STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms PENFOLD (Lyne) (13:45): I wish to take this opportunity to recognise the Black Head Surf Life Saving Club, which celebrated 100 years last weekend. I was delighted to attend the celebrations and pay tribute to the generations of volunteers, both past and present, who have dedicated themselves to protecting the countless locals and tourists alike who converge on the beautiful Black Head Beach every summer.

The Black Head Surf Life Saving Club has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating club in the Lower North Coast branch. The need for the club became apparent one dramatic day back in 1915, when four members of the Nabiac Methodist Church Choir got caught in a strong rip that quickly swept them out to sea. Two of the four managed to swim their way back to shore; the other two had to be rescued by a local surfboat.

Thankfully, all parties survived that day—a feat the club still maintains, with no lives having been lost on the beach during patrol throughout the club's century-long existence. I would like to acknowledge several individuals without whom the commemoration and publication of the club's history would not be possible: Carmel Bartlett, Ingrid Horsburgh, Helen Manusu, John Edstein, Graeme Doig, John Taylor, Lee Aldridge and Mitchell Garland.

Thank you to the presidents, the committees and all the volunteers who have contributed in some way to keeping this wonderful club's legacy alive. (Time expired)