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September 2026Hello << Test First Name >>!Welcome to this month’s Blu-ing e-Newsletter. As always we are here to serve our members and our community. Let us know if you would like to see anything in particular as part of this newsletter by sending an email to secretary@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au A few words from President Stretch
Welcome to the September edition of the Blu-ing Newsletter. We’ve noted feedback from our members that many rely on emails in regards to the latest information from our club so please take the time to read through this document as it contains some key information about the season ahead. News at a glance! Thank you to Vice President Linda Perrin, rowers and donors on another successful Gotcha4life fundraiser, raising money for Mental Fitness. This is another example of what our club does to help others. Your efforts resulted in raising $10,030 and rowing 1,492.8 km!! Impressive.Were you aware that flags are up this weekend. That means our season officially commences, lifesavers are once again on the beach and the club steps up to full operational mode.Thank you to all of those members that prepared our lifesaving gear for annual inspection. We’re pleased to advise the club passed on regulatory requirements.Thanks also extended to those members that participated in clean up around the club during August/September. All of our rooms are now WHS compliant and ready for use.Whilst emailing information will remain a strong part of our member communication we very much rely on our Club Facebook site South Maroubra SLSC to capture activities and people around the club. We strongly encourage you to follow our Facebook site and Instagram.Our club is conscious of member participation and retention which is why you will see some surf board lockers now installed in the men’s and ladies bathrooms. They are few in number and will be allocated to those that are flying the club colours at competition and on the beach as active lifesavers. Until we release of a policy on these lockers please do not attempt to occupy them.New Board and Ski trailer has arrived! After 25 years of hard work and trips across the Nullarbor Plains to Perth our old board and ski trailer will step back from main stream duties and now replaced by a newly sponsored trailer! Looks terrific and fit for purpose for the next 20 years of use. Our appreciation is extended to NSW Ports for this ongoing support of our club.Still on newly acquired equipment, we will soon be hosting a christening ceremony for our new incoming IRB and engine, donated by Bendigo Bank Clovelly. State of the art equipment designed to protect our members and community whilst also helping to retain members by building our IRB competition section.You’ll see a lot of activity around the club over the next month with patrols starting but also activities in the club. Did you know that we have and continue to have an ongoing relationship with the ‘Clontarf Foundation’? It’s the South Maroubra way of supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities locally and from around NSW. The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so equips them to participate more meaningfully in society. You’ll see young men and mentors over the next month staying with us for several days at a time plus enjoying bbqs at our club so be sure to give them a big South Maroubra welcome.Upcoming events! In our recent survey many members responded with the feedback they’d like to give more back to the club. Well, here’s a great opportunity to do so with our fundraiser the The Juniors Maroubra Fun Run and Oktoberfest in the Park scheduled for Sunday 25/10. If you’d like to help out with Set up, Pack Up, Cook Up, we certainly would welcome your support. Included in this issue of Blu-ing is the volunteer link to help out at this event. Your kind offer would be gratefully accepted.Nippers registration remain open although Under 6,7,8,9 age groups are all full so its going to be a big year. Nipper enquiries to nippers@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au or office@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.auShout out to our great mate Mick Fisher who had an accident at home and is now recovering in hospital. Kiosk will open as of the October long weekend.Lastly, remember our summer Social Sundays continue. Presently 12pm start to 6pm which will revert to 10.45am to 7pm when Nippers commences so fun days are BACK! All welcome to enjoy this little piece of paradise. Club Hire remains available to ALL Members at special members prices; remember you need to be fully financial in order to get this benefit. Thanks again to all of our Volunteers that make the club the great place it is! Please check out the rest of our club newsletter for more detailed information. See you at the clubPaul ’Stretch’ Fownes APM OAMPresident 
Important dates!26/09/2026 Saturday Nipper pool proficiency swims DRLC 1pm – 5pm 26/09/2026 Saturday Patrols commence Season 2026/2704/10/2026 Sunday NRL Grand Final live in the BK Bar5/10/2026 Monday PUBLIC HOLIDAY6/10/2026 Tuesday Bronze Medallion Information Night11/10/2026 Sunday Sydney Branch Interbranch Trials16/10/2026 Friday South Maroubra Golf Day 17/10/2026 Saturday U6 Nippers commence & Nipper Apparel Sales18/10/2026 Sunday U7’s -U14’s Nippers Commence & Nipper Apparel Sales25/10/2026 Sunday THE JUNIORS MAROUBRA FUN RUN & OKTOBERFEST 31/10/2026 Saturday NSW Round 1 Beach Stormers Upcoming Fundraising Event Volunteers neededThe Juniors Maroubra Fun Run & Oktoberfest Sunday 25 October 2026 South Maroubra Surf Club is excited for this years event and we once again advise members our return for involvement on the day is funds raised from BBQ and Bar will be directed to our summer and winter touring teams for season 2026-27. So we need all hands on deck and need in particular our competitors to put their hands up for the workforce requirements of this day. If you can kindly complete the following google form and give some time we would really appreciate it…….. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSed38HLeafNW7BiwS6Bf9pgwQx52e0b-RwIfCY1ytwiReyR3w/viewform?usp=dialog 
Lifesaving & Education  Patrols Rostered September/October26/09/2026 Saturday AM Patrol Team 1, PM Patrol Team 2 27/09/2026 Sunday AM Patrol Team 12, PM Patrol Team 4 3/10/2026 Saturday AM Patrol Team 13, PM Patrol Team 64/10/2026 Sunday AM Patrol Team 14, PM Patrol Team 85/10/2026 Monday AM Patrol Team 16, PM Patrol Team 910/10/2026 Saturday AM Patrol Team 10, PM Patrol Team 1111/10/2026 Sunday AM Patrol Team 5, PM Patrol Team 1217/10/2026 Saturday AM Patrol Team AR1, PM Patrol Team 718/10/2026 Sunday AM Water Safety Patrol Team & Patrol 17, PM Patrol Team 1524/10/2026 Saturday AM Patrol Team AR2, PM Patrol Team 125/10/2026 Sunday AM Patrol Team 2, PM Patrol Team 331/10/2026 Saturday AM Patrol Team 5, PM Patrol Team 41/11/2026 Sunday AM Patrol Team Water Safety & Patrol Team 7, PM Patrol Team 6  Skills Maintenance – Important DatesAll awards require completion of the relevant online Skills Maintenance modules before attending an in-person session. If your modules are incomplete, you will be turned away.You must also enrol in your chosen practical assessment date through the event module in your eLearning Hub.Practical assessments are required for:Bronze Medallion (BM)Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART)IRB Crew and Silver Medallion IRB DriverBM/SRC/ART Practical Assessments Meet in the Education Room. Noting ART practical assessments include the BM components, but you need to do both online learning modules.3 October: ART 8:00am or 2:00pm | BM/SRC 9:00am or 3:00pm11 October: ART 8:00am or 2:00pm | BM/SRC 9:00am or 3:00pm7 November: ART 10:00am | BM/SRC 11:00am5 December: ART 8:00am or 2:00pm | BM/SRC 9:00am or 3:00pm13 December: ART 8:00am or 2:00pm | BM/SRC 9:00am or 3:00pmIRB Driver and Crew Practical Assessments Meet at the Lifesaving Shed at 7:00am.3 October8 November5 DecemberFor further information and helpful guides please refer to the article here – https://www.southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au/club-news/skills-maintenance-requirements-20262027-season Upcoming Bronze Medallion Course!!Do you already have your Bronze Medallion? Why not encourage a friend, family member or someone new to the club to join you!Our upcoming 6 week Bronze Medallion Course is a great opportunity to learn valuable skills, meet new people and become more involved in the South Maroubra community.Information Evening Tuesday 6 October | 6:30pm South Maroubra Heritage RoomInterested—or know someone who might be? Register your interest here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeU_vg4E_GU81R18hSathygnXf9bDGsHleCnMD_f1LuD6j-qw/viewform   For all Lifesaving enquires, please reach out to Simon or Claire lifesaving@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.auls.registrar@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au For all Education enquiries, please reach out to Olenaeducation@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au CompetitionSydney Branch has distributed their carnival calendar and can be viewed at the following link https://sls.sydney/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sydney-Branch-Surf-Sports-Calendar-26-27-v3.pdfA quick snap shot includes :Forster Carnival – 3rd & 4th October 2026 (Forster)Infront Board Bash – 10th October 2026 (Cronulla)Sydney Branch Interbranch Trials – 11th October 2026 (South Maroubra)Coolangatta Gold – 17th October 2026Wanda One Carnival – 24th October 2026 (Wanda)NSW Beach Stormers Round 1 – 31 October 2026 (South Maroubra)Sydney Water Series Round 1 & 2 – 7 & 8th November 2026 (Fairy Meadow)U8 Carnival at South Maroubra – 14th November 2026Surf Boat Carnival at South Maroubra – 14th November 2026Sydney Water Series Round 3 – 21 November 2026 (Warilla Barrack Point)North Cronulla Christmas Carnival – 5th December 2026 (North Cronulla)Sydney Water Series Round 4 – 5th December 2026 (Gerringong) If you are interested in all things competition within the club, reach out to Peter doc@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.auorMaria competition@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au Nippers A reminder to all Nipper families that our Preliminary Skills Evaluation will be held at Des Renford Leisure Centre on Saturday 26 September, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.All Nippers are required to complete the evaluation before participating in water activities for the season. The assessment helps ensure that every child can safely participate in surf activities and allows Age Managers to plan activities that are appropriate for each group’s abilities.✅ When: 26 September, any time between 1:00pm to 5:00pm ✅ Where: Des Renford Leisure CentrePlease arrive ready to swim and allow plenty of time for parking and check-in.We look forward to seeing all our Nippers there and kicking off another fantastic season on the beach!  Junior Competition The surf sports season is just around the corner, and competition training has officially kicked off again!Whether you’re chasing a podium position, looking to build your surf skills, or keen to represent the club at carnivals this season, now is the perfect time to get involved.From March Past, R&R, sand or surf, competition training is a fantastic way to improve your skills, fitness, confidence, and have plenty of fun with your teammates along the way.If your child is interested in joining our competition team, or if you’d like to learn more about what’s involved, please contact our Touring Team Manager, Emma Maleyjr_carnivals@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au?subject=null&body=null Nippers pre season competition meeting session dates 27 September 2026 4pmOR18 October 2026 10am    Photos by Nipper Parent Leone Doyle @the_best_bits_photography  For all enquiries for nippers please reach out to Ash doy@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.auor Danielle nippers@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au BK Membership information season 26/27From 1 October, bar prices at BK Bar will increase by 50 cents across all bar items. This wasn’t a decision we took lightly. Rising costs across the board, from wages to supplier pricing, have made this adjustment necessary to keep the bar sustainable.A few things worth keeping in mind. Members continue to receive discounted pricing at the bar, and even with this increase, our drinks remain around $3 to $4 cheaper than other local venues.To receive member pricing, please show your recently issued BK Bar Members electronic membership card before ordering. If you haven’t received yours yet, reach out to finance@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au and we’ll sort it out.It’s also worth noting where this revenue goes. Bar profits are a key part of what funds our office staff, the people who support every member across the club’s operations, from admin to events to day to day running of the club. Every dollar spent at the bar helps keep that support in place.We appreciate your understanding, and as always, thanks for supporting your club. Member Recognition Congratulations to Nicole Cooney on her recent appointment at the Director of Lifesaving for SLS Ilawarra Branch. We are confident that Nicole’s skills and experience will be of great assistance to the Branch and their Clubs. We wish you all the best Nicole in this new role. Don’t worry South Maroubra, Nicole will still be a regular at the club with us and in our education team!. 
Member Recognition Congratulations to Angelina Garay who has been accepted into Cohort 8 – SLSA Women’s Mentoring Program. An amazing opportunity for Angelina and we wish her all the best on this 12 month program journey. We look forward to hearing about your inspiring journey.What is the program you ask? The program pairs mentors with mentees who will support each other across the next 12 months. Facilitating empowerment, support and leadership skills will all be part of the program, which participants can then use and apply to their paid roles inside and outside of surf life saving, volunteer activities and everyday life. 
Reminder Surf Club Gym changes Season 2026/2027Reminder to all Gym members All gym members must complete the SMSLSC Gym Membership via the online form each season and for this season ALL gym members are to undertake an induction with Gym Supervisor Finn Daley.The club has updated our website with Gym information which you can read from the following links https://www.southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au/gym.htmlGym Guidelines document Version June 2026 Induction dates are provided to the member via email once your online gym membership is received. Induction will only take 15-20 minutes of your time.This applies to new and renewing gym members for season 2026/27. NO EXCEPTIONS. No access to the facility will be issued until the online gym membership and induction is completed.We would appreciate your assistance as we work towards better management of our popular gym facility for members. Any queries please reach out to vp@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au 
NRL Grand Final 4th October 2026Join us on Sunday 4th October 2026 to watch the NRL Grand Final in the BK Bar.We will be doing a SAUSAGE SIZZLE from 5pm and all NRL Tipsters will receive a FREE sausage sizzle and drink voucher. Congratulations to the winners of the South Maroubra NRL Tipping Competition:1st Place – Ioan McCabe2nd Place – Ffyon McCabe3rd Place – Craig Menzel We will be handing out the prizes on Grand Final day in the BK Bar at 5pm. Golf Day 16th October 2026Interest has been awesome for this event…. but if you are still interested please email sponsorship@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au 
24 Hour RowWell, we did it…! Another successful year supporting the GOTCHA4Life 24 Hour Row. Perfect weather, plenty of people passing by, and lots of curious faces looking in to see what was happening in the Heritage Room.We kicked off at 12 noon on the Saturday, with a fantastic team of photographers and videographers from GOTCHA4Life joining us.We were honoured to have CEO Belinda Elworthy join us with her husband and one of her sons. Interviews were held and there were lots of great conversations with Bel. Such a lovely lady, and I was so pleased to finally meet her after so many communications.It would be remiss of me not to pass on our very best wishes to Founder, Mentor and Fitness Advocate Gus Worland, who unfortunately was laid up after surgery and wasn’t able to get around the locations as he normally does. We wish you a speedy recovery, Gus! Some of the many highlights from this year: Tom Cahill – completed a Marathon Row in an incredible 3 hours 5 minutes. Amazing effort!Mick Sloane – a past member and boatie from our club – rowed a massive 50 km, backing up for 5 time slots. Thank you, Mick. Huge effort!Cooper Stokes – rowed the furthest in one hour, covering an incredible 16,046 km.Matty Brown – stayed overnight, helped out and also rowed 20 km.Fiona Chapman – rowed with one arm on two occasions, stayed overnight and helped out throughout. What an effort!Lauren McLean – for your amazing high energy, enthusiasm and videoing. Watch this space for when we share the movie!! Loz, you are the best!Our families – who came along to row, including those who backed up more than once – thank you!Welfare checks from our President the entire time.Glen Holland – rowed an impressive 41 km over three time slots.Our members – who backed up for multiple rows. Thank you so much for your commitment and support.The overnight vibe was awesome – great music, lots of rowers and plenty of energy. Thank you to everyone who kept things going through the night!Zac Jones celebrating his hockey win on the rower for 2 hours clocking up 20 kmLocal Noah Gillroy who popped in to see if he could help – stayed for 2 hours and rowed an amazing 25 km – simply the best.To those who support and row every year – you know who you are – thank you.MJ Tier our fundraising queen – raised $1,950 We were one of 108 teams supporting this amazing event around Australia.And your fundraising efforts were outstanding, placing us 11th among the teams with $10,030 raised!And finally… we rowed 1,492.8 kilometres in 24 hours!6 Ergs – 144 time slots – and only 12 unfilled time slots!We had 5 ergs rowing constantly for 24 hours – huge effort everyone – thank you Why we do it…This isn’t just a row. It’s a chance to spark meaningful conversations, show up for our mates, and highlight the importance of connection, community and fitness – both physical and mental.A huge thank you to everyone who rowed, donated, volunteered, stayed overnight, helped behind the scenes, took photos and videos, encouraged others, or simply came along to support us.Together, we made a difference. The 2027 dates are set! 11–12 September 2027So save the date – we’ll see you on the rowers again! ANNOUNCEMENTAs we shared on social media last week, our 24 hr row event organiser Linda recieved a phone call and email with some amazing news!!! “We’re so excited to let you know that South Maroubra SLSC is one of the winners of the Race One promotion, which we ran as part of this year’s Gotcha4Life 24 Hour Row!Your prize package is valued at $7,845 and includes:1 x Race One Adjustable Ski1 x Race One Hextek Mal BoardThis fantastic prize has been made possible through the generous support of Race One and Shaw and Partners Financial Services, and we’re incredibly grateful to them for helping make this promotion possible”. On behalf of all South Maroubra members thank you Race One, Shaw & Partners Financial Services and the team at Gotcha4Life What a honour for us to recieve this prize package ! https://www.gotcha4life.org/ Upcoming Carnivals we will be hosting – we need Carnival Organisers!Saturday 31 October 2026 – Round 1 NSW Beach StormersSaturday 14 November 2026 – our annual U8 Carnival and Surf Boat Carnival We will be putting a call out closer to the dates for members to assist with set up for these events – so keep an eye you for these emails!!Meanwhile, if you are up for the challenge of taking on the head role as Carnival Organiser of either of these events, we would love to hear from you. Email your interest to secretary@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au Are you looking to take on a role at the club this season? We are looking for BBQ Heroes!EOI to finance@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au 
Lots has been happening around the club over the last couple of weeks… enjoy some pics!Water Safety & Officials get together, IRB Training, Gear Inspection, 24 Hour Row hosted a couple of Sydney Branch events, hosted our friends from Clontarf Foundation and enjoyed social sundays 
We would like to thank our sponsors for the ongoing support …
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact finance@southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au?subject=Sponsorship%20Enquiry&body= for more details    
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