradition, but will be making history becoming a fourth generation lifesaver to belong to the same club in the same season.

These days the name Caldwell is synonymous with Bulli SLSC but season 2017-18 will be extra special for the family as patriarch Mal, his son and club president Keith, and grandson Jamie will be joined in the maroon and yellow cap by five-year-old Taj in his first season of Nippers.

The Caldwell’s long association with Bulli SLSC stretches back to 1975. Australia in that year was a very different place. Colour television was finally being broadcast into people’s lounge rooms, Gough Whitlam was enjoying his last few months as PM, and Mal and Claire Caldwell would move into the sleepy Illawarra region with their teenage son Keith.

Mal was no stranger to Surf Life Saving having been involved at South West Rocks as a registrar and gear steward throughout the 1960s. Determined not to let his passion diminish he quickly found himself on the beach at Bulli where he was quickly joined by his 15-year-old son.

Mal proved to be a hard-working volunteer, a respected club man forever putting his hand up for whatever activity was required, and even now in his 92nd year and having retired to the North Coast remains involved as club patron.

Beginning his time at Bulli as a cadet Keith Caldwell showed an aptitude for surf sports early on as he rose through the ranks enjoying enormous success as a board paddler and ironman competition winning medals at a state and national level.

His interest in sport and lifesaving never waned as he went on to coach and manage Illawarra, NSW, and Australian representative teams.

This season also marks a milestone for Keith who celebrates his 15th season as president of Bulli. Throughout his time in Surf Life Saving he has received many accolades including Life Member of his club, branch and in 2015 his state just some of his incredible achievements.

The surf has been a constant presence in the Caldwell household with Keith’s wife Maria also a passionate volunteer. Among her many roles she has served on the management committee at Bulli for the past 14 seasons, been a competition secretary, surf guard coordinator, assistant secretary, and registrar while also being heavily involved at Branch level where she is the current Illawarra Member Services Director.

Just as Mal instilled a love of Surf Life Saving in Keith, so too did Keith and Maria pass it on to their son Jamie.

Jamie Caldwell (Keith’s son) has entrenched his own name in surf club history. Jamie competed for Bulli during its greatest period, winning medals as part of Matt Freeman’s belt & rescue tube rescue teams at State and National level. Jamie also placed 3rd as a young Champion Life Saver at the NSW Championships in 2005. At the World Championships (known as Rescue 2006) he was a member of the Bulli SLSC team that created history in winning the Simulated Emergency Rescue Competition. Jamie has also been awarded Illawarra Surf Life Saver of the Year 2006 and Education Trainer of the Year 2017.

Jamie is very passionate about surf lifesaving and sees education as the priority to making sure new and current members are trained in the most professional way ensuring they receive a good understanding of any facets of being a surf life saver.

As little Taj signs on at the club his great grandfather, grandfather, and father are all proud members of it is fair to say that Bulli blood runs through his veins.

It was left to Keith Caldwell to sum it up best.

“Surf Life Saving has been a great love for our family, we have meet so many nice people we now call friends for life, we have travelled to many great places and have received some great awards (but that is not what we do it for), memories for a life time and now to see my grandson joining the club it is something pretty special.”

Yes it is special indeed and it is stories like that of the Caldwell’s that make Surf Life Saving more than just an organisation. At it’s very core it’s about family and heart two factors that can never be underestimated.

Photograph - The four generations of Caldwells are all smiles at the 100th anniversary of Bulli SLSC in 2013...Supplied

Fri 6 Oct 2017

2017-2018 Board of Directors, Management Committee & office holders

On Sunday 27 August (3pm) at Bulli Workers Club we held our Annual General Meeting.  A big crowd was already at the Workers Club due to the Mayweather/McGregor fight on Fox Sports!

Our AGM meeting achieved another first, last year we were in the auditorium of Bulli Workers Club due to refurbishments at the surf club, this year back at Bulli Workers Club but this time in Opals Restuarant.

The meeting was well attended with close to 40 members voting in our 2017-2018 officer holders. Close to 15 members also placed an official apology for the meeting.

Only one significant change in the Board of Directors, Sean Taylor didn't seek re-election as Director of Administration. Sean has been a 'rock' for the past 4 years managing this role and has taken it to the next level in regards to administration duties of a volunteer. Our club members appreciated your committment & will continue to value your contribution to the club. Paul Hennessy has stepped in and what a great replacement with over 25yrs previous experience (40+years membership) on executive/management committee. Keith Caldwell will commence his 15 season as President of Bulli Surf Life Saving Club.

The club is really travelling well with members always prepared to roll the sleeves up & asist in any club activity. It is exciting times ahead with our new surf club premises nearly ready for us to move into before the start of the 2017-2018 season. 

After the meeting our members enjoyed the facilities of our great club sponsor Bulli Workers Club with a few refreshments. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

President - Keith Caldwell

Deputy President - Dean Dudley

Director of Administration - Paul Hennessy

Director of Finance - Greg Miller

Director of Life Saving - Scott Gordon

Junior Chairperson - Shawn van Duin

Director of Education - Jamie Caldwell

Director of Surf Sports - Barry Lowe

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:

Administration Officer - Maria Caldwell

Member Services Officer - Rebecca Colquhoun

Support Services Officer - Markus Meier-Lindner

Life Saving Officers - Jamie Thorpe & Nathan Flint

Boat Captain - Adam Barlow

Surf Craft Beach Captain - Matthew Freeman

Bronze Medallion Holders Committee (3) - Noel Freeman, Simon Jones & Lincoln Costello

OFFICE HOLDERS:

Assistant IRB/ATV Captain - Garry Arnold

Assistant Boat Captain - Chris Mercer

Education Officer - Scott Gordon

First Aid Officer - Nathan Flint

Publicity Officer - Keith Caldwell

Gym Supervisors (2) - Michael Hammersley & Garry Roberts

Work Health & Safety Officer - Grant Joy

Trustees (3) - Barry Adams, Russ Jones & Keith Caldwell

Building Committee - Peter Hammersley, Jamie Thorpe, Lincoln Costello, Barney Greenfield, Sean Taylor & Craig Parsons

Life Members Committee - Barry Adams, Peter Hammersley, Noel Freeman, Grant Joy, Chris Mercer & Garry Horne 

Competition Committee - Sean Taylor

Judicial Committee - Grant Joy & Dean Dudley 

AGM - rescheduled date

Members are to be advised that the Annual General Meeting of Bulli Surf Life Saving Club scheduled for this Sunday 13 August 3pm at Bulli Workers Club has been POSTPONED.

Unfortunately our 2016-2017 Annual Report is incomplete due to audited financials not being available.

Our new date for the AGM is now Sunday 27 Auguist 2017 at 3pm Bulli Workers Club.  

Looking forward to a good roll up for the meeting & a few quiet drinks at Bulli Workers Club, our major sponsor! 

Sharman & Holmesby win medals at 2017 SLSA Pool Rescue Championships

We might of only had 3 athletes swimming at the recent 2017 Surf Life Saving Australian Pool Rescue Championships in South Australia, but their efforts were oustanding. Zara Sharman (U15), Holly Holmesby (U13) & Caleb Sharman (U12) picked up 5 medals & swam heaps of personal best times during the championships. 

Zara Sharman represented NSW in the Inter-State battle helping them to 2nd place behind QLD. Zara also had 3 relay swims for NSW picking up 2 x1sts & 1 x 2nd

Holly Holmesby collected 3 medals with a 2nd in the U13 Female 100m obstacles, 2nd in U13 Female 50m with fins & 2nd in the U 13 Female 50m Brick Carry

Zara Sharman came 3rd in the U15 Female 200m obstacles & 3rd in the U15 100m Manikin 100m Manikin Tow with fins. She also finished a close 4th in the U15 Female 50m swim with fins.

Caleb Sharman had some great swims finishing in the top 10 in all of his events swimming pb's as well...7th in the U12 Male 100m obstacles, 8th in U12 Male 50m swim with fins with a pb time.

Thankyou to Karen Holmesby (Team Manager) & Renee Sharman for their support & looking after the kids. #mysurflife #aussiemedals #bullislsc

2017 NSW Pool Rescue results

2017 SURF LIFE SAVING NEW SOUTH WALES POOL RESCUE CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 & 9 July Ryde Aquatic Centre

Bulli Surf Life Saving Club showed it is one of the powerhouse clubs in NSW when it comes to Pool Rescue events with some stellar performances last weekend at the NSW Championships held at the Ryde Aquatic Centre. With a very young team of 20 athletes (U12-U17) they swam brilliantly to collect 9 Gold, 7 Silver & 4 Bronze medals in individual & team events. Some of the athletes also finished a very close 4^th on numerous occasions and along with a top six finish collected points for the club. The club place 3^rd overall in the Youth Point-score.

Team Manager Keith Caldwell said, “It was a great weekend for the club with some outstanding swimming from all of our kids, the team events were particularly enjoyable setting athletes for the first time picking up a state medal, kids so proud & of course parents so proud. We really embrace these events at our club because ultimately it makes these kids better lifesavers down the track and it creates a really good team environment. Some standout individuals were Chelsea Jones (U12) 5 Gold 1 Silver & 1 Bronze Holly Holmesby (U13) 5 Gold & 1 Silver, both these young girls dominating their age along with Zara Sharman (U15) collecting 4 Silver & 1 Bronze.”    

2^nd U15 Female 200m Obstacles – Zara Sharman

1^st U13 Female 100m Obstacles – Holly Holmesby

1^st U12 Female 100m Obstacles – Chelsea Jones

2^nd U15 Female Obstacle Relay – Zara Sharman, Kaimana Fittock, Jade Timbrell & Jade Swann   

3^rd U12/U13 Male Obstacle Relay – Jeremy Woodford, Lucas Ottaway, Heath Wheeler & Caleb Sharman

2^nd U12/U13 Female Obstacle Relay – Holly Holmesby, Chelsea Jones, Jade van Duin & Sarah Eagleton

2^nd U15 Female 50m Manikin Carry – Zara Sharman

1^st U13 Female 50m Brick Carry – Holly Holmesby

1^st U12 Female 50m Brick Carry – Chelsea Jones

2^nd U15 Female Manikin Carry Relay – Zara Sharman, Kaimana Fittock, Jade Swann & Jade Timbrell

2^nd U12/U13 Male Brick Carry Relay – Jeremy Woodford, Lucas Ottaway, Heath Wheeler & Caleb Sharman

1^st U12/U13 Female Brick Carry Relay – Holly Holmesby, Chelsea Jones, Emily Gordon & Jade van Duin

1^st U12/U13 Male 100m Patient Tow Relay – Lucas Ottaway & Heath Wheeler

1st U15 Female 100m Manikin Tow with Fins - Zara Sharman 

3^rd U14 Male Line Throw – Coen Taylor & Luke Thorpe

1^st U13 Female Line Throw – Holly Holmesby & Jade van Duin

3^rd U14/U15 Female Medley Relay – Jade Timbrell, Jade Swann, Kaimana Fittock & Zara Sharman

2^nd U12/U13 Male Medley Relay – Caleb Sharman, Heath Wheeler, Jeremy Woodford & Lucas Ottaway

1^st U12/U13 Female Medley Relay – Jade van Duin, Piper Kohler, Chelsea Jones & Holly Holmesby

3^rd U12 Female 50m with Fins – Chelsea Jones 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 13th August Bulli Workers Club

Bulli SLSC Members,

Nominations are now being called for 2017-18 season Board of Directors, Management Committee & Office Holder Positions.

A Club Surf Guard email has been previously sent out with the Nomination Form and Position Descriptions from the clubs Constitution and By-Laws.

Members please submit nominations for any positions in writing to Sean Taylor seanleannetaylor@bigpond.com by 23rd July 2017.

Elections for positions will be held at the Annual General meeting on 13th August 2017 3pm Bulli Workers Club. 

Positions with no nominations can be filled from the floor at the Annual General Meeting.

If you require any further information about how to get involved please contact our President (Keith Caldwell) or myself.

Regards

Sean Taylor

Director of Administration

0419728746

State Awards of Excellence nominations

After winning their respective category's at the SLSI Awards of Excellence, the following award winners mentioned below progress to the SLSNSW Awards of Excellence which will be held Saturday 5 August at The Hilton Hotel Sydney.

Club of the Year BULLI SLSC

Coach of the Year Glenn Sweeny

Education Trainer of the Year Jamie Caldwell

Surf Sports Team of the Year Open Men’s Boat Crew

Administrator of the Year Greg Miller

If any member would like to attend this awards night please contact Club President Keith Caldwell mkcaldwell@bigpond.com  

BULLI SLSC wins Club of the Year for Illawarra

What a night at the 2016-2017 Surf Life Saving Illawarra Awards of Excellence Night held at Headlands Hotel Austinmer.

Our club was named Illawarra Surf Life Saving Club of the Year.

A great achievement by our members in everything they commit to. This season was particular challenging as we had no access to our surf club, before the start of the season construction work on the renovation and extension of the club house had commenced. As a consequence the club had to operate in a much improvised environment for the entire season of over 7 months. Our lifesaving operations worked out of 2 x 20ft containers housing all of our lifesaving equipment, a site shed was our patrol room with no line of sight to the beach. Our Nippers activities operated out of 2 tents, 2 trailers full of craft & equipment for the season.

Club President Keith Caldwell said, “What a great honour for our club to be named Club of the Year. Our hard-working members need to be congratulated on their efforts this past season. As I have said before we have some extraordinary people doing extraordinary things and this is a great acknowledgement for the challenging season. We maintained our no lives lost whilst our members are on patrol 104 years strong and great performances were achieved in surf sports, education, administration, nipper activities, which were acknowledged at the awards of excellence night.”

During the nights festivities the club also picked up Surf Sports Club of the Year and placed equal 2^nd in Patrolling Club of the Year. 3 members received High Commendations and 6 members won their various categories.

Congratulations to everybody that was nominated by the club, you are all champions in your own right!

Greg Miller – Administrator of the Year

• ·         Introduced new accounting system; electronic dual approval internet banking
• ·         Successful in gaining over $100K in funding towards the surf club
• ·         Helped introduce a new 2016-2020 Strategic & new 2017-2018 Business Plan

Sean Taylor –  Age Manager of the Year

• ·         Has been Age Manager for this group right through from U8’s through U14’s
• ·         Assisted in developing a SRC program during Sunday morning nipper activities
• ·         Age Manager at Sydney Water, Branch & State Championships

Jamie Caldwell – Education Trainer of the Year

• ·         Director of Education (Club Chief Training Officer)
• ·         Achieved KPI for club education needs = lifesaving requirements
• ·         Trainer/Facilitator/Assessor qualifications

Glenn Sweeny – Coach of the Year

• ·         Kids coached by Glenn won 5 SLSNSW Age Championship medals
• ·         9 Kids placed Top 3 in their age category at strong Sydney Water Surf Series overall point-score
• ·         Bulli Junior Activities Section win 2017 SLSI Branch Championships point-score under Glenn’s guidance

Bulli Open Men’s Boat Crew – Surf Sports Team of trhe Year

(Shane Geloven, Dean Roberts, Heath Mercer, Ben Lowe & Fraser Worthington)

• ·         1^st SLSNSW Open Boat Championships
• ·         1^st Ocean Thunder Boat Series
• ·         SLSNSW Open Boat Reps at ASRL Championships

Holly Holmesby – Junior Athlete of the Year

• ·         Australian Pool Rescue Championships set of medals GOLD SILVER BRONZE won
• ·         NSW Pool Rescue Championships 6 medals collected including 3 Gold 1 Silver 2 Bronze
• ·         2nd U13 Female Water at Sydney Water Surf Series

High Commendation Lucas Ottaway – Junior Athlete of the Year  

• ·         NSW Championships 3^rd U13 Male Surf Race
• ·         NSW Championships member of Cameron Relay Team that placed 2^nd
• ·         1^st U13 Male Water Champion Sydney Water Surf Series

High Commendation Kaimana Fittock – Young Athlete of the Year  

• ·         3^rd at 2017 SLSA Championships – U15 Female Iron-person
• ·         SLS New South Wales Championships (surf/pool rescue) 1 Gold 2 Silver & 3 Bronze medals
• ·         SLS Australian Championships (surf/pool rescue) 3 Bronze medals

High Commendation Max Vercoe – Young Life Saver of the Year

• ·         46 hrs Patrol Duty
• ·         Involved in Rescue nominated for SLSI Rescue of Month
• ·         Performed his patrol duties in a very professional manner & is seen as a future patrol captain  

SLSI Awards of Excellence - 17 nominations

Surf Life Saving Illawarra recognises outstanding achievements and contributions in all aspects of Surf Life Saving. The awards night will celebrate the accomplishments of members and clubs from the 2016/2017 season. This year's SLS Illawarra Awards of Excellence function will be held on Saturday 17 June 2017 at Headlands Hotel, Austinmer commencing at 630pm,

Congratulations to the following members below who have been selected by our BULLI SLSC Board of Directors and Management Committee to represent us as nominees on this night:

Ted Marshall Memorial Surf Lifesaver of the Year: Markus Meier-Lindner
Volunteer of the Year: Jamie Thorpe
Junior Activity Volunteer of the Year: Patrick Crittenden
Administrator of the Year: Greg Miller
Age Manager of the Year: Sean Taylor
Trainer of the Year - Jamie Caldwell
Surf Sports Official of the Year - David Greene
Surf Sports Coach of the Year - Glenn Sweeny
Surf Sports Junior Athlete of the Year (8yrs to 14yrs) - Lucas Ottaway and Holly Holmesby
Surf Sports Young Athlete of the Year (15yrs to 19yrs) - Kaimana Fittock
Surf Sports Athlete of the Year - Mali Taylor
Surf Sports Team of the Year: Bulli Open Men's Boat Crew (Shane Geloven - Dean Roberts - Heath Mercer - Ben Lowe - Fraser Worthington)
Young Lifesaver of the Year (15yrs to 18yrs) - Max Vercoe
Patrolling Club of the Year - Bulli SLSC
Surf Sports Club of the Year - Bulli SLSC
Club of the Year - Bulli SLSC

If you would like to attend to support our club and our members that have been nominated please purchase your tickets online at www.trybooking.com/PNQB 
 Tickets are Adults $85.00, Children (13-17yrs) $45.00 and Children (0-12yrs) $35.0 0
(includes canapes on arrival, 3 course meal, beer/wine & soft drinks)

Surf Life Saving Illawarra Awards of Excellence

The Awards of Excellence recognises outstanding achievements and contributions in all aspects of Surf Life Saving. The awards will celebrate the accomplishments of members and clubs in the 2016/17 season.

TRYBOOKING.COM

Top of the Class in Surf Sports - Open Men's Boat Crew & Kaimana Fittock

Surf Sports plays an important role within our surf club, it helps members maintain a physical fitness, they also gain great skills in various surf conditions making them better lifesavers. This season was another outstanding season in surf sports with our nippers, senior surf/craft & boat sections shining brightly. Our 2 major award winners on Presentation Night were the Open Men's Boat Crew & U15 surf/craft athlete Kaimana Fittock. 

Russ Jones Trophy (Best performed boat crew) Open Men’s Boat Crew Shane Geloven, Heath Mercer, Dean Roberts, Dan Porra, Ben Lowe and Fraser Worthington results include 1st George’s River Roosters River Marathon  1st Warilla Bowls Boat Series  4th Australian Surf Rowers League Championships 3rd ‘Beko’ Best of the Boats Surf Life Saving NSW  1st Illawarra Branch Championships  1st Ocean Thunder Boat Series  1st NSW Championships (4 of the last 5 years)  2016-2017 ASRL Top Ranked Open Men’s crew & NSW Reps ARSL Inter-State Championships

‘Ken Baker’ Surf Sports Athlete of the Year Kaimana Fittock Representative Teams: 2016-2017 Surf Life Saving Illawarra Branch Team U15 athlete & 2016-2017 Surf Life Saving NSW Senior Performance Academy Squad  2016 Surf Life Saving New South Wales Pool Rescue Championships 1 Gold 2 Silver 2 Bronze medals  2016 Surf Life Saving Australian Pool Rescue Championships 2 Bronze medals  2016 SLSNSW Inter-Branch Championships (representing SLSI) 5 1st in individual & team events  2017 Surf Life Saving Illawarra Branch Championships 1 Silver medal (Carnival cancelled due to weather conditions)  2017 Surf Life Saving New South Wales Championships 1 Bronze medal (3rd U15 Female Surf Teams) plus finalist in U15 Female Iron person (4th), U15 Female Surf, U15 Female Board, U15 Female Board Rescue  2017 Surf Life Saving Australian Youth Championships 1 Bronze Medal (3rd U15 Female Iron-person) plus finalist in U15 Female Surf Race & U15 Female Surf Teams (4th)       

Club Rescue Citations - well done Max Vercoe, Braiden Byrne & Belinda Elliott

At our 2017 Awards Dinner & Presentation 3 members (Max Vercoe, Braiden Byrne & Belinda Elliott) were acknowledged for the efforts in the rescue of 4 people after their patrol had just finished in February 2017. If these people were swimming at a beach where no surf club members were present it would have been a tragedy. All 3 received a CLUB RESCUE CITATION certificate, unfortunately Belinda couldn't be there on the night. They received a thunderous round of applause from the crowd.

" On Sunday 12 February Max Vercoe, Braiden Byrne & Belinda Elliott were involved in the rescue of 4 people after hours (610pm-615pm). Markus Meir-Lindner & Gary Arnold were our senior members on this patrol. Sunday was like any normal day with heat wave conditions the previous 2 days, heaps of people were expected at the beach. Illawarra Branch Championships were on as well so we had prepared & made sure that our patrol teams were covered as you do because even though we are a strong surf sports club lifesaving is No1 priority! Max & Braiden actually won gold in the U19 boat at these championships in the morning. Both Markus & Belinda assisted all morning with the juniors at Branch as well. The arvo patrol got a taste of all conditions with lightning, heavy rain, sunshine, cool southerly winds & choppy surf. After pulling the flags down, getting our lifesaving equipment to the containers & signing off in the site shed known as our patrol room. A member of the public alerted Max & Braiden about 4 young persons (mid 20's) that had been sweep out in a rip at the northern end of the beach near the rock pool, about 50m behind the pool. The boys swung into action & paddled rescue boards out to rescue the 4 persons, Max heading out twice. One guy was visibly distressed & needed to be physically carried back onto the sand, oxygen therapy was administrated & subsequently transported to Wollongong Hospital by Ambulance. The other 3 received first aid treatment for shock. Our team of 3 lifesavers should be applauded for their excellent team work & ultimately saving a real possibility of a death/drowning, maybe 1 or even 4 people. Markus had an opportunity to speak with one of the people rescued & basically they all came from a Middle Eastern background, live in the Campbelltown area & don't come to the beach much. They saw the red & yellow flags taken down but didn't know what they are for. Imagine if they were at a beach where there are no surf clubs or no people around, you would be reading a tragic story." 

Congratulations to Max Vercoe, Braiden Byrne & Belinda Elliott for outstanding team work in performing this rescue of four people outside of patrol hours on Sunday 12 February 2017

2017 Awards & Presentation Dinner - Life Saving Awards

2017 Awards Dinner & Presentation at Bulli Workers Club on Saturday night saw our patrolling members acknowledged for their commitment to patrols. Life Saving is the No.1 priority for surf lifesaving clubs and we must not loose sight of that. We have some great patrolling members but unfortunately there can only be a few winners. So here we go below are our Patrol Members of the Year (male & female), our Rookie Patrol Members of the Year (male & female) plus our Patrol Team of the Year.

Rookie Patrol Member of the Year (Male & Female)

Jason Colquhoun

• With his kids starting to do patrols Jason jumped on board & helped the club out with this particular patrol team
• Even though a rookie added maturity to this patrol team
• 62.5hrs patrol over & above what was required
• Obtained his IRB crewman award this season as well
• Always wearing correct patrol uniform, always relied upon to help with set up & pack up of the beach. 
• 100% patrolling member.

Belinda Elliott

• Belinda obtained her Bronze this season plus also her First Aid Certificate
 • Continued to do junior activities roles clothing coordinator, age manager & water safety
• Decided in the new year to assist with patrols & jumped on a patrol
• Completed 26.75hrs patrol (100% commitment)
• Received Club Rescue Citation
• Always wearing the correct patrol uniform requirements

Patrol Member of the Year (Male & Female)

Grahame Bilton

• Amassed 81.75hrs patrol hours this season (travelling from Penrith)
• 100% patrol commitment
• Correctly dressed in patrol uniform (even though loves to get the shirt off)
• Has awards Bronzer Medallion & Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management 
• Obtained his IRB crewman award this season & is in the process of finishing off his Silver Medallion IRB Drivers Certificate
• A reliable mature patrol member always doing the right thing when on patrol

Holly Colquhoun

• Holly is a very quiet member and goes about her business on patrol in a mature manner, always wearing the correct patrol uniform
• Obtained her Bronze Medallion at the start of this season
• 64.25hrs patrol
• 100% patrol commitment

‘Owen Mercer Memorial Patrol Team Efficiency Award’

Patrol 8 Nathan Flint (Captain) Markus Meier-Lindner (Vice Captain) Belinda Elliott Christine Churchill Hamish Bell Max Vercoe Braiden Byrne Bryar Lunny Brendan Neville Bronte Sweeny Georgia Green & Jade Swann

This patrol led the way in how they performed their duties when rostered on patrol. Led by Nathan & Markus they made sure that the team was always vigilant in wearing of patrol uniforms and safety of the community in the water was paramount. There was always a presence of patrol members on the shore line watching over the flagged area, roving patrols were conducted on the unpatrolled areas along Bulli Beach. The beach set up of all equipment was always spot on.

Glenn Sweeny, Brett Wheeler, Jamie Thorpe, Paul Jones & Lincoln Costello hit the jackpot at 2017 Awards Dinner

• President’s Award:

Glenn Sweeny & Brett Wheeler

So many outstanding members that continually do the hard yards around the surf club…These guys for the past 2 seasons fit the bill. Over the past 2 seasons Club President Keith Caldwell has watched these 2 guys commit to training our nipper kids during the week, on Sunday mornings & look after them at carnivals, very time consuming, plus having their own kids competing. They also commit to water safety on Sunday mornings with nippers, engaged in the Riding the Wave program on some of the days & involved in club activities.

• Kids coached by Glenn & Brett won 5 SLSNSW Age Championship medals this season
• 9 Kids placed Top 3 in their age category at strong Sydney Water Surf Series overall point-score
• Bulli Junior Activities Section win 2017 SLSI Branch Championships point-score – we have come from 4^th to 2^nd to 1^st 
• SLSI Branch Championships - 37 Gold – 27 Silver – 24 Bronze
• 3 kids in 2016-2017 SLSNSW Junior Development Academy Squad
• 9 kids in 2016 SLSI Branch Team competed at SLSNSW Inter-Branch Championships 

• Dave Fletcher Memorial ‘Quiet Achivers’Trophy

Paul Jones

• After a bit of a break last season from sweeping & rocking up at junior activities Paul jumped back into volunteering
• Took on the Bulli Workers Club Raffle coordinator role – sending out surf guard messages & organising rosters every 5 weeks
• Paul would make himself available at least of the nights on each 5 week turn around
• Assisted in club activities & fundraisers 1^st Aid Officer for Sea Cliff Ocean Paddle
• Mentor for gym sessions & rowing technique for the new Late Bloomers masters male boat crew (first time rowers)
• Developed a good U19 boat crew & sweep them to victory at Branch & the final 8 of State, didn’t get an opportunity to row at Aussies due to cancellation
• Is a SLSI facilitator for boat sweep accreditation
• Level 2 Surf Sports Coach     

• Bulli Workers Club Trophy:

Lincoln Costello & Jamie Thorpe

Lincolcn Costello 

• Plays an important part on the club’s Management & Building Committee’s
• Long Service member 8.25 patrol hours   
• Still plays a very important role with Bulli Workers Club Raffle – making himself available at least each 5 week-end rotation
• Mentor for the Late Bloomers male masters crew putting in countless hours training these guys & sweeping them to a 1^st year bronze medal at Branch Championship
• Always available for any club activity or fundraiser     

Jamie Thorpe

* 107.25hts patrol & 100% patrol commitment

* He is one of our Life Saving Officer’s (Vice Club Captain) & holds the following awards Bronze Medallion, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate (ARTC), IRB Crewman Certificate, Silver Medallion IRB Driver & Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management (SMBBM)

* Member of management committee & building committee

* U13 Age Manager – assisted with SRC program at Nippers

* Gained his Level 1 Surf Official accreditation and worked at Sydney Water Surf Series, Branch Championships & State Championships as an official & water safety personnel for the club

* Assisted at club events including inter club training days (water safety), Shannon Eckstein clinic, Sea Cliff Ocean Paddle, plus fundraising with the Junior Activities Xmas Raffle at Bulli Caravan Park    

2017 Club Persons of the Year - Markus Meier-Lindner, Max Vercoe & Kaimana Fittock sweep the major awards

• U16 ‘Jack Horne Memorial’ Club Person of the Year

 Kaimana Fittock.

- Always well presented on patrol – correct uniform & listens to her patrol captain & senior members

- 41.75hrs on patrol duty & gained her Bronze Medallion award 

- Surf Sports outstanding results – commits to training and always gives 100%

- Illawarra Branch Team & NSW Senior Performance Academy Squad

- 6 NSW medals & 3 Australian medals in surf/pool rescue (individual medal in a quality U15 iron-woman at Aussies)

- Gets involved in any club activity or fundraising activity        

• U19 ‘Fred Dunn Memorial’ Club Person of the Year

Max Vercoe

 - Completed 46hrs patrol duty on occasions swapping & substituting for members

- Holds the following awards Bronze Medallion/Cert II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue), IRB Crewman Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate, Spinal Management Certificate

- Received a Club Rescue Citation for rescue on 12 February

- Assisted with Life Savers Appeal (wore complete patrol uniform)

- Surf Sports member of U19 Boat Crew Branch Champions & final 8 at State Championships 

• ‘John Bruton Memorial’ Club Person of the Year:

 Markus Meier-Lindner

 - Markus hasn’t slowed down one bit & is seen as a valuable & respected member of the club

- Member of Management Committee

- Patrol Vice Captain 101 hours patrol duty 

- SSV/IRB Captain

- Holds the following lifesaving awards Bronze Medallion, IRB Driver & Crewman, Silver Medallion Basic Beach Mangement, ARTC, Spinal Management, First Aid Certificate

- Branch Championships supporting the club with water safety and age managing

- NSW State Championships with water safety, first aid and age managing 

- Markus has demonstrated high levels of compassion and duty of care to his patrol team. During a rescue on 12 February 2017, that was submitted as SLSI Rescue of the Month, a near drowning occurred near Bulli Ocean Pool. This event put some stress and trauma on the team, particularly on two young lifesavers and a new team member on her first patrol. As the Patrol Captain on the day Markus made sure that team members were debriefed and were aware of all support avenues available. He made personal follow up phone calls to all members in the days after the event to ensure they were ok

- In addition to the above day-to-day patrol operations Markus puts in a lot of hours that are not recorded anywhere. He has done many things – often behind the scenes - that the club as a whole has benefited from

- Keeping lifesaving operations running smoothly under very improvised circumstances out of two 20ft containers for the entire season while the club house of Bulli SLSC was refurbished and extended

 - Facilitation of the rotation of key rescue equipment (new IRB motor through BSEF Grant and new SSV through BRP Equipment Grant, 2 new radios through LEF Grant)

- Attended SLSI Education trainer course (endorsement is underway)

- Attended RWC Operator course and training (final assessment is underway) 

What a great night 2016-2017 Awards Dinner & Presentation

What a great night was had by everyone who attended our Awards Dinner at Bulli Workers Club. Over 110 members & guests watched a number of DVD's highlighting our season. Massive thankyou to our members for their photos & drone footage plus of course Ingrid Cardillo & Keith Caldwell putting the DVD's together. 12 Life Members (Barry Adams-Hugh Carpenter-Ray Meredith-Jeff Horne-Russ Jones-Chris Mercer-Rod Mercer-Garry Horne-Grant Joy-Barry Lowe, Paul Jones & Keith Caldwell) were present on the night, how good is that!

Our members were acknowledged for their outstanding season in lifesaving, education, member development, community engagement, nipper activities & surf sports.

The Hon Sharon Bird Federal Member for Cunningham spoke from the heart & congratulated the club on its great season. Our sponsors received a great momento gift for supporting us.

MC Nathan Flint did a great job, official proceedings over at 9pm (record)...so people could relax & chat!

Our 3 major award winners on the night ....Club Persons of the year were awarded to Markus Meier-Lindner (Club person), Max Vercoe (U19 Club person) & Kaimana Fittock ( U16 Club Person).  

2016-2017 Awards Dinner Saturday 3 June

Reminder to our members & friends that Presentation Night is on Saturday 3 June at Bulli Workers Club.

This is the night that we acknowledge our members achievements in lifesaving, education, surf sports & member development. We also thank our loyal sponsors/supporters. 

 If you wish to attend please contact Club President Keith Caldwell or bullisurfclub@gmail.com  

Kaimana Fittock wins Bronze in U15 Iron-person at National Championships

The sad side.......Unfortunately the 2017 Australian Championships were a bit of a disappointment for the surf life saving community.

Youth Championships were held, Masters events happened (some events cancelled), limited Open events commenced on the Wednesday with the rest of the surf side of the carnival cancelled....beach events were still held at Coolangatta. 

With the ex Cyclone Debbie (from Far North Queensland) hitting the Gold Coast...it bucketed down with rain and strong winds causing water quality problems for varying beaches along the Gold Coast area. 

SLSA Safety and Risk and the Australian Championship Committees had been advised by local authorities that all waterways and estuaries will be closed for the next three days due to poor water quality.

The safety and welfare of the competitors is first and foremost when making decisions of cancelling or postponing competition. 

Members are advised that if they choose to enter the water, they do so at their own risk. In reaching their decision SLSA believed that they looked at all options, very disappointing, but that is life, we moved on from this.

The good side.....Well the 2017 Australian Surf Life Saving Youth Championships are over. Kaimana Fittock was our sole medallist at this years Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. A great result with a bronze medal in the U15 Iron Person...outstanding racing and thoroughly desrved.

Our U15 girls put in a massive efforts over the 2 days of competition, high pressure intense racing. To race against the best in the country achieving personal goals, meeting new friends, making finals or standing on the podium, that is what surf carnivals are all about. Overview of their efforts include Day 1 IRONPERSON Kaimana Fittock 3rd Zara Sharman 10th SURF RACE Kaimana Fittock 7th Zara Sharman 12th Jasmine Locke 29th BOARD RACE Zara Sharman 13th ......Day 2 Final of the U15 Female Swim teams with a great 4th (Sian, Jasmine, Zara & Kaimana), 2 semi finals board relay (Zara, Kaimana & Jasmine) & board rescue (Kaimana & Zara).

The future is bright in the surf/craft of the club with these young ladies leading the way. 4 lots of proud parents supporting them all the way as well & hearing the commentators highlighting BULLI SLSC makes our members proud also. Well done to Micheal Locke & Ngaire Brown for taking on manager roles & Renee Sharman for the photos. #aussies2017 #bullislsc #maroonandgold Take a bow Kaimana Fittock-Zara Sharman-Jasmine Locke-Sian Bourke 👏👏👏👏

Our Bronze medallist Kaimana Fittock!!

Dean Dudley our Deputy steps down from position at SLSNSW

Due to Dean's heavy work commitments something had to give so he thought he has completed a decent turn as a SLSNSW Director and it was time for someone new to step into the role.

SLSNW have advised that Dr. Dean Dudley has resigned as Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW) Director of Education; which will take effect  at the State Council Meeting to be held Saturday, 6th May 2017.

Since being appointed Director of Education in 2012; Dean has worked tirelessly to develop and enhance the delivery of Education and Training throughout the membership of Surf Life Saving NSW. The practices that he has implemented, innovative ideas that he has shared and relationships that he has built with SLS members, staff, the Board of Directors, SLSNSW Branch Directors of Education, SLSA and external organisations have greatly assisted in the development of the Education Department and the broader organisation.

SLSNSW are thankful for Dean’s constant commitment and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Please note that Dean will continue to hold the position of Honorary Chair – Learning and Development for Surf Life Saving Australia.

Dean is still a very valuable member of our surf club curently our Deputy President. He has held positions as Chief Instructor, Patrol Captain & Age Manager over a decade plus within the club.

You have most definetly achieved a great deal in your role at SLSNSW, SLSA & our club.