Minutes Surf Life Saving Central Coast Branch Council Meeting SLSCC Headquarters Tuggerah Thursday 15 December 2016 The meeting opened at 6.15pm. 1. ATTENDANCE Sean Lester President The Lakes Richard Field President Soldiers Beach SLSC Glenn Clarke President The Entrance SLSC Chris Manning President Toowoon Bay SLSC Martin Kerr President Shelley Beach SLSC Adam Phillips President Wamberal SLSC Paul Quick President Terrigal SLSC Matt Slattery President North Avoca SLSC Garry Clarke President Avoca Beach SLSC Joanne Fraser President Copacabana SLSC Warren Wattkins Proxy MacMasters Peter Bagnal President Killcare SLSC Elaine Unger Proxy Ocean Beach SLSC Paul Sharpe President Umina SLSC Stuart Harvey President SLSCC Branch Peter James Director Special Projects SLSCC Branch David Unger Director of Surf Sports SLSCC Branch Chris Parker CEO SLSCC Branch APOLOGIES: Aaron Camp Director of Member Services SLSCC Branch Brett Beswick Director of Lifesaving SLSCC Branch Jane Davis Director of Education SLSCC Branch Alan Blackman President MacMasters Peter Cooper President North Entrance SLSC Scott Hannell President Ocean Beach SLSC VISITORS: Nil The proxies were endorsed to vote on behalf of their clubs. Moved Soldiers. Seconded: MacMasters. 1
2. CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES The minutes from previous Branch Council meeting held Thursday 13 October 2016 The Minutes from the Directors meeting held Tuesday 8 November 2016 The Minutes from the Directors meeting held Tuesday 13 December 2016 The above minutes were endorsed by the Branch Council. Moved: Avoca Beach. Seconded: Shelly Beach SLSC 3. BUSINESSS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES The CEO provided an update on the main resolutions from the previous meetings listed above. 4. ENDORSEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The attached November financial statements were considered and endorsed by the Branch Council. Moved Wamberal. Seconded Killcare. 5. AGENDA ITEMS 5.1 Council Update NOTED The President provided an update on Council dealings and negotiations which have been very challenging since the amalgamation. He said that the postponing of the cheque and equipment presentation came unexpected three working days prior to the event date. We demanded an urgent meeting with Council immediately after we were advised. At this meeting we were advised that the cheque presentation had been postponned due to Council staff not gaining the appropriate internal sign-off from Senior Management for this to proceed and this needed actioning prior to the funds being distributed. We were told we would be contacted within two days of the meeting with the outcome of this and new date assuming all was above board. Following this meeting we have had ongoing phone calls with Council but to date are yet to receive confirmation. Separate to this Council are working on a proposed funding model for Surf Clubs into the future in which we do not accept in principle, despite some areas of their model that may be positive for surf clubs. We have advised Council that we won t be discussing this item until we have sorted the cheque presentation. The President said we will now be writing another letter to Council requesting an urgent meeting with the Administrator and General Manager or we will be writing to the Premier expressing our concerns and also making the community aware of how badly we have been treated since the Amalgamation via the media. 2
However we believe we should be waiting for the New Year until we engage our media strategy as most media outlets close down leading into Christmas. The Director of Special Projects said Surf Life Saving is not the only organisation this is happening to. Council has also went to other organisations with the same approach. The Avoca President asked if SLSCC has kept the politicians involved and said this needs to happen. The CEO said that he has met with Adam Crouch on several occasions and informed him of our issues. SLSCC has also kept Michael Gallacher and David Harris in the loop but at this point in time have not engaged them in full. The time has come to now do this. The Terrigal President said it is not worth witting to engage the media, we need to get on the front foot. The Wamberal President agreed that we need to hold off with the media until the New Year and wait for a response from Council before we play our next cards. The Avoca President asked where SLSNSW sit on this? The President said he had met with the SLSNSW President who is backing us and already met with the Minister of Local Government to brief him on our issues. The Toowoon Bay President asked if we are going to go to the press. What is our game plan? The Wamberal President said if we go down the line of slamming Council in the media we need to be careful of the comeback from Council if they say that the funds being generated by surf clubs go back to other community groups the community may perceive this as being a good thing. 5.2 Induction on new Portable PA Systems NOTED The CEO provided an induction on how to use the new Lifesaving Portable PA systems that will be issued to clubs prior to the Christmas School Holidays. NOTED 6. CLUB PRESENTATIONS 6.1 Presentation from North Avoca SLSC We are a medium size club with 501 members who pride ourselves on being a family club. Big accomplishments last season were a number of masters winning world medals and juniors winning gold medals at State for first time in many years. Our club is also ranked in the top 10 in IRB competition in NSW. We signed a new major sponsorship this year which is the first time we have had a major sponsor in many years. Succession planning very good for committee roles. We aim to nurture a good culture for nippers and turn parents into patrolling families. Our challenges are we don t have commercial operations and struggle to retain our good athletes. 3
To counteract this we are having more afternoon functions and putting new coaches in place to retain surf sports competitors. We linked in with Board Riding Club this year and this has been a good positive outcome. We have a membership fee system that rewards long time patrol members. The longer you patrol for the less you pay in fees. We have had good development with Surf sports within the club as a result of bringing cohesion between junior and senior club with club championships and social events. We are financially stable and do well in looking after long-term donors. Our IRB team now has 25 members and growing. IRB competition is very important as the skills are going back into patrols. We have a new Director of Education which has seen record numbers of new bronze holders 2 groups of 60. A long-term goal is for DA approval to expand the club for more member space and storage. The President said that diminishing costs for long term club patrol members is fantastic. How do you recognise non patrolling members? The North Avoca President said the main recognition is through honour boards. The Avoca President said their club has similar discounts for lifesavers in place and also has included discounts for trainers and assessors this year. The President thanked the President of North Avoca SLSC for his presentation and congratulated him for his Clubs performance. 7. DIRECTORS REPORT ITEM NO: 7.1 FROM: SUBJECT: Stuart Harvey Presidents Report Congratulations to Slim Peebles of Avoca and Garry Andrew of Copa who were awarded Life Membership of SLSNSW at their recent AGM. Well done to the patrolling lifesavers and lifesaving operations so far this season. Our clubs are doing a phenomenal job and should be congratulated. Separate to the major Council issues we have other major Council related and commercial licencing issues which are causing the clubs a lot of pain and put us at risk for the future. These issues need to be sorted and more support needs to be provided to support the clubs in these areas. Club Facility Grants Central Coast clubs received over $370,000 in surf club facility grant Annual reports We need more lifesaving photos in annual report. SLSNSW State Council Meeting Update: - The items we put up didn t get up but were listened to and further discussions have been had on funding to employ the SLSCC Club Development Officer rather than 4
employ the Metro Club Quality Officer. The Country Branches are struggling with no administration staff and are in desperate need of assistance. - We were updated on the fraud issues and the plan with the new staff structure and review of remuneration along with the Governance Review. Major change is on the way but will take time to work through. That the Branch Council accepts and endorses the Presidents Report. ITEM NO: 7.2 FROM: SUBJECT: Peter James Director of Special Projects The CEO and I met with Fortunity today to and they advised they have handed club management letters. Please address the issues and report back from them. We also a list of common issues that we will digest and Fortunity will present at Presidents Teas. I have done a summary of the Annual Reports. We have a considerable amount in cash but not one club has put a note in their report explaining the purpose of these funds. Fortunity will be looking at standard chart of accounts. Presently it is very hard to show how much is being spent on maintenance and building expenses. The Toowoon Bay President said what a great resource Fortunity is. We contacted Fortunity and are meeting with them in the New Year to work through a strategy for the future. That the Branch Council accepts and endorses the Director of Special Projects report. ITEM NO: 7.3 FROM: SUBJECT: Brett Beswick Director of Lifesaving Report 1. ATV usage / Cleaning: Very positive response by CCC Southern region to 50 hr service on the Kabota s. Small Plant has thanked all for the effort to maintain these vital patrol vehicles. Refer the attached link https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=ejb7wwe6g 2. CCC Southern region online video re:cleaning ATV s. Ensure all club PC s have access 3. Duty Officer Update. Special thanks to those DO s who have contributed so far this season. Special mention to Glenn Clarke who has already clocked up many hours on top of his own club duties, thanks Glenn and all DO s. Will no doubt be very busy over Xmas. Looking to place 2 new DO s on the roster on probation for 3 months before seeking full DO status. Like to call for nominations prior to Xmas with BOLS and SLSCC Board signoff in New Year. 5
4. Drone / UAV Operations: Initial 6 operators have undergone intensive training which has taken longer than first anticipated but we hope to have 4 operators signed off before Australia Day now. Has been frustrating dealing with Little Ripper, simply not prepared and been on again off again with training. Still have intensive 3 day theory component modules to complete. Practical flying and one module completed. Other companies offer this as on-line learning but Little Ripper not established as yet. I put forward a Nomination of James Irwin for UAV Manager of Operations. James not only has proven a capable operator, but is enthusiastic and has the time to dedicate to the role. See Job Description attached. BOLS endorsed James Irwin, seek final approval by SLSCC board. 5. After Hours incident: Remind clubs of the importance of being rescue ready. Great response by Umina and Ocean beach clubs on Sun 20 th with vessel incident in broken bay. Both clubs launched IRB s and responded promptly and were praised by NSW Police for their quick response. Well done to all involved. Also a very good response by Toowoon bay medical incident with swimmer stung by a Sting ray. 6. Sale of IRB s -: reminder all IRB s to be removed from Surfguard and most importantly have all SLS text removed and SR numbers from hulls. 7. Patrol strength over Xmas break. Please be mindful of the increased patronage over the Xmas holidays. If your patrol is struggling for numbers, please contact the on-call duty officer who will help with RWC support, or neighbouring club support. 8. SLSNSW DOL John Restuccia requested increase on water presence of IRB and RWC over Xmas holidays. SLSNSW very conscious of recent shark activity and want craft on water on regular basis belief engine noise will keep away any possible threats. 9. Beaches have been fairly quiet without too many major issues. Has been the odd S&R request via 13SURF for missing yachtsman and fisherman, as well as kayaker. Seems to be a greater push from NSW POLICE and MAC to use SLS resources due to issues Marine Rescue have at the moment with crews and vessels. Financial impact to our clubs and Branch with already some Jetski damage from rescuing fishermen 4ks out of Avoca. That the Branch Council accepts and endorses the Director of Lifesaving report. ITEM NO: 7.4 FROM: Jane Davis SUBJECT: Director of Education Report We had great feedback on the Training Officers Course which was well attended by our members and well delivered by our local facilitators. Thanks must also be passed onto Sam for her assistance provided to SLSNSW. I am very happy to see the number of new Training Officers finalising their practical and admin requirements and being formally endorsed. That the Branch Council accepts and endorses the Director of Educations report. 6
ITEM NO: 10.5 FROM: SUBJECT: Aaron Camp Director of Member Services Report Introduction: 1. 15-17s leadership program 2. GAP year Program 3. 13-14s development program 4. Avoca sharks and Disability awareness 5. Merry Christmas Issues: 1. Itinerary for the 15-17s program has been finalized. Participants will travel to the far North coast via bus over the weekend of the 7-10 th Jan. Program includes visit to the Ballina Jet boat, Lismore Lifesaver Helicopter base, a visit from a shark expert to discuss the shark incidents and new nets, plus patrol on a local beach. Thanks to James Irwin from Umina for offering to drive the group. 2. The GAP year program was held with great success. The day ran very smoothly with the participants given an insight into the opportunities available to them through surf in a relaxed fun environment. Feedback from the participants was very positive with most suggesting the need to expand the program to more days throughout the season. Thanks to the presenters Nic Owen SLSNSW as well as Gabby Tinson, Rachel Field, Jade Heber and Jason smith. 3. 13-14s program is completed again with great success. The facilitation team need to be commended for running the program in my absence and efficiently dealing with some challenging circumstances. Thanks to the Jet Ski operators (Dave Sneddon and Mark Davis), as well as special guest speaker Rachel King, and camp overseer Simon Cusack). Feedback as usual was overwhelmingly positive. 4. Reports from the Avoca sharks Disability inclusion nippers program have been tremendous. The impact has been huge and the interest growing. The board of member services have asked for a presentation to be made at the next BOMS meeting with clubs in conjunction with a disability awareness presentation delivered by an external source. 5. Merry Christmas and safe and happy New Year to all SLSCC members and families. That the Branch Council accepts and endorses the Director of Member Services report. ITEM NO: 7.6 FROM: David Unger SUBJECT: Director of Surf Sports Report _ Congratulations to the Interbranch Team and thank you to the Management and Coaches. The team finished 3 rd again with some fantastic individual results. Well done and thank you to the Lakes for hosting. The East Coast Surf Festival is tracking along with a meeting to be held prior to Christmas and advertising to be sent to the membership. 7
Congratulations to The Streets Boat Series Organising Committee for not only delivering a professional Streets Series but also for their success with the Combined Boat Series Carnival last weekend which attracted 86 crews. The Trans-Tasman Tri Series team depart for New Zealand in January. I wish them the best of luck. I have asked by many people why SLSCC isn t holding a Christmas Party this season and while I know the answers for this, I think we should consider holding the end of season thank you to the members event we have previously spoken about. That the Branch Council accepts and endorses the Director of Surf Sports report. ITEM NO: 7.7 FROM: SUBJECT: Chris Parker CEO Report Introduction Good luck to all the members of the fifteen surf clubs as we enter the peak season. We ve had a good start to the season with rescues and drownings well down on average and in many ways lifesaving services are better prepared than ever with the drone service hopefully in operation during the peak period and portable PA systems ready to for use by the 15 surf clubs. Council Relations We continue to be faced with challenges from the new Council since amalgamating. We are still pushing for the club cheque presentations to occur ASAP with the latest advice from Council indicating that it will not happen in 2016/17 while they review their surf club funding model. As we have formal agreements in place with the ex. Wyong Shire Council and also have long standing arrangements with the ex. Gosford Council, this is not acceptable and I have brought this to Councils attention to reconsider. We will also be asking the local State Members to intervene and will request that they assist in organising an urgent meeting with the Administrator and CEO which unfortunately has proven difficult without their influence. On Tuesday 29 November we had a meeting with senior Council officers. Since then Council has presented SLSCC with a draft MOU outlining their strategic intent for a new funding/ management model for surf clubs along with Councils proposed steps for review which will be a very drawn out and onerous process if SLSCC and the 15 surf clubs choose to cooperate, however there are potential opportunities to be considered along with potential risks. Community Education We have had a very smooth season for Surf Fun Day programs with numbers continuing to grow and exceptional feedback received. It s great to once again see so many students learning important surf safety messages they will remember for life. We will be delivering eight summer surf School programs again this summer at Umina, Toowoon Bay SLSC s. We will not be holding programs at Terrigal this season due to beach erosion. We will also be holding eight Rip Awareness Demonstration Events throughout the Coast s busy beaches with Graham Johnston and Lynn Quick delivering the programs in partnership with surf clubs. Media advertisements are locked in on Sea FM and 2GO radio along with NBN Television. 8
Ducks for Bucks The Ducks will be dropped at 3.30pm this year on Australia Day. Newcastle Permanent will again be sponsoring this event and selling tickets from their Branches. After an increase in clubs using this as an additional fundraising opportunity, Clubs also have the option to sell them and tickets are now available for pick up from the SLSCC office. The Trans-Tasman Tri Series team will also be using this as a fundraiser. Commercials advertising this event will be played on NBN Television, Sea FM and 2GO. CC Mariners Surf Life Saving Game The Central Coast Mariners have once again devoted a home game for Surf Life Saving to recognise the fantastic work Surf Lifesavers contribute towards the local community on Sunday 18 December 2016. The players will be wearing a red and yellow SLS strip (the same as last season), members from six of our local surf clubs will participate in the half time relay, Soldiers were the lucky club drawn out of the hat for the bucket drive fundraiser and there will be other Surf Life Saving activations such as safety advertisements on the big screen. As part of our agreement with the Mariners we have once again negotiated a corporate box for our VIP stakeholders to watch the game. A light meal and drinks are included. The event comes with excellent PR opportunities starting with an article in the Central Coast express on Wednesday. NSW Government Grant We have submitted a grant extension and variance submission for the remaining unspent funds which has been accepted. The remaining items to be purchased/ implemented to finalise this grant now include; Additional drone with infra-red technology, 3 x video overviews which are being developed by Tree House Creative and a new projector set up and replacement table and chairs for the training room. The majority of portable PA systems have now been received with the rest being finalised this week. They will be rolled out to clubs prior to the weekend after being used for media on Wednesday. Club Captains were inducted on how to use the new PA systems at the BOLS meeting last week. Sponsorship I have met with most sponsors or attended sponsor Christmas Parties over the past month and have meetings scheduled with the remaining. During the past 12 months we have had to re-sign all sponsors aside from Unilever who had two years remaining on their agreement. We have signed all existing sponsors for three year terms aside from Central Coast Radio who operate on an annual basis and NBN and CC Holden who are now up for renegotiation with the process started with each. Unfortunately the resigning of existing sponsors, grant implementation and Council issues has meant not enough time has been spent potential naming right sponsor. This will be a major focus when returning from the Christmas break. We will be holding a Media Launch with CCLC for the RWC s at the Terrigal Junior Carnival in January. We will be holding the Sponsors Recognition Evening in March. Office Closure The SLSCC Branch Office will be closed and the office staff will be on compulsory annual leave from Thursday 22 December 2016 until Wednesday 4 January 2017. That the Branch Council accepts and endorses the CEO s report. 9
8. OTHER URGENT ISSUES/ GENERAL BUSINESS 8.1 Soldiers Who does the rosters of the RWC s? They didn t have a ski operator on at the Entrance Channel three weeks ago. The Entrance President said he had spoken to the Manager of RWC s on this issue. One good things about the Channel is that there is two large pools at the channel that is safer than usual for swimming leading into the 8.2 Avoca Our handicap nippers program, the Sharks, has been a huge success for the surf club and I encourage other surf clubs to consider implementing the same. 8.3 SLSCC President Merry Christmas to all. 10