impressive skills and are core to every patrol. The Dippers program for autistic
children was also run for its fifth year.
Gino Farina took over the Admin team and worked hard to improve processes
and along with Patrick Moore delivered on a range of building maintenance
needs - fixing issues around doors, security, water ingress and rust that are
part of keeping our existing building operational. Thanks also to JP Buhagiar
for keeping the gym gear up to date and functional.
Our Building Renovation Committee, led by Garret O’Connor, continued work
on the Detailed Design. The Detailed Design has shown some significant
design issues that have to be addressed before we can move forward. We are
now ready to engage a building company to finalise the Design items and give
us time and cost estimates for the build of a new Club that meets our needs
while respecting our heritage. We still will need significant funding to make this
vision a reality.
Thomas Wetula delivered his fourth impressive result for our finances. I
have been very lucky to have such a capable Treasurer over my time as
President! With lower levels of revenue from The Scenic Lounge the Club
relied on activations, grants, sponsorship and fundraising. We thank the
Federal government, Waverley Council, SLSA, SLSNSW and Sydney Branch for
several grants received to support our operations, and especially the State
Government for the $1m grant towards the rebuilding program.
Brett Pattinson and the Marketing & Sponsorship team achieved the
impossible for another year with Activations bringing in vital funds for the
Club - our highest level of funds from this source ever. Glen Frost continued his
excellent work on the Bondi Podcast, which captures great Member stories
and builds awareness of the Club and its mission. Caroline Pierce continued
her work on the Bondi Surfer - consolidating so many Club activities into one
communication is a huge task and she is vital to ensuring we have a solid
record of our Club’s range of monthly activities.
The Club continues its work with the broader Bondi community. Sebastian
Cassie and his volunteers were able to provide Christmas meals to many
vulnerable people within our community. We continued the Dippers and Silver
Salties programs. We also supported the ADHD Association, Take 3 for the Sea,
Ocean Lovers Festival, Coastrek (Beyond Blue) and many other community
activities.
Over this year, I have been supported by passionate, capable and competent
Directors who act with the “One Club” mindset and aim to improve the Club
for the benefit of all Members. Really when you think of all the items above,
it should come as no surprise that these capable Directors and the 60 plus
manager roles that support them delivered a result that Branch recognised
us with the “Club of the Year”. As Members, we all benefit from the skills of our
Members who lead and manage aspects of the Club operations and I offer my
heartfelt thanks for all their support.
This year we had great joy when Grant Baldock and Louise Santos became
Life Members. Both Members have given so much to the Club and it was one
of the best attended AGMs in memory. The celebrations continued long into
the night.
It was with great sadness that, in September, Louise passed away. For those
who attended our last Annual General Meeting, you understand the pivotal
role Louise quietly played within our Club for decades. Her commitment knew
no bounds and she continued to champion our cause diligently, even serving
as Registrar this season.
Personally, I will deeply miss Louise’s straightforward, pragmatic approach and
her resolute “can-do” attitude that inspired us all. Her influence reverberated
through countless aspects of our Club, and her absence will be profoundly felt
by each and every one of us. Louise’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication
and the profound impact she had on our Club’s journey. I look forward to her
legacy living on through a new patrol and a major Club award.
With fifteen full strength and highly skilled patrols, a robust education system,
strong Nipper and Dipper programs, healthy finances, and an improving
competition section, I believe Bondi is ready to ensure “no lives lost” next
season.
117TH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2023/24