Urunga Surf Life Saving Club has celebrated a very special milestone, marking 80 years of surf lifesaving and service to the local community.
Past and present members, Life Members, families, friends and supporters came together at Anchors Wharf in Urunga on Saturday night to celebrate the club's 80th anniversary and recognise the generations of volunteers who have helped shape the club since 1946.
For 80 years, Urunga SLSC has played an important role in keeping Hungry Head Beach safe, while also giving generations of local families the opportunity to become involved in surf lifesaving, Nippers, education, competition and community service.
Club President Garry Howe said the anniversary was a chance to celebrate not only the history of the club, but more importantly the people who have been part of it over the past eight decades.
“We are only a little surf club on the North Coast, but we are incredibly proud of our history and what generations of our members have achieved over the past 80 years,” Garry said.
“Saturday night was really about bringing everyone back together. We had past and present members, Life Members, families and friends all in the one room, with plenty of old stories, lots of laughs and a chance to catch up with people who may not have seen each other for many years.
“Probably one of the nicest things was seeing so many different generations of the Urunga SLSC family together.”
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of the club's Life Members, along with the many members, past and present, who have volunteered their time over the years.
“Like every surf club, Urunga has been built by volunteers,” Garry said.
“Over 80 years there have been a lot of people who have put on the red and yellow, walked onto the beach and given up their weekends and their time to look after somebody else.
“But it is also the people behind the scenes who keep a club going. Our trainers, officials, coaches, Nipper age managers, committee members, IRB crews, fundraisers, parents, families and supporters all play a part.
“A little club simply does not survive for 80 years without a lot of people giving a lot of themselves along the way.”
While the anniversary provided an opportunity to look back, Urunga SLSC remains firmly focused on the future.
The club continues to patrol Hungry Head Beach, train new lifesavers and provide opportunities for members of all ages to become involved in lifesaving, education and surf sports.
The club's Nippers program also continues to introduce younger members of the community to the beach and surf, helping them develop skills, confidence and an understanding of surf safety.
“One of the great things about Surf Life Saving is watching the next generation come through,” Garry said.
“We see kids start in Nippers, learn about the beach and the surf, then hopefully go on to become lifesavers themselves.
“That is how clubs like ours keep going. The people change over the years, but that sense of community and looking after each other stays pretty much the same.”
Garry said the club was also extremely grateful for the support it continues to receive from local businesses, organisations and the wider community.
“A very big thank you has to go to Anchors Wharf for looking after us on Saturday night. It was a fantastic venue for such an important occasion for the club and they helped make the evening very special.
“We would also like to sincerely thank Club Urunga and Cardow & Partners for their ongoing support of Urunga Surf Life Saving Club, along with all of our other sponsors, local businesses and community supporters.
“For a little volunteer club like ours, that support really does make a difference. Whether it is sponsorship, donations, equipment, prizes, grants or simply helping us out when we need it, we certainly do not take it for granted.”
Urunga SLSC is also always looking to welcome new members, as well as past members who may be thinking about becoming involved again.
“You do not have to be a competitor or spend every weekend on the beach to be part of the club,” Garry said.
“There are plenty of ways people can get involved, whether that is lifesaving, Nippers, training, surf sports, officiating, helping behind the scenes or simply lending a hand when needed.
“We would also love to hear from any past members who may have drifted away over the years and are thinking about coming back. The door is always open.”
Anyone interested in joining Urunga Surf Life Saving Club, returning to the club or finding out more can visit www.urungaslsc.com.au.
For those who gathered to celebrate on Saturday night, the anniversary was ultimately about the friendships, memories and service that have been built over 80 years.
“There have been a lot of people who have worn the Urunga blue and gold over those 80 years, and every one of them has played some part in getting our club to where it is today,” Garry said.
“We are very proud of where we have come from, very proud of the club we have today, and hopefully there are plenty more generations still to come.
“Happy 80th birthday Urunga Surf Life Saving Club.”
