Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club

DETAILS

Alternative NameSunshine Beach SLSCAdditional InformationSunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1981 as a result of the efforts of a steering committee formed in the 1970s. In the 1940s, members of the Noosa Heads Surf Club had attempted to begin patrols at Sunshine Beach but the plan soon folded. Mrs Majorie Tripp was instrumental in motivating the steering committee to continue advocating for a club throughout the latter part of the 1970s.

The inaugural committee included Vic Guest (President), John Roberts (Vice President), Julianna Williams (Secretary), Mark Clyne (Treasurer), Mike Gowland (Club Captain) & Gary Biggam/Geoff Potter (Chief Instructors). Initially, a tin shed was erected to house lifesaving equipment. In December 1981, Noosa Shire Council gave approval for the building of a clubhouse. Local architects, Maurice Hurst and Neil Harris were elected to the building committee. The plan was to construct a low profile building that would compliment the natural setting and be situated at the rear of the site to allow for the retention of trees.

Gordon Simpson MLA and Mrs Marjorie Tripp were official guests at the 'turning of the sod' for the new clubhouse on April 10, 1983. A building fund was established with support from local businesses, organizations and private individuals. The new clubhouse was officially opened by the Premier, Sir Jo Bjelke-Petersen, on March 3, 1984.

In 1993, the Nippers program commenced. Throughout the 1990s as the club continued to expand, it became clear that the original clubhouse was no longer able to support the club's activities. A decision was made to construct a new clubhouse and again, architect Maurice Hurst, offered his services to the club free of charge. The new clubhouse was opened in November 1998. At the same time, the club took possession of a new surf boat, named in honour of the late Marjorie Tripp.

From ' Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club: The First Twenty Years 1981-2001'

Photograph

Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club, 1989

Wreath laying, ANZAC Day, 25 April 2025, Tewantin

Oral History

Sharyn Rieger and Peter O'Neill Oral History - Noosa Triathlon

Article & Manuscript

Sharyn Rieger and Peter O'Neill Oral History - Transcript

Video

Sharyn Rieger and Peter O'Neill Oral History - Video

Heritage Library Catalogue

Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club : the first twenty years, 1981-2001

IDENTIFIERS

Subject (Keywords)Surf Life Saving

CONNECTIONS

LocalitySunshine BeachMenuTopic | Sport & RecreationTopic | TourismTopic | SurfingTopic | Community

ADMIN

AcknowledgementsSee Accession Number 92883224 LS614.81SUN