Contents
100 years of sun, sand and surf life saving
Kaylee-Jayde becomes national T21 ambassador
Accessible features of new aquatic centre welcomed
New business Beasty Beans Cafe opens doors
Bundaberg Ferments the new brew in town
Nominate friend over fence for Neighbour Day
Escape from reality with Lifeline Bookfest
Feedback needed for future of Lake Ellen playground
Zoe King raises funds for Laps for Life
In Our Garage: Kev Wood's 1932 Ford Tudor
What's On Bundaberg
Book review: Honey Blood
How to: Conserve water in your home
Juniors develop life saving skills at State Surf Rescue
100 years of sun, sand and surf life saving for local club
Ashley Schipper
Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club members have been the proud protectors of Nielson Park Beach visitors for 100 years.
As the club gears up to celebrate it's centenary, which was scheduled to take place last year, we take a look back at its establishment and history with former president and Coordinator of Centenary Celebrations, Lynda Cremer.
Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club established to offer protection
Records of the Surf Life Saving Queensland State Centre have 1921 marked as the year that the first reel was officially placed on the beach at Nielson Park beach.
But according to Lynda, the move to provide protection to swimmers in the area came long before then.
“It is recorded that following a fatality at Nielson Park beach on New Years day in 1916, a special meeting of the Bundaberg Amateur Swimming Club was called to send a team of their most proficient swimmers to the coast on all excursion trains,” she said.
“In 1924 the Mayor of Bundaberg, Alderman WSP Gavegan, became President of the club which was a position he held for three years.
“Then, in it's first 66 years the club had just four presidents with Mr Noel Bullpitt MBE holding the position for 41 years.”
Plenty of milestones celebrated in 100 years
Lynda said over it's 100 years the Bundaberg SLSC had reached many milestones, including becoming famous Australia-wide for it's March Past Team.
“Bundaberg won the March Past at the Australian titles 17 times between 1959 and 1987 with many second and third places also achieved in those years,” she said.
“Bundaberg SLSC March Past Team was inducted into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame in 2004.”
Another historic event which enjoyed great success was the Summertime Surf Girl Quest.
The club hosted the event in Bundaberg for 40 years, from 1970 to 2010.
“The Summertime Surfgirl was the social event of the year in Bundaberg and in 2008, there were over 800 guests at the function,” Lynda said.
“Bundaberg has the record for the number of Queensland State Surfgirls with six young women winning the coveted title.”
Booklet documents 100-year history
In the entire 100-year history of the club, there has been just 11 presidents with Lynda elected the first female for the role from 2013 to 2017.
Nowadays, her position of Coordinator of Centenary Celebrations involved delving deep into the club's history to help produce a special book to commemorate 100 years.
Lynda said in 1986, Life Governor and Club President of 41 years Mr Noel Bullpitt MBE wrote “A Surf Life Saving Saga” to celebrate the first 65 years of the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club.
“With the assistance of Mrs Sandra Killer who retyped the entire text, Mr Bullpitt's book forms part of this centenary book,” Lynda said.
“Last year we employed an author/photojournalist, Mr Murray Clifford to help us put together the 35 years history 1987 to 2021 using club annual reports.
“Murray also wrote profiles on a selection of current members to include in the book.”
Lynda collected, dated and worked with Murray to caption all of the photos for the book.
With the assistance of members and Surf Life Saving Queensland Surf Sports staff and many hours of research, she also compiled the list of Australian and State Championship surf sports results to include in the documentation.
“For me, producing this book has been a labour of love to research details, source photos and coordinate the editing and printing of the book and I hope it becomes a reference of our history for future generations,” Lynda said.
Titled Celebrating our Centenary, the book was released this week as part of the club's official celebrations.
Kaylee-Jayde becomes national T21 Ambassador
Emma Turnbull
This year Bundaberg’s Kaylee-Jayde Wallace will help raise awareness about Down syndrome as she takes on the role of Celebrate T21 Ambassador.
Celebrate T21 advocates, supports and empowers families with a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome.
The three-year-old with an infectious smile is part of a prestigious group of national ambassadors helping to spread the word for World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March.
Kaylee-Jayde’s guardian Allison Schultz has shared her granddaughter’s journey in the hope that it will help to increase community understanding of the condition.
“The point of the campaign is to show that people with Down syndrome are just like everybody else,” Allison said.
“These kids are wonderful.
“They can have, and some do have differences, but they still bring so much joy to everyone’s life.
“Kaylee is so strong, she has an amazing bond with her cousin Layla, and she has a remarkable relationship with her great-grandfather Ken – who is 89 – they just adore each other.
“There is a certain smile they get when they see each other.”
Allison said in her first three years Kaylee-Jayde had already undergone more medical procedures than most people would in a lifetime, and she thanked the Celebrate T21 team for the support they had given them.
Kaylee-Jayde keeps fighting
As well as Down syndrome, Kaylee-Jayde was diagnosed with a heart defect, and she has a complex medical history including having suffered two strokes.
She has already undergone several major heart surgeries.
“It’s amazing to know what Kaylee has been through and to see that she just keeps fighting,” she said.
“Last time she was in hospital they said ‘this was it’ for her. But she is our little fighter, our heart warrior and she does not give up.”
Raise funds for World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is held annually on 21 March to raise global awareness, officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
March, the third month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
The Bundaberg community is being called on to rock their socks for T21 Day to help raise awareness and support for people living with Down syndrome and their families.
Allison said she hoped the community would pull up their socks to support the cause.
“The reason why we use the socks to fundraise (is because) under a microscope, chromosomes look like socks,” Allison said.
“We chose for Kaylee to become a Celebrate T21 Ambassador to help increase the understanding of T21, Down syndrome.
“Fundraising is a big part of the 21 March campaign; the money provides family of newly diagnosed T21 families with support – this support really is wonderful!
“They are helping to rewrite the narrative surrounding Down syndrome.”
Accessible features of new aquatic centre welcomed
Ashley Schipper
Lifts, hoists, ramps and an adult accessible changeroom are some of the accessible features of the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre with local disability organisations providing input into the plans.
As part of a community consultation process, organisations including Spinal Life Australia have provided feedback on the major project.
Set to start construction later this year, the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre will feature a 50 metre, heated, undercover competition pool, a 25-metre heated indoor pool, an indoor program pool, a café and spectator area.
Not only will it be a training ground for world-class local athletes, but it will also be a recreational and remedial space for the whole community to enjoy.
Spinal Life Australia peer support volunteer Pat Allison has welcomed plans to construct a modern aquatic facility accessible to all.
Pat said she believed the facility would be a positive addition to the Bundaberg Region, providing a space for the entire community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
“It's user-friendly for all, especially members of the disability sector,” she said.
“The accessible ramp at the side of the pool is well designed, the accessible toilet and shower with the lift table and extended shower hose is excellent.”
Pat said many people who had injuries or a disability used swimming as a way to exercise.
“Two members that I know of from Bundaberg Spinal Life use swimming for exercise with limited facilities available,” she said.
“I hope the Aquatic Centre will be built and finished so we can all benefit.”
Plans to progress the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre are well underway, with Council recently applying for additional grant funding to support the development.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the centre was a generational benefit that would create economic, health and social benefits for many years to come.
“Council has applied for a grant from the Federal Government under Round 6 of the Building Better Region Fund to support delivery of the pool,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“This flows on from the more than $13 million committed from the State Government, with the application garnering support from many local sporting and community groups who are eager to see this development go ahead.”
Mayor Dempsey said the three pools featured in the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre went above and beyond the requirements for accessibility stipulated in the National Construction Code.
“Discussions with pool designers, physio therapists and Spinal Life advocates have helped in Council's understanding of exactly what is needed to ensure everyone in the community can enjoy and access the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre,” he said.
“This includes Bundaberg’s first adult accessible change room which will feature a lift and changing table.
“This room can also be used to transfer people from their own chair into a waterproof chair.”
The Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre will begin construction mid-year and is expected to generate more than 120 jobs during the initial stages.
New business Beasty Beans Cafe opens doors
Emma Turnbull
A passion for early mornings and a good cup of coffee has inspired business owners Tam Arany and Russ Seesink to open new coffee shop Beasty Beans Cafe.
When the opportunity arose to purchase the café on the corner of Birks Street and Dunn Road, just down the road from Boreham Park, the owners of neighbouring business Booty and the Beast Fitness took the opportunity to jump into a new venture.
Tam and Russ have worked side-by-side for many years.
While they both have very different career backgrounds, they’re dedication to fitness and share a love of coffee.
“We get up really early in the morning and I love coffee – so coffee is essential,” she said.
“We were actually being nosey, and Russ saw it advertised on Gumtree and shot me a message.
“And then we thought well we are next door and kind of already there – I wonder what would happen if we bought a coffee shop.
“I’m actually trained as an IT tech, and I retrained as a personal trainer, and now we own a coffee shop.
“There is a huge difference in professions but there is a progression.
“I have no experience in hospitality at all and neither does Russ – he used to be a fitter and turner fresh out of high school, before he became a PT.”
Tam said despite this they were not flying blind as they had confidence in their staff who had many years of combined local hospitality experience between them.
Beasty Beans Café held a soft opening this week and the plan is to go full steam ahead, trading seven days a week from Saturday, 19 March.
“We will have our full opening, serving delicious breakfast, from next Saturday,” she said.
“We are such big dog people, and as we have the Boreham Park down the street, we’ve already found people call in as they walk their dogs, and we just love that.
“In the future to service that we will open up the window on the side and have dog bowls and everything out for them, so people can call passed and grab a coffee as they are on their way.”
Tam said as they owned Booty and the Beast, the name of the Beasty Beans Café just seemed to fit.
“It was fun trying to find a name, and with Booty and the Beast, and with coffee beans I guess Beasty Beans just seemed to work,” she said.
“It was actually 15 years ago, and I worked for Security Plus Computers in this block and I actually worked there as a tech – It’s really weird how things come about.
“I never thought I would go from IT to fitness and now we’ve combined hospitality, but we are excited about where this will take us.”
Beasty Beans Café is located at 8 Birks Street, Avenell Heights.
For more information click here.
Bundaberg Ferments is the new brew in town
Emma Turnbull
For almost a decade Mark and Jess Rabbitt have been brewing kombucha and, as it grew in popularity among family and friends, decided to launch new business Bundaberg Ferments.
Bundaberg Ferments is a family business that offers three delicious flavours of kombucha, including bush fruits, cascara and pineapple and ginger.
Kombucha is a fermented, lightly sparkling, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly consumed for its purported health benefits.
“Our kombucha brewing started about eight years ago in the hunt for a flavoured beverage without the high sugar load,” Mark said.
“Making it ourselves made sense, as we could understand exactly what was going in it.
“Eight years later we have learnt a lot about the alchemising art of making kombucha and decided to share our love for this fermented beauty with family and friends.”
Mark said there was a lot involved in transforming to make a larger scale production of kombucha.
“This was a big jump, as making 4-8 litres in 3-4 weeks goes quickly in our family and not much left to share,” he said.
“So, we upped it to 50 litres, and everyone loved it. This gave us the extra push to want to share it with the rest of the community.
Mark said through Bundaberg Ferments their aim was to create a beverage low in sugar that remained flavoursome.
“We keep things very traditional in the brewing process, as we take a mixed tea blend of certified organic green and oolong tea and sweeten it with raw certified organic sugar,” Mark said.
“We then add our kombucha cultures and the magic begins.
“This process can take some time as we like to make sure as much sugar as possible has been consumed by the cultures which creates all the goodness that is in kombucha.
“We then move to the flavour stage of the brewing in which we source the best quality certified organic fruits and herbs, even wild foraged, to be infused with our golden kombucha.
“We like to leave these fermenting for a few days to really fuse and combine with each other.
“Then its tasting time! As we have removed most of the sugar, we start to add monk fruit juice, this is a naturally very sweet fruit so very little goes in but also contains very little sugar.
“Low sugar was our aim eight years ago and still is, so finding that balance is very important to us.”
Mark said the beverage is now available at both Windmill Cafe and The Beachmill Café at Bargara, and also at the new health food store The Barn Wholefoods on Takalvan Street.
“Kombucha is our first launch, as we would love to bring all kinds of fermented products to the community, next on our list is sauerkraut and mayonnaise,” he said.
“I know our friends are dying for us to release the mayonnaise as it is a huge hit, watch this space, I guess.”
Mark said they are currently building relationships with local and Australian suppliers, and they will continue to source Australian organic produce, utilising dried certified organic fruits and herbs to minimise farm wastage.
“What they are unable to sell at market because it might not meet the perfect size requirements, we can still utilise in any season. It’s a win-win,” he said.
“Our strawberry gum leaf is wild foraged in northern New South Wales where it grows in abundance.
“We really want our community to continue to thrive from home-grown businesses that intend to give value to the people and families within it.
“We would love to be able to share our efforts within events in the area to make it easier for people to access a product that we see as a better choice for our family and hopefully yours.”
Three kombucha flavours at Bundaberg Ferments
The three current Bundaberg Ferments kombucha flavours include bush fruits, which is a yummy combination of fruits and Australian bush tucker.
Bush fruits has a pink tinge with a fruity, not-too-sweet medley of fruits including strawberries and banana.
Then there is Cascara which is made from the unused coffee fruit or coffee cherry.
“We were at our friends house, Dan and Cathy from Bundaberg Organic and Quality foods, and they have a coffee tree that was fruiting, we ate the fruit, and it was delicious,” he said.
“We then set about ringing coffee farms to find out what happens to the fruits and (how) its normally discarded.
“We decide to experiment with it in kombucha as we loved the idea of using something that would normally be discarded.
“Its flavour is subtle and is reminiscent of iced tea, so we popped in some lemon, and we have an incredibly refreshing Cascara kombucha.”
Mark said lastly there was the pineapple and ginger which was one of the go-to kombucha flavours.
“It’s kind of hard not to go in (this) mix of flavours,” he said.
“The tangy zing with the subtle sweetness is sure to excite any kombucha lover.”
Nominate friend over fence for Neighbour Day
Georgia Neville
Whether you look out for each other’s mail, check on the animals or share a meal, good neighbours provide plenty of benefits, so celebrate your friend over the fence by nominating them for Neighbour Day!
Bundaberg Regional Council is calling for submissions explaining why you have the best neighbour in town as part of the 2022 Neighbour Day competition that aims to keep communities connected.
Entering is simple with residents encouraged to describe their best neighbour or neighbourhood to win a BBQ essentials pack valued at over $100.
Council’s Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the initiative encouraged the community to actively build strong connections with the people around them.
“Neighbour Day is about building social connection, having respectful relationships within your community and addressing loneliness,” Cr McPhee said.
“Research shows that communities where people know each other have better mental health, are safer, and more resilient to adversity.
“This is an important initiative to make a difference to the lives of those who may be struggling with isolation or loneliness, by reaching out to the vulnerable and lonely members of your community.”
Previous winner Ramona Lane from Innes Park said she nominated her neighbour as a way of letting them know how much they were appreciated.
“We have great neighbours in our street and the neighbours who live right next door to us are wonderful and I thought I’d nominate them to say thank you,” Ramona said.
“I think it is a way for people who have done something to help you out, or people who are good neighbours, to be acknowledged and give back to them.
“It is a great sense of community in our street and our neighbours were very surprised when they won!”
Nominate for Neighbour Day
To nominate your neighbour, head to the website and nominate your neighbour.
Entries close at 3pm on Friday, 18 March 2022.
Entries will be shortlisted by an independent team and the winner will be decided by public opinion via Facebook.
Voting starts 21 March and closes 25 March 2022 at 3pm.
You can find out more about the neighbour day competition here.
Escape from reality with Lifeline Bookfest
Georgia Neville
Whether you are a sci-fi fan, love your romance novels or need to stock up on some cookbooks, the annual Lifeline Bookfest is the place to be this month.
From Friday 25 March to Sunday 27 March the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct will be packed to the rafters with books of all genres.
More than 200 tables will be filled with fiction and non-fiction books, puzzles, games, lego, CDs, DVDs and special rare finds, offering something for everyone.
With every book or item purchased, funds will help to support the 24-hour Lifeline Crisis Support Line, providing the opportunity for the service to answer more phone calls from Queenslanders in need.
Kylie Brogden from Bundaberg Lifeline said after the event had been cancelled for the past two and a half years, it was now more important than ever to support Bookfest.
“Bookfest is back from a 2.5 year break so we have stockpiles of great books ready so over 230 tables of books, various categories such as art, autographs, collectables,” Kylie said.
“This is one of the major fundraising events we run through the year, and this one is important as there have been many cancelled throughout the state, so we are really relying on the generosity of the community.
“This event raises funds so we can continue to answer the suicide prevention calls that come through.”
There will be crates available to donate books at the event, located next to the entrance.
The books are divided into categories for ease of browsing:
- Australiana, autographed books,
- Children's (Older), children's (Younger)
- Collectables, cooking, craft and hobbies, entertainment, hardback novels, health and family, horror
- House, garden and animals, military and
- War, military vehicles, old and rare,
- Paperback fiction novels, reference
- Religion, romance, sci-fi and fantasy
- Something special, sport and travel
- True life (real stories, true crime, autobiography, biography)
Prices as marked, starting from $0.50
Parking is free near the pavilion, with entry via University Drive.
It is recommended to bring your own bag, trolley or cart to take books home in.
Cash and EFTPOS facilities will be at each register.
There will be a sausage sizzle and canteen operating with coffee, tea and cold drinks available.
You can find out more about the event on Facebook.
Lifeline Bookfest event details:
What: Lifeline Bookfest Bundaberg
Where: Bundaberg Recreational Precinct
When: Friday, 25 March – Sunday, 27 March
Time: 8am – 4pm daily
Cost: Free entry
Day set to discuss future of Lake Ellen park and playground
Megan Dean
It’s the playground the community built and now residents are being asked to provide their feedback on the future of the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground.
A consultation day will be held on March 19 where residents can speak with project managers ahead of a survey about the park’s redevelopment being released.
Opened in 2008, the popular local playground adjoining Baldwin Swamp and Lake Ellen was funded by all levels of government and a significant fundraising effort led by the community.
It currently features a large playground with elements suited to a range of ages, a network of bike tracks and a Liberty Swing, designed for wheelchairs.
The Hub also includes a large shelter with plenty of tables making this area a popular park for families and children, and it is often used for children’s parties and family barbecues.
Bundaberg Regional Council Parks and Gardens portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said the park and playground facilities had been identified as being in need of an upgrade.
“For almost 15 years these wonderful facilities have served the community well, offering hours of enjoyment to families and children of all ages and abilities,” Cr Honor said.
“The current facilities are nearing the end of their useful life so we’re starting the consultation process now to create a plan for its replacement when the time does come.”
But in terms of exactly what the existing facilities will be replaced with, Cr Honor said Council wanted to hear from the community.
“We’re keen to honour the legacy of this community-led initiative by incorporating the feedback of locals into future plans for the area.
“We are asking the community to consider how they would like to use this space into the future and the types of facilities and equipment they’d like to see available.
“Council recently undertook a similar consultation process with the redevelopment of Boreham Park and we have all seen what wonderful outcomes have been achieved there when residents and Council worked together.
“Following feedback from the community Council will then develop concept plans for the new-look Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground.”
Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground consultation day
WHEN: 9am – 12pm on Saturday 19 March 2022
WHERE: Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground, East Bundaberg
WHAT: Council invites residents to have their say and ensure the future of Lake Ellen Heritage Hub Park and Playground is guided by the community’s needs and vision.
In addition to completing a survey, residents will be able to speak to Council staff and consultants about the project, as well provide feedback on their vision for the space through a number of consultation activities for children and adults.
Survey to be released following consultation day
Following the consultation day, the survey will be released to the community.
For more information about the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub park and playground upgrade and to receive project updates, head to the project page at ourbundabergregion.com.au.
Paper copies of the survey will be made available from March 21 at any Council service centre, by calling 1300 883 699 or by emailing engagement@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Submissions will close on Sunday 10 April and paper copies of the survey should be returned to Council by Friday 8 April.
In Our Garage: Kev Wood's 1932 Ford Tudor
Paul Donaldson
Kev Wood spent countless hours over the last 30 years getting his 1932 Ford Tudor to a standard which he considers to be a finished hot rod.
Now he gets to look forward to the many more hours he will spend keeping it in top condition.
Kev shares with us his labour of love for his hot rod.
Q. Tell us about this custom hot rod
A. This car of mine, it's a 1932 Ford Tudor. I've had it 30 years.
When I bought it it … needed a full-on update, so we have done some major things to the vehicle.
The paint needed a total repaint, I changed the wheels, did a chopped top and put some flames and skulls on it.
We changed the engine, changed the gearbox, we changed the diff and did an upgrade on the brakes and suspension.
Soon after I got it, I replaced the 351 Cleveland motor, which was a wider and bigger motor with a 351 Windsor motor which has a narrow V that suited this particular bonnet.
It’s a V8 which is pretty powerful, but we did a few internal modifications and bigger pipes to give it a deeper throatier noise.
Being as deaf as I am, I like to hear it, so it is a little bit loud but I do drive it properly, so I don't offend anybody.
Q. Why did you buy the Ford Tudor?
A. I've had a lot of cars in my younger days but when I bought this years ago it started me off on a Ford fan project and now, I only have Fords.
I just love the car, driving it around and going to car shows.
Q. How many hours do you think you have spent on the car?
A. It is a labour of love, really that takes up a lot of my retired life but gives me a great interest to keep it all perfect and running, which is a pretty big job, but I do love doing it.
I don't really know exactly how many hours are spent on it but the time commitment on this vehicle is a huge amount, although this has been done over probably 30 years since I had it.
Q. Tell us a bit about the history of the car
A. It was found in a barn in America and came over just as a cab and Dick Bushell in New South Wales built it up like 38 years ago.
We basically chopped the top and put an L300 vein top in it, put some beautiful, coloured flames on it, skulls and things like that.
I did a trip up to Gladstone to a car show and they were doing major road works up there and I got like 20 stone chips, so it was touched up with more skulls to cover those chips.
We did everything inside the hood lining, the seats, carpet and made the console for it, so it has all the instruments that and we kept the original dash.
Q. Why do you love restoring older cars?
A. I've always had, always worked on cars, my whole and did go to a couple of car shows in south Brisbane and Gold Coast years ago.
It's a really big interest for men and ladies to have cars, it keeps you home with the actual family and your grandkids.
It's just a big interest for everyone concerned, really.
Juniors develop life saving skills at State Surf Rescue
Ashley Schipper
Bundaberg junior surf lifesavers are continuing to build upon their knowledge in areas including CPR, first aid and resuscitation by taking their skills to the competition arena.
Coach at Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club Natalie Pascoe said local juniors recently came away with some great results when they took part in the State Surf Rescue championships.
She said the competition, which was held at Nielson Park Beach last month, was what being a lifesaver was all about.
“It covers all aspects of life saving including CPR, resuscitation, first aid teams, patrol teams, theory and physical,” she said.
“The surf lifesavers are faced with scenarios where they have to treat and assess patients, perform water rescues and do CPR if required,” she said.
“These are the type of lifesavers we want on our beach.”
Natalie said 13 competitors ranging from Under 14s to Masters took part in the event and showcased some exceptional skills.
“Bundaberg as a club held their heads high and did their club proud,” she said.
“We had two U15s receive gold and silver for Champion Lifesaver, an U19 take silver and an U35-40 take gold.
“Our U15 Champion Patrol Team beat a field of eight to take out gold.
“They are the first U15 team in the history of the Bundaberg club to do so and received the Peter White Memorial trophy for their outstanding efforts.”
Natalie said Under 14s Finn Heads and Gabi Vaggs, Under 19s Ashlie Swan, Elena Tyers and Jasmine Therakauf and Opens Martin Cole and Carolyn Nydam have also been stand out competitors recently.
Life saving skills transfer from the surf and sand to daily life
Natalie said it was events like State Surf Rescue that helped junior surf lifesavers in and out of the water.
“We live on the coast so learning how to navigate the surf and how to be safe in the water and understand rips is so important,” she said.
“But it's not just about the ocean, these skills that lifesavers acquire can help in normal life as well.
“A few of the kids in my team have done first aid outside of life saving, including one girl helped her boss who was bitten by a dog and another young boy helped a fellow student when they dislocated their shoulder.
“Surf life saving is also about volunteering and teamwork.”
Built with Shorthand
