The History of

Woonona SLSC

stronger together

Our

Legacy

A Century

of Vigilance

Woonona SLSC has a history defined by resilience. Our club has “two beginnings”: the first in 1913-14, followed by a period of disbandment in 1916.

Why the Club Disbanded (1916)

The club was forced to pause operations during World War One. The primary reason was the unavailability of a “Skipper” (Club Captain), as many of the club’s foundation members and eligible leaders enlisted to serve overseas. This period of sacrifice meant the beach went unpatrolled by a formal club until the reformation in 1920 by Alf Burrows, S. Gordon, and N. Cheaney.

The "No Lives Lost" Record

Our primary reason for existence is the safety of our community.

We are immensely proud of our record:

No lives have been lost at Woonona Beach while our members have been on patrol.

History &

Milestones

  • The 1913 Launch: President Mr. Bothwell, Club Captain (Skipper) G. Moore, Secretary F.C. Smith, and Treasurer M.N. Mann.

     

  • The 1920 Reformation: Re-established by Alf Burrows, S. Gordon, and N. Cheaney. The club officially affiliated with the Illawarra Branch in December 1920.

     

  • The Ladies Auxiliary: On November 28th, 1954, Woonona elected its first Ladies Auxiliary, breaking the male-only executive tradition of the time. Mrs. Jean Crick was elected as the inaugural President.

Woonona has a storied competition history, with the 1950s and 60s standing out as “high years.”

  • Early Pioneers: Jack Dawson (Skis), Don Gray (Water), and Noel Pittman (Beach).

     

  • Australian Medals: In April 2011, at Kurrawa Beach, the club won its first-ever Australian Surf Boat medal and Surfboard Riding medal.

     

  • Female Veterans Surf Boat (Bronze): Troy Johnson (Sweep), Phillipa Lowe, Gina Crick, Kim Gray, and Karen Stevens.

     

  • Masters Long Board (Bronze): Rob Hatton.
  • First Gold: In 2012, Gina Crick won Woonona’s first-ever Australian Gold Medal (55-59 years category).

     

  • IRB Racing: A 2013 resurgence saw the Novice crew (Woody Mackay, Josh Clarke, Andy Cole, Tamarah Clarke, and Gabrielle Bow) take Gold at the NSW State Championships.
  • 2008-09 “Grand Slam”: Under President Phill Geary, Woonona won all four major Illawarra Branch awards—a feat never before achieved by a single club in one season.
    Club of the Year, Patrolling Club of the Year, Life Saver of the Year (Peter Evert), and Volunteer of the Year (John McInally).

     

  • 2012-13 Meritorious Award: Phillipa Lowe and Jonathon Williams received the SLSA Meritorious Award (Group Certificate of Merit with Bronze Insert) for a courageous rescue.

     

  • SLSNSW Club of the Year (2013): Recognized after growing from 14 patrolling members to 116 in just one decade.

The 100th Anniversary Celebrations

Our centenary was celebrated on January 27, 2013.

 

  • Prime Ministerial Recognition: Prime Minister Julia Gillard provided a formal message of recognition, stating: “You represent all that is BEST about being Australian.”

  • Rescue through the Ages: President Peter Evert reflected on the culture of the club, recalling a 1913 rescue performed on horseback—a world away from the tech-driven lifesaving of the modern era.

Club Administration & Leadership

Our survival as a small club is thanks to the tireless work of fine administrators, including:

  • Ted Marshall BEM, Don Gray OAM, Boyd Germyn, Bill McCaig, Phill Geary, John McInally, Peter Evert, and Troy Johnson (affectionately known as “Mr. Woonona Surf Club”).
  • The 2013 Executive Team : President Peter Evert, Secretary Vanessa McInally, Treasurer Stacey Paddon, Club Captain Andy Cole, Chief Instructor Kieran Smith, and Junior Chairperson Madi Bow.
  • A Historic Milestone: In the 2014-15 season, Mrs. Stacey Paddon was elected as Woonona’s first-ever female Club President.

Woonona SLSC

Through The Years

Life Members:

Our Greatest Legacy

Life Membership is the highest honor our club can bestow. It recognizes those who have given decades of extraordinary service, leadership, and heart to Woonona SLSC. These individuals are the keepers of our traditions and the reason our club thrives today.

Barry Cavanough.

Valoria Crick

Kevin Crick

Brett Dorrington

Peter Evert

Phillip Geary

Jeffrey Humphreys

Troy Johnson

John McInally

Vanessa McInally

Clifford Millen

James Parker

David Pratt

Joseph Zautsen

Stacey Paddon

 Woonona Surf Lifesaving Club Kurraba Rd, Woonona NSW 2517

In the event of an emergency on the beach, please call Triple Zero and request NSW Police assistance.

© Woonona Surf Life Saving Club 2026 |

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Contact Form LifeSaving

Contact Form Memberships (#6)

Contact Form President (#5)

Contact Form Secretary (#4)

Woonona SLSC Hall Hire Booking Enquiry

Woonona SLSC Patrols

2026/27 Patrol Roster

Please check your patrol dates and shift times below. Download the full roster and keep a copy handy for the season.

Please Note

Roster details may be updated during the season. Please check club communications for any changes.

Skeleton patrols: Sun 27 Sep 2026 · 10:00–17:00 and Mon 26 Apr 2027 · 10:00–17:00.

Patrol A

13 rostered shifts

Sun 11 Oct 2026 · 13:30–17:00 PM
Sun 1 Nov 2026 · 10:00–13:30 AM
Sun 22 Nov 2026 · 13:30–17:00 PM
Sun 13 Dec 2026 · 10:00–13:30 AM
Fri 25 Dec 2026 · 15:00–18:00 · Christmas Day PM
Sun 27 Dec 2026 · 09:00–13:30 AM
Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 13:30–18:00 PM
Sun 24 Jan 2027 · 09:00–13:00 AM
Sun 31 Jan 2027 · 13:00–17:00 PM
Sun 21 Feb 2027 · 09:00–13:00 AM
Sun 14 Mar 2027 · 13:00–17:00 PM
Fri 2 Apr 2027 · 10:00–13:30 · Good Friday AM
Sun 11 Apr 2027 · 13:30–17:00 PM
Total: 13 rostered shifts

Patrol B

13 rostered shifts

Sun 11 Oct 2026 · 10:00–13:30 AM
Sun 1 Nov 2026 · 13:30–17:00 PM
Sun 22 Nov 2026 · 10:00–13:30 AM
Sun 13 Dec 2026 · 13:30–17:00 PM
Fri 25 Dec 2026 · 12:00–15:00 · Christmas Day MID
Sun 27 Dec 2026 · 13:30–18:00 PM
Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 09:00–13:30 AM
Sun 24 Jan 2027 · 13:00–17:00 PM
Sun 31 Jan 2027 · 09:00–13:00 AM
Sun 21 Feb 2027 · 13:00–17:00 PM
Sun 14 Mar 2027 · 09:00–13:00 AM
Fri 2 Apr 2027 · 13:30–17:00 · Good Friday PM
Sun 11 Apr 2027 · 10:00–13:30 AM
Total: 13 rostered shifts

Patrol C

8 rostered shifts

Mon 5 Oct 2026 · 13:30–17:00 · Labour Day PM
Sun 8 Nov 2026 · 10:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 20 Dec 2026 · 09:00–18:00 FULL
Sat 26 Dec 2026 · 15:00–18:00 · Boxing Day PM
Sun 10 Jan 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 7 Feb 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 21 Mar 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Mon 5 Apr 2027 · 10:00–17:00 · Easter Monday FULL
Total: 8 rostered shifts

Patrol D

8 rostered shifts

Mon 5 Oct 2026 · 10:00–13:30 · Labour Day AM
Sun 15 Nov 2026 · 10:00–17:00 FULL
Fri 25 Dec 2026 · 09:00–12:00 · Christmas Day AM
Fri 1 Jan 2027 · 09:00–12:00 · New Year's Day AM
Sun 17 Jan 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 14 Feb 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 28 Mar 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 18 Apr 2027 · 10:00–17:00 FULL
Total: 8 rostered shifts

Patrol E

9 rostered shifts

Sun 4 Oct 2026 · 10:00–13:30 AM
Sun 18 Oct 2026 · 10:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 29 Nov 2026 · 10:00–17:00 FULL
Sat 26 Dec 2026 · 09:00–12:00 · Boxing Day AM
Fri 1 Jan 2027 · 12:00–15:00 · New Year's Day MID
Tue 26 Jan 2027 · 09:00–13:00 · Australia Day AM
Sun 28 Feb 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Sat 3 Apr 2027 · 10:00–17:00 · Easter Saturday FULL
Sun 25 Apr 2027 · 10:00–13:30 · Anzac Day AM
Total: 9 rostered shifts

Patrol F

9 rostered shifts

Sun 4 Oct 2026 · 13:30–17:00 PM
Sun 25 Oct 2026 · 10:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 6 Dec 2026 · 10:00–17:00 FULL
Sat 26 Dec 2026 · 12:00–15:00 · Boxing Day MID
Fri 1 Jan 2027 · 15:00–18:00 · New Year's Day PM
Tue 26 Jan 2027 · 13:00–17:00 · Australia Day PM
Sun 7 Mar 2027 · 09:00–17:00 FULL
Sun 4 Apr 2027 · 10:00–17:00 · Easter Sunday FULL
Sun 25 Apr 2027 · 13:30–17:00 · Anzac Day PM
Total: 9 rostered shifts

Woonona SLSC Surf Sports

Surf Sports 26/27

Below is the proposed Surf Sports calendar guide for the 2026/27 season. Some Illawarra Branch dates and venues are still subject to confirmation, so please check with the Surf Sports team before making final plans.

Proposed Calendar Notice

As at 5 September 2026, the full Illawarra Branch season program has not been published. Please do not treat dates or venues as final until confirmed in the official calendar or circular.

To Be Confirmed

TBC
Illawarra Development Carnival Illawarra Branch - U8-U14 / confirm circular - Development
TBC
Illawarra Branch Age Championships Illawarra Branch - Age competitors / confirm circular - Championship

November 2026

Saturday 7
Sydney Water Surf Series - Round 1 Fairy Meadow Beach* - Illawarra / South Coast - Open to eligible members
Sunday 8
Sydney Water Surf Series - Round 2 Fairy Meadow Beach* - Illawarra / South Coast - Open to eligible members
Saturday 21
Sydney Water Surf Series - Round 3 Warilla-Barrack Point* - Illawarra / South Coast - Open to eligible members

December 2026

Saturday 5
Sydney Water Surf Series - Round 4 / Final Gerringong* - Illawarra / South Coast - Open to eligible members

January 2027

Sunday 10
Nipper Nats Manly Beach - U8-U14 - Special event

March 2027

Wed-Sat 4-7
NSW Age Championships Blacksmiths Beach - U8-U14 - State championship
Wed-Fri 10-12
NSW Masters Championships Blacksmiths Beach - Over 30's - State championships
Fri-Sun 12-14
NSW Open Championships Blacksmiths Beach - Under 15 and over - State championships

Woonona SLSC Hall Hire

Terms and Conditions

Please review the key terms of hire before submitting your booking request. Bookings are not confirmed until the Application to Hire form is completed and all required fees and bond monies are received by the Hall Manager.

Hall Hire: $900   |   Bond: $250   |   Hire Period: 7 hours

Important

Please Note

TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR FACILITY AND RESPECT FOR OUR NEIGHBOURS, WE DO NOT TAKE BOOKINGS FOR 18TH OR 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTIES.

Hire Categories

Regular Weekday Hourly Hire

Regular Hourly Hire is available to organisations and individuals who book the hall for a minimum of six (6) sessions.

This category is intended for ongoing weekday bookings, such as fitness classes, community groups and regular meetings.

  • Regular Hourly Hire rates of $35/hr apply to weekday bookings only.
  • Hire fees will be calculated and invoiced monthly.

Weekend Function Hire

Weekend Function Hire is available for private functions and events and is charged on an all-day basis for Saturday and/or Sunday.

Important Information

  • Your booked hire period must include all set-up, pack-down and cleaning time.
  • Access to the hall is only permitted during your allocated hire period.
  • Hall hire is charged by the hour only, unless otherwise specified for Weekend Function Hire.

Booking & Bond

  • A $250 deposit and completed Hall Hire Agreement are required to secure the booking.
  • The $250 deposit is forfeited if cancellation occurs within 14 days of the function.
  • The $250 bond plus $800 hall hire fee must be paid in full no later than 21 days prior to the function.
  • The bond is refundable if the premises are undamaged and left clean and tidy.

Function Times

  • All function activity must cease by 12:00 midnight.
  • For evening functions, the premises must be vacated by 12:30am.
  • No drinks are to be served after 11:45pm.

Use of Facility

  • The hirer must ensure nothing disorderly or unlawful occurs on the premises.
  • The hirer must follow directions from the Woonona SLSC Committee.
  • The Committee reserves the right to remove any person or group causing, or likely to cause, injury or damage.
  • No exclusive use can be granted for public areas outside the premises.

Neighbours & Noise

  • Hirers must respect neighbouring residences and the passing public.
  • Noise volumes must be kept to a reasonable level.
  • Music and noise must cease by 12:00 midnight.
  • No live bands are permitted within, or near, the premises.

Alcohol & Smoking

  • The Hall is hired as an unlicensed venue.
  • The sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited at all functions.
  • All alcohol service and consumption must comply with the principles of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).
  • Alcohol must not be removed from the premises during the hire period.
  • Persons under the age of 18 years must not be served or permitted to consume alcohol on the premises.
  • Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes/vapes are prohibited within the Hall and all enclosed areas of the building.

Care of Premises

  • No decorations may be fixed to walls, windows, Honour Boards or plaques without consent.
  • The premises and facilities must be left clean and tidy before vacating.
  • All rubbish must be placed in the bin provided.
  • Vacuuming of the hall is the responsibility of the hirer.
  • All kitchen utensils must be thoroughly cleaned.

Damages & Repairs

  • The hirer is responsible for repairs, breakages, loss of equipment, improper use of safety equipment and extra cleaning caused by the booking.
  • Woonona SLSC Committee may retain all or part of the bond to cover damages or cleaning costs.
  • Additional costs above the bond may be billed to the hirer.

Safety & Security

  • No fireworks or flammable materials are to be brought onto the premises.
  • No chemicals or toxic materials are to be brought onto the premises.
  • Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
  • Licensed security may be required if deemed necessary by the Woonona SLSC Committee.

Insurance For Regular / Weekly Hirers

  • All Regular / Weekly Hirers shall be responsible for insurance coverage pertaining to public liability for their use of the facilities.
  • Insurance must remain current during all periods of hire. It is the Hirer's responsibility to ensure that Woonona SLSC is always in possession of a copy of current insurance details.
  • Woonona SLSC is not responsible for property insurance covering all equipment and contents owned by the Hirer within the facility.

Breach of Agreement

Woonona SLSC Committee reserves the right to not approve an application or to cancel the agreement for any breach of policy or procedures. Failure to comply may give Woonona SLSC the right to recover amounts due or cancel future bookings.

Final Confirmation

Confirmation of booking is made when the deposit and a signed, completed Hall Hire Agreement have been received by the due date.

Woonona SLSC Hall Hire

What’s Included

Your hall hire includes furniture, audio visual equipment, kitchen access, cleaning items and basic amenities to help you prepare for your event.

Furniture

  • Chairs for up to 140 people
  • 6 × 750mm × 2400mm rectangular tables
  • 11 × 1650mm diameter round tables

Audio Visual

  • P.A. system
  • Projector and screen
  • Microphone
  • Wi-Fi
  • Fridges
  • Air conditioning

Kitchen

  • 900mm oven
  • Electric cooktop
  • Microwave
  • Urn

Cleaning & Amenities

  • Vacuum
  • Cleaning products
  • Fully stocked bathrooms, including toilet paper
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Industrial garbage / waste bin

Not Included

Tablecloths, cutlery, crockery, glassware, tea/coffee cups, kitchen utensils, decorations and storage space are not included.