Once a Clubbie, always a Clubbie!
The beach themed cake was cut by Courtney McCarthy, who gained her bronze during the 2014/215, and newest life member, Ron Organ
Rainbow Beach SLSC celebrated their golden milestone of 50 years voluntary service to keep the beach safe!
The ‘clubbie’ tradition is to gather on a Friday night for a couple of drinks, buy some raffle tickets, catch up on the latest news and maybe have a meal.
Members and supporters from every decade intermingled,and took the opportunity of this informal setting to order the wonderful meals and enjoy the background entertainment provided by current member, Jake Reid.
At the AGM, we witnessed the induction of the latest life member, Ron Organ. What a special memory to be given your life membership badge by the Surf Lifesaving state president, Ralph Devlin, at the 50 Years celebration.
At the 50 Years dinner, 250 guests were entertained in a marquee with a wonderful slideshow by past member, Garry Hewitt.
Official guests and their wives were Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, Tony Perrett MP, Mayor Mick Curran, Councillor Mark McDonald, President of Sunshine Coast branch, John Grant, and former trainer, examiner, district supervisor and life member of Noosa, Ron Lane.
Mark Langton, the chairman of the RBSLSC 50 Years celebration committee, welcomed everyone, introduced the special guests and outlined the night’s procedures. MCs for the occasion, Andrew McCarthy and Don Reid, were introduced by President of RBSLSC, Justin Schooth.
The attendees appreciated hearing the history of the club by speakers for each decade: 1964/65 – 1973/74 Pam (Kuhn) Carlson and David Bannister, builder of stage 1 of the new clubhouse; 1975/76 – 1984/5 active member, life member and President of the Supporters Club, John Greaney; 1985/86 – 1994/95, current member and life member, Kim McCarthy; 1995/96 – 2004/05, first and only female president, Dianne Neumann, and 2005/06 – 2014/15, current member and surf girl, Emily Simpson.
Guests from the early days, nippers, surf girls, members associated with unique experiences and long-serving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Barbara McCarthy, were surprised by on-the-spot roving interviews. Reminiscing and entertainment by Glenn Fox meant guests enjoyed the night into the early hours.
The local community was thanked for all their support over the last 50 years. The recovery Sunday breakfast was upstairs where people could appreciate the wonderful modern facilities and outstanding views, whilst saying goodbye to new and old friends after an amazing weekend.
