CLUB NEWSLETTER OCT-NOV 25
- Amaryllis Quill
- Nov 14
- 13 min read
Updated: Nov 22
Welcome to the 25-26 Season at the Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club. This is a big one so strap in and enjoy!
WHAT'S ON QUICK LINKS;
CLUB
VALE DREW BATHGATE
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Drew Bathgate, the founding President of our club and a much-loved member of the Mandurah community.
Drew and his wife, Maureen, were instrumental in establishing the Peel Surf Life Saving Club in 1996 — the beginnings of what would become the Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club we know today.
Through his leadership, determination, and community spirit, Drew helped lay the foundation for a club built on service, inclusion, and teamwork. Beyond our club shores, Drew also inspired many through his remarkable courage and generosity following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease, continuing to give back and live with unwavering spirit.
Our deepest condolences go to Maureen and the Bathgate family. Drew’s legacy lives on in the strong, welcoming club community he helped create.
CLUB SOCIALS
WELCOME AND FOOD TRUCK SOCIAL
THANK YOU CLUBBIES!
Thank you so much for a wonderful evening at tonight's Club Social to ring in the new season!
The night was filled with good times, great fun and delicious food and we are very grateful to everyone who came along to enjoy a beautiful spring dinner with community.
Extra thanks to TJK Events and all of the food trucks for making the evening possible and keeping our clubbies bellies happy.
*Next Club Social details below
DECEMBER CLUB SUNDOWNER
FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER
ITALIAN CUISINE NIGHT!
Don't forget to lock this in and bring a buddy!
Cook up your best Italian inspired dish and join us for some good grub and clubbie fun at the December Club Social Night!
Here's what you need to know;
Fri 5 Dec
Club Social - Italian Cuisine Night!
5.30pm
San Remo
- All Welcome! Bring a friend
- We need extra hands to set up so please arrive a little earlier and lend a hand if you can, stay a little later to clean up if you can.
- BYO Drinks, Picnic Blankets and Chairs
- Please bring a Italian Cuisine themed share plate to contribute
CITY OF MANDURAH CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER
Join us for our Christmas Pageant!
This fun initiative is for all of our members who would like to participate in, or volunteer for, our Club Christmas Pageant Float! This year our Sandman will be riding the IRB while the Team of Nipper elves enjoy walking the pageant, handing out candy canes!
Mandurah Christmas Pageant Date: Fri 28 Nov
Pageant Briefing: (For Pageant Marshalls) Mon 24 Nov 5.30pm
1-hour Volunteer Brief
Tuckey Meeting Room, 83 Mandurah Terrace, Council Chambers Building
Muster Time: Fri 28 Nov 4.30pm
Meeting Point: TBC at the MHSLSC Float
All Nippers to wear their Woodside Nipper Vest and Cap and a little something festive!
Volunteers:
Float Leader (To lead the team on the day)
Pageant Walkers (To walk with the Nippers through the pageant)
Muster Coordinators (Signing in/out the participants)
Nipper Coordinators (To help keep the Nippers happy until the Pageant begins)
Setup/Pack up (before and after the pageant)
Keep up to date please ask a club volunteer at Sunday Nippers for more information.
CLUB GEAR
Club Merch Store re-opened on Sunday 2nd November!
Our store is open every Sunday morning during the season from 8am - 11am.
Pop in and check out our range, try on items to check sizes and kit the family out in our club merch.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
CITY OF MANDURAH SPORTS AWARDS
Congratulations to ALL of our finalists across 5 categories in the City of Mandurah Sports Awards!
The City of Mandurah is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Sports Awards, with more than 32 local athletes, volunteers and programs recognised across nine award categories.
Congratulations to our club finalists:
Volunteer of the Year: Christiaan Knoetze, Jessica Nye
Junior Sports Person of the Year: Lexie Bower
Team of the Year: Mandurah Surf Sports Team
Masters Sports Person of the Year: Sunita Gaby
VACANCIES
VOLUNTEER CALL OUT
As our club continues to grow, we’re looking for enthusiastic members to join our team in key volunteer roles. Each position comes with plenty of support — so whether you can take on the full role or just a part of it, we’d love to hear from you!
Here are some of the current roles and duties you can contribute to;
Director of Finance
Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club is looking for a dedicated Director of Finance to join our Committee.
This key role oversees the club’s financial operations using Xero and works closely with a Bookkeeper, who manages day-to-day data entry and accounts processing.
The Director of Finance is responsible for monthly and annual financial reporting, budgeting, assisting the Administration Team during Registration Season and providing sound financial oversight to support the Club’s strategic goals.
You’ll have the support of the existing team and guidance during the handover period.
If you have financial management or accounting experience and want to contribute your skills to support your club community, we’d love to hear from you!
Sponsorship Officer
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys building relationships and representing the club. The Sponsorship Officer liaises with our valued sponsors, seeks new sponsorship opportunities, and helps manage sponsor commitments at club events and through promotions. You’ll be well supported and can take on as much or as little of the role as suits you.
Events Coordinator
If you love bringing people together, this is the role for you!
The Events Coordinator helps plan and coordinate our club’s social events — including the upcoming 30th Anniversary celebrations and Awards celebration in 2026, and other member activities throughout the season. The role involves attending club activities, engaging with members, and promoting inclusion and participation. There’s plenty of support, so you can take on the full role or just help with specific events or tasks.
For all volunteer opportunities register your interest or chat to our friendly Team!
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Skills Maintenance and NRC Courses are still available!
Our NRC, SRC and Bronze Requals and Courses all started in September.
Here's what you need to know;
If you are not registered or do not have an active Water Safety Award (NRC, SRC or Bronze) you are not permitted to assist in the Water or on Patrol. Please see Admin or Education for support.
Any Awards from last season (24/25) will be valid until 31st Dec 2025.
However, we can not confirm course dates for 2026 at this stage, so register now to keep your award up to date.
If you have graduated check out the info HERE
NIPPER PARENTS
NRC <----- This one for helping in the Water at Nippers with a rescue tube only
SRC <----- This one and higher for helping in the Water at Nippers with a rescue tube or SLS Rescue Board and as an active Patrolling members
TRAINING AND ASSESSOR COURSES
An opportunity is available to members who are interested in becoming club Educators.
Here's what you need to know:
Training Officer Course
Date: 24th and 27th November (members need to attend both days)
Time: 18:30 – 21:30
Location - provisionally SLSWA
Participants to complete (or have completed in the past):
Child Safe Awareness Course - eLearning accessed from the SLS Hub
Surf Risk Rating Course - eLearning accessed from the SLS Hub
Complete pre-course learning activities in the attached Training Officer Course Portfolio 1-9
Assessors Course
Date: 17th November
Time: 18:30 – 21:30
Location - provisionally SLSWA
If you are interested but unable to make these sessions please contact us or head to club days and chat to our friendly Team.
Please contact us if you would like access to the Learner Guide and Portfolio for the courses above.
Please help the Team and register or complete prerequisites prior to attending club events and activities.
LIFE SAVING
Patrols have started!
Patrol dates and teams are all on the club calendar on the website and in your SLS Hub.
Register your Membership
Each member U14+ to Register Online NOW by completing the 3 STEPS on our club website here: https://www.mandurahslsc.asn.au/register-now to gain access to their Hub Accounts.
Skills Maintenance
Requals have started. All Requal dates are available via the club website Training and Education page here: https://www.mandurahslsc.asn.au/training-and-education
PATROLS
Rosters and Voluntary Patrols are open for the 25-26 season. You can find Patrol information in the SLS Hub after you have registered for the season.
VOLUNTARY PATROL
Madora Bay Primary School are having a beach day Friday 5th December 9am - 12pm
We are going to run a patrol for them if you are free and can help out, please let Director of Lifesaving Clayton know.
WOODSIDE NIPPERS
Woodside Nippers success!
Sunday Nov 2 marked the start of our Woodside Nipper season and we are so incredibly proud of the effort from all of our Nippers and amazing Club Volunteers on such a beautiful Spring Sunday.
We would like to wish our U13's a very fun filled final year as Nippers and welcome all of our new Nippers to their Woodside Nipper journey!
NIPPER SWIM EVALUATIONS
All Nippers who are signing up for the season will need to complete a short swim evaluation, even if they have participated previously. This ensures the safety of all participants during sessions and gives our Age Group Manager volunteers a chance to determine swim skill levels for their group. The Team has been very supportive holding x2 additional Swim Evals this season.
If you have missed out, Nippers will complete the evaluation in the water at the beach, with the support of their Age Group Managers, on their first Woodside Nipper Sunday, pending conditions.
NIPPERS
Bring goggles, water bottle, towel and the Woodside Nipper vest, cap and hat.
If you have spare red bags from previous seasons we'd love to have them!
Check the Equipment Roster:
16 Nov - Calling on U7 Volunteers for Beach Setup from 7.30am. U11 Group Volunteers you are on Beach pack away after Nippers has finished.
Our Volunteers are busy preparing for a bumper season! Please only contact us online if you are not able to attend club days to talk to us in person.
If you would like to help in the water on a Nipper Sunday you must hold an up to date qualification please check out the Training and Education section of this newsletter.
Keep an eye out for upcoming Club Socials
TRIDENT YOUTH GROUP
YOUTH BEACH SAFETY INCURSION PROGRAM
Do you check for BEN Signs?
Can you spot a beach hazzard?
What do the SLS hand signals mean?
We are incredibly proud to announce that the Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club Youth have been awarded the City of Mandurah Emergency Services Community Spirit Award for their outstanding Beach Safety Incursion Program.
This initiative has made a significant impact within our community, educating local students on vital beach and water safety skills while promoting confidence, awareness, and respect for our coastal environment.
Congratulations to our dedicated youth members for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to making our beaches safer for everyone.
If you would like more information, or would like to book an incursion for your school, please contact us via our Youth page on the club website here -----> https://www.mandurahslsc.asn.au/youth
YOUTH TALKS AND WORKSHOPS
Special Event!
Guest Speaker: Gerard Majda – Founder of Body Majic
Date: Thursday 27 November 5pm
Location: MHSLSC
Free Entry – All Youth & Surf Sports Athletes Welcome!
RSVP: Stacey or Sunita by Monday 24 Nov HERE
Join us for an inspiring session with Gerard Majda, the powerhouse behind Body Majic, a fitness movement transforming lives through simple, sustainable habits and elite-level training.
Gerard’s journey is nothing short of motivational - from starting his first business at 17 to building Body Majic into a platform that has helped thousands achieve their goals. He’s worked with AFL stars, Olympians, and everyday legends, proving that small, consistent changes lead to massive results.
Expect insights on:
Building habits that stick
Fitness and mindset for peak performance
How to fuel your body without giving up the things you love
Why come? Gerard’s energy and practical tips will leave you motivated to take your health, sport, and life to the next level.
YOUTH PATHWAYS
Youth your time in NOW!
SLSWA is offering Youth Courses via Teams or in person:
Youth Official
Youth Coach
Youth Age Manager
Youth Trainer
Want to stay involved AND have more fun at the club?
Book now go to mybeach.com.au
and search "youth"
SURF SPORTS
A message from Director of Surf Sports Sunita Gaby:
"Hi Team,
Our competition dates & training schedule updates are all live in the Team Stack App
🚨Call out for youth/adult coaches to assist with swimming sessions and Little Nippers surf sports during the competition season.
Check out all the latest info and up to date training details on the Team Stack App HERE
Qs? Ask Sunni or Chris at the club socials or at training sessions. We are always happy to chat and answer your questions 😀😀😀"
COACHES NEEDED
YOUTH PATHWAYS - COACH
Youth coaches can work in a range of coaching roles at Clubs. Youth Coaches are mentored/supervised at Club training sessions by competent, accredited/club endorsed, Foundation level (or above) coaches.
Hours accrued in this role can go towards the SLSWA Youth Leaders Program.
ADULT COURSES
The following courses are accessible via your SLS Hub - Applications - elearning - Training Library - SLS Foundation Coach OR - SLS Development Coach (and opportunities to expand in an area of interest)
FOUNDATION COACH
This course is designed for club members, parents or carers to engage and deliver quality environments for participants who are eager to learn or play social sport. This will be particularly helpful during our beach and pool Surf Sports Training sessions to teach Nippers surf sports etiquette and methods as well as encourage participation in local Carnivals and Comps.
DEVELOPMENT COACH
This course is designed for club members, parents or carers, to guide the delivery of professional development for people wanting to become a surf sports coach in their club or branch. This will be an excellent extension of our current Surf Sports Training Sessions for athletes who are advancing in the Surf Sports journeys.
COMPS AND CARNIVALS
Full details on mybeach.com.au/events
Let your Age Group Manager know if you would like to join in the fun or see Sunni or Chris on the beach!
Fuel to Go & Play - Alkimos Development Carnival
30 Nov
Development Carnival is for Nippers new to surf sports competition, providing a friendly and encouraging environment for their introduction to the sport.
• Entries are now open via SurfTec
• Entries close 11:59pm Tuesday 25 Nov
• Entry Fee $20
• Entry Fees are non-refundable
• Late entries will NOT be accepted
Age Categories
U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 & U13
Fuel to Go & Play - Peel Regional Championships
8am, 13 Dec - 12pm, 14 Dec
Save the Date - Entries are not yet open
The Fuel to Go & Play Peel Nipper Championships are a qualifying avenue for U10 – U13’s to the Fuel to Go & Play WA Surf Life Saving Championships and held at Port Bouvard SLSC.
Age Categories
U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 & U13
SOCIAL CLUB FITNESS
Come train with your fellow clubbies!
Every week, members of mixed age groups and all skill levels come together for enjoyable and fulfilling exercise in a safe and welcoming environment.
Social Club Run is 6am Mondays and Wednesdays for approx. 30min, meet at the club and run or walk along the shore with friends, family or clubbies! (Mon - Path, Wed - Sand)
To check if your clubbies are going, download the Strava App - Groups - Mandurah Surf Life Saving Club - Event - then RSVP.
Social Club Swim (note time change) is 7.30am Sundays for approx. 20min, meet at the club on the beach and swim with friends, family or clubbies!
Whether you're preparing for your next Iron event or just looking to stay active, come along and be part of the community...and bring a friend!
Find everything you need to know HERE
Keep and eye on the Strava App group for locations, details and any schedule changes.
SURF BOAT EOI
Were excited to let you know that we have been gifted a surf boat from CITY OF PERTH SLSC.
Glen Boddy is prepping the boat for its Mandurah SLSC colours and we are sourcing oars and rollicks.
We are looking for expressions of interest from any Bronze Medallion holding club members who would like to have a go at surf boat rowing in the very near future.
Please register your interest with Bec Hughes, via email, becwhoshe@gmail.com
STARFISH NIPPERS
Starfish Nippers is a lifesaving skills program designed for children and young adults with a disability 6 years and older.
This important program relies on Volunteers. We endeavor to accept as many members as we can, however, to keep all Nippers safe in and out of the water, spaces for the program are limited.
VOLUNTEER CALL OUT
Our Starfish Coordinator is on the lookout for assistance in and out of the water during sessions. If you would like to help in any way please sign up for one of our Training Courses and get in touch!
Any NRC or Higher qualified members are also encouraged to sign up to assist from Sun 23 Nov.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMITTEE
Succession Planning - The Director of Finance will step down next season. An Expression of Interest will be advertised, with a handover beginning this season to ensure a smooth transition.
Come and Try + Registration Day a Hit! - Our combined Come and Try Day and Registration Day on 21 September was a fantastic success! A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly — your support is what keeps our club thriving.
Constitution Approved - We’re pleased to announce that our Club Constitution has been officially approved by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety. This is a big milestone for our governance and future planning.
ByLaws Under Review – Have Your Say We’re currently reviewing our Club ByLaws and would love to hear from our members. If you have suggestions or feedback, please get in touch — your voice matters!
Strategic Plan Renewal – Member Input Welcome Our Strategic Plan is being refreshed to guide the club’s direction over the coming years. Members are encouraged to contribute ideas and priorities to help shape our future.
New Equipment Coming This Season! - Exciting news — we’ve got brand new equipment arriving this season! Stay tuned for updates and get ready to enjoy the upgrades.
Community Engagement - The Club will have a float in the City of Mandurah Christmas Pageant on 28 November 2025. Stay tuned, with more information to come about how you can get involved!
Thank you to our Sponsors for 2025/2026 season - The Copper Bean Café, Miami Bakehouse, Yo-Chi and Betty’s Burgers who support us by providing Nipper of the Week awards, and volunteer awards. Thank you also to Mayday Opportunity Shop who has provided us with funding to update our Club iPads which we use for our Nipper and general beach operations. Please show your support to these incredible Club Sponsors!
GET OUT YOUR CALENDARS!
MANDURAH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
WHAT'S ON
FOR CHANGES, SIGN-UPS AND UP TO DATE INFO PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND SOCIALS, OR SPEAK TO YOUR CLUB COORDINATOR.
Have you Mastered our club dance moves!
To promote safety in the surf we are getting down and lifting our hands up!
Practice at home and show us your stuff at the next Woodside Nippers!
Bonus points...do you know what these signals mean and why they are important? Test your family at home and see if you know how to be safe at the beach this summer!
Thank you Supporters
