By Desirée Savage, Illawarra Mercury, Sept. 28, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
Corrimal SLSC juniors members Layla Prior (10), Jade Bissett (13) and Tahlia Prior (7) at Corrimal beach on Monday. Members from the club will not be able to compete with other clubs in the area after SLSNSW deregistered Corrimal and Port Kembla following a dispute with the governing body over Saturday patrols.
Members of a deregistered surf club say they will continue to fight Surf Life Saving NSW to continue serving the community, and hope to set a precedent for all small clubs across the state.
Corrimal was disaffiliated by the governing body along with Port Kembla on Friday, because their leaders refused to renew service agreements mandating unpopular Saturday patrols. It could spell the end of nippers programs, competitions, and bar access to their amenities.
Corrimal’s Rookie Coordinator and SRC Age Manager Lisa Cox said everyone at the club was united and ready to fight the issue, though it was devastating.
“If a kid came up to you and said they were struggling with something, you wouldn’t kick them out of home, you’d find a solution that works for everyone – and that hasn’t happened here,” she said. “It’s worth fighting to be the little guy getting a fair go.”
Already some parents have moved their children to other clubs in light of not being able to compete, while Ms Cox said she was concerned about the greater toll it would have on their already small membership base.
Peter Scott is a second generation volunteer and has been with the club for nearly 40 years, his son is also club captain. He said he didn’t know where he’d be without the family orientated organisation as it played such an pivotal role in his life.
“I can’t’ think of anything so un-Australian, just being told your volunteer services were not required,” said Mr Scott. “Our club certainly has been here for over 100 years serving the community, and I think the community expects us to be around.”
Club president Tony Cartwright said he was meeting with Wollongong City Council officials on Tuesday seeking permission to remain on beach patrol for Sundays and public holidays, and was also looking at avenues for insurance.
The club has been forced to suspend all life saving activities and training until they get further advice, but hope to find some sort of resolution by the time the season commences on October 11.
On Monday SLS NSW Operations Manager Adam Weir wrote to the presidents of both Corrimal and Port Kembla clubs to assist in finding a solution, and setup meetings between club members and branch presidents sometime this week.
Mr Cartwright was optimistic but said if negotiations did fall through they would resort to a plan B.
Originally published: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3387680/fight-for-their-life-surf-clubs/. Photo by Adam Maclean.
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