Our Club Our Story

MOOLOOLABA SURF LIFESAVING CLUB

Our Club Our Story

1922

1997

Written by Robert Longhurst Digital version by Gary Cobb

This book is dedicated to the Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia: In general it could be any of the Clubs or their lifesaver members who comprise the Association. In particular it is the History of Mooloolaba S.L.S.C. Queensland. Its evolution, its progress, its successes, and the approximate 1,100 Bronze Holders who gained their awards in the Club. Those who contributed, did so, confident that they represented those members unavailable during the development of the History. Quite simply it is Our Club and Our Story. Ted Turner Chairman, 75 Year History Committee

Published by Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club P.O. Box 213, Mooloolaba. QLd. 4557 © Copyright Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club 1997 Digital version produced by Gary Cobb 2010 This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Surf Club ISBN 0 646 31659 1 Originally designed, typeset and printed by Merino Lithographics Pty Ltd, 18 Baldock Street, Moorooka. Qld. 4105

Contents CHAPTER ONE In the beginning : 1922-1924 ..1.. CHAPTER TWO Developing Years : 1924-1939 ..21.. CHAPTER THREE Those Fateful Years : 1939-1945 ..47.. CHAPTER FOUR Beginning of a Golden Era : 1945-1960 ..63.. CHAPTER FIVE In Search of Glory : 1960-1980 ..105.. CHAPTER SIX Decisive Years : 1980-1997 ..127.. CHAPTER SEVEN Surf Sagas ..148.. APPENDICES ..183..

FORWARD

A

s President and Life Member of our Surf Club it is with much pleasure that I acknowledge this magnificent historical record of the first seventy-five years of surf lifesaving in Mooloolaba.

The solid foundation of this organisation made up of voluntary members then and now is what we can attribute to the success of this Club as it stands today. The many fond memories recalled by the early members up to the present day will undoubtedly give many hours of enjoyable and interesting reading. In this modern age, many changes have been made to the quality of amenities and to the format of competition, however the public awareness of the skill and dedication to the saving of lives on our beach has remained constant and has always been a source of gratitude. On behalf of the Committee and Members, I would like to thank Ted Turner and his historical research team who for many months painstakingly researched and compiled this outstanding book for our pleasure and record for the future years ahead. Doug Jewry President 1987-1997 Seasons

INTRODUCTION

W

riting the history of Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club has been an eyeopener in many ways. When first approached by Ted Turner to undertake the project, I little imagined how close-knit some four generations of Mooloolaba men and women might be, nor how loyalty to friends and Club might survive the passage of ten, thirty, fifty, even seventy years or more. Two years down the track, and many hours of interviews later, my faith in what it means to be an Australian has only been strengthened by the experience of preparing this book. Mateship obviously survives as one of this nation’s principal strengths; in contrast with other parts of the world where such divisions as faith, class, and educational status prove almost impossible divisions to overcome. The history of Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club is one of fluctuating fortunes, of highs and lows in competitive strength, membership numbers and Club finances. It is also one where mateship was all-important, where apprentice plumber and medical student, public and private school boy, travelled and trained together, patrolled together, ate, slept and had good times together. Times may have changed; the bunkhouse may be less important, but the spirit of friendship which has pervaded this small site on the Mooloolaba foreshore since 1922 survives. I must principally thank my Research Assistant, Carolyn Nolan, for all her help in compiling this book, and Ted Turner and Bruce Pitman for all the many hours of help they have given on behalf of the Club. Scores of members representing particular eras in the history of the Club have been interviewed over many enjoyable visits to Mooloolaba, and the entire proceedings of these reunions have, I believe, in no small way helped to rekindle many old friendships and memories. Through their very willing assistance, we were able to piece together a very interesting story. Unfortunately, not every photograph provided or story told could find space in this book. Reina Irmer, the state Library’s photographer has as usual provided superb assistance in reproducing photographs for the publication, and our staff here at the state Library, Lee Dryden and Sheila Collins, have spent many hours preparing the text for publication. Robert Longhurst Senior Research Historian State Library of Queensland March 1997

Chapter one

In the beginning : 1922-1924

M

ooloolaba has long been acclaimed the ‘jewel in the crown’ along the superb stretch of Pacific beaches which extends from Double Island Point to Caloundra. Nestled between the ocean and river, it is protected from the south-east winds by Point Cartwright, and is often described as the safest beach on the Sunshine Coast. It was as popular with the first Australians as it is with those of the present generation. Long before the arrival of the first Europeans in the 1820s - mostly escaped convicts from Moreton Bay - the local Kabi Kabi people had recognized that the protected mouth of the Mooloolah (from mullin black snake), was a prolific source of food, and had often camped near, ‘the Heads’, just as they would continue to do in the early years of white settlement. By the time of Lieutenant George Poynter Heath’s survey of the mouth and lower reaches of the Mooloolah River in April 1861, timber getters had already determined that this was one of the finest and safest natural harbours along the Queensland coast, close to what were then fine stands of cedar, such as those shown to Tom Petrie on Buderim by local Aborigines in 1862. Twelve months later, the prominent Brisbane timber merchant, William Pettigrew, chose a site near the mouth of the Mooloolah for a depot to which cedar logs, cut on the upper reaches of the river and the Maroochy could be rafted or dragged by bullock teams, and it would be here that the paddle steamer ‘Gneering’ would visit regularly after 1852, loading timber or preparing to raft logs to Brisbane. With the decline of timber stocks, this depot hut would be utilized as a ‘sugar shed’, as Pettigrew and the numerous small selectors who arrived in the area after 1859, ventured into a new industry. Eventually the district selectors urged the Caboolture Divisional Board to take over the wharf and store, and erect a small cottage for its first caretaker, Charles Cotterell, the first permanent resident at Mooloolah Heads. Fifty years later sugar, bananas and citrus were the district’s economic staple, with vast fields of cane stretching from the Mooloolah to north of the Maroochy and extensive orchards on Buderim Mountain, The railway had, by then, long superseded the river boats, and the prosperous sugar and fruit producers of Mooloolah, Buderim and Palmwoods fondly hailed ‘the sugar shed’ still surviving at Mooloolah Heads as a tangible relic of local history.

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Our Club : Our Story

ABOVE: The superb sweep of Mooloolaba’s beach looking south towards Point Cartwright, photographed in 1975, long before any roofline could be seen.

It was here that the good folk of ‘Buderim Mountain’ resorted each Christmas - a tradition so well established by 1909 that Queensland country life could write of this ‘fine class of people - not rich as compared with the squatters - but all with good, well furnished homes, well-to-do, and with the air of it. … Once a year, usually about Christmas, houses are shut up, and Buderim holds carnival on the Seacoast at the old port, the mtouth of the Maloolah river. Euen the church is closed, and the parson goes with the flock. The spot is a delightful onefor its purpose. The river entrance is narrow), opening out into a fine sheet of water inside, A high rocky headland juts out to the south, while to the north is a hard sandy beach, on which races could be run. There is good bathing in the river, or in the breakers if that is preferred, with boating and fishing, and some shooting may be had in the scrubs at the back. There is a large empty building, formerly a store, which can be usedfor amusements or other purposes. From Mr. Foote’s end of Buderim to the beach is about two miles . . . . In one place the road is rather steep, otherwise it is easy going and interesting, Altogether, the Maloolah Heads is a delightful adjunct to Buderim’.

Two years later, it was again described as a ‘comfortably housed’ ‘township of Buderimites...quite distinct from Maroochydore’. A fierce local pride developed in ‘the Heads’, just as Woombye folk were to claim Alexandra Headlands in later years as their own, and Nambour and Bli Bli lay claim to Maroochydore as ‘their beach’. Both Mooloolah Heads and the mouth of the Maroochy offered the alternatives of safe river bathing and open surfing, at a date when thousands of more intrepid Australians were first venturing into the open ocean. ‘Up country’, there was little interest in the risque delights of ‘mixed bathing’

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In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

which saw the more curvaceous of young Sydney in the surf at Manly. Mum and the children swam or paddled in the river, whilst Dad and the boys swam apart, for modesty’s sake. Few men before 1910 would have lashed out for a ‘university costume’; like their fathers and grandfathers before them they swam mostly, in the raw’. The convenience to the surf beach of the river bank at Mooloolah Heads created a natural dormitory division - the men to the sea, the women (and infants) to the river. The old ‘sugar shed’ was flanked by a motley collection of small ... ‘slab huts’, no doubt the legacy of the Pettigrew days, and now the ‘holiday homes’ of the various Buderim families who came here each Easter and Christmas, when an increasing number of tents also made their appearance. A visit to the river mouth was, by that date, also a ‘must’ for visitors to Buderim which was itself acquiring a reputation as a health resort, connected to the Palmwoods Railway Station by a quaint sugar tramway line. In 1917 a tourist promotion, for example, boasted that ‘The vast stretch of clean sandy beach appeals muchly to the surfer, especially as it is so well sheltered from the boisterous south-easterly weather which occasionally prevails’

Christmas of that year saw some 120 persons encamped at the ‘Mooloolah river’, and, according to the Nambour Chronicle, Buderim was left virtually deserted. ‘Large numbers’ reportedly enjoyed open surf bathing, with many women now joining the men and, no doubt, by this date, in standard ‘neck to knees’. A remarkable sense of community prevailed, heightened no doubt by the comparative isolation of the spot. At a ‘united picnic’ enjoyed by the whole camp, a returned soldier had the misfortune to lose his horse, which broke its leg in the sand and had to be shot. ‘a few of the boys got together and ran a concert to assist in replacing it. The concert took the form of a minstrel entertainment, with local gags, jokes, polo, Indian magpie cake walks, ventriloquism, etc, etc., all very much appreciated. Together with a duck which was donated and sold by snowball auction the total proceeds realized just on 7 pounds.

Mooloolaba’s first regular holiday-makers were farming families from Buderim who set up camp there each Easter and Christmas holidays. This photograph, taken about 1918, shows ‘the road to the beach’ from Buderim.

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Our Club : Our Story

Buderim folk travelling to the beach at Mooloolaba, photographed about 1921.

Below: Real Estate promotion of Sunshine Coast beaches used every imaginable gimmick - this advertisement appeared in the Brisbane Courier in December 1924.

The comparative accessibility of Maroochydore had seen much of its old ‘family’ atmosphere disappear by the end of World War 1. Estate development, houses, shops, a hotel and public hall were all signs of rapidly changing times. Even Alexandra Headland could boast boarding houses and holiday homes by 1917. Progress was slower at ‘the Heads’. A township was surveyed there in 1915, with the far-sighted Thomas O’Connor of Oxley acquiring a sizeable portion of the land, however there was little sign of construction until 1918. Buderim folk as ever were visiting at Christmas ‘travelling to and fro in motor cars, buggies, sulkies and other vehicles’, ‘Many of them spend days and weeks under canvas, before returning home, but cottages Are nolD springing up at the new Mooloolah Heads, much frequented by motor and other boats, as utell as those utho like good fishing’.

Most of the ‘cottages’ were locally owned. Claude Nye, of Buderim, for instance, erected a small five room cottage ‘five chains from the ocean beach at Mooloolah Heads, which in January 1920 he was making available for letting. Thomas O’Connor progressively subdivided his land; one auction was held in December 1920 when 15 to 37 pounds was realized for each of the 35 allotments. His advertisement in 1920 spoke of ‘Mooloolah Heads, the new Seaside Centre...near the famous swimming pool and the famous ocean Surf Beach’, “Buderim’s Pride” ‘This favourite Centre has an assured and brilliant future being the Health and Glory end of the famous Buderim Mountain. Shrewd business men will get in here on the ground floor and secure the advantage of the fast rising ualues’.

In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

5

THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME ‘MO OLO OL ABA’ It was also optimistically suggested that ‘the Heads’ might become the terminus of an extended tramway from Palmwoods. Sixty-eight ‘splendid building lots’ were also auctioned on 2 January 1922 with river frontages bringing the best prices. By this date it could also be stated the township was now connected to the Buderim Tram, ‘by coach’. As late as December 1921 however, ‘the Heads’ were either known by this name, or by the term ‘Moolooladore’. For example that Christmas, the Nambour chronicle reported that ‘At Moolooladore, the scene with tents everywhere is likened unto an army in occupation’.

It was also reported that the Premier, E.G, Theodore, had visited ‘Moolooladore’. Only with O’Connor’s land sale of 4 January 1922 was the title ‘Mooloolaba, first used. Two days later, a meeting of the ‘Mooloola-bah Progress Association, was held at Joseph Foote’s boat house, to elect trustees for a prospective sports reserve donated by Thomas O’Connor and to organize a working bee for roadworks. The name ‘Mooloolaba’ gradually stuck, however as late as January 1923 ‘Moolalah Heads’ was still being referred to in the Brisbane press. Ken Chadwick has recorded another possible origin of the name, as told him by his grandfather Bill Bell. ‘This was the story as told to me by my Grandfather W.F. Bell (Uncle Bill). In an excerpt from the Nambour Chronicle sometime around December 1921 it named the Trustees of the Mooloolah River Progress Association, and Bill Bell was one of them, so this would confirm his involuement at the time taken the name was being ‘coined’. It also ties in with the Moolooladore reference. The “dore” according to uncle Bill meant the entrance or ‘door’ ‘dore’, to the Maroochy River. Hence Maroochydore. This the Chronicle applied to The Mooloolah River Door “Moolooladore”. The Mooloolah River people wanted something a little more original. At the time and up until the Mouth of the Mooloolah River was artificially formed up with rocks and dredged, the sandhills on the beach front at the Spit continued right down to the river in one bare mound until it was Ocean on one side and River the other, and the actual channel, rocks on the South (Pt Cartwright) side and sand on the North (Bar) side, I was always told as a kid, “Don’t go near the Bar when the tide is running out”, and the way the water ripped through the narrow opening you could see why. This was the typical riuer ‘BAR’ common at the mouth of many rivers. Using the Maroochy - Door idea they came up with Mooloola-bar. This was converted to Mooloola-bah, ‘Mooloolabah’, and this remained in use for many years, until the ‘h’ was eventually dropped. That was how it was told to me, and Uncle Bill was quite proud of being a part in the naming of the settlement.’

A more distinctive name, a progress association, and better roads were one thing; safer beaches were another. A major factor to Maroochydore’s success

Below: Bill Bell’s Royal Life Saving Society’s certificate, presented on 31 March 1923.The Society’s Secretary, Frank Venning was a leading inspiration behind the formation of Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club. (Kindly provided by Bill Bell’s grandson, Ken Chadwick.)

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Our Club : Our Story

Above: Members of Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, photographed ca, 1925, with the Club’s insignia visible on their heavy woollen ‘cossies’.

had been the formation of a local surf life saving club. At Christmas 1915 a Royal Life Saving Society squad had first patrolled the beach and in January 1916 the Maroochydore Surf Lifesaving Club had been established, the first such club on the North Coast and the third in Queensland. The presence of the Club upon Maroochydore’s beaches became a major incentive for visitors and their families, especially at times when swimming was not widely taught. If locals knew the vagaries of the surf, the danger of troughs, and rip tides, visitors were mostly ignorant of their perils. Many also had only ever swum, if they swam at all, in creeks and dams. The origins of a similar movement at Mooloolaba, comprising both men and women, began during the Christmas of 1919 with the formation of a Mooloolah River Sports Club, under the presidency of a 47-year old Buderim farmer, William Fawcett Bell whose family had first arrived on Buderim in 1885. He was known to all and sundry as ‘Uncle’. Many of the Club’s members were returned servicemen, eager for a more active community life after years at the front, and well accustomed to ‘organization’. The Sports Club organized various competitions (especially an annual aquatic carnival) amongst visitors to the river ‘Heads’. Most of these, as we have seen, hailed from Buderim and support for funding of events came also from the Buderim Sports Club. Alan Sly, 15 1/2 in 1919 and the son of a Tanawah pioneer, was a member of the original Sports Club before he joined the Royal Australian Navy. The Club was comprised, as he recalls, of residents, both male and female, of Buderim, Chevallum, Forest Glen, Palmwoods and Eudlo. He used to walk all the way from Tanawah to Mooloolaba to surf and remembers that a small track ran to the beach from the lower land near the Esplanade through the river-oaks which

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In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

were the only vegetation. The`continual use of this track gradually removed the saltwater couch grass, and with wind and erosion the track became a gully near level with the beach. Alan Sly recalls that ‘Some of the club rode in. They made a place for the horses, and you brought feed with you; you could go to Tucker’s Creek for the horses to drink. Each building had a little tank for drinking water, but their were no showers or toilets. After a swim you simply ran round the beach to get dry, then put your clothes on.’

The formation of the Mooloolah progress Association in January 1920 became the impetus for the transformation of the Sports Club to become a local surf lifesaving club. The Maroochydore Progress Association had played a major role in the formation of that township’s surf club six years earlier, in the belief that safe beaches would attract both visitors and investors. The Royal Life Saving Society, a branch of which had been formed in Queensland in 1905 actively encouraged the formation of such Clubs, providing advice regarding rescue and resuscitation techniques, and equipment and guidelines for local government regarding bathing by-laws. The Society provided reels, and paid patrols during the height of the summer season; for example at Maroochydore during the holidays of 1921-22, the local council paid the Society six guineas for their timely assistance. The Maroochydore Life Saving Club was experiencing difficulties in maintaining membership, and the Maroochy Shire had turned in vain to the Bli Bli Swimming Club to patrol the beach. A tragic surfing fatality at Maroochydore on 8 Ooctober 1922 proved the incentive for the reformation of the local Maroochydore club, at a public meeting held at Petrie’s Creek on 16 October. Similar moves occurred at Coolum and Mooloolaba. At the monthly meeting of the Maroochy shire council held on 18 December, Councillor J. Lindsay of

Below: A superb early photograph, taken in approimately 1925, showing one of Mooloolaba’s first squads, with beltman W.F. (Bill) Bell at the fore. Vince Crosby and George Newberry are the front reelsmen, and the squad also includes Frank Newberry, Tom Irwin and Percy Jakeman.

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Our Club : Our Story

On the beach at Mooloolaba, in approximately 1925, by which date some ‘neck to knees’ were showing more neck and more knee.

Buderim moved that five guineas be voted ‘for financial assistance towards the cost of patrolling the beach’ at Mooloolaba that Christmas. Members of the Mooloolah River Sports Club, encouraged by the local Progress Association, moved to provide the patrols. At the annual dinner held in June 1924, Percy Jakeman recalled “how a few of them had got together about Christmas time 1922 and decided they would learn the different methods of rescue.”

The decision had actually been made at the fourth annual meeting of the Sports Club, held at the Buderim School of Arts on 19 November 1922, when it had been decided to hold the annual aquatic sports at Christmas, ‘the proceeds to be devoted to the building of special boats for sculling and skiff racing’. The officers elected at that meeting were W.F. Bell (President) J. J Simpson (Secretary and Treasurer) E. Middleton C. Blakey

W.P. Mitchell Sports Committee P. Board T. McMillan

The speaker that evening was thirty-year old Percy Jakeman, who spoke on the theme of ‘Treatment of the Apparently Drowned’, pointing out “that this Sports Club should do something other than prouide a sports programme for the residents of Buderim and others. Mr Jakeman said he could visualise big crowds coming to our beach in the near future to enjoy the wonderful surfing facilities. If a drowning accident were to occur, no one would know what to do and the nearest doctor was in Nambour, 15 miles away over bad roads.”

Jakeman further recalled eighteen months later that Club Secretary Simpson had subsequently written to Frank Venning of the Royal Life Saving Sociefy, at that time a North Coast farmer himself who had ‘fathered’ the Maroochy Swimming Club in 1916,’ for particulars’

In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

‘but instead of replying, Mr. Venning and Mr. Betts had promptly attended at Mooloolaba and talked things over to such an extent that Mr. Venning had casually remarked, “And of course, you must get a reel and life line; it will only cost you 15 quid”. Well, they had followed Mr, Venning’s advice, had got a reel, and had affiliated with the R.L.S.S.’

This is confirmed by the fact that both Frank Venning and Joe Betts - the doyens of the life saving movement in Queensland - attended the aquatic sports held by the Sports Club on Boxing Day, 26 December 1922; and that morning gave ‘a demonstration of life saving’. Venning reportedly called for volunteers to form a Life Saving Club, and purchase a reel and line to place on the beach. Photographs of Mooloolaba appeared in the Brisbane courier of Saturday, 13 January 1923 showing ‘The Crowd on the Beach’, with the red and white flag of the Mooloolah River Sports Club flying proudly above them all, which suggests that a primitive form of beach patrol was formed immediately. By Easter 1923 the Club had acquired its own reel, with Percy Jakeman serving as instructor. R.L.S.S. Bronze medallions, and proficiency and elementary certificates were acquired by P. Jakeman, W.F. Bell, J.G. Howe, V.J. Crosby, M.B. Moir, J.J. Simpson, C.A. Blakey and C. Handsford. On Easter Saturday 1923 a reel demonstration was given on the beach by a R.L.S.S. squad consisting of S. Nicholson, J. Anderson, C. Bragg, A. Casey, ‘Bobbie’ Smith (‘the crack Commercial Club long distance swimmer’), R. Day, and Allan Corrigan. Frank Venning and Joe Betts also gave a life saving demonstration. According to the Brisbane courier ‘The local life saving club has only been in existence a few months, but the advancement made by its members is remarkable’.

With the Club being in existence for only about two months, the local lads were nevertheless encouraged to enter an inter-club competition for the first time, contesting the’Whalley Cup at Maroochydore on Easter Sunday 1923. They tied with the “’dore” team, and the cup was subsequently held for six months by each club. 1923 saw both the transformation of Mooloolaba itself, and the Sports club, henceforth named the Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club. Mooloolaba was in the throes of change. The local Council had responded to the demands of the Progress Association by erecting two ‘dressing sheds’ near the river in late 1922, and in April 1923 it was decided to demolish the old ‘sugar shed’ at the wharf and use the timber in constructing a kiosk. There was now a boarding house run by a Mr and Mrs Tucker and plans were afoot later in the year for a regular ‘motor service’ from the Buderim tram terminus to Mooloolaba (three shillings and sixpence each way). Small blocks were now selling for $50 each.

OUR FIRST CLUB HOUSE The first building used by the Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club had been the derelict old ‘sugar shed’ listed for demolition by the Progress Association, however a new ‘Club Shed’, on the beach was under construction within months, and on Sunday 14 October 1923, the shed was officially opened by Frank Venning, who handed the key to the Club’s president, Perry Jakeman. Arthur Parkyn has recorded details of this first building, which was erected by A.C. Bendall of Buderim and stood about 100 yards from the water’s edge.

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Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club (as it then was) erected their first Club building on the beach in 1923. The shed was officially opened by Royal Life Saving Society Secretary Frank Venning on 14 October 1923

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‘The first uas located about eighty metres south of the present structure and had weatherboard walls, a wooden floor and a galvanized iron roof. It was approximately six metres long and four metres wide and consisted of only one room, uith seating provided along one wall. There were wooden pegs inserted in two walls on which members’ clothes were hung, and an area in one corner reserved for the reel and line.’

An additional room 12’ x 8’ was being planned, ‘complete with first-aid kits’, and the remaining section of the shed housed the reel. Jakeman was born in Liverpool, England, in 1892 and arrived in this country in 1914 before serving with the Australian Forces in France during the Great War. Upon his return, he commenced farming at Buderim. Jakeman was an excellent swimmer and diver, winning most of the diving contests at the 1922 Aquatic Carnival. By Easter 1923 he was an honorary instructor for the Royal Life Saving Society. October 1923 when the shed officially opened, was a further occasion for another R.L.S.S. examination. Percy Jakeman and former Club President Uncle Bill Bell successfully gained the Award of Merit examination, the test constructed by Major J. Murray, Frank Venning and Misses Elsie and Lily Venning. ‘The test consists of swimming a distance of 6OO yards, fully dressed; carrying a patient 2O yards in the water, fully dressed; swimming breaststroke, backstroke, and freestyle; undressing on the surface of the water; lifting a purse from the bottom of the river; three movements of fancy swimming; and two dives from heights of 5 and 8 feet.’

Ken Chadwick, who still proudly possesses his grandfather’s certificate, recalls that W.F. Bell took this test so seriously that he trained for weeks in a freshwater lagoon on the Meridan Plains, going there alone after work. In early November it was reported that ‘the members of the life saving club are working hard to get their new shed at Mooloolabah fully equipped for the Xmas holidays’. On Saturday 3 November 1923, a special fund raising dance at the Buderim School of Arts realized over 3 pounds. Five days later, a Committee Meeting of the Club was held at the Buderim State School, chaired by the Club’s new President, Percy Jakeman, elected at the 1923 annual meeting when W.F. Bell had asked to be relieved of the presidency. Ken Chadwick believes he was naturally a shy man, in spite of his stamina, and had an aversion to public speaking. J.J. Simpson had also resigned as Secretary at this meeting and was replaced by Vince J. Crosby, the seventeen year old son of another Buderim farmer. Beryl Crosby, the widow of Vincent Crosby, remembers when as a young girl ‘I stayed at Clarke’s boarding house and met Vince Crosby in the shack. He came to Buderim when he was eleven, and went for a little while to the Buderim school. By the age of fourteen he was a lifesaver. The Crosby shack was called “The Ripples”. Every weekend Mrs. Crosby would cook a piece of pork and a piece of corned beef in the copper, and it was taken to the beach for the lifesavers.’

In those early days, she recalls, it was a long way from Buderim down to the beach and ‘chains were carried in the back of the waggon in case they were needed to hold the road.’

The 8 November 1923 meeting, which is the first of which we have a contemporary record, approved the minutes of the previous meeting and accepted an invitation from the Maroochy Chamber of Commerce to compete on New Year’s Day 1924 for the Thomas O’Connor Life Saving Cup. ‘After discussion, it was decided to enter, win or lose. As we were a Sports Club, we would take a beating by a better team of sports’.

In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

13

The annual aquatic sports still continued, and were again scheduled for Boxing Day 1923. Some events were now only open to club members, and it was announced that ‘friends of the club’ could acquire membership upon payment of five shillings. Members were entitled to enter each event free; non-members would have to pay for each event. A ‘jazz evening’ was arranged for Buderim on 8 December, ‘one of the biggest and best organized dances ever held on the Mountain’, to raise money for the sports prizes. Mrs. H. Doe had been engaged as pianist, and a ladies’ committee had been formed, consisting of Mesdames Will, Hurford, Hyde, Vincent, Crosby, Crack and Vaters. The November 1923 meeting also heard that on recent Sundays in the late spring months of that year some fifteen lifesavers had been practising ‘both river and reel work’at Mooloolaba. ‘Bert Hyde is quite developing the Joe Sousaari (of Maroochy) action uith his breast stroke work. “Tis hard to discriminate, for most are making good progress, but particular mention should be made in connection with the Surf work of young Mervyn Hyde and Owen Burnett, who are both doing well, and each take their regular place in teams, though Mr. Vincent J. Crosby swims out alongside for safety. They are doing well, and should both be able to earn their surf medallion fairly soon’.

Surf medallions had been acquired by P. Jakeman, W.F. Bell, V.J. Crosby, and J. Howe, whilst F. Graham, G.T. Will and B. Heape, were still to pass their proficiency certificates. Other names recorded at this meeting were those of Frank Newberry and D. Campbell all district men. Dot O’Donovan, daughter of Club member Bill Buhk has explained how some people joined ‘In 1923, Jim Howe who was a member of Mooloolaba Club and who lived on his parents’ farm. on Kiel Mtn. Road, Woombye, persuaded some of his Woombye football team mates to join the Surf Club. Some of those who joined from Woombye were the Pringle brothers, Bill Price, Eric Oates, and Bill Buhk. There were just a few shacks on the river bank, one of which belonged to the Howe family and the boys slept there.’

It is interesting to note that Campbell also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Mooloolaba Progress Association, whilst W.F. Bell, B. Heape and P. Jakeman were committee members, regularly appealing for ‘sufficient public conveniences’, replacement of the council’s water pump, removal of prickly pear and the installation of a public telephone for the beach township. The Club itself quickly mastered the art of fundraising. The first holiday concert was held at ‘the Mooloolaba Hall’ on 28 December 1923; and a Flannel Dance was arranged for 9 February 1924 at the Buderim School of Arts to raise funds to pay for the painting of the Club’s Reel Shed. The Somerville Jazz Brass Orchestra performed on this

Ben Heape, whose name appears often in the minutes of the early Club. An enthusiastic Scouter, he resigned from Mooloolaba in 1924, after the first dissension in the Club’s affairs.

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Above: An exhibition of athletic prowess by Mooloolaba Club members attracted a good crowd of holiday visitors at Easter 1923. No doubt they gave a few pennies, threepences and sixpences to help the Club’s coffers.

occasion. The shed was reportedly ‘greatly improved’ by its coat of paint and now also proudly bore the Club’s name, MOOLOOLABA LIFE SAVING CLUB’ A tank had been fitted inside the small building. It was also reported that ‘the long (diving) board has been rernoved from its old position on the jetty to a new place on the spit of sand near H.O. Burnett’s where there will always be plenty of water to diue into at low water. All members are very grateful to ‘Uncle’ (Mr W.F. Bell) for being the leading light in its removal and for all the work he has put into it’

The Mooloolaba boys’ attempt to win the O’Connor Cup, contested at Maroochydore on 1 January 1924 proved a failure, however they were successful a few weeks later in another, far more important field, winning the R.L.S.S. Duncalfe Shield, as the champion still-water team of Queensland. Those participating, at Frank Venning’s Ithaca Baths in Brisbane, were P. Jakeman, W.F. Bell, J.G. Howe, J. Pringle, and G.T. Will. They subsequently gave a life saving demonstration at Rosewood, and proudly returned with the shield, which was displayed in a bakery shop window at Woombye. When a fire destroyed the premises some weeks later, together with the uninsured shield, the club was forced to again raise funds to replace it! Woombye figured prominently in the records of the club in early 1924. Seven new members from that district were examined by Joe Betts in February. They included

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In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

the five Pringle brothers, all over six feet in height - ‘thirty feet of pringle, was a local expression! Woombye folk, who mainly camped at Alexandra Headlands at Christmas and Easter, attended a formal display by the Mooloolaba Club on 6 April 1924. Four months later the Woombye boys would secede to form a separate Alexandra Headlands Life Saving Club. The Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club’s first annual dinner was held on Saturday evening, 14 June 1924 at the Birdwood Boarding House on Buderim, with the tables forming a ‘T’ ‘most prettily decorated with red streamers (red and white being the club’s colours) and pink camellias, with bowls of large bright crimson poinsettias, whilst dainty menu cards were in each place, mostly cut into the shape of the Society’s badge and others with the club’s badge prominent, prepared by Miss K. Crosby and Mr K. Thelander respectively. The menu was declared to be not the work of a cook, but of an artist, and was speedily and gracefully served by two waitresses. Before the first course was served a flashlight photograph was taken by Mr C. Blakey.’

After a toast to the King, the Club Secretary Vince Crosby, spoke of ‘absent friends’; James Howe, now transferred to the Rural School at Boonah, M.B. Moir, now in the Federated Malay States, and Frank Newberry, ‘one of the most enthusiastic members

Top: Another’beach ballet’ formation devised by Mooloolaba boys in the 1920s. Those identified are (at left) Vincent Crosby; (middle) Alan Sly; (right) Geoff Wills. Bottom: Much of the Club’s training, swimming instruction and Royal Life Saving examinations took place in still waters in the Mooloolah River. This photograph, taken ca. 1925, shows two of the diving boards erected on the river bank. W.F. (Bill) Bell is seated on the board

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Above: Mrs. Tucker’s Boarding House, ‘Wharemoana’was the first up-to-date accommodation available in Mooloolaba when it was erected in 1922.

Our Club : Our Story

of the club’, Another member of the Newberry family, Stanley, was also about to resign, as he was moving to Cairns. This was an occasion for reminiscing, and recalling how far the Club had progressed in less than eighteen months, with 106 awards gained since Easter 1923. When the Club team was in Brisbane competing for the Duncalfe Shield, some snide remarks about an ‘Old Chook’ had been targeted at Bill Bell. He had, however, shown what he could do, ‘and Mr Bell was probably the best breast-stroke swimmer and life saver of his age in Queensland (cheers), and Percy Jakeman the best instructor (renewed cheers)’. Pride in Club achievements was manifest, and further demonstrated by the existence of a Club badge - a capital M crossed by bar - and a war cry, which was voiced at the second annual meeting, held four weeks later, on 16 July 1924 - at the Buderim School of Arts. Club minutes fortunately survive from the date of this meeting, when subjects of life membership badges, female membership fees, and letter heads were discussed - all very serious stuff, vastly different from the informal arrangements of early 1923. Twelve members of the club were training as honorary bearers of the Nambour QATB with lectures by Dr Gill of Palmwoods. A new air of seriousness pervaded Mooloolaba itself; no longer a hidden beach resort of Buderim folk, but increasingly connected to the big, wide world. Tucker’s boarding house ‘Wharemoana’was being enlarged, a thrice weekly mail service had been established, telephone and telegraph were connected via Maroochydore, the twice daily bus service was under way, and Mr and Mrs A. Tucker were about to open the very first store. Land sold at auction on Easter Monday 1924 was for sale again by June at 50% to 75% increases. Homes had been erected by W. Huet, E. Burnett and R. Bell, and it was reported that ‘Some people in the neighbourhood would give nearly any money to be in the front or second rows, and one owner had six or eight applications since Easter’.

Mooloolaba was experiencing its very first ‘boom’ although admittedly insignificant in comparison with development on the South Coast, where Brisbane motorists now arrived each weekend. Alan Sly recalls the advantage this had ‘Lifesavers, all wearing their costumes, made money, up to 3O/- in an afternoon, pulling cars out of the sand. These cars were on their way to Mrs. Stretton’s guest house and she would give the boys lunch. Fish and chips would be sent down to members patrolling the beach.’

Beryl Crosby recalls a serious moment, when a worried Vincent Crosby was attending to a young camper he had just rescued from the surf, and just what his advice was to the mother who appeared ‘Unless you have brought love and a warm blanket, you’re not needed at the moment.’

One of Mooloolaba’s attractions, apart from the superb location, was now acknowledged to be its life saving club, described by the Chairman of the Royal Life Saving Sociery to be ‘the most go-ahead club in Queensland’, not a bad achievement for a bunch of country lads, more used to the plough, banana cases and the cane knife,

In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

FOUNDING FATHERS

PERCY JAKEMAN

P

ercy Jakeman, our President, passed away on 3rd February 1951. Percy served as a Despatch Rider in World War I and was wounded in action with the first Australian Imperial Forces in France.

His connection with our Club, as a founder and President, commenced in 1919. In those early years the Club was known as the Mooloolah River Sports Club. In 1922 he caused the then Secretary, J.J. Simpson, Esq. to write the Royal Lifesaving Society for particulars regarding lifesaving and treatment of the apparently drowned. F.O. Venning, Secretary and J.J. Betts, Inst. R.L.S.S., visited Mooloolaba to demonstrate and instruct Club members. As a result the Club became known as the Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club with P. Jakeman as first Honorary Instructor and President. The latter position he retained until his decease. During the following seasons, he instructed members with the utmost thoroughness. He had the Surf Bronze Medallion, Instructor’s Certificate, Examiner’s Certificate for the S.L.S.A. of A, as well as several awards of the R.L.S.S. Apart from his surf awards, he acted as Chief First Aid Officer for many years and rendered assistance on many occasions, both on the beach and in the town. During his term as President, he gave of his best and he was highly respected, always available for Club business as President or Delegate, keenly interested in Carnivals, often acting as a judge. In 1951 the North Coast Branch of the S.L.S.A. of A. made Percy a Life Member. Elected Life Governor 1925 Elected Life Trustee 1939

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FOUNDING FATHERS

F.O. VENNING

F

rank Venning was born in 1875 and he records his first experience with life saving, when as a member of the crew of the brig “Brenda”, in 1895, he rescued a seaman who fell overboard. The method of resuscitation used was to roll the patient over a barrel face downwards, with an operator at the head and another at the feet. In 1922 in his capacity as Secret ary of the Royal Life Saving Society, he was invited with J.J. Betts to demonstrate and instruct members of Mooloolah River Sports Club in life saving resuscitation. His strong association with the Club remained. It was noted in the minutes of the Fifth Annual Meeting 1927 in part that P. Jakeman, F.O. Venning and members of the Club did their utmost to ensure safe surfing for the public. AWARDS

MOOLOOLABA S.L.S.C.

• All awards of Royal Life Saving Society including Distinguished Service Medal with bronze and silver bars to same. • Life Governor R.L.S,A, London (Head Centre) • Certificate of thanks for service to life saving from Lord Louis Mountbatten of Burma. • Bronze, Instructor’s, Examiner’s Certificate of S.L.S.A. of A. • Whilst organizing Surf Clubs, it fell to Mr. Venning and Chief Instructor J.J. Betts to patrol the formed clubs during their holidays.

• Club President - 1954/55, 7955/56, 1956/57. • Delegate North Coast Branch 1949/50, 1950/51, 1951/52. • Elected Life Trustee - 1939. • Elected Life Member -1958/59. • The latter award culminated 37 years’ association with the Club and the Life Saving movement.

In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

FOUNDING FATHERS

W.F. BELL (UNCLE BILL)

A

Foundation Member of the Club and being at that time 50 years of age, he was looked on as one of the father figures by the younger members, and affectionately called ‘Uncle Bill’. He indeed gave stability, purpose and direction in those early years. He started his Life Saving with the Royal Life Saving Sociery, having his Swimming and Instructor’s Certificates of that Body, both signed by Frank Venning. It followed that together with Percy Jakeman who also held those awards, when Frank started to promote the Surf Life saving movement, he turned to them to establish the Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving club, They were both then members of the Mooloolah River Sports and Life Saving Club. Uncle Bill followed Percy Jakeman as Instructor of the club, a position he held for many years. He was the first captain of the Surf Boat Crew when the “Spray” was launched, and had success in competition with a crew containing three of the Buderim Thompson brothers. His overall services were recognised with Life Membership in 1925 and Life Governorship in 1929. He became a Judge with the North Coast Branch and officiated at camivals up until 1940 when the second World War temporarily closed the beaches to life saving. Awarded Life Membership 1925 Appointed Life Govenor 1929

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FOUNDING FATHERS

VINCE CROSBY

T

he Club was very fortunate right from the start in that its founding fathers were men of great ability and dedication. The most prominent of these were Perc Jakeman, president from 1923 to 1950, Bill Bell, a talented instructor and mentor, and Vince Crosby, Secretary from 1923 to 1941. These stalwarts were given considerable assistance by Frank Venning and professor Joe Betts, both prominent officials of the Royal Life Saving Society, Queensland branch. As the Secretary/Treasurer, Vince Crosby handled Club business very efficiently, and was also the chief fundraiser. He was very eloquent and enthusiastic, and an excellent Public Relations Officer. Vince was very jealous of the Club’s good reputation, and was foremost in ensuring that the conduct of members was exemplary and the patrols vigilant and professional. Vince also took a great interest in local affairs. He worked hard for the Buderim Show Society, Buderim Fruit Growers Association, the Community Hall, the Golf Club and the Ginger Factory, etc, etc. He served as local correspondent for the Nambour Chronicle and the Brisbane Telegraph and Courier Mail, mainly to give exposure to the Life Saving movement. He was a pioneer in developing the Club’s policy of striving to earn great community respect and support - a policy that has been maintained and fostered down through the years to the present day. Right now the Club is very proud of its many thousands of loyal and dedicated members in its supporters club. When the original Clubhouse became outdated and inadequate by 1927, Vince was the main driving force in planning for a new one. After much effort this new Clubhouse was opened in 1928 and proved to be a great leap forward. However by the mid-thirties the Club had aready outgrown it, so Vince again led the way in organizing for its replacement. A very suitable new Clubhouse was opened in 1938, and was one of which the club, and the town, felt justifiably proud. In 1931, when the North Coast Clubs changed affiliation from Royal Life to the Australian Surf Life Saving Association, Vince contributed greatly to making it a comparatively smooth transition. He was also to the fore in helping to establish the North Coast Branch (now Sunshine Coast Branch) which followed the changeover. Appointed Life Governor’ 1939

chapter two

D e veloping Ye ars : 1924-1939

T

he ‘discovery’ of the Sunshine Coast by an increasing number of Brisbane and other visitors, mostly rail travellers, was marked by a special tourist supplement to the Brisbane Courier, published on 14 November 1924, entitled “Along the North Coast”. The description of Mooloolaba was truly a feat of travel promotion, couched in the best advertising language of the twenties. It does however allow us a glimpse of Mooloolaba over seventy years ago: ‘Nothing could be more delightful than the long sweep of beach which ends in Mooloolaba Bay where the Mooloolah River is absorbed by the ocean. Beyond lies the Mooloolah Headland, grandest of all the sights in the district when viewed at close quarters. From afar it is merely a bold, dark promontory, touched with verdigris green. The route to the water where one takes boat for this spot corresponds with the first stanzas in a magnificent poem. The road keeps about two’chains from the ocean, gliding in and out among ti-trees, whose shapes might haue been designed during a delirious dream of an opium smoker. Gnailed and bent, weird as gargoyles, but neuer deviating from the picturesque, the trees at times-twist their limbs across the path, forming broken arches and many strange designs. Sometimes they kneel with arms outstretched as if for pity. At other times they perform eurhythmic dances, in which one feels he would like to join. The wheels of the car almost crush bracken fern, russet in parts wthere the bush fires of a past season have seared them. The soft ferns which strawberry farmers use to pack their products grow abundantly; and nearby is the delicate looking but deceptive Wait-a-while, which would prove the justice of its name if one left the car to try conclusions with it. Wild convolvulus blossoms trail their ephemeral glory over many a shrub; and noble trees grow inland ...... An esplanade varying in width from two chains to six chains has been surveyed, Its length will be four miles, practically the whole distance from Mooloolaba to Maroochydore ...... There are three life sauing clubs, one at Maroochydore, another at Alexandra Headland, and the third at Mooloolaba. Each has its own shed accommodation, and each has many active members noted for their strength and endurance in the water.’

The next sixteen years would see Mooloolaba’s development as a popular seaside resort intrinsically tied to the successful growth of the town’s life saving club. The Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club’ geared itself for the Christmas/New Year

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Our Club : Our Story

holidays of 1924, aware that an influx of visitors was expected. The major Club issue had been the possible construction of a QATB ambulance room, a subject which led to the first recorded dissension in Club ranks with B. Heape tendering his resignation as assistant Secretary in protest at the President’s action in overriding the Club Committee. Heape also resigned his positions as Instructor and Honorary Bearer. Later in the year, following a letter written to the Club by Acting Scout Commissioner Snow, an extraordinary meeting of the Club held on Christmas Day demanded that Heape tender his resignation as a member of the Club. He had advised boy scouts camping that year at Alexandra Headlands to avoid both South Maroochydore and Mooloolaba beaches because they were ‘exceedingly dangerous’, and had suggested that Alexandra Headlands Surf Club members ‘were inefficient’. Mooloolaba Club contradicted each point, assuring the boy scout movement that the beaches were perfectly safe, and all local clubs were especially professional. Heape was allowed to ‘wear his costume and blazer for the remainder of the holidays, following which the Club would purchase them back.’ As for the Ambulance room, building tenders were accepted in September 1924, the successful tenderer being Mr. C. Penrose, for 31 pound/9. This extension was ready by early November 1924, and was officially opened on 28 December 1924.

Below: Mooloolaba’s progress in the 1930s was highlighted by this newspaper feature in about 1939. This view looks north along River Esplanade when the town was a much quieter place.

1924 also saw the Club order eighteen maroon and white costumes ‘with a silk band’ from the Sydney firm of Murdoch’s for 138/- per dozen, as well as eighteen badges, bathing vees’, and one dozen sateen bathing caps. Club blazers with embroidered badges were also ordered from McDonnell and East’s store in Brisbane for 36/6 each. Three years later, in August 1927, it was further decided to purchase another dozen club costumes, strictly for competition purposes, ‘to be left in the hands of the President’. Maroon caps were also to be purchased by members - most of whom, it should be recalled, were farming lads who volunteered their time away from necessary jobs on family properties, and who were also seldom flush with

D e v e l o p i n g Ye a r s : 1 9 2 4 - 1 9 3 9

funds. They were proud of their club colours. An attempt in September 1929 to change the colours to purple and white was lost with only one vote in favour of the change; such was the loyalty of members to the original founders of the Club. Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club continued to do its utmost to attract visitors to the fledgling resort. Christmas 1924 saw ‘an attactive carnival for visitors’ organized, with over 30 pound offered in prize money and open orders, all the result of local and visitor donations. Arrangements were in hand to have the beach continuously patrolled all day and for a qualified first aid officer to be in attendance in the new ambulance shed. Vince Crosby, Secretary of the Club, was also president of the local Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands Progress Association, and it could well be said that the township’s progress was in a very real sense dependent upon the reputation of its lifesavers, and the acknowledged safety of its beach. Mooloolaba was definitely ‘on the move’ by 1925. Weekend cottages, according to one report, continued to be erected ‘seemingly as quickly as mushrooms’, two prominent ones being those of Messrs J.T. Whiteaway and V.J. Crosby. A motor launch, the ‘Mooloolaba’, the property of Messrs. Lewis and Histed, now provided a weekly service to and from Brisbane. Two service cars operated on the Buderim - Mooloolaba bus route, and holidays saw the one large boarding house - Mrs. Alma Tucker’s ‘Wharemoana’ completely booked out months in advance. Indeed, in December 1924, the Nambour Chronicle reported there had been ‘not a house, shack or humpy to be had for love nor money’ in Mooloolaba. The annual sports meeting, now a tradition and a popular draw card, still attracted large crowds to both the river bank and the beach. The 1924 officials were: Referee: F.J. Will; Judges: S.J. Howe, P. Jakeman, W. Crosby; Hon. Secretary: Vincent J. Crosby; Handicapper: W. Fawcett Bell; Stawards: K. Thelander and G.T. Will; Judge of Diving: Frank Venning (Junior). Contested were: 1. The Fraser Edminston Life Saving cup (for club members only) (V.F. Bell, 1st) 2. The Wallace Bishop Life Saving Cup (G.T. Will, 1st) 3. 25 Yards Life Saving Back Stroke (J. Howe, 1st) 4. 75 Yards Freestyle for club championship (H. Frost, 1st)

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Above: Campers pitched tents close to the Club building in the 1930s. This photograph taken about 1933 shows the tracks through the dunes to the beach.

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Our Club : Our Story

There were also some nine aquatic events (open to all visitors), including a surf race for the T. O’Connor Cup; five sculling events (including three events for females), and a wide range of land events, including a four furlong horse race, won by ‘Tick’, two lengths from ‘Gold Top’. Such were the crowds on the beach that Christmas that Mooloolaba CIub was quite unable to participate as planned in the Thomas O’Connor Cup competition, at Maroochydore. 1925/6 saw only bigger crowds, a pattern which would be repeated with each progressive Summer and Easter holidays until World War II. By 1926 A. Histed had established his Ocean Beach Cafe, offering afternoon teas, light refreshments, soft drinks, confectionery, tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, bathing costumes and groceries. (In October 1927 the store was acquired by Miss S. Williams, who would also purchase ‘Wharemoana’ boarding house in 1928). The Maroochy Shire council had installed ‘a new and up-to-date pump’ on the sandhills, ‘for the benefit of visitors and campers’, but as we shall see, scarcely adequate to meet demand. L.M. Waters ‘Up-to-Date Store’ at Buderim also established a branch store at Mooloolaba from November to 31 December, and Pope and Wackerling’s sawmills were busily working to cater for the town and district’s building needs. Notable among the new mresidences along River Esplanade were the homes of H.V. Fielding and H.O. Burnett. ‘The visitor will find most conveniences for his comfort auailable, such as a boardinghouse, cafe, stores, telephone exchange, life sauing club, ambulance, public dressingsheds for bathers, and Clarke’s Royal Mail bus service, which runs daily from the Buderim tramway terminus. Should the visitor be fond of reading, books may be delivered twice weekly from the Buderim School of Arts for the payment of a small fee.’

The following summer, Mooloolaba’s growing popularity would see the beach selected by the Brisbane Daily Mail as one of the locations for its annual sand gardens competitions. The Mooloolaba Progress Association (now under the presidency of Percy Jakeman) also contributed to local facilities; such as the erection in October 1925 of a 20’ x 14’ shelter shed at Point Cartwright (then known as Mooloolah Heads), with a 1000 gallon water tank. The Association had also organized working bees to construct a gravelled road ‘along the ocean esplanade,, and had constructed a public jetty - basic facilities which should have been provided by Maroochy Shire Council. Like many rural councils eager to collect rates from coastal resorts, Maroochy proved notably reluctant to redistribute a fair portion of that revenue back to those same areas. In this respect, all three coastal resorts, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands and Mooloolaba had good cause for complaint, and the lack of adequate water and sanitary facilities at Mooloolaba would be a particular problem for years to come. NORTH COAST BRANCH S.L.S.A. Mutual interest had also seen the three towns’ life saving clubs officially join together in a North Coast Life Saving and Surfing Association, formed on 27 September 1926 at the Alexandra Headlands Life Saving Club rooms. Percy Jakeman, Vince J. Crosby, and G.T. Will represented Mooloolaba Club, and an affiliation fee of one guinea was determined with an additional fee of one shilling per head for each member who had qualified for their surf bronze. Percy Jakeman was elected Chairman, a singular honour for the Mooloolaba Club. As a Royal Life Saving Society’s district representative, Jakeman also successfully introduced the Society’s scheme for the insurance of life savers to the inaugural meeting. In October 1926, the new join

D e v e l o p i n g Ye a r s : 1 9 2 4 - 1 9 3 9

association decided to hold ‘Summer Vocational Schools Swimming Classes’ in cooperation with the Royal Life Saving Society and The Department of Public Instruction. The course, available to school teachers, adults and children, was to be spread over ten days, at a full fee of two shilling and sixpence.

Development Of Surf Lifesaving Queensland State Centre and North Coast Branch Surf bathing had been more widely accepted tn New South Wales where a number of clubs had formed a Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia with Branches and controlled by “Head Centrs” based in Sydney. During 1919-1920 clubs in Queensland were still being mainly driven by the Royal Lifesaving Society however this did not stop themn, from forming the Queensland Surf Bathers Assaciation which functioned in a, fashion until 1924 when its role was taken over by Point Danger Branch which had linked up with “Head Centre” of the Surf Lifesaving Assaciation. Because af the continuing close contact, between surf orientated clubs and dual purpose clubs (surf, and still water) mainly north of Brisbane there was, eventually, a ‘conflict between the Royal Lifesaving Society and the Surf Lifesaving Association over methods of Life Saving and administration. Our Club remained distanced from these problems and contracts with surf activities’ were limited to members gaining surf awards and a brief fling with the North Coast Lifesaving and Surfing Association in 1926. Following amalgamation negotiations, held at Alexandra Headlands on 19 April 1930, the first meeting of the Queensland State Centre of the S.L.S.A. & A. was held on 28 September 1930. A.B. Parkyn was registered as representing Mooloolaba and F.Q. Venning, J.J. Bens and P. Jakeman were elected to official positions. Subsequently the North Coast clubs formed the North Coast Branch in 1931.

Arthur Parkyn, the longest serving member in the club’s history, first joined the Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving CIub in early January 1926. His parents had a farm at Sippy Downs. He had gained first place in the junior fifty yards swim in the 1925 Boxing Day Mooloolaba Sports. Alan Sly came first in the ‘Object Dive’. Arthur was a pupil teacher from January 1926 (not yet 15 years of age), at Buderim State School, and as such could regularly participate in Club activities. He attended the fourth annual meeting of the Club, held at the Buderim School of Arts on 28 July 1925, when he is recorded as having seconded a motion that J.J. & S. Anderson be re-elected the Club’s auditors, and he was elected to the Club Committee, with G.T. Will, W.F. Bell, A. Edole, M.R. Dean, C.A. Blakey, and A.J. Hyde. On 3 October 1925 Arthur Parkyn formed part of the Mooloolaba team which gave a demonstration display at the

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Our Club : Our Story

official opening of the Maroochydore season. Other members were Percy Jakeman, A.J. Hyde, C.A. Blakey, A. Histed and K. Thelander. Jakeman was especially impressed with Parkyn’s potential as a champion breast stroke swimmer. By January 1928 Arthur had won the’Wallace Bishop Cup as Champion Club Life Saver and in July of that year was voted Club Instructor. In July 1930 he was voted Club Captain, at the age of 19. Mooloolaba Club’s competition results were to notably improve after 1925. The O’Connor Cup was successfully wrested from Maroochydore on New Year’s Day 1927, admittedly by one-tenth of a point (169.6 to 169.5), and in January 1929 Mooloolaba won the Stretton Shield by 5 3/4 points. This latter team consisted of W.S. Parkinson (instructor); G.L. Newbury; G.T. Will (patient); A.B. Parkyn (beltman); A.J. Hyde, N. Tacey, C.H. Irwin (linesman), A. Histed (reelman). The Club faced fierce competition, especially in swimming events from the Suosaari brothers (Maroochydore) and the Pringle brothers (Alexandra Headlands), however the continuing efforts of Percy Jakeman, the Club’s instructor, and the interest of Frank Venning (Secretary of the Royal Life Saving Society) increasingly bore fruit by 1930. Mooloolaba also actively encouraged the visit of Brisbane - based clubs, for training and for friendly competition. For instance, members of the Mowbray Park Club visited in December 1925, all guests of Mr. & Mrs. Tucker at Wharemoana’. Tests for the Royal Life Saving Society’s Surf Medallion were conducted by Percy Jakeman. In March 1927 some sixty life savers from the Metropolitan and Mowbray Clubs stayed with the Tuckers, before competing with four other clubs at Maroochydore for the Colonel Cameron Surf Shield. Most important, however was the Club’s success in maintaining Mooloolaba’s record and reputation as a safe beach, proof in itself that Heape’s contention tn 1924 was sheer mischief-making. By 1930, the Club had made seven successful rescues. On Sunday 27 February 1926, in the picturesque language of the Nambour Chronicle: ‘while a happy band of bathers were besporting themselves in the silvery breakers, they were given a thrill, when it was observed that one of them, Mr. Lionel Burnett, a wellknown resident of the district, was being carried out to sea by a strong current. The alarm was raised immediately and the life saving patrol, under the command of Mr. Percy Jakeman, sprang into action, Mr. Clarence Blakey demonstrated the value of the life saving reel and practical training, in the very able manner in which he swam out, through a very rough sea, to the rescue. Meanwhile, Mr. Burnett, although himself a good swimmer, found it impossible to swim against the current and fortunately kept cool and floated until Mr. Blakey reached him with the line. He uas then 35O yards out. On being brought ashore Mr. Burnett was found to be little the worse for his experience. Had it not been for the life savers, that fine body of young ‘athletes who devote themselves, voluntarily, to this humanitarian tuork, Mr. Burnett may have had a long swim.’ Such expressions of good will were reflected in increasing financial support, not only through beach and campers’collections, but through local business people and community fund raising. However altruistic, there was also a natural and growing awareness that the safer the beach, the more prosperous the resort. The Club had opened its first bank account (with the English, Scottish and Australasian) in July 1924 and by late 1925 had a credit balance of 16 pound 3/8, reduced to 7 pound 2/6 by August 1926. That the Club was able to keep going, purchase new equipment, maintain existing belts and reels, and order new uniforms was very much dependent upon public goodwill, Dance benefits were especially popular; for example a dance on 30

D e v e l o p i n g Ye a r s : 1 9 2 4 - 1 9 3 9

27

December 1927 at the Buderim School of Arts, with music supplied by the Buderim Elite Jazz Band (‘under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Doe’) - raised an amount over 12 pound for the Mooloolaba boys. The following December, Miss Leis (the new proprietor of the Ocean Beach Cafe) held another dance, whilst a euchre party and dance were also held at the new guest house ‘Bondoola’. In October 1929 a variety concert (with ‘items by local artists’) was performed in the Buderim School of Arts, with a dance following, again to the strains of Doe’s orchestra. The funds raised by such functions, by ‘chocolate competitions’, individual donations, and public canvassing allowed the Club to make gradual improvement. Subscription life memberships (at five guineas) were also another important source of funds, although this category of membership was terminated by 1930. Those subscription life members of which a record survives were W.P. (Bill) Mitchell 15.8.1924 W.T. (Bill) Grant 17.8.7924 G.B. (Gilbert) Nonmus 1.7.1925 Mrs J.L. Parker 26.7.1925 K. Roberts 28.12.1929 ‘Danger’ and ‘Safe’ signs were erected on the beach, and in l928 a twelve foot timber watch tower was constructed at a cost of 3 pound lO/-. Extensions to the Club House were undertaken in 1928 at a cost of 97 pound 17/5, and erected by Messrs. H. Kuskopf, builders. The Nambour QATB had contributed 26 pound 18/10 towards the cost and a further 30 pound was raised by beach collection. The lifesavers, rooms now comprised a dressing room, sleeping quarters and an up-to-date ambulance room. Arthur Parkyn well remembers the construction work:

Below: The new Mooloolaba Club House photographed ca. 1929, when this number of people was a sizeable crowd on the beach. Note the original watch tower and the Club pennant unfurled in front of the Club House.

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‘As membership increased and as more equipment utas acquired, this original building was proving to be inadequate, so it was improved in 1928. The extended building was of weather board uith a fibro roof and included a dressing room, A shower recess with a rotary pump, a first aid room and a dormitory with three tiers of timber bunks able to accommodate six members in all. Each member supplied his own blankets and pillow, one blanket at least being placed on the boards. One hardy character by name of Tom Laxton, from the Sippy-Glenview area brought along a length of ti-tree wood on which to rest the back of his neck’. The establishment of sleeping quarters’ saw new Club rules drawn up and passed at a committee meeting held on 21 March 1929. These were: 1. Club room to be used by active members only 2. Patrols to be drawn up by Hon. Instructors of the Club 3. Each man to be detailed to various positions 4. The Ambulance bearer of the patrol will be the Club Orderly 5. Members requiring a bunk, may reserve same through the Secretary 6. Lockers will be rented out to members at 2/5 per financial year 7. No intoxicating liquor will be tolerated in the club room 8. The Ambulance Room must not be used as a dressing room, under any circumstances 9. Patrols must use look-out tower 10. Patrols must keep surfboard owners apart from the surfing crowd, also keep bathers inside safety zone. 11. Orders given by the Captain of the Patrol must be carried out When, in November of that same year (1929), a Ladies’ Life Saving branch club was formed, further rules were necessary: Women had been active participants in the stillwater activities of the club since 1919, but times had changed and specific ladies, clubs (such as the Neptunes) were now the vogue. The new rules read: 1. Ladies’ annual subscription, 2/6 2. That only financial members be instructed 3. Those entering exams have their awards paid by the CIub 4. That Ladies are not allowed to use Club rooms 5. That intending members be nominated by a member of the Committee

The enlarged Mooloolaba Surf Club building, with its distinctive barred ‘M’. The extension was undertaken in 1928 at a cost of 97 pound 17/5d, with the Nambour QATB contributing to the cost of an ambulance room (hence the Maltese Cross).

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By March 1930, out of a total seventy Club members, eleven were women, captained by Miss Len Parkinson, They did Mooloolaba proud at Easter of that year by winning the Royal Life Saving Society’s Kerwin Cup from the Neptunes. Arthur Parkyn had been given the pleasurable task of ‘training and instructing of the female members’, and in January 1931 they presented Arthur with ‘a nicely framed photograph of the ladies’ team as a token of appreciation for the patient and capable manner in which he had carried out his duties.’ The Mooloolaba girls were great crowd pullers and fund raisers. On 31 December 1930, ‘following a challenge by the Mooloolaba Surf Club ladies to the gents of the same club...... on King’s Beach, Caloundra, a display of surf work was witnessed by hundreds of spectators. The old method of resuscitation by the ladies and the new method by the gents was keenly followed.’ (That Christmas of 1930 the Caloundra Surf Club had virtually folded, and was unable to guarantee patrols; Mooloolaba undertook to supply a patrol of six men, and continued to do so until 1932.) The Mooloolaba ‘girls’ appear, however, to have disbanded by 1933, as the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia discouraged female surf life saving and public competition. This followed the amalgamation of the Surf Life Saving Association and the Royal Life Saving Society (Queensland Head Centre) and the formation of the Queensland State Centre of S.L.S.A. of Australia. The S.L.S.A. of Australia refused membership to women, although some clubs such as Neptunes, Dolphins and Seagulls continued to compete until well into the 1940s, at times in open defiance of State Centre’s wishes. The most significant achievement, however, in these years was the commissioning of the Club’s first surf boat. The fund for purchasing such a boat was launched at a Committee meeting held at W.F. Bell’s residence at Buderim on 25 February 1930 -

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Above: The Mooloolaba ‘Women’s R and R Team, which won both the Kirwin Cup and State Title in 1930 under the instruction of Arthur Parkyn. (left to right) Arthur Parkyn, Flora Parkinson, Jess Burnett, Margery Dean, Alice Lucock, Ivy Parkyn, Len Parkinson, Belle Crosby.

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when Club President Jakeman presented Bell with his Life Governor’s Medal, awarded at the 1929 annual general meeting. A special meeting to consider the necessary funding was convened at the Buderim School of Arts on 6 March 1930, and a fete was organized, to be held at Buderim on 10 May with a dance the previous evening. Stalls were organized as follows: Sweets, Soft Drinks and Ices: Mr. and Mrs. Waters Flowers and Vegetables: Mesdames Wise and Parkyn Fancy: Mrs. Hyde and Miss Crosby Fruit: Messrs. Murphy, Whiteway and Prosser Refreshment: Mrs. Vincent Chocolate Table: Messrs H. Heed, T.H. Irwin and R.J. Hyde Sports: Mr. W.F. Bell Dips: Mr. Adamson Fish: Messrs. P. Jakeman and R. Carruthers Other fund raising ventures were organized independently; for example Miss Crosby and Mrs. Hyde held functions at Mooloolaba, Mrs. Waters at Buderim and Below: A demonstration Mrs. Parkyn at Ilkley. The fete itself raised some 65 pounds 0/9, an impressive figure of the Schafer method of given the worsening Depression. H. Kuskopf ’s quote of 100 pounds to construct a resuscitation by female lifesavers on Moolooiaba 23 feet long and 5 feet 3 inches beam cedar whale boat was accepted in July 1930, the only delay being a shortage of the necessary timber. beach, ca. 1929.

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Mooloolaba’s first surf boat, the ‘Spray’. launched on 27 December 1930. Constructed on the lines of a whale boat, it was constructed by local boatbuilders, the Kuskoph Brothers. (left to right Alan Sly, Vince Crosby, Tom Alan, George New berry and Bill Bell)

THE SURF BOAT ‘SPRAY’ The boat, christened the ‘Spray’, was officially launched before a crowd of almost one thousand on Mooloolaba beach on Saturday 27 December 1930, Councillor J.T. Lowe officiating. The Spray’ was the first surf boat north of Brisbane, and Lowe. ‘congratulated the Messrs, Kuskopf brothers, who had given of their best in the construction and had produced a boat which would last for many, many years. The fittings throughout were of the best, non-rustable beams and copper fittings, and the timber the best selected and seasoned cedar.’

Mr. H.T. Blanch, of Eudlo, was also presented with a life membership badge at this event, in honour of his fund raising activities. The acquisition of the boat led to other concerns. An extraordinary general meeting was held in the Club House on Sunday 4 January 1931, for the purpose of endeavouring to stop the general dissatisfaction among the members re: the manning of the Surf Boat’. W.F. Bell was especially upset. Initially appointed Boat Captain, his name did not appear on the first crew list; and only with some difficulty was a compromise achieved - A. Histed, W. Parkinson and Bell were all appointed Cox! The next problem was competition. Without any other surf boats on the North Coast, Mooloolaba’s first boat trophy came at the State Championships held at Kirra on 24 Jantary 1932. There was, however, ‘dissension among the Clubs there, and Mooloolaba could not get a race. The ‘Spray’ took the State Title by merely rowing over the course!

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A Boat Shed had also been necessary, and a building 30’ x 10’, with fibrolite roof and a small ladies’ dressing room had been constructed. Much of the construction work was done by members, on a voluntary basis, organized by Hector Blanch. By February 1931. 22 pounds was still owing on the boat and on the boat shed. Further dances, concerts and fetes had to be arranged, and by the August annual general meeting the Club could boast a credit balance of 3 pounds 12/70. The winning of the Stretton Shield at Easter 1931, only added to the general sense of confidence, at a time when the world was generally full of gloom and economic doom.

Above: Alan Sly flanked by two young flappers, about 1928. The woollen club costumes were supplied by Finney Isles at significant discount.

Most interestingly the Club determined to construct a hall in December 1931, with a Ladies’ Committee active in organizing for fetes, etc. This decision in itself was a bold, farsighted venture; Mooloolaba was without any school, church, theatre or hall for social or other functions, and the Club felt that such a venture would not only prove profitable, and provide a much-needed public facility. Most meetings of any size, had previously to be held at Buderim. There was some concern, however, amongst a minority of members that the Club might be reaching beyond itself, and be assuming the role of the existing Progress Association. The fund-raising momentum of 1929/31 continued at full pace and negotiations were entered with the Lands Department for a suitable site. It was decided, however, in September 1932 to purchase the Ocean Beach Cafe from Mr. A. Histed for the sum of 75 pounds, to be converted into a Hall. This was a remarkably good offer, perhaps an indication of the slump in properry values at the height of the Depression, and most of the initial funds had been raised in March at the Mooloolaba fete, organtzed by a ladies committee convened by Mrs. H.J. Murphy (of Buderim House), with ‘stalls artistically decorated and arranged along the river esplanade adjacent to the jetty’. The total receipts exceeded 70 pounds, virtually the cost of Histed’s cafe. The hall was to be opened on Saturday 17 December 1932,with ‘a large attendance from all parts of the district. Music was supplied by Les Thompson’s orchestra. The Building has afloor space of 38 feet x 26 feet. On two sides there are shutters which open outwards to giue ample ventilation, and on moonlit nights, a splendid view of the coastline...... Mr. H. Blanch (Eudlo) was the builder.’

It was however a less than sophisticated building, with galvanized iron walls rather than fibrolite, painted both externally and internally.

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The thirties were, however, to see Mooloolaba change beyond recognition, and certainly beyond the most sanguine expectations of Perry Jakeman and company in 1931. Few Brisbane motorists had yet ventured north, however improvements to the North Coast road, especially after 1932, meant that ‘motorist campers’ could reach Mooloolaba from the State capital in a comfortable three and half hours’. The official opening of the Bruce Highway, even with good stretches of bitumen, on 15 December 1934, reduced this time by some ninety minutes. One observer on the Forest Glen portion of the road watched ‘a continuous stream of cars’ (hitherto unknown) on Christmas Eve 1932, all headed for Mooloolaba. The decision of the Methodist Church to erect a church hall at the beach township in 1932 also suggested that times were about to change; a provisional school was to be opened there on 2 May 1933 with Miss Alexia Hallow as teacher. This development had another happy consequence. Club captain Arthur Parkyn had been transferred as teacher of Charlwood State School (in the Fassifern district) in early 1932, and was presented with ‘a pair of Hair Brushes with the Club badge in silver’ at a farcwell parry held at ‘Belle-Vue’, Buderim on 24 February, As of 1. January 1936 he received a transfer as teacher of the Mooloolaba Provisional School, again able to participate in the full activities of his Surf Club. The town he returned to was very much in the throes of change.

Below: Another human pyramid of Mooloolaba Club members, photographed ca. 1927/8.

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Above: Members of three Sunshine Coast Clubs competing in Branch Titles at Maroochydore in January 1928. Below: Members of Mooloolaba’s competition team in the 1927/28 season: (left to right) (standing) B. Bell, A. Histed, T. Irwin, A. Will, V. Crosby (seated) A. Parkyn, B. Parkinson, B. Hyde.

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Above: Mooloolaba Surf Club’s first hall, the converted Ocean Beach Cafe, which was purchased for 75 pounds and converted into a dance hall. It was not a paying proposition and was sold in 1937, again for 75 pounds! Below: Two of Mooloolaba’s early members, Vincent Crosby and Alan Sly photographed with Belle Crosby in this photograph taken ca. 1927.

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Above: A Mooloolaba reel team marches in Branch competitions in the 1930s. Below: ‘The Spray’ was a heavy boat and difficult to manoeuvre in the surf.

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Above: Rescue demonstration at Mooloolaba, ca. 1928. The patient on this occasion (who was always the smallest lifesaver and easy to carry) was Geoff Wills. Below: Kit Crosby, Isobel (Belle) Crosby - sister of Vincent Crosby, and an unidentified visitor photographed on Mooloolaba beach, ca. 1929, with the Clubhouse in the background.

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THE VISIT OF HRH PRINCE HENRY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER The visit of the King’s son, HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, to the North Coast in December 1934 had proven a turning point in the history of the beach resorts, causing Mooloolaba to become, virtually overnight, a household name. The Dukewas the guest of Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Murphy at their ‘Buderim House’. The Murphy family vacated their commodious and beautifully situated home during the Royal Visit, moving to their seaside home at Mooloolaba, ‘Marleen’, and Mr. Murphy was to entertain the Duke in his ‘Aqua-Flyer’ motor boat with a trip out through the mouth of the Mooloolah and a glorious run along the beach south from Point Cartwright.Prince Henry ‘expressed a wish to surf on his return. Mooloolaba Surf Club was to receive a Royal visitor, and, one suspects, things moved somewhat faster than usual around the Clubhouse that day!

‘This news was conveyed to the president of the Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club (Mr. P. Jakeman), who immediately arranged a patrol comprising Messrs. Joe Venning (son of Mr. F.O. Venning), W. Carruthers and D. Cannon. Mr. W. Scott, the club caretaker, had the building spick and span. The Duke used the ambulance room for dressing, and seemed pleased with the arrangements. The room, which is the finest of its kind in the North Coast, was painted and decorated for the summer period. His Highness was soon enjoying the surf. As it was a complete surprise to everyone at Mooloolaba there were very few on the beach. A man was stationed on the lookout tower and Inspector O’Reilly patrolled the beach and the club buildings..... Mr. Joe Venning took out a surfo-plane and after he had given a demonstration with it, the Duke was uery keen to try it out. A few moments’ instruction from Mr. Venning enabled the Prince to wade out and pick up a fine shoot, which he rode straight to the beach. He tackled the shoots one after the other with boyish abandon. During a movement’s respite he was watching. Bill Carruthers shooting breakers, and with the rest of his staff, expressed admiration for his ability in the water. His Royal Highness did not leave the water until sunset ...... Entering the clubhouse the Duke decided on a cold shower, but the necessary adjunct refused to function. His Highness was greatly amused and jovially remarked on the small amount of water he needed. Subsequently club officials found the rose of the shower had become blocked and it was properly adjusted by Mr. Vince Ball.’ The next day, Sunday 9 December, following a Church service at Buderim, the Duke again went surfing at Mooloolaba - now watched by ‘a very large crowd’. He again used the Club’s ambulance room for dressing;

‘Two members (E. Guest and J. Sargood) were detailed to guard the Duke’s car, whilst the club’s chief instructor (Mr. W.F. Bell) and the captain (A.B. Parkyn) arranged a number of lifesavers in a half circle in the surf around the Ducal surfing party ...... He remarked that the Life Saving movement was a very fine organization. The captain of the surf boat (Mr. G.L Newberry) manned a crew in the “Spray”, comprising himself, V. Parkinson, A.B. Parkyn, T. and G. Thomson, and gave a fine exhibition of surf craft. Once or twice the Prince was well out and struck some big dumpers, but he revelled in it and joked with the members of his staff. There were hundreds on the beach watching him and hundreds in the surf with him. He stayed in the water for well over an hour.’ Less than a week later the Bruce Highway was opened, and that Christmas/New Year of 1934/5 Mooloolaba was packed as it had never been before, with the

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The first Royal visitor to Mooloolaba was HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. He enjoyed several days in the surf whilst staying at Buderim in December 1934, and changed and showered in the Clubhouse.

esplanade resembling a giant ‘canvas-town’. New dressing sheds, scarcely adequate to cope, had been erected on the beach by the Shire Council, and there were also ‘new shops, cafes and ice works installed by Mr. T. Durbidge.’ The increasing number of visitors however served only to highlight the town’s major problems - lack of water supplies and adequate sanitation, the same concerns which had plagued South Coast resorts such as Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads ten to twenty years earlier. A couple of spear pumps provided the only available water supply, and earth closet facilities were unmentionably primitive and inadequate for the number of visitors.

By Easter of 1935 at least four hundred tents lined the esplanade, with many erected on vacant allotments, and the following Christmas a Shire Council ranger (R. Parkyn) was assigned to control campers in the town. Facilities however remained primitive, with campers reportedly begging water from private homes, and one makeshift convenience placed dangerously near the town’s only butcher shop. Maroochy Shire Council could not disregard these problems, with a flow of letters of complaint to the local press, and the embarrassing attention of the State’s Director-General of Health (Sir Raphael Cilento) who had erected a holiday home, ‘Land’s End,’ at Mooloolaba. In January 1938 the State Minister for Health (E.M. Hanlon, MLA), holidaying at Buderim and enjoying a daiLy surf at Mooloolaba, delivered an ultimatum to the Council to ‘provide adequate conveniences and facilities for visitors’, otherwise Cilento ‘would have this important matter seen to and charge the expense to the Authority concerned.’ Mooloolaba Surf Club also appears to have had some difficulties adapting to these changing times. More campers and bathers certainly meant the prospect of more donations and an awakening interest in life saving amongst a number of city youngsters a good number of whom had been first taught to swim by Club members or the Vennings in the Mooloolah River. The sheer number of visitors however created problems in adequate beach patrols. Possibly the direction of Club activities had been diverted by the purchase of the ‘hall in 1932’ certainly membership

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Christmas and Easter were popular times in the 1920s and 1930s for real estare promotions - when Mooloolaba was alive with campers and other visitors. This section of the old Cameron Estate was offered for auction on Boxing Day 1935.

numbers fell in 1933/34 - indeed no club minutes whatsoever were recorded in 1933, and Percy Jakeman’s report to the 1934 annual general meeting frankly stated that in 1933,’the club was heavily in debt (76 pounds 2/4) and active membership had fallen off at such an alarming rate that the club was really in the doldrums’. At a meeting in 1939 Vince Crosby recalled these days when Arthur Parkyn ‘had been a tower of strength when the Club was short of numbers’. Certainly the new influx of city visitors brought new ideas, expectations, and, most probably, diversions. certainly there were attempts at ‘sophistication’; in early 1934 new double breasted blazers, with Club badge on the pocket and silver buttons were ordered, and the first Club Queen, Miss Alma Salway was entered in the North Coast Life Savers’ Queen Contest in March 1935, however the following summer saw complaints both from Club officials and members of the Public over ‘the condition of the Club House and the conduct of members’, A special meeting held on Sunday 23 February 1936 appointed a management Committee consisting of A.M. Carlisle, A.B. Parkyn and Club Secretary V.J. Crosby. New regulations were introduced placing the Club house off limits to non-members, locking the building throughout the week, and introducing the option of expulsion. ‘Any member refusing to carry out duties allocated by an official shall on the first occasion be warned, the second suspended for one month, and third expelled’ Also, any member introducing and nominating a person for membership would in future be held responsible for that person. Certainly Mooloolaba was receiving a wide variety of visitors. The decision of the Queensland Big Game Fishermen’s Association to engage several local boats and to erect their scales on a huge frame on the jetty brought a very different class of visitor. The scales were officially opened on 17 January 1937, with a 90 pound black marlin

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caught by Frank Jensen. Brisbane businessman, and long time club supporter and honorary member Fred Z. Eager, with considerable big game fishing experience in the United States, brought his launch ‘Tangalooma’ to Mooloolaba, acquired a home there, and entertained a regular bevy of prominent guests. Mooloolaba for instance hosted a visit by Count Felix Von Luckner, as Eager’s guest, in August 1938. Von Luckner scored a 22 pound schnapper aboard Eager’s boat. THE NEW MOOLOOLABA PUB In April 1938 also the first guests were accommodated in the new two-storey, 21 bedroom, Hotel Mooloolaba, erected by J.J. McNulty on the Esplanade at a cost of over 10,000 pounds. Mooloolaba had previously relied upon guest houses as the only form of accommodation beyond houses and tents; it could now boast what for the time was modern hotel facilities, and a ready liquor outlet. Brisbane Truth enthused over the ‘continental charm’ of the new hotel, describing Mooloolaba as ‘Queensland’s coming Lido’. ‘Mooloolaba is one of the safest of all our surfing beaches, and for this reason, the proximity of the new Hotel Mooloolaba to the sea should commend itself to surfing enthusiasts, who when they wish to sunbathe may do so in the privacy of a beautifully equipped sun-porch, or the upper floor of the hotel’ The Hotel’s construction followed the decision of Queensland’s Governor, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, to erect a sizeable home at Dicky Beach, Caloundra, in 1937. Big game fishing, a vice-regal residence, prestige hotels - all indicated bright prospects for the North Coast. Mooloolaba could also boast a new State School in 1937 (opened 24 January 1938), five cafes, a butcher, a bakery, a fish shop, five stores, and a motor garage. A golf course was under construction in 1937, and two years later, on

Below: The Mooloolaba Hotel, constructed in 1938 overlooking the Pacific, was regarded as one of the most up-todate.

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The broad sweep of Mooloolaba's surfing beach, photographed in the mid-1930s, with the Surf Clubhouse ar left.

Saturday 16 1939, a cinema - the Pacific Theatre - opened with Bette Davis in ‘Dark Victory’, and yet the township was unable to meet everyday water requirements. A further sign of the town’s development had been the decision taken at the 1938 annual general meeting of the Mooloolaba Life Saving CIub to arrange finance for the erection of a new Club House. Shortly after the emergency meeting of February 1936 the Club had entered upon a new, business-like era,* voting for a new ‘dark maroon blazer, cut in single breasted style without braid, the badge on the pocket to represent a reel with the word MOOLOOLABA in block letters underneath’ and quotes were sought for a roll-neck cream sweater with a MOOLOOLABA woven in block letters considered suitable for the Club’s boat crew. (The latter had increasingly done the Mooloolaba Club proud, winning the Queensland Championship in early 1936, and over 1000 people had watched ‘Spray’ defeat the Maroochydore boat ‘Swan’at the Mooloolaba Life Saving Carnival on 28 December 1935.) PROPOSAL TO BUILD NEW CLUB HOUSE As early as the 1935 Annual General Meeting there was talk of a possible new club house; the old building now being regarded as an embarrassing eye sore, with some members openly wishing that the March 1936 cyclone might have only got a bit closer to it! That storm had seen enormous waves eat into the beaches at Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands. At Mooloolaba, the erosion almost reached the door of the Club boat sheds; the timber runway was lost, and the lookout tower was washed away. Secretary Vince Crosby suggested at this meeting that both the Club House and the hall (‘not the paying proposition it was intended’), should be offered to the Shire. In July 1937, however, an offer of 75 pounds was made by a Brisbane businessman for the Hall, and was accepted by the Club. Twelve months later plans for a new two storey building were on the drawing boards, with the Maroochy Shire Council willing to receive a deputation ‘regarding an approach to the State Government for a subsidized loan of 400 pounds over a term of fifteen years’. The Forgan Smith Government * It is interesting to note in this regard that no minutes of Club meetings were recorded between 9 August 1934 and 17 September 1935, More regular minutes were kept after February 1936.

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Mooloolaba beach photographed ca. 1936 showing the effect of cyclonic weather.

had recently adopted a more supportive approach to the life saving movement, providing a government subsidy of 7/6 in the pound to match public donations. This deputation took place on 15 November 1938, and within weeks work was underway on the building, to be erected on a site near the foårmer club house, granted to the Club by terms of 99-year lease. The Club undertook to make good a further 160 pound on the cost of construction, once again organizing raffles and fund raising. One of the club’s supporters, Mr. H.C. Blanch, even offered one of his prize heifers to be raffled in aid of the fund. Several weeks before the building was completed, Mooloolaba hosted the State Surf Championships on 29 January 1939, with a crowd of over three thousand on the beach, including the State Governor and official party. ‘Spray’ obtained second place in an exciting boat race, manned by A. parkyn, T. Thompson, B. Gold, G. Thomson and M. Thomson. In spite of its heavy construction, ‘Spray’ was narrowly defeated by Tweed Head and Coolangatta’s ‘Greenmount’. The new building was officially opened on Sunday 25 March 1939, by the Minister for Health and Home Affairs (Hon. E.M. Hanlon, MLA)

‘The building is a fine addition to the esplanade at Mooloolaba. It is a two-storey structure constructed of fibro sheeting and its modern design is enhanced by the addition of a roof of tuscan tiles. The plans for the building were the work of Mr. Theo Thynne, and nxany new ideas are incorporated for the special comfort and convenience of surf club members. On the ground floor there is a large assembly or dressing room and commodious bathroom fitted with three showers, septics and wash basin. The whole room has a red concrete floor. The space under the stairway is used for a lockup cupboard. The dormitory is furnished with stretchers for the members, and is 35ft. x 16ft. Two pairs of Frenchlight doors open on to the enclosed verandah. The whole of the timber used in the upperfloor is of crow’s ash. In place of the usual lookout tower is an open-air balcony 11ft, 6in, x 6ft. From here the patrol will haue an uninterrupted view of the whole of the beach, The casualty room has no connection with it, and has a door which leads out to the front. A convenient wash-basin is installed in one corner and the whole is lined, ceiled and insulated’ Electric power was even supplied to the new building. Attempts to sell the old clubhouse however proved unsuccessful and it remained for years as a cookhouse and dining ‘facility’, an archaic reminder of the earliest days of Mooloolaba Club.

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The new Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Clubhouse, erected in 1938/9, and officially opened by the Hon. E.M. Hanlon, M.L.A. on 26 March 1939. The architect was Theo Thynne.

Prominent at that official ceremony in 1939 were several men who for almost two decades had played a prominent role in the life of the Club, and without whom, Mooloolaba may well have suffered the same erratic fate as Caloundra. These were, notably, the Club’s long-term president, Percy Jakeman, now a prominent Mooloolaba real estate agent, whose overriding concern was the welfare and development of Mooloolaba; Club secretary Vincent J. Crosby, the Buderim ginger farmer, who handled the Club’s affairs, and who had married, in 1937, a Melbourne visitor to the Sunshine Coast, Miss Beryl Frances Keane. There were also present Frank O. Venning, ‘Pop’, State Secretary of the Royal Life Saving Society, and S.L.S.A. State Centre Secretary Joe Betts who had been instrumental in forming, the club and installed the first reel on Mooloolaba beach in 1923, Mr Venning recalled that

‘24 years ago, Councillor J.T. Lowe, Mr. Thos O’Connor, and others had asked Mr. Betts and himself to form a lifesaving club at Maroochydore. Eight years later a similar request had come from Mooloolaba, and it was the first time he had ever heard of the place. In 1923 he had the pleasure of opening the first shed for the Mooloolaba Club and on that occasion he had remarked that this was the finest beach in the whole of Australia, and he still thought so......’ Mooloolaba Club itself had enjoyed not only a physical reconstruction; it had emerged a strong and vibrant Club after its low point of 1933 to 1935. Pat Madden, who joined at the age of 18 in November 1935, recalls that at that date there were only seven club members who did not live in Buderim. Pat recalls that he joined the boat crew in December with the Thompson brothers and Arthur Parkyn and served as a crew member for eight or nine years. So many of the club members were farm lads that ‘grub’ at Mooloolaba Club often consisted of copious amounts of fruit, or home made fruit salad. In the late 1930s, however, an increasing number of Brisbane boys began to appear on the membership role; some were members of Eager’s Social Club, brought north by Bill

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Daley (F.Z. Eager was a Club patron). They were captained and instructed by Mooloolaba’s champion, Arthur Parkyn, who in 1939 had been selected as part of the Queensland team in the Sesquicentennial titles held at Bondi, a team which was the march past and came second in the R. & R. and Surf Teams Race. Arthur formed part of the R&R team and was Queensland standard bearer in the march past. That same year he joined part of the State Royal Life Saving team, competing in the Australian titles (Mooloolaba Club reaffiliated with the Royal Life Saving Sociefy in 1938). As an example of the Club’s improved experience, very much the work of Arthur Parkyn, Mooloolaba wrested the Farrell Cup from the holders, Maroochydore, at the conclusion of the opening ceremony of their new club House on 26 March 1939. Vince Crosby, who also wrote a surfing column in the local Nambour Chronicle broadcast the carnival proceedings from the lookout balcony, through radio supported by ‘Supreme Radio’ of Nambour. Cyrus McDonald, the Mooloolaba junior, took honours in the junior belt race, defeating E. Dunham of Maroochydore, and C. Cox (1) and Arthur Parkyn (2) beat Alexandra Headlands, S. Poole to cross the line in the beach sprint. Mooloolaba’s team (W. Isles, A. Cox, C. Cox, C. McDonald, L. Soden. and A.B. Parkyn) were third in the Rescue and Resuscitation. Those Club members participating in the march past were: W.L. Soden, A.B. Parkyn, A. Cox, B. Gold, C. Cox, N. Henkey, W. Isles, C. McDonald, P. Madden, G. Thomson, T.H. Irwin, G. Bolton, J. Irwin, J. Evans, w. Nelson, J. McDougall, T. Thomson, and A. Osborne. This was definitely one occasion when Mooloolaba’s stirring war-cry hit the heavens: Hi Ziggy Zoomba - Zoomba - Zoomba Hi Ziggy Zoomba - Zoomba - Zi (repeat) Blow Him Down You Mooloolaba Warrior Blow Him Down You Mooloolaba Chief Chief - Chief - Chief - ChiefHaaaa!

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chapter three

Thos e Fatef u l Ye ars : 1939-1945

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he outbreak of World War II in September 1939 had linle immediate impact upon the Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club. Christmas of that year saw record crowds on North Coast beaches; Mooloolaba, according to the Nambour Chronicle, was thronged with visitors, and the whole Esplanade was converted into “canvas town”. The Club kept full patrols on the beach and Bert Gold and Vince Crosby staged community song nights in the newly-opened Pacific Theatre. On Boxing Day 1939 the Club also staged displays on the main beach before large and appreciative crowds of visitors. Parking was now a major issue, with calls for better facilities, and complaints from disgruntled car owners that their vehicles became bogged in the numerous sand holes along the Esplanade. The Club itself was benefiting from its new building, attracting a number of young men from Brisbane. (The old club house was converted into a ‘fully equipped dining room for members’ in 1941). On 28 October 1939 it was agreed that a ‘party of members of Eagers Recreation Club’ use the clubrooms, no doubt organized by Club vice-president and local resident, Fred Z. Eager. Prominent among them was W.J. (Bill) Daley, captain of the Burleigh Heads-Mowbray Park Club for 1932-3, and vice-president for the 1931, 1934, 1935, and 1936 seasons. By 12 Janvary 1940, Vince Crosby was writing in the Nambour Chronicle that’Under Bill Daley the Mooloolaba team has modelled into a fine combination with good, all round ability.’ It would be the Mooloolaba R & R team which won the Wallace Bishop Cup as the champions of the North Coast branch two days later. Daley’s fellow team members were C. Cox, A. B. Parkyn, A. Cox, W. Isles, and C. McDonald. Daley also won the Senior Belt Championship that day. He would be elected Captain, Selector and Chief Instructor of the Club for the 1940/1 season. Spencer Webber, (Bronze, 29.12.40) a Club member in 1940 and 1941, recalled the days when he joined Mooloolaba and ‘came up with Bill Daley’ I joined the Army in late 1941, so would probably have only been active in the Club for two years from what I can establish..... I was an active member there in the days of Colin and Alan Michael, Edgar Steuens, Cyrus McDonald, Gordon Mulvenna, Arthur Parkyn, Pat Madden, Billy Isles and just before I left work to join up, I introduced my Boss, Bert Krebs, into the Club. We used to conme up from Brisbane with Bill Daley,

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Above: The Mooloolaba Surf Club March Past Team competing in the State Titles on their home beach in 1946. The team, which came second, included Col Michael (belt), Doug Mactaggart, Boppo Tallon, Carl Cilento, Ralph Soden, Ted Turner, Edgar Stevens.

usually in a utility, but I was among those who finished up in hospital when a tabletop truck in which we were travelling on oor way up there, ouerturned... Just after the old "Spray" was damaged, we needed a boat to put the buoys out for a Carnival we were holding at Mooloolaba, so somebody arranged to borrow the Caloundra boat. I was one of those who volunteered to row it back to Mooloolaba. What a long drag. I can recall we stopped for a swim several times on the way, to refresh ourselves. Who would have thought all that virgin beach would haue been developed to the extent that it is today.....No doubt you can recall the old clubhouse on the beach that we used as a "Mess Hut". Many were the times when I assisted to make up the fresh fruit salad from the fruit that Pat Madden and Billy Isles used to bring in from their farms. The 1940/1 season was to prove very different from that of 1939/40. The impact of war meant that by the time of the 1940 annual general meeting, some eleven members had joined the forces; - A. Cox, B. Gold, D.A. Veitch, A. Paris, A. Dawson, T. Thompson, C. Thompson, G. Thompson, A. Osborne and P. Jones, with the Club presenting them with wallets as a token of their appreciation. Further wallets were distributed in 1941. When J. Draper and C. Daley enlisted in the Air Force. The imposition of petrol rationing in October 1940 meant that far fewer Brisbane

T h o s e F a t e f u l Ye a r s : 1 9 3 9 - 1 9 4 5

motorists made it to the North Coast, and Brisbane members of the Club faced difficulties in making the trip. One of the more important motions at the 1940 AGM was that of Messrs. Daley and Carlisle that delegates to the branch be directed to move for adequate petrol for surf clubs. PATROL RATIONING

The Club’s Secretary (V.J. Crosby) was also asked to purchase 10 pounds worth of petrol for the requirements of Brisbane members. The numbers of young Brisbane members were now such that Bill Daley could not fit them all into one car, and it was arranged that Mr. J.D. Garland be contracted to ‘bring members up each fortnight for running expenses’ in his commercial Chev 1800. Wartime permits and adequate insurance had also to be organized, as the roads were dangerous in those days. That insurance policy proved a fortunate decision. When, as recalled previously by Spencer Webber, the truck lost control and overturned two miles north of the Redcliffe turnoff on Saturday 25 January 1941, it had been carrying twelve Club members north to the first State Titles to be held on Mooloolaba beach the following day. Five were

Top: Mooloolaba belt team, photographed in the 1940s. Bottom: The Mooloolaba R & R Team of 1940 won the Wallace Bishop Cup as North Coast branch champions The team consisted of Arthur Parkyn, Charlie Cox, Cyrus McDonald, Sam Cox, Bill Daley, Bill Isles.

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Sand flies in this action shot taken at Mooloolaba in the 1940s. Showing Ken Chadwick, Luke Heilbronn, Pat Madden and Bill Daley.

hospitalized; Donald Barry (17), F. Spencer Webber (17), Albert Pattison (21), and Gordon Mulvena (17). Chris Smaft (34), John Lynch (17) and Carol Daley were also injured. Only a week before, tragic news had been received when, on Saturday 18 January 1941 Club member Donald Andrew Veitch, 25, of Yeronga, affectionately known as “Skinny”, was killed in an R.A.A.F. plane crash. The Club would later also mourn the loss of Carol Daley, fighting for his country. Given these sad events, it was surprising that Mooloolaba performed as well as it did in the State Titles, with Vince Crosby writing that the Club’s R & R team ‘had the competition in the bag after they had won the swims so well, but their line and resuscitation work was the poorest seen from them since they started to build up their competition team over three years ago.’ Only a fortnight earlier, again at Mooloolaba, on 12 January 1941, the Club’s R & R team had helped again secure the Wa11ace Bishop Cup in the North Coast Branch finals. Colin Michael, described as ‘the dashing young Mooloolaba beltman’ took the Junior Belt; Sam Cox came first in theBeach Sprint, and the Mooloolaba Relay Team (Parkyn, Cox, Webber and Pattison)was also victorious. THE VISIT OF NOEL COWARD

The war impinged in other ways. Obviously well aware that the senior members of the Club might soon be ‘redeployed’ as the War worsened, Bill Daley announced his resignation as Captain on 27 January 1941. Authur Parkyn also resigned as ViceCaptain ‘pointing out that the Club would be failing in its duty if it did not fully exploit the youthful talent they had.’ Cyrus McDonald was accordingly elected Captain, and Alan Michael Vice-Captain, Long-term Club Secretary Vince J. Crosby resigned as Secretary in September, owing to wartime commitments. If fewer visitors came to Mooloolaba’s beaches after 1940, the town and the Club was unexpectedly featured by the national press in November 1940, because of one visitor in particular. The celebrated British playwright and entertainer, Noel Coward,

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in Australia on a whirlwind visit to raise funds for the Red Cross, chose Mooloolaba for a brief holiday, ‘cause its quietness appealed to him.’ Arriving on Friday 22 November, he was soon in the surf, visiting the Surf Club the following day. Arthur Parkyn, then the Vice Captain, accompanied him on a tour of inspection. He made himself quite at home and used the club room during the rest of his stay. Great interest was evinced by Mr. Coward in the life saving movement; he was keen to know all about it. ‘After a visit to Caloundra, he returned at 5.30 p.m.’ for a surf with the members of the Surf Club before dinner. Later in the evening he entertained a local party and thoroughly enjoyed ‘swapping yarns’. ‘He was very free and entertaining... he told the boys many of his globe-trotting experiences.’ In the morning he was again ‘in the surf with the lads’ at seven o’clock. THE BOYS VOLUNTEER

At the eighteenth Annual General Meeting in August 1940, the president P.L. Jakeman, a First World War and AIF veteran, reported that the following thirteen members were in the fighting forces:- B. Gold, B. Cole, C. Cox, D.A. Vietch, A. Sly, A. Paroz, A. Dawson, W. Stallard, Brothers T. & G. Thompson, A. Osbourne and P. Jones. He wished them ‘God Speed and a Safe Return.’ The outbreak of war in the Pacific, in December 1941, put paid to plans for club competition for some three years. With severe petrol rationing and holiday restrictions, few visitors arrived, and the Club’s new broadcast equipment, installed that year, addressed the smallest holiday crowds since the early ‘twenties. A dance band contracted to play at a Christmas ball was cancelled. A special meeting called for 4 January 1942 decided that, owing to military call-up, the Club would no longer be able to form quorums for meetings. The President (Percy Jakeman) and the Secretary Bill Daley were empowered to transact all club affats, and Club Captain R. Evans handed in his resignation as he expected to be posted overseas with the Army. State Centre Chief Superintendent Alan Kennedy had praised the patriotic readiness of Queensland’s

1942 AIF Squad depicting Club President Percy Jakeman, Arthur Parkyn and Bill Daley (sitting).

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life savers when addressing a demonstration day at Mooloolaba on 16 November 1941. Five hundred had joined up, and he gave them this tribute in verse: 'You would see the fellas lazin' as the summer sun was blazin' 'Where the long Pacific rollers meet the sand But they wouldn't waste a second if some troubled surfers beckoned, For trouble wasn't reckoned as they bring'em safe to shore. When our nation struck some trouble they were in it at the double, The same as when the waves were mountain high; So no wonder we keep thinking of the time when we'll be klinking All our glasses when we're drinking to them back here bye and bye!' Within months Mooloolaba beach itself was part of the nation's front line, as the threat of Japanese attack and invasion increased. Not only was the town subject to the total coastal blackout, but the town's sheltered beach, close to deep water, was believed to be a possible invasion point. Lengths of coiled barbed wire were stretched between Alexandra Headlands and Point Cartwright as a barrier. Only a small area was left for bathing purposes in front of the Club House, which was itself taken over by the Army as a radio facility until 1944, covered with camouflage nets. Club members had to make do with tents or other accommodation for the duration, and the 'Spray' was housed under a boatbuilder's residence. ('Spray' had suffered an accident in late 1947, and was 'laid up for repairs' at the time of Pearl Harbor). This was Mooloolaba beach as many visiting Australian and Allied service personnel first saw it. Servicemen were increasingly numbered amongst those in the surf in 1942 and 1943, especially as there were several large staging camps on the

1942 AIF Squad. Note in the background the barbed wire along beach.

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One of the few known photographs showing the barbed wire stretched between Alexandra Headlands and Point Cartwright during World War II as a defence precaution. Angus McDonald is at left of the reel.

North Coast and providing adequate surf life saving patrols was a major headache. During the war the few members at the club trained between thirty and fourty servicemen in Rescue & Resuscitation. Of these the following obtained their Bronze Medallions. AIF 2/9 Field Regiment - 29 November 1942 LILLY, Ian Henry Bronze 17997 FIAGGETT, Flarold Roy Bronze 17996 KENNEDY, Lionel James Bronze 17995 McDONALD, Angus Regis Bronze 17992 MUNGOVAN, John Francis Bronze 17993 WALKER, Daniel Bronze 17994 The 1942 Annual General Meeting was 'held before a very small membership owing to most of past members at present serving in various sections of the Fighting Forces.' Apart from Percy Jakeman, those in attendance were: L. Krebs, P. Madden, C. Michael, E. Evans, J. Hick, C. Cox, and W.J. Daley. The only item of General Business stated: 'Owing to present conditions the active section will not be able to operate every weekend but all available members have signified their intention to give all possible attention to endeavouring to find new members'.

This need for more manpower would lead, in 1943, to an active campaign to recruit secondary school boys to provide Christmas patrols. Arthur Parkyn was given the job of finding willing juniors, and put them through their Bronze tests as quickly as possible. The Tallons were originally from Yandina and in the 1930s had often camped opposite the Mooloolaba Hotel. As young employees of the Moreton Sugar Mill (Nambour), Jack and Ron ('Boppo') joined rhe club, obtaining their Bronzes on 16 January 1944, with Peter Lambert, Don Parkyn and Doug Mactaggart; fellow employees Rupert Dyne and Colin Page won their medallions on 9 April 1944.These latter three all served the club admirably. This second squad included Arthur Murray, originally recruited as a fourteen year old in 1941 and Ken Chadwick, grandson of foundation member Bill Bell. Ken's parents operated a local cafe.

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Ron Tallon recalls his introduction to the Club: 'During this time war clouds had formed and broken over most of the world. Apart from family worries about food and clothing coupons, petrol ration tickets and being constantly surrounded by army camps, life continued pretty harmoniously. Most of the lifesavers had gone off to war and activity at the beach was somewhat hampered by barbwire entanglements etc. Arthur Parkyn, Bill Isles, Pat Madden, Charlie and Sam Cox are names I recall as being around, sometime during those difficult days of maintaining a club. As we got a little older Arthur encouraged us around the clubhouse and we slowly became aware of what was expected of S.L.S.C. members. School days were over. Employment at Moreton Sugar Mill followed and after a settling in period, thoughts strayed back to Mooloolaba Beach, Fellow ernployees - brother Jack, Rupert Dyne, Colin Page - looking for weekend activity made applications to join the club, all gaining bronze awards by 9 April 1944. Percy Jakeman, Arthur Parkyn and Pat Madden were working hard to keep the club operative.'

Below: A superb photograph of a Mooloolaba belt team, photographed in the 1940s. Showing Jack Tallon (belt), Jack Hanson and Doug Mactaggart.

With transport becoming an increasingly difficult problem, those members resident in Brisbane actively trained at night at the Valley Baths or practised belt work, etc. in Perry Park. come the time for beach patrols, they would travel by train, leaving Roma Street station at 5.00 p.m. on Friday, arriving at Palmwoods or Woombye and taking a coordinated bus service to Mooloolaba. The fare in those days was 6/- rcturn, at a time when the weekly allowance was 25/- for transport and meals. The results of this active recruiting and training drive were praised in the local Nambour press, as efficient patrols were maintained and no serious surfing accidents

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occurred. Even the traditional Learn-to-Swim classes were held in the river during the Christmas holidays of 1943/4. David Birtwell, who joined the Club in 1940, receiving his bronze on 2l December and later his instructors and examiners certificate, remembers these years when juniors became the life-blood of the Club, under the tutelage of Arthur Parkyn and Bill Daley. 'The period of my involvement is from 1940 to 1947, during which time I was assistant secretary and treasurer understudying W.J. Daley, who devoted a great part of his life to the success and development of the M.S.L.S.C. and the Queensland Surf Lifesaving Mouement. After the Japanese entered the war in 1940, most of the senior members joined the armed services leaving the operations of the club in the hands of an enthusiastic bunch of mainly juniors, most of whom were apprentices in reserved occupations. Transport was a problem in those days for members living in Brisbane. The chief mode was by co-ordinated rail and road services, which was between Brisbane and, as the whim was exercised, Landsborough, Palmwoods, Woombye and on one occasion Nambour. The bus was a real bone shaker, an old Federal, with plain seats. The time of arrival in Mooloolaba was in the lap of the Gods. I recall on one trip we wanted to see the film "Gone with the Wind" which was being screened at "Pincher" Smith's picture theatre starting around 8pm and lasting 4 hours.'We arrived to see the last scene. The only times when the trip had any appeal was when the bus was relatiuely early and it stopped outside the Buderim Hall when a dance was being held. One day we were walking the beach when we came across heaps of flotsam, which included a number of fine oars which we took back to the boatshed. It wasn't for some time that we knew that the oars and flotsam came from the hospital ship "CENTAUR" torpedoed off Point Lookout in May 1943. (When the Australian Hospital Ship "Centaur" was torpedoed by Japanese 23 miles east of Point Lookout at 4.1O am on 14 May 1943, 268 Australians perished. The "Centaur" was marked and illuminated as a Hospital Ship in accordance with the Geneua Conuention.) This is the true account of how the "THE SPRAY" was wrecked. The good boat "THE SPRAY" was our tried and trusty surfboat. Built by the Kuskopf Bros. sometime before the war. She was cedar planked and for its time was a first class boat. Compared to the modern surfboat all one could say was "they looked alike". "THE SPRAY" was very heavy and it took about eight to ten blokes to roll it out of the boatshed into the surf. On the fateful day we had a very inexperienced crew about to show all their prowess as boatmen. We managed to get the boat afloat with the bowmen in position, the strokemen and myself steadying the boat ready to push off into the sea at the right time which duly arrived. The sea was running about a metre when we got down to rowing with all oars working. As I jumped into the boat the sweep oar was high and as I grabbed at it to pull it down, the rowlock jammed with the sweep oar about 2O

Above: Queensland's Governor, Sir Leslie Wilson (Centre) with the Hon. Frank Nicklin, M.L.A. (a North Coast Branch official) (at left) speaks to Mooloolaba Club Captain Col Michael at a post war carnival at Caloundra.

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Above: A panoramic shot over Mooloolaba Esplanade, ca. 1945, crowded with holiday campers and mororists. Below: Holiday makers attended sing-alongs in the Pacific Theatre to raise funds for the Club. This photograph was taken at Christmas 1940, with Club President Percy Jakeman second from left in the second front row.

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Above: A traffic scene of holiday makers, early post war period. Below: A training session in the heavy ‘Spray’, on the Mooloolah River.

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degrees off the vertical. With me trying to free the oar the rowers stopped rowing and the consequence being we lost way and the next wave was higher and steeper so we slid back on the wave, the sweep oar dug into the sand ripping the stern post completely out of the boat. We were catered for by Mrs. Tom Durbidge, the local fisherman's wife who had a small cafe near the clubhouse on the Esplanade, Being a fisherman's wife, she excelled in the preparation and cooking of fish, which was mainly mackerel, and if you are fed fish three times a day it is not long before young growing lads crave for a big juicy steak which was not forthcoming and you can imagine the delight when savoury mince appeared on the menu. one morning for breakfast, but this was never to be repeated. As a last desperate measure we managed to con the butcher, whose son was a new member, to give us some steak without food coupons. We duly got the cookhouse back into service and had the best meal for weeks. Due to the conditions of transport and other factors generated by the demands of our armed forces, the members resident in Brisbane were forced to train in reel, line and beltwork at Perry Park in Newstead and swim training at the Valley Baths. Training was done at night and the attendances at these training sessions were great. I cannot remember any sessions being cancelled for lack of members. I can recall a visit to Mooloolaba Club by the then Superintendent of the Queensland Head Centre of the Surf Life Saving Association, Alan Kennedy. It was his only visit to our Club during his term as Superintendent. He brought us up to date in the latest training methods as depicted in the latest Surf Association handbook. On first joining the Club, I was given a fairly comprehensive briefing of the part I would have to play as a member of the club by the club captain Joe Evans, who took his responsibilities very seriously much to the discomfort of any member who reneged on his duties. Discipline was firm but fair, and it showed up by the fact that all members had a very good appreciation of what was demanded of them. Donations from noted people were actively sought. Those who gave generously were promptly made Vice Presidents. The usual raffles were conducted mainly during the holiday breaks at Easter and Christmas and New Year. But the greatest challenge to any fund raiser was the house to house, tent to tent collections on Christmas and New Year's Eves, with the latter the most dangerous. The people were kind and generous on these occasions, sometimes too kind, how we arrived back at the clubhouse in the wee hours of the morning clutching our collection bags with grim determination, stuttering and stammering as we tripped into the clubhouse, I will never know?'

The first major interclub competitions held since 1941, were contested at Kirra on 30 January 1944, with the inclusion of an A.I.F. team. North Coast surf trials were held at Maroochydore a week earlier. Mooloolaba boys selected were Peter Lambert, who joined in 1943, for the Belt Championship, and Don Parkyn for the Surf Championship. Parkyn came second in the Junior surf to Nev Brough of Surfers Paradise. When the first North Coast Branch championships for four years were held on its home on 14 January 1945, Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club was emerging as a force to be reckoned with under the instruction of Arthur Parkyn and Bill Daley. The Club House had been returned by the Army in 1944, and after a thorough renovation was as good as new, with public showers erected under the tank stand that year, ten double-deck beds purchased and the dining room reopened under the control of Jack Hanson. Christmas of 1944 also saw surfers entertained by the Club's beach broadcasts for the first time since 1941, and a surf carnival with Maroochydore Club was held on Mooloolaba beach on Boxing Day. That day both the Belt Race and the

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Surf Race were won by Col Michael. 'A spectacular sack-ball match was staged, and a demonstration of Eve's Rocking Method of resuscitation given.' The Branch championships three weeks later saw Mooloolaba's Captain Col Michael take the Senior Belt Race and the Junior Surf; the Junior Surf was won by Don Parkyn, and fourteen year old R. Soden won the Open Junior event. A fortnight later State Titles were contested at Burleigh Heads, with Mooloolaba's R & R team narrowly beaten for second place by Southport and Don Parkyn taking first in the Junior Open Championship. 1945 was not only a memorable year for the defeat of the Axis Powers, the return of peace and the reunion of so many families. The 1945/6 season would prove the most successful season since the Club's inception. Mooloolaba achieved the status of Champion North Coast Club at the Branch Finals held at Caloundra; the Club's R & R team of C. Michael, C. Inwood, R. Tallon, D. Mactaggart, J. Tallon and J. Hanson taking the honours. His Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Wilson also presented the March Past Trophy to Mooloolaba, The same R & R were runners up in the Senior R & R at the State Titles held at Mooloolaba on 27 January 1945 in front of a crowd of 5000 spectators, many of whom had motored from Brisbane in spite of continued petrol rationing. Even before these results, the Club had recognized the achievements of Bill Daley, Arthur Parkyn and Bill Isles by granting them life membership in September 1945. The end of the War in 1945 saw the Club in a compantively sound financial position, the result of a steady flow of donations and a number of successful social functions. Bank assets at the Bank of New South Vales, Fortitude Valley, totalled some 359 pounds 5/- by July 7946. Entertainments alone had brought in 68 pounds 6/- in the 1945/6 season, and the launch of an appeal for a new surf boat that season saw local publican Ernie Skipper single-handedly assume much of the fund-raising. The genesis of what would become a highly-active social committee was formed in 1945, with the appointment of Bob Bruce, Pat Madden, Bill Isles and Doug Mactaggart one of their very first efforts took place on Boxing Day 1945, when an amusing burlesque, presented by some of the local boys' entertained spectators at the close of a beach carnival between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore Clubs. Also that season Norm Miller introduced an outstanding junior swimmer Rodney 'Buck' Rogers. Vale. Rodney "Buck" Rogers 4.12.1996 Whilst reading this draft of the History we were saddened to hear of the untimely demise of "Buck", after a short and sadden illness. His contemporaries will remember him.

Above: Young Barry Daley photographed by the Courier Mail in November 1940.

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The Spirit of Australia Members in the Forces

Percy Jakeman 1st A.I.F. France, 1916.

Alan Sly Chief Petty Officer R.A.N. 1922-1946.

Carol Daley (Bronze 29.12.1940). Lost his life while serving with Bomber Command over Malta in 1941.

Jack Venning, R.A.N. 1940-1945.

Alan 'Bub' Evans, QX 23801 1st Australian Armored Corps, A.I.F. 1940-1945.

Members in the Forces

The Spirit of Australia Members in the Forces

Sergeant Ken Potts 3 R.A.R. Malaysia and Korea 1951-1957.

Edgar Stephens 57th Australian Tpt. A.I.F. 1941-1946.

Benn Dunn photographed in 1985, one year before leaving the R.A.N. He served as Australian Defence Attache to Japan and Australian Representative to the United Nations Command in Korea.

Greg Hargreaves 107 Field Battery, 4 Field Regiment R.A.A., Vietnam 1969-1970.

Doug Schmidt 107 Field Battery, 4 Field Regiment R.A.A., Vietnam 1969-1970.

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chapter Four

The B eg inning of t he G olden Era : 1945-1960

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he beach became a basic part of Australian culture in the post-war years, and the life saving movement a national institution, enshrining those values of mateship and open-handed democracy which the nation had fought so hard to safeguard between 1939 and 1945. Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club’s post-war years are remembered by an older generation of members not only for the many lifelong friendships formed in those years, but also for the extent of community support for the Club and the movement as a whole. The decade 1945 to 1955 is also remembered as one in which a small, comparatively unknown Club rose to be Champion Club of Australia, and become known as ‘cradle’ for State and National surfing administrators.

Mooloolaba Club members photographed at the old boat shed, during the 1950 State Championships, held at Mooloolaba. Photo includes: Rod Downes, Rod Rodgers, Bill Granville, Barry Daley, Tom Keegan, Les Laurence, Tom Hickey and Harry Hughes.

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Keith Blake's truck loaded with members on their way to the 1951 State Titles at Bargara. This was long before seat belts were compulsory!

MEMBERSHIP

Below: Keith Blake photographed with his 'Mighy Mouse' truck. 'Blakey' would collect Club members each Friday evening at the Valley Baths and Sandgate, anytime between 7pm and 10pm.

Membership rose rapidly in the post-war years, with a fair number of Churchie, Brisbane Grammar and State High boys being recruited into the ranks by 1949. Numbers trebled in little over three years, including several members of Valley and Sandgate Swimming Clubs. The Club's principal sponsor was Peter's Ice Cream, which paid fares by rail and bus from 1944 to 1947. ln 1947/8 Edgar Stevens (29.12.1940) offered his truck, and then Club member Keith Blake, a landscape gardener, (who joined the Club in the 1949/50 season) would collect them at the Valley Baths and at Sandgate on Friday evenings in his famous 'Mighry Mouse' truck, anytime between 7 pm and 10 pm, and bring them up the Coast. This was long before the days of seatbelts, and breathalysers. Photographs of Blake's truck with its 'Ex-R.A.A.F. Carrier For Hire' sign, and a tray load of Mooloolaba boys, would suggest something less than a comfortable ride. At times they would come across Buderim, over badly corrugated roads and break the boredom by standing on the tray, judiciously avoiding branches. ('Soccer' Smart thereby lost his front teeth, being described by Peter Lambert as 'the only man to ringbark his teeth on Buderim'!) They were a very mixed bag; secondary students, medical students, tradesmen, farmers, office workers, who necessarily taught each other a good deal about life, some of course more than others. Club President Percy Jakeman run a fairly disciplined ship, but allowed a tolerable deal of good-natured fun. Mooloolaba was no place for the intolerant, the narrowminded or prurient, and the Clubhouse and its environs provided many a young man, away from home for the first time, with his first real education in life (and the amber ale). For many, District, State and National carnivals provided them with their first chance to travel; on 'Blakey's' truck, or on one of the three motorcycles which publicized the Club in the mid-'forties. Charlie Inwood recalls: ‘From 1944 to 1946 our only means of travelling to carnivals on the

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T h e B e g i n n i n g o f t h e G o l d e n Ye a r s : 1 9 4 5 - 1 9 6 0

INSETS - P. Jakeman (President), A.B. Parkyn (Chief Instructor), C. Michael (North Coast Senior Champion Life Saver), R. Tallon (Hon. Secretary - Resigned) BACK Row - R.W. Cox, D.F. Darben, AJ. Hanson, W.G. Dearlove, C.P. Davies, M.W. Gregory, R. McGregor CENTRE Row - H.M. Hughes, G.C. Baker, L.J. Laurence, B.O. James, A. Murray, E.C. Turner, L. Heilbronn, C.A. Everingham, R.E. McKinnon FRONT Row - K. Chadwick (Vice-Captain), E.C. Stevens, D.C. Mactaggart, F.O. Venning (Trustee), C.V. Inwood (Captain), J.E. Venning (Hon. Secretary), B. Davies (North Coast Junior and Club Champion), J.B. Dearlove (Aust. Hon. Secretary), R.R. Hodgson.

north or south coast beaches was by motor cycle. In those days only the six members of the R & R participated. Ron Tallon, Doug Mactaggart, and Col Michael had the bikes and Jack Hanson, Jack Tallon and myself rode pillion. On the front mudguard, plates were made and fixed onto the mudguard. On both sides of the plate spelt the name MOOLOOLABA. The first bike's plate spelt MOO, the second LOO, and the third LABA. The bikes always travelled in this formation,'

Many were also away from home for Christmas and the Club served as 'family', with locals and campers often providing the fare for a memorable Christmas dinner. Members' families also pitched in. Charlie Inwood can recall one particular Christmas in the late 'forties Sister Sinclair (nurse to Dr. A. D. Mayes) always provided four roast chooks for dinner: 'My father had a small farm and he gave me two ducks for Christmas dinner. I had the ducks in a box with wire mesh over the top and I had to carry these ducks to work. On the Friday night I lumped these ducks from Margaret Street to Roma Street station. On arriving at Mooloolaba we erected a 4 foot enclosure around the tank stand. For about a week those ducks lived like kings, they were given all the leftovers from the members meals. On Xmas morning Brian Dauies and myself were rostered to rise at 5am to dress the ducks, peel the pumpkins and potatoes for Mrs Daley to cook for dinner. When we went to get the ducks they were both lying on their backs, dead as

Mooloolaba Sports and Life Saving Club members, photographed during the 1947-48 season.

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doornails with legs and wings as still as iron girders on the story bridge. Brian said "What do we do now?" I said grab a bloody duck and follow me. So over the sand hills we went and got the stove fire going full belt heating up a 4 gallon tin of water. When the water boiled we put it into a big iron tub. I told Brian to start on the pumpkins and potatoes while I worked on the ducks in the hot water to get their legs and wings moving. I eventually got everything back to normal on the ducks but when I chopped their heads off there was no blood. Brian said to me "Where are you having dinner, after seeing what I have just seen you had better have dinner down at our place". Thankfully no one died of food poisoning.

Left: Mooloolaba boys having a good time at Bundaberg in 1947"

Far right: Bruce Pitman photographed at Easter 1952 with River Esplanade in the background.

Left: Bruce Pitman did not seem to attract much attention in this stunning number, Mooloolaba, Christmas 1950/1.

Far right: Keith Blake promotes Bulimba Beer in an early 1950s Mooloolaba Wheel Barrow Race.

The friendships forged in the bunkroom and on the beach in those years were an important element of the Club's success. The youngsters from Brisbane may have had differing backgrounds and expectations to the country lads who had been the backbone of the Club in the 'twenties. However their loyalty and respect for such earlier Club members as President Percy Jakeman, Frank Venning (who retired to Mooloolaba in 1949 and who was elected one of the Club's Vice-Presidents in 1948 and President in 1954), and instructor Arthur Parkyn was unquestioned.

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Club Activity 195Os Style By Ted Turner

The blue print for an efficient disciplined and conmpetitiue Club comprised 36-40 members; in our case it allowed for junior and senior R & R teams and separate surf teams. Student members were usually unable to meet the mid-week training schedules required of R & R's. So the lead up to Christmas was, firstly only members who had met training attendance and patrol commitments were approved to use the Clubhouse. Six patrols each six members, on duty 6.OO am - 6.00 pm Saturday and Sunday. All members participating, in addition to daily surf races, march past, R & Rs, beach relays, musical flags and craft training then back to beach patrols, cook house roster where Lennie Evans held court for many years; and clubhouse cleaning. Between times, usually late afternoon cancert practice took place with Ruth Roberts schooling some very masculine and inept members in ballet. Beach collection; Courier Mail Sand Gardens; First Aid; (Graham French in charge) beach broadcasting Col Davies and others brought out many hidden talents, in our members, learn to swim classes organized by A. B. parkyn and Chas Inwood operated for ten days, many years later mature men would remark they learned to swim at Christmas classes, The days ended usually with a visit in group to Maroochydore dance. The club transport, often the Davies family Morris 8.40 tourer with international footballer Brian occupying half front seat and the remaining 6 doubling up; the space age maroon Willy's tour 1940 model of Boppo's, latter years saw Ted Turner, Hillman 1939 Soccer Smart Austin 1934; Jack Venning's new 1948 Vauxhall Tour was the show piece and of course Keith B's two trucks with Mickey Mouse and Superman emblazoned on the sides. The image of this efficient, competitive, popular Surf Club, supported generously by an appreciative surfing public prevailed from 1945 - 1960. Many factors combined to create such an effective wholly amateur and voluntary entity. Most influential were: • For almost 25 years the northside suburb of Sandgate and its Australian Rules Club were a major source of recruits. Commnencing in 1936 with Cyrus MacDonald then Edgar Steven, provided many, good club members. In all 25 obtained their Bronzes at Mooloolaba during that pertod. Cyrus was a school boy representative in both swimming and Australian Rules Football who became Club Captain at a very early age in the war years. Members to gain State Championship status in this period in many consecutive Junior, R & R wins were:- Colin 'soccer' Smart, John 'Shadda' Sheehan, Bob 'Rasco' Clark, Jim 'Horsehead' Burnett. Mooloolaba Championship Junior R & R Team Kissing Point Townsville 16.2.1952 included Smart, Sheehan, Clark R and Burnett whilst a Greenmount Queensland Championships 21.3.1954 the winning Beach Relay included Ron Albury, Tom Broadbent, Frank Guildford and Brothers R.L. Player Jim Gallagher, All these members spent summers and winters in companionship moulding freindship enduring 50 years later.

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• Transport was primarily by club truck, limited through the war by petrol rationing, but most popular post war. Edgar Stevens drove his boss’ truck, followed by Keith Blake who for carnivals also used his second truck. Most members travelled together, prepared to accept the discomfort in the open truck for the advantage of continuous comedy on the trip. • The club that plays and works together obviously stays together. On arrival members sought their bunks. Patrols were rostered on the notice board. Kitchen patrols prepared meals, few eating alternatives existed, trained and competed as a single team. Outside of the armed services, the lifesaving movement of the period throughout Queensland disciplined, trained, and housed its members very successfully. A comradeship developed and endured for the life time of members. Many anonymous acts of generosity, thoughtfulness were acknowledged. Money was available to the needy, compassion was shown, and overnight bed was always available. Dr A. Mayes was always available to tend injured or ailing. Here I believe commenced one of ‘the golden eras’ of Club History, season 1952/1953. As Club Junior Vlce President W.J. Daley was close to the actian with his wealth of instructianal and competitive experience. Whilst the following comprised such a cohesive and progressive committee rarely seen in the post era, Boppo Tallon, Captain; Chas Inwood, Vice Captain; Ted Turner, Secretary; Bruce Pitman, Treasurer; Jack Dearlove, Chief Instructor; Norm Llewellyn, Social Secretary (Norm then employed at Radio Station 4BH, a mastermind behind Rumpus Room, brought a wealth af knowledge, contacts and facilities to the social scene. Col Davies, Publicity officer and a Social Committee comprising such notable Club Social Lions as Jack Venning, Max Wilson. Here is a record of a brief litany of succes for the period: • 1954 Clubhouse extensions doubled size of existing building. • 1952 Mooloolaba Revue Staged in Brisbane Rialto Theatre then Chrtstmas at Coast. • 1950/1956 Club revenue and, government subsidy amongst highest in Queensland. • 1953 Arthur Parkyn selected as only Queensland Rresentative in Ampol International Hawaii. • Junior R & R Queensland Championships five wins fron six seasons. (“the only lost opportunity occasioned by injury and subsequent disqualification is exptained later”). • 1954 Australian Champian R & R Team Seniors 1956 Australian Champion R & R Team Juniors • 1955 J.B. Dearlove appointed State superintendent Queensland Surf Lifesaving Associatian of Australia. • 1950 March 26 Queensland Beach Relay champions J. Banlett, C. Davies, B. Davies, D. Darben 1954 March 21 Queensland Beach Relay champions R. Albury, T. Broadbent, F. Guildford, J. Gallagher

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COMPETITION

Regular training for Brisbane members took place during the year (especially after the end of the football season) at Ithaca, West End and Valley Baths, Perry Park and the Paddington Playground. At Mooloolaba there was also the rigorous instruction of juniors during the season, in preparation for their Bronze trials, and preparation for competitors in North Coast Branch competition. Bill Daley, Arthur Parkyn, Ron Tallon and Jack Dearlove laid the foundations for the Club's superb performance at State and National level in that era. Mooloolaba Club's record of success in the first post-war decade still makes an impressive story today. Junior results were particularly outstanding in the post-war years; in 1947 the Club's Junior Team of R. Rogers, B. Hanson, D. Michael and B. Davies, took out a First in the State Titles held at Coolangatta on 6 April. They went on to take a second against Merewether in the first National Titles to be held in Queensland, at Greenmount. In 1949 at the State Trials at Greenmount, Mooloolaba managed a good second in the Junior R & R with a team consisting of K. potts, G. Baker, L. Laurence, D. Darben, B. Dunn and R. Hogarth, (Roy Hogarth also took first place in the Junior Belt at these Titles.) Two years later the Junior R. & R. team of T. Hickey, J. Burnett, R. Pike, D. Kirkcaldie, C. Smart and G. James took out first place in the State Trials at Neilsens Park, Bundaberg, under the instruction of Jack Dearlove. (A memorable celebratory 'binge' followed that victory!) This meant that, for the first time in the Club's history, a Mooloolaba team represented Queensland interstate in the National Titles, held that year at Scarborough in Western Australia on 24 March 1951. Percy Jakeman had passed to his reward only six weeks earlier on 3 February, and the Juniors that day did his memory, their Club and Queensland proud by returning home with second placing against Bondi. Mooloolaba again took a First with their Junior R & R team in the State Titles held at Townsville on 15 February 1952, (J. Burnett, J. Sheehan, D. Quinn, R. Clarke, D. Kirkcaldie, and C. Smart). Mooloolaba thereby again represented Queensland in the National Titles held at North Wollongong on 15 March 1952, where they once again took second placing, this time against Manly. A Junior Surf Team, consisting of J. Bartlett, D. Quinn, J. Burnett and T. Hickey, scored a First at the State Titles held on their home beach in 1950. A Mooloolaba Junior Surf Team of J. Bartlett, K. Potts, G. Baker and T. Hickey accordingly represented Queensland in the National Titles at Greenmount on 9 April 1950, coming second to Merewether. Jack Dearlove's formidable skills as Chief Instructor also came to the fore in 1954 when the Junior R & R team of D. Payne, B. Daley, D. Logan, K. McKinnon, R. ('Atom') Power and C. Weir took First in the State Titles held at Greenmount on 21. March. Their success also

Below: Mooloolaba's March Past Team, with their distinctive lightning bolt uniform, in the 1940s

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Above: Beltman Darryle Payne churns the sand during competitions at Mooloolaba in the early 1950s. Below: Mooloolaba’s Senior R & R Team, photographed at Burleigh Heads on 18 January 1953 (left to right) Brian Dawson, Rene Pike, Harry Hughes, Les Laurence, Tommy Hickey, Dave Kirkcaldie.

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Above: Mooloolaba’s Junior R & R Team, photographed at Burleigh Heads, 18 January 1953. Includes: Darryle Payne, Ron Power, Ken McKinnon, Col Weir, David Cilento, Bill Granville. Below: A proud Mooloolaba March Past Team photographed at Burleigh in 1953.

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owed much to the training skills of former Mooloolaba Captain Bill Daley and State Centre Superintendent from 1947 to 1955, who had coached both his son Barry and Darryle Payne to championship class. A Mooloolaba Junior R & R team would take out firsts in the two succeeding State Titles, held at Neilsens Park in 1955 and at Dickey Beach in 1956. The respective teams comprised: (1955) D. Logan, K. McKinnon, G. Grossett, Ted Clark, B. Blake, and P. Venning, and (1956) R. Roberts, D. Petersen, G. Grossett, R. Parkyn, Ted Clark, and Peter Venning. The Club's major success, however, came in 1955 with the remarkable achievement of the Senior R & R Team in both State and National Titles. At Neilsens Park on 20 February, the Mooloolaba team consisting of Bill Granville, Barry Daley, Brian Davies, Roy Evans, Darryle Payne and Les Laurence, under Jack Dearlove's instruction, had taken out the Queensland Title. Accordingly, the same team represented their State at the Australian Championships held at North Steyne Beach, Manly on 13 March. Their victory against Manly and South Narrabeen in the premier event of the Carnival calender made Mooloolaba a familiar name in national surf life saving circles, especially as the results were heatedly contested by Above: Mooloolaba's Darryle Payne receives third placing for the Queensland Junior R & R Team in the Australian Titles, North Wollongong 1952.

Manly. The Sydney Sun-Herald headlined on 13 March 1955: 'PROTEST BY MANLY OVER WRONG PEG IN R. & R. Queensland Team Takes Aust. Title …' Manly team lodged its protest after Mooloolaba marched to an incorrectly placed peg on the beach before its resuscitation drill. The committee of protest dismissed the protest after a 2O-minute hearing.' The 1954-5 Mooloolaba Club's Annual Report summed up the euphoria of that win, stating 'this year has been the year of greatest achievement since the inauguration of the Club in 1922... Competitively this year has been the climax to thirty-three years of experience and endeavour by Club members. Every so often in the history of a club, there comes a time, mostly by chance, when men of exceptional swimming ability and determination are drawn together. This combination of men, moulded and guided by Instructors of the old school, to whom Life Saving has become an obsession, goes into competition against other clubs and achieves the best possible result :- Victory.' Six years earlier, the Honorary Secretary Jack Venning had wisely predicted such success, stating 'It will take time for the Club to gain the Title of Premier Club of the State. Once it has and holds that title, the next climb is to that of the premier Club of Australia.' The name of Brian Davies, a member of the champion team, and Club Captain

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in 1951-2 had also provided Mooloolaba with public attention. Davies was one of Australia's champion Rugby League forwards, having played with Brisbane Brothers and represented the State at the age of 18. Both in 1952 and 1956 he toured with the Kangaroos (and described aspects of the initial trip in the Mooloolaba Club's 1952-3 Annual Report). In 1958 he would captain the Australia-England test game in Brisbane, and in later years play for Canterbury-Bankstown and coach St. George and his old Brothers side whilst Colin Weir (Bronze. 22.11.1952), a Brisbane West Rugby League player gained Australian Test selection in 1960 against France. A number of prominent footballers joined Mooloolaba in this period, keeping fit during the summer months. Examples were Dave Kirkcaldie, Frank Guildford, T. Broadbent, and Ron Albury, who represented Queensland for Australian Rules, whilst Edgar Stevens had also represented Queensland for many years, if somewhat earlier. Mooloolaba's success under Jack Dearlove's superb coaching was also in evidence in 1956, when the Club's Junior R & R team represented Queensland in the Australian Surf Titles held at Torquay, Victoria and took first placing. Jack Dearlove was by then rapidly gaining a name both for his coaching and administrative skills. He had served as instructor to the Queensland Teams at the 1952 interstate competitions and managed the Queensland team at the 1954 Royal Tour Surf Carnival at Bondi (when the Mooloolaba representatives were Les Laurence, Keith Blake and Darryle Payne). Dearlove also served as Instructor to the Queensland Team in the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Interstate Competitions. Mooloolaba's 1956 Junior R & R team comprised Ron Roberts, Dan Petersen, Jim Grossett, Ron Parkyn, Ted Clark, and Ross Venning. Ted Clark remembers the event well: 'As you would expect, having the Australian Surf Titles in conjunction with the Olympic Games, accommodation was as scarce as surf at Redcliffe Beach. So when we all disembarked at the Melbourne Showgrounds, we didn't haue a clue what to expect. 'We entered this enormous pavilion which reminded me of a football field with a roof over it. It stuck us as funny because the floor was completely covered with stretchers and mattresses - somewhere between 400 and 5OO bunks, all set out in neat rows ... but not a wardrobe in sight. One thing was certain though, if you stayed out late at night you could always be certain of finding a bed. But not necessarily the one you were allocated. And I thought Mooloolaba Club House could be crowded at Christmas time!'

Mooloolaba was also represented at Torquay in other ways. The Queensland State Representative Team included Barry Daley and Trevor Cichero. There was also the very familiar face of Arthur Parkyn, who had been transferred to Bundaberg in 1948, but who was still regarded very much as a Mooloolaba man, and a proud Life Member. When an instructional team of Australian life savers was

Below: Brisbane State High School's postwar contribution to Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club Roy Hogarth, held aloft by (l to r) Benn Dunn, Gary Baker, Ken Potts, Don Darber, Les Laurence. This photograph was taken during the successful 1948/49 season.

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Above: A 1950s Mooloolaba March Past Team; winner of the North Coast Championships at Caloundra. Below: Mooloolaba’s Champion Senior R & R Team at the Australian Titles held at North Steyne, NSW, in 1955. (left to right) B. Daley, B. Davies, W. Granville, R. Evans, L. Laurence, and D. Payne.

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Above: Mooloolaba’s Senior R & R Team, photographed in 1954. Including Roy Evans and Les Laurence. Below: Mooloolaba’s March Past Team competing in the annual inter-club carnival, January 1954.

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Above: Demonstration of the Hoiger-Neilsen resuscitation method by Mooloolaba members, King George Square, ca. 1953. Resuscitation Team (left to right) Darryle Payne, Barry Daley and Ron power. Patients: (left to right) Ken McKinnon, Reg Collins, -. Below: Keith Blake, winner of the Single Ski in the 1953/4 Branch Titles.

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Above: Mooloolaba’s Champion Team are congratulated at North Steyne, Manly, 11 March 1955. Includes: Darryle Payne, Les Laurence, Roy “Torsa” Evans, Bill Granville, Brian Davies and Barry Daley Below: Beach sprint during inter-Club championships at Mooloolaba.

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Queensland's Governor Sir Henry Abel Smith, photographed in December 1958, on the stern of Mooloolaba's boat, with Club Captain Charlie Inwood leaning at right and Arthur Parkyn.

selected in 1953, under the sponsorship of Ampol Petroleum Ltd., to visit Hawaii, Arthur had been chosen as the Queensland representative, and was appointed ViceCaptain. He provided instruction in Australian surf methods, to Marines at Pearl Harbour and subsequently trained members of the Hauula and Laie Bay clubs, and was conferred Honorary Life Membership of both. In 1956 Arthur was invited to return by the Hawaiian Surf Life Saving Association to assist with the preparation of an Hawaiian team for the Olympic Surf Carnival to be held at Torquay that year. Arthur's success in introducing Australian life saving methods in the United States was capped by his role, together with U.S. surf official 'Bud' Stevenson, in forming the Surf Life Saving Association of America September 1956. Subsequently both Hawaiian and mainland United States teams performed successfully at Torquay, when they introduced balsa Malibu-type surf boards to Australia for the first time. The first Malibu board produced in Australia was made by Gordon Woods of Sydney from a prototype given him by Arthur Parkyn. Arthur was subsequently given this board, which now proudly forms part of the collection of the Surfing Museum at Torquay. Jack Dearlove's rise within the State Centre necessarily restricted his time with Mooloolaba after his appointment as Superintendent of Instruction and Examination in the 1955-6 season, and for whatever reason, Mooloolaba's record of success in Branch, State and National titles after 1955 paled in comparison with the more heady days of 1954/1956. There were, however, some notable exceptions. Ross Venning, another member of that famous family, did Mooloolaba proud in 1958 by winning the Open Junior Surf in the State Titles at Palm Beach. The Club's March past Team also took out First in the Branch finals at Mooloolaba, and also in the State Titles. This was truly a surprising spark in the Club's history, as its March Past teams had never previously performed well in State Titles. The victory of Mooloolaba's boat crew in the Senior Boat at the State Titles ar Neilsens Park in 1960 would also be a 'first' for the Club. The crew consisted of sweep, Harry Hughes; stroke, Geoff Jones; second stroke, Lex Muirhead; second bow, Bob'wagner;

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Mooloolaba won all three motorized surf boats offered for competition by the South Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce, between 1957 and 1960. This photograph shows (left to right) Ron Power, Trevor Webb, Col Weir, Darryle Payne, Barry Daley, Harry Hughes.

bow, Perce Hadwen, and reserve, Ken McKinnon. As the 1959/60 Annual Report stated: 'Full credit for the crew's success must go to the Boat caplain, Harry Hughes, for not only did he train the crew, but moulded the individuals into a champion crew. The miles rowed in training and the amount of time devoted by each member was phenomenal. Their effort was truly deserving of the success they obtained.' The same crew took the 'Jakeman' (the club's new boat acquired in 1959),to the National Titles held at Merewether Beach, Newcastle, on a bleak, wintry day in March 1960. No worse day could have been experienced, with several boats quickly falling victims to the wild seas. The 'Jakeman' was quickly swamped, however she luckily did not share the fate of Werewether's newest boat which was smashed in half. Perhaps the Club's most headline-catching success in the years 1957 to 1960 came with Mooloolaba's successive wins in the Southern Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce open surf competitions over three seasons. The prizes were three motorised surf boats commissioned by the Chamber. The first boat was won at Mooloolaba itself on 24 November 1957, when nine clubs competed, with the home team consisting of D. Payne (Captain), H. Hughes, C. Weir, R. Power, B. Daley and T. Webb, who scored some 263 points against their nearest rival (Kirra) with 207. The new boat was christened 'Jaycee 1' by prominent actress Diane Cilento, a familiar figure in the water and on the beach at Mooloolaba, where her parents had for a number of years had a holiday home. (Carl Cilento served as one of the Club's First Aid Officers in the 1949/50 and 1950/51 seasons.)

Below: The first motorized surf boat won was christened 'Jaycee 1' in November 1957, by prominent Australian cinema and stage actress Diane Cilento with her in the foreground are Harry Hughes, Barry Daley, Darryle Payne and Col Wier.

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Right: Mooloolaba boys on the beach, ca. 1949.

Below: The Mooloolaba boat squad photographed ca. 1950.

Below: A young Jack Dearlove (centre) - who would in later years rise to the highest administrative aphotographed in 1950, with a young friend (at left) and Jack Venning (right).

Above: Rod Rogers, Pete Lambert, Jack Dearlove and Don Quinn - mucking around, ca. 1950.

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Left: Dinner patrol in the old Cookhouse; Mooloolaba Carnival 10 January 1953. (left to right) Ted Clark, Darryle Payne, "Smash" Mcllroy, Bruce Blake, Ted Turner, Clive Garnsey and Rusty James. Below: Doug Mactaggaft applies a dose of his legendary sun tan lotion to a willing Jack Hanson. Mooloolaba. January 1953.

Below: Brian James, K. Potts and a friend, circa 1950.

Above: The Mooloolaba 'staff car', photographed ca. 1950, with (left to right) Ted Turner, Jim Mcllroy and Tom Keegan.

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AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS : MOOLOOLABA

Mooloolaba also became the focus of national attention when, on the 28th and 29th March 1959, the Club and the North Coast Branch hosted the 1959 Interstate and Australian Surf Championship Carnival, as a feature event of Queensland’s Centenary Year. Queensland’s Premier, Frank Nicklin who had for many years taken an active interest in the North Coast Branch, welcomed the thousands who flocked to Mooloolaba, in spite of cyclonic weather and flooding. The carnival was officially opened by the Governor, His Excellency Sir Henry Abel Smith. In fact, 20,000 people crammed the town on a pleasingly fine Sunday 29 March to witness the events and the 35 teams competing, with the Courier-Mail reporting that ‘people were forced to park as far as a mile away from the championship enclosure.’ The organization of such a massive event had begun as early as February 1958, two months after the Club had applied to the Branch for the conduct of the carnivals. State Superintendent and Life Member Jack Dearlove, and Club Captain Charlie Inwood were the inspiration to many members over the next twelve months in helping to ensure the smooth operation of the event. In only one of 114 contests was it necessary to convene a meeting of the disputes committee, There were several ‘firsts’: for example, this was the first carnival where the board and ski sections were split, and Mooloolaba was the first Club to obtain a liquor license and operate a booth during such a carnival. Charlie Inwood recalls the event: ‘On the Monday prior to the carnival, the shire supplied us with a tractor and trailer. On the trailer we loaded approx. 260 7 foot x 2 inch stakes. We began dropping the stakes at 7 foot intervals from the top side of Brisbane Road, down behind the clubhouse and continued parallel to the beach and then across to where the old cookhouse was. On the Tuesday with the help of a few club members the stakes were erected and another 16O stakes 5 foot 6 ins x 2 inches were dropped along the beach for the erection of a boat, board and ski arena and the main area for March Past, Swim and beach events, etc. On the Wednesday the 6 foot hessian was attached to the main stakes with club members and shire council workers working together. On Thursday the beach arena stakes were put into place. Along with this the Club was enclosed by a 4 foot high wire

This group of Mooloolaba boys, photographed ca. 1949, included Ted Turner, Bruce Pitman, Bob Hodgson, Keith Blake and Don Parkyn, with an Eve’s Rocker at left. The Eve Rocking method of resuscitation involved placing a patient in a prone position on a canvas stretcher balanced on a trestle. This was then moved backwards and forwards in a rocking motion.

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Above: Thousands of visitors poured into Mooloolaba on 28 and 29 March 1959 when the Australian National Titles were held there. The carnival was a great success, and a credit to the Club's organizing skills.

mesh and only officials participating at the carnival were allowed through a gate on the seaward side of the enclosure. I had picked special members to man these gates and under no circurnstances was anybody allowed through without identification. Judge Curlewis who was the President of the Australian Surf Association went for a swim through the beach front gate and on his return he was to re-enter through the northern gate. However when he tried to get back inside the compound the late Bert Gold refused his entry because he had no identification. When he got inside Judge Cuilewis said he had been going to carniuals for years but could not remember striking anything as strict as our carnival. On the Friday the Shire Council grader and roller cut roads at the northern and southern ends of the arena to enable vehicles uith boats, boards, skis and reels to reverse directly onto the beach. Wen this was completed the shire's grader levelled the whole of the beach as smooth as a bowling green. On the Saturday morning the liquor tents were erected, one on the northern end, one on the southern end and one in the basement of the clubhouse for officials only. Beyond this I had to cater for a certain number of officials for a Sunday lunch. The only thing I was dirty on was that when all the officials sat down for lunch there was not a bloody spot left for me so I had to slink off downstairs and be content with a hotdog and a couple of beers. On the Monday morning after the carnival it all began again; pulling everything down which took a week to put up. One thing the club can be proud of was the first Australian Titles to be held north of Brisbane and it also was a huge success.'

CLUB HOUSE AND GEAR

As early as 1948, the need was obvious to extend the 1939 clubhouse, especially as increasing numbers of young Brisbane men and juniors were joining the Club and requiring dormitory accommodation. (It comes as no surprise to read that the first post-war Club expenditure was for ten double-deck beds!) The 'dining-room' - the old club rooms - and the boatshed were in a state of dilapidation. An appeal was launched in 1948 to help finance planned extensions, with Jack Venning as the first Building and Appeals Committee Secretary. A Ladies' Auxiliary Committee was also established in April 1948 by Mrs. C. Sully and Mrs. D. Heilbronn. The next summer preliminary work began on the retaining wall and preparation of the ground for the

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proposed extension. Little occurred over the next two years, apart from the preparation of blueprint plans by architect Theo Thynne. The final payment upon the outstanding debt of the 1939 building in 1952 however, saw a working bee that Easter busily preparing the foundations for the new wing. Similar weekend working bees throughout 1952 and 1953 saw hundreds of tons of sand and earth moved with the assistance of Keith and Charlie Blake and 'Snow' Marsh and their trucks. Several members still remember being given penalty jobs 'shifting the sandhill' during this time. The area was logged and grassed in order to prevent erosion, and Maroochy Shire approved the Club's application for a loan for provision of drainage, water supply and approaches, and the Club's bankers guaranteed a loan of 3000 pounds for the building costs, a sum which was somewhat reduced by the deletion of 'certain linings and fittings' from the original quote. Club members themselves also undertook to install electrical fittings, and all plumbing and painting work required. Tenders having been called, work commenced in 1954, with the builder being Tom Parry, a pre-war member of the Club. The building was to be effectively doubled in size, with the dormitory able to serve as a dance floor when required. Balconies were to be provided both at the front and back of the building and, in the words of the Annual Report, 'bay windows and numerous doorways should make conditions most pleasant for any functions held on the premises'. It also became apparent that a new cook house should be considered and included in our plans. Not long before the new building was completed in 1954, vandals entered the old cookhouse (which was due to be removed) and destroyed or severely damaged most of the club's cooking equipment. News of the vandalism led to a wave of public generosity and the new cookhouse was mainly equipped by the donation of equipment or cash.

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Below: Everyone gave a hand - especially if they were tradesmen - with building work and upkeep of the Club building. From bottom: Tubby Wilson, Tom Keegan, Jack Watts and Charlie Inwood.

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Above: Extensions to the Clubhouse under construction in 1954. Below: Photograph of the Clubhouse decorated for opening of new extensions in 1954. The 1939 building was effectively doubled in size by these alterations.

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Above: Ted Turner waves from the roof of the newly extended Clubhouse in 1954, with the Cookhouse (before 1939 the Clubhouse) on the beach dunes at left. Below: The Clubhouse as it appeared after extensions were completed in 1954. The wooden retaining wall may have been a primitive affair, but it served its purpose for many years.

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In 1957/8 a slow combustion stove was purchased, providing the Club with a ready supply of hot water, and cutting down on the power bills. The cookhouse, as well as the boatshed and dressing rooms were lined that year, and the first cement paths were laid. The 1958/9 report described the clubhouse as it appeared in prepararion for the Club's hosting of the 1959 National Titles: 'Freshly painted buildings, thriving green lawn, impressive seaward stone wall, and neat cement paths and gardens... a picture of prosperity. Lining and sealing of the boat shed and dressing rooms completed and new laminex-topped tables fitted in the kitchen. New water tank and stand erected and a filtration system introduced.' A year later a new radio room 'weather proof, sand proof and member proof ' had been constructed, a brick barbecue built on the southern side of the cookhouse, and the stumps of the northern end of the building had been replaced.

Members who joined the club in the 1960s at a reunion at the Clubhouse. The photo was taken on the deck pre roof days.

Ron Tallon has provided some great memories of life in the old Clubhouse: 'The clubhouse although adequate was not complete with cookhouse, boat shed and clubhouse all separate. The aim was to get enough level land to combine all three so a reclamation project was initiated by constntcting a tea-tree wall etc. Perc Lee was also building a log wall to prevent erosion around the beach-front oak trees. This was the forerunner to todays stone wall. The old dressing sheds, directly in front of the clubhouse, were an eyesore. They had to go and did. Once the land was reclaimed we then went ahead with building extensions and water supply. Many wonderful cookhouse parties - Brian ("Bull") Davies could carry a ten gallon Carlton keg single handed ouer the sand hills. (Five into a five gallon keg was a regular event). The old piano had many a work out. Some big names enjoyed the hospitality; Diane Cilento, Reg Goss, Dick McCann, Rhonda Kelly (Miss Australia) were a few who graced our presence.'

Others recall visits by popular Queensland opera singer, Donald Smith. The shortage of materials after World War II meant that for some four years the club was unable to acquire new march past costumes. Mrs. F. O. Venning lovingly.

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The Club's second surf boat, 'Skipper' acquired in the 1947/8 season for 2O1 pounds 9/-. Photo depicts Bub Evans sweep, Boppo Tallon.

repaired and maintained the Club's old competition costumes until the new cotton Speedos 'with taffeta lightning streaks with club colours sewn on' were acquired in 1949. Mrs. A. Roberts and Jack Venning were responsible for the handiwork. 'New caps, pennant, and chromed standard and crest were added to give the march past outfit a fine finish'. A further set of 'Maroon body with 3 white lightning stripes converging at skirt and a M on the opposite side' were purchased in 1951, and matching caps a year later. These were still of wool; terylene costumes were only purchased in 1958. By 1957 the Club's surf boat 'Skipper' was in need of a complete overhaul, undertaken by Messrs. Kuskoff in 1952, thoroughly tightened, with garboards replaced and repainted. 'Skipper' would be sold, together with its trailer, in 1955, replaced by a tuck stern boat costing 450 pounds, named 'The F.O.V.', in honour of Frank Venning. Four years later another surf boat, 'The Jakeman 1' was also acquired.

Mooloolaba's Queensland Champion Boat Crew in action at the State Titles at Bargara in 1960. The crew consisted of Harry Hughes (sweep), GeoffJones (stroke), Lex Muirhead (second stroke), Bob 'Wagner (second bow), Perce Hadwen (bow), Ken McKinnon (reserve).

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The Sun Girl Quest became a popular aspect of summer holidays at Mooloolaba in the 1050s. These lovies lined up at Christmas 1952.

FUND RAISING & ENTERTAINMENT

Mooloolaba was to gain an enviable reputation for its social calendar in the years after World War II, both on the North Coast and in Brisbane itself. The Annual Ball (held in the Pacific Theatre), the Christmas Concert and the traditional New year's Day Sports were an expected feature of many a family's annual camping holiday at Mooloolaba. The Christmas and New Year beach concerts in particular evolved into major affairs after 1950, with regular rehearsals being held in Brisbane for several weeks before the big events. Announcers Reg Goss of 4BK, Alan Lappan of 4KQ and Norm Llewellyn of 4BH (Master of that stations programme 'Rumpus Room' and who became a Club member himself) took a particular interest and rehearsals even took place in the 4BH studios. The Club was not without musical connections. A concert at the Rialto Theatre in Brisbane's Hill End was held for the Club on 28 May 1952 by an amateur review company headed by Bruce Binzer. This proved so successful that the Club's Social Committee decided to hold the Mooloolaba Christmas Revue for 1952 at the Rialto, as well as the Pacific Theatre at Mooloolaba. This was a vast improvement upon the earliest post-war concerts when the available stage consisted of two flat top trucks backed one to the other, and decorated with ferns. (Ruth Roberts can remember getting splinters during her tap dancing!) Mr and Mrs Mark Dearlove and their band performed, often to the familiar strains of 'Blue Moon'. Other regular performers were Mrs. Joyce Smith (nee Dearlove), Jill Pofter, Ruth Roberts, Colleen Martyn, and Dick Mccann, and no concert was complete without the vocal excellence of Les Hall, local businessman and long-time supporter. With the exception of one serious demonstration of the Eve Rocker and rescue and resuscitation technique, the programme still suggests that a great, mostly hilarious time was had by all, performers as well as audience. The programme carried

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Mooloolaba's second surf boat, 'Skipper'.

Our Club : Our Story

the important message: 'The New Mooloolaba Club House Will Cost 3000 poundsCan You Help Us With A Donation?' The 1955 Revue, under the banner of 'Australia's Premier Surf Club'- following the great success at North Steyne - was held at the Albert Hall in Brisbane. 'Choreography by Ruth Roberts; Musical Arrangement: Mark Dearlove; Lyrics: Max Wilson; Produced and Directed by Jim Gallagher and Ray McKinnon.' John ('Golden Body') Sheehan and a 'Ballet' consisting of Col Smart, Tom Hickey, Darryle Payne, Dave Kirkcaldie, Jack Marshall and Ken McKinnon performed a memorable 'Slaughter on Mooloolaba Esplanade' in 1955, returning to enthrall audiences in the 1956 Revue. Ruth Reeves (nee Roberts) remembers: 'There was a lot of vaudeville; for example skits of rescuing someone from the surf. It was all ad-libbed. They all borrowed items for costumes, such as big bras, girdles and dresses from such people as Ruth Roberts' mother, Eventually they became more professional as they developed and the demand was such that they took the concerts to the Rialto in Brisbane. Ruth Roberts trained the ballet, and Mrs. Roberts prepared the tutus, although on one memorable occasion Max Wilson presumably wore very loose underwear under his dainty little number! On one "Picture Show Night" there was the Dance of the Little Swans from Swan Lake, and the swans had to turn around and flip their tails. Tubby Wilson there and then dropped his duds - oh dearforward on! The crowds loved it all, and only the occasional complaint was received - mostly from a certain local church - regarding the bawdiness of the programme.'

Mark Dearlove recalls that: 'The great feature of these reviews was the performance of club members whose snatural talents uere exceptional. The pit orchestra consisted of club members (Mark and Norma Dearlove) and trumpet, Ray McKinnon; sax, Ken Chadwick; drums, Jack Dearlove; and comperes, Norm Llewellyn, Reg Goss or Alan Lappan. Soccer Smart was one of the stars with his looks, humour and wit. Max Wilson as the Club Social Secretary was a great promoter and worker. Keith Blake's truck 'Mighty Mouse' would tour the streets of Mooloolaba with a trumpet loudly announcing the coming event, and the Pacific Theatre was crammed

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pack for the event, with anlthing from 600 in the audience, and many waiting outsidein the afternoon to be sure of a seat, In the theatre itself, there was no scenery, andonly a very tight 'stage' between the cinema screen and the footlights. They were given strict instructions not to damage the screen! There was no admission fee in the early days. However the plate would be sent around for donations. It would alwaysbe reported that less had been collected than actually was the case and the plate would then be sent around again as the audience warmed to the night's fun, They were encouraged to contribute more money following the poor result of the first collection. 100 pounds was considered a very good result. No other Surf Club gained such a reputation for excellent burlesque, or had such connections with entertainment circles. Even the renowned Buster Fiddes from the Theatre Royal lent the Club comedy sketches for their reviews. Norman Llewellyn remembers the 'natural sense of entertainment' that developed in the Club in those years, 'part of the spirit and camaruderie' which made Mooloolaba a special body of young men. Even in pre-war days Club members had organized community singing in the camping grounds, and this continued in later years, often in the local theatre. The Club's piano was pressed into service on many a jovial occasion, and the strains of 'Give A Cheer', 'We're A Rag Time Surf Club', 'Grandpa Just Farted', 'Pull That Oar' 'Out Beyond the Breakers', and 'Mooloolaba Boys Are Happy' rang out from the cookhouse on many a night. The piano was even rowed across to Point Cartwright for a musical barbecue on the beach. As one participant recalls, girls were always another part of the cargo, and the regular line in those less complicated days was, 'If they didn't come across, they wouldn't get back!' Apart from the piano, there was also the famous Tea-Chest Bass for rhythm accompaniment. Jack Dearlove recalls one night in the cookhouse, 'with a young busty Diane Cilento in the briefest of shirts which got the boys really heated'. The parties started when the Mooloolaba pub closed and finished when the sun rose, quite often with Ray McKinnon playing the trumpet, leading the 'stayers' up to the dormitory intent on wakening their sleeping mates. A great deal of the club's success in fund-raising through entertainment was due to the extensive promotion the Club activities received over the air. Another excellent connection was Frank Garnsey, of the Courier-Mail and an organizer of the popular Sunday Mail Surf Girl Competition and the long standing Courier-Mail Sand Garden Competition. (Frank's son Clive joined the Club in the 1953/4 season, when the first Sun Girl Quest heats were held at Mooloolaba beach.) There were other activities, some more successful in raising funds than others. Some, such as beach collections, learn-to-swim classes, and chook raffles (often with chooks 'borrowed' from many a North Coast farmer) dated back to the Club's early days. Others were more novel. In 1949/50 the Club first participated in the 4BK Bulimba Quiz for Life Savers with a team consisting of Ben Dunn, Ted Turner, Garry Baker and Ken Potts, who reportedly 'acquitted themselves well, winning the heat, narrowly missing the big money in the Branch final'. Cranial power was less in evidence twelve months later when the Mooloolaba team was knocked out in the opening round of the quiz. In 1952/3 they got a little further doØØwn the track, being defeated by Palm Beach, however by 1954 the Annual Report could pointedly state that 'it may be recorded that the representative "Brains Trust" has not won a quiz heat since the inception of the show.' Chocolate wheels at Mooloolaba and Nambour were more profitable undertakings, as were the occasional River Sports Days (revived in 1953 after a lapse

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of three years), and collections during such events as the Children's Beach Carnival. As Mooloolaba itself grew in the 'fifties, house-to-house collections at the height of the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons also boosted the Club coffers. Other groups also helped. For instance, the local Mooloolaba Euchre Club organized a weekly card evening on behalf of the Club, and in 1951 the Meeandah Riding Club donated the proceeds of a Horse Carnival. There were spasmodic attempts at organizing dances in Brisbane. In 1950 twice weekly dances at Northgate 'were not successful as members had to travel from Brisbane to attend', and they ceased owing to poor attendances. Three years later more successful evening dances were held on Tuesdays at the South Brisbane Library Hall, in conjunction with other Surf Clubs. Other social (cum fund-raising) events in Brisbane included a hayride to Ashgrove on Guy Fawkes' Night 1952, when 200 attended, barbecues at Greenlanes and at the home of Club supporter Dr. John Morrow, mannequin parades organized by 'Mrs. Joyce Wilkes and her galaxy of beauties' and her co-directors the Mooloolaba Lady Bowlers, and Melbourne Cup parties. With the construction of the additions to the clubhouse in 1954, dances were held each month in the new 'Hall'. Former Club Treasurer Alf Roberts came up with the idea in 1957 to hold the first Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club Art Union, with the sale of 144 tickets at 15 pounds each. Alf was abeady known as the Club's financial wizard, organizing house to house collections in Brisbane, beach raffles, being honoured with the right to wear the Club blazer without having ever qualified for his Bronze Certificate. Charlie inwood recalls: 'The club decided on a gamble. A member of the Club worked for his father at South Pine Motors and he could get us a brand new Holden at the right price. When the paper work was completed we then had 144 tickets and 15 pounds per ticket. The raffle was a success mainly due to the hard work of a few members mainly myself, Athur Parkyn, and Harry Hughes. I am convinced Harry could sell a hot pie to an Arab in the middle of the Sahara Desert. It was a tough task because the ordinary worker could not afford 2O pounds. We worked mainly on business houses, garages and real estates, This car was won by a syndicate of a hotel at Nambour.'

Sack races on Mooloolaba beach in the 1950s with the familiar sight of a chocolate wheel in the background. This was always a major source of funds for the Club.

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highlight ALF ROBERTS

T

he Annual Report of Season 1955/56 recorded that AIf Roberts was an Honorary Member and had during that season taken the Treasurer's position he occupied again next year. He was a long serving member of our social committee. It was in this field that Alf displayed wonderful talent and energy in raising funds for the Club and in later years as member of the appeals committee, raising funds for State Centre.

Affectionately known as 'the wheel' Alf conducted the chocolate wheel and beach raffles over many years, however we consider the highlight of fund raising was Saturday, 5 April 1958, when a raffle was drawn with the prize of one Holden car. Trevor Fitzpatrick, Club Secretary, noted in the Annual Report of that year, 'The means by which Alf proposed to raise in one full swoop a gross of 2160 pounds, the sale of 144 tickets at 15 pounds, were so straightforward that very few thought it could really be done. The gimmick, if it can be called such, lay in first assessing the likely response and since there was nothing to lose, approval was given and the wheels began to turn. When various requirements necessitated a change of plans and conversion fully to an Art Union, Alfwas able to tell us that he could, as far as reasonably possible, guarantee success and set out the basis of his statement so that there could be no doubt on this score. Soon afterwards, however, there fell a blow which could have been serious or even fatal when Alf, who had at the start been appointed Organiser, suffered a very serious illness and was taken to hospital for a lengthy stay,' His trusty Lieutenants, Captain Charlie Inwood and Social Secretary Harry Hughes, took over and the resultant financial success justified the efforts of all concerned. Son Ron was a member of our Junior R & R Team, winning the Australian Title at Torquay Beach, Victoria on 3rd December 1950, Daughter Ruth (now Mrs. Dick Reeves in retirement at Alexandra Headlands) a ballet dancer of some repute had for many years performed in our Mooloolaba Revues, at the same time grappling with the task of tutoring the very masculine and generally inept male ballet for their Christmas performances. To complete the family picture, mother Pearl employed nimble fingers to sew 'lightening streaks' on new March Past Speedos. As an indication of the regard in which he was held within the Club, Alf was one of the few nonbronze holder members approved to wear the Club blazer.

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In the days when money was tight, the Club's coffers were helped by fund-raising dinners and barbecues held in private homes.

The final profit to the Club was 1195 pounds 6/1d, a considerable sum for those days. Buoyed with this success, the Club undertook a larger Art Union in 1958/9, selling 2000 tickets at 1 pound each, with a first prize of another Holden, and second prize a TV set, valued at 180 pounds. Television was in the news, with broadcasts due to begin in Queensland in mid-1959. The Annual Report complained however that 'members showed an alarming lack of interest, and drawing date was postponed four times.' The final drawing took place on Easter Monday 1959. Subsequent Art Unions were far less ambitious; in 1959/60 first prize was a television set, and in 1959/60 two Art Unions were conducted with prizes of 140 pounds and 200 pounds respectively. CLUB LIFE

These were the days before television, before the average young man had his own wheels, when motel rooms were, if not unheard of, beyond the average pocket, and when a 'good time' usually implied group activity, rather than a car, a board and a girl - the icons of the next generation. Mooloolaba boys went everywhere in a group. The camaraderie which developed at Mooloolaba in these years has been evident in the many interviews conducted in the compilation of this book. Ron Tallon, for example, felt that 'Never a group since has had so much varied talent in one club'. Life in the Club was almost a family affair; much of the food was donated by members' families, by members themselves, or given to the Club by supporters, townsfolk and campers alike. Pat Madden would bring bananas down from his plantation, so they had bananas for all meals, They once made a four-gallon tin of fruit salad to have on the beach. There were the inevitable initiations, which waxed and waned with the years in terms of their inventiveness and bawdiness. There were also the club competitions for many and varied forms of athletic and other prowess. There were the Club cooks,

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The growing township of Mooloolaba, photographed ca. 1955.

a number of whom are remembered more with trepidation than envy, including one whose 'Christmas pudding came with a rum sauce, with most of the rum inside him'. There were certain 'signature'games: 'Dead Ants', 'when all the members had to fall on their backs on the floor with their legs in the air' - in the middle of the dance floor at Maroochydore's Danceland. Peter Lambert recalls trying to get into the dances, with one member taking on the bouncer at the front door, while the rest climbed in through an open window, eager to meet any available 'Nambour Noodle'. Charlie Inwood recalls an occasion when such a tactic did not work. 'The spiel was that two members walked in and paid Nugget Evans their two shillings, kept him talking while the rest of us went down the side of the dance hall, go up the rain water pipe and reach across to a large window near the pipe. Nugget woke up to this and he had someone else taking the money on entry. It was my turn to go up the pipe first. When I reached across with both hands I got the biggest belt over the knuckles with a lump of wood. Nugget was standing at the window awaiting our arrival. We were all villains and mischievous but we made sure no person was hurt, illtreated and absolutely no property was harmed or mutilated in any way.' Ken Chadwick also remembers one particular Mexican Hat Dance with a crowd of almost 1000 people. 'The stumps had been pile-driven about a foot into the ground'. There were Wheelbarrow Races along the Mooloolaba to Maroochydore Road, run ostensibly to protest against the state of the road, but an excuse for a fun run 'in the manner of the ancient Greeks'. First prize went to the first one back to the Mooloolaba clubhouse. At a recent reunion we were given a demonstration of 'Trams', another Mooloolaba 'stunt', with members standing up as if on a tram, strap-hanging, swaying in time to the imaginary tram, with 'conductor' Ted Turner, taking and giving the tickets, and their 'driver' Ron Tallon, steering them. There were 'raids', often under the command of Doug Mactaggart, with one particularly memorable attack upon the tent of the Eureka Youth League at Alexandra Headlands, and 'attacks' upon Alex and Maroochydore Clubs. When retaliatory raids

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came, they were ready at Mooloolaba with buckets of water. There were also interclub football matches, with one scrum taking place in the Maroochydore Hall itself. A different age, however, was to dawn. Times were changing when, in 1958, the Club acquired indoor bowls, darts, quoits, table tennis, and scoop ball to help entertain young members, and, a year later, when a television set was purchased. 'Each member agreed voluntarily to pay two shillings per week to meet the monthly payments on the set. Results achieved are remarkable, particularly with junior and cadet members. Before important carnivals, when the curfew imposed is at 10 p.m., the TV has really proved an asset.' Charlie Inwood has provided some classic reminiscences of Club life at Mooloolaba in the 1940s and 1950s. They could form a separate and hilarious book on their own but space forces us to include only a couple. 'Mooloolaba Club would travel to Bundaberg on a suitable long weekend during the surfing season for an inter club carnival. The first trip we hired a bus from Maroochy. The bus trip was a sensation. We left Mooloolaba about 3 am on Saturday and every member had to have a silly hat and a musical instrument of some sort. We had bongo drums, mouth organs, flutes, trumpets, bagpipes, you name it ee had it, I am sure Bundaberg could hear us coming before we got to Nambour. 'I recall one incident where Mactaggart bought a flyspray, baby oil, methylated spirits and a few other ingredients, mixed them all together, filled the flyspray and announced over the speaker system that he had a remedy that would keep out sun rays and children would never get sunburnt. He advised the public he would be on the beach in 5 minutes and anybody wanting their children guarded from sunburn to line up. There was line of people and MacTaggart sprayed each child with his productive cure. Next morning there was the same line waiting outside the clubhouse door ready to sue MacTaggart and the club because all Doug's victims were showing signs of a rash. Eventually Doug apologised but was not entirely forgiven.'

Club Legends

life members

Mooloolaba and Surf Life Saving Australia W.J. Daley

B

ill Daley joined Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park S.L.S.C. in 1928, obtaining his bronze the same year. He trained and competed there until his decision to join Mooloolaba in 1939. Following the North Coast Branch Titles in January 1947 with his five wins in the R & R team and first placing in the senior surf, he ceased his competitive career, at a Special General Meeting in January 1941 he stated ‘what he wished to give more time to instructional work and the Board of Examiners’. The detail below records his success from that date.

STATE CENTRE ADMINISTRATION

CLUB ADMINISTRATION

- Member of State Centre Board of Examiners - State Centre Representative to Head Centre and National Council Instructional

(Burleigh Heads-Mowbray Park) • Captain, 1932/33 Season • Vice-Captain, 1931, 1934, 1935, 1936 Seasons • Selection Committee, 1929-39 Seasons • Chief Instructor, 1932-35 Seasons

Conferences:1945 - Barrack Heads 1948 - Manly, Sydney, NSW 1950 - Coolangatta, QLD 1951 - Perth, SA 1952 - Sydney, NSW • Australian Championships Official 1947, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952 Seasons • Selector, New Zealand Touring Team, 1950 • State Centre Superintendent and Chairman of Meritorious Award and Gear Handbook Committees, 1948-52 • Captain and Selector, Queensland Interdominion Representative Team, Manly, 1938. BRANCH ADMINISTRATION

• North Coast Branch Delegate State Centre, 1940/41 Season • Member North Coast Board of Examiners, 1939-52 Seasons • Carnival Official, North Coast Branch, 1939-52 Seasons

COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE

• Queensland R & R Representative, Australian Championships, Sydney 1930, 1933, 1935, 1939 • Member of Mowbray Park Club Representative Teams in Point Danger Branch and Queensland State Centre Carnivals, 1929-39 • Champion Beltman and Resuscitation Point Danger Branch, 1930 • Champion Beltman - North Coast Branch, 1940 • Surf Champion - North Coast Branch, 1942 • Life Member, Mooloolaba, 1945 • Life Member, Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia

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life members

Mooloolaba and Surf Life Saving Australia arthur parkyn

A

rthur Parkyn joined the Mooloolaba Surf LifeSaving Club just before his fifteenth birthday, in early in 1926. Whilst he was an outstandingcompetitor as his record discloses, he later became anable Administrator, Instructor and Examiner. For overthirty years he contributed to life saving, serving in manycapacities. He was the Club Captain for six years, Boat Captain one year, Chief Instructor four years andPresident for six years. Below we record his mostsignificant successes, whilst many more are recorded in Club records. • 1928-1939: Club Champion Lifesaver every year • 1928-1929: Runner up, Queensland Champion Lifesaver • 1938 : First Club member to make a State team: was Queensland Standard Bearer and a member of State R & R Team at titles, Bondi • 1953 : First Club member in an Australian Team - Vice Captain and in Surf Teams, Hawaiian Tour • 1956 : Invited to return to Hawaii, as Coach and Manager to prepare the Hawaiian Team for the World Titles at Torquay in November 1956 • 1955 : Obtained the American Red Cross Instructors Certificate • 1956 : Instigated the formation of the United States Life Saving Association and was Coach of the U.S. Team to the World Titles ar Torquay • 1956 : Instrumental in introducing Malibu surfboards into Australia per the Hawaiian and U.S. Teams. The first Malibu board made in Australia was turned out by one of Sydney’s leading board manufacturers, Mr Gordon Woods, in November 1956 from an American prototype given him by Arthur Parkyn. This board is now on display at the Australian Surfing Museum, Torquay.

- 1976 : Member of the Queensland Team to the Philippines. In addition to the above, Arthur Parkyn served in the following capacities: • Eight years as Superintendent, and four years as Deputy Superintendent of the Sunshine Coast Branch • A Founding Father of the South Barrier Branch and its first Superintendent for a period of three years • Committee Member, Queensland State Centre • Branch, State and National Referee at the Championship Carnivals • State Selector Whilst Club President in the 1970s, the Club enjoyed its second Golden Era of Branch, State and National successes. Arthur has been awarded a Life Member of the following: • Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club • Sunshine Coast Branch Surf Life Saving • Queensland Surf Life Saving • Australia Surf Life Saving • United States Surf Life Saving Association

Club Legends

life members

Mooloolaba and Surf Life Saving Australia jack dearlove

j

ack Dearlove was one of the most outstanding administrators of the Australian Surf Lifesaving Association during the latter half of the present century. Jack gained his bronze in Mooloolaba Club in 1947, qualifying for his Instructor’s and Examiner’s Certificates in the next few years. In addition to his major appointments he was instrumental in introducing “expired air resuscitation and cardio pulmonary resuscitation” (EAR and CPR).

1947-52 - Mooloolaba Chief Instructor 1952-57 - Mooloolaba R & R Coach It was during this period he coached Mooloolaba Teams to many State R & R Championships, particularly his junior squads, culminating in major successes in:1954 Australian Premiers and R & R Champions 1956 Australian Junior R & R Champions 1954-55 Secretary, State Board of Examiners 1955-77 Surf Appeals RNA Organizer 1959 Carnival Organizer Australian Titles at Mooloolaba 1966-69 Instructor of Australian Representative Teams, New Zealand and South Africa 1966-79 Chief Superintendent of S.L.S.A. of A. (First Official from a State other than NSW since 1907) 1971 Represented Australia at a conference which led to the formation of a World Association 1917-77 Chairman Education World Surf 1977-78 Competition Convenor World Surf 1958 Life Membership Mooloolaba S.L.S.C. 1964 Life Member North Coast Branch S.L.S.A. of Australia 1964 Life Membership Australian Surf Lifesaving Association 1977 Membership British Empire Royal Honours List 1983 Life Membership World Lifesaving 1994 International Lifesaving Elevated “Grand Knight of Lifesaving”

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life members

Mooloolaba and Surf Life Saving Australia r.c. tallon

r

on (Boppo) joined Mooloolaba in 1943, holding office for the next ten years as Captain, Secretary and Chief Instructor. A move to the Gold Coast in 1955 saw him join Southport S.L.S.C., North Burleigh S.L.S.C. and South Coast Branch. During this period in 1961, he was appointed as Instructor for the Queensland team which won its first Interstate competition, whilst in 1964 he was Instructor for Southport who won the Australian R & R that year. This commitment to the movement led to State Centre and the Australian S.L.S. involvement in revision of existing manuals, throughout Australia and in World Life Saving. Most notable appointments were:• North Coast Branch - Delegate, Queensland S.L.S.A.- South Bar Branch - Delegate, Queensland S.L.S.A. • Southport - Deputy President, Treasurer (10 years) Nippers LM • South Coast Branch - Secretary (21 years) Supt Supervisor, Treasurer LM • North Burleigh - Treasurer (4 years) Nippers • South Coast Branch - Founding Executive Officer LM • World Australian State Branch - Carnival Official 1955 1959-89 1965 1968 1968 1971 1974 1978

Queensland State Centre Board of Management Queensland State Centre Executive Committee Queensland Selection Committee 25years National Council Committee Member (to date) Queensland Nippers Founding Executive Officer Australian Nippers Founding Committee Manager Australian Team to South Africa Australian S.L.S. Selection Committee (to date)

His dedication and continued enthusiasm for Australian Lifesaving was appropriately recognised with the “Order of Australia Merit” in 1985. Other Awards include: 1955 1959 1971 1976 1993 1993

Life Member Mooloolaba S.L,S.C. Life Member Queensland Lifesaving Association Life Member Australian Surf Lifesaving Association Life Member Queensland State Centre “Nippers” Inducted in “Legends of Surf ” Level 3 Coaching and Officials Accreditation

Club Legends

life members

Mooloolaba and Surf Life Saving Australia j.g. mccarthy

j

ack McCarthy had obtained his bronze medallion at Palm Beach S.L.S.C. in 1935 and his Intstructor’s Certificate in 1936. His first mention at Mooloolaba S.L.S.C. occurred with the payment of his subs on 11th October 1938, whilst the Minutes record his attendance at a meeting on 31st December 1944. His particular efforts were devoted to Club administration and officiating as an Examiner at North Coast Branch Carnivals.

JG’s association with Mooloolaba is best known for his tenure as President during Clubhouse extensions in 1953/54 season and again in 1966/57 season, when his talent for detail proved invaluable in answering the many and varied questions relating to our extensions. His tenure of office was marked by an uncompromising interpretation of Club rules and their application to members in general, but in particular offenders against the rules were dealt with severely. However he was conciliatory and helpful to his Executive and Club office bearers. JG’s other interest was the repair or replacement of motors in the Jaycee motorised surf boats, of which the Club had won all three. Jack ‘the Senator’ McCarthy, whose background we know little, received the highest accolades awarded in Surf Lifesaving, departed the Club without fanfare or publicity. • • • • •

Club President, Seasons 1953/54, 1957/58, 1958/59, then 1960/61, to 1966/67 inclusive. Queensland State Centre - Assistant Secretary 1945-51, Queensland State Centre - Hon Secretary 1953-55 Queensland State Board of Examiners - Secretary 1948-51, Palm Beach Queensland S.L.S.C. - Chief Instructor 1936/37

Awards included: • Life Member Mooloolaba S.L.S.C., Season 1960/61 • Life Member Queensland Surf Lifesaving Association • Life Member Australian Surf Lifesaving Association

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Chapter five

In Search of Glory : 1960-1980

M

ooloolaba along with much of the Sunshine Coast, would be transformed over the next twenty years. A small, sleepy coastal village, little changed since the war, and coming to life only at Christmas/New Year and Easter, Mooloolaba was by 1980 part of a fast-growing residential area stretching from Caloundra to Maroochydore. Elderly residents and visitors who could remember ‘Mooloolah Heads’ as an isolated beach, mostly the haunt of Buderim folk, lived to see vast canal estate and apartment developments, where once there had only been river flats, swamp and beach dunes. A good proportion of new residents were southern retirees, whilst many visitors from Melbourne and Sydney now travelled directly by air to the Sunshine Coast, arriving at the Maroochy Airport. The two decades were also, it goes almost without saying, a period of immense social change, when many values once unquestioned were turned topsy-turvy. They were also decades of comparative affluence, and until well into the ‘seventies, of high employment. Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, much like other clubs throughout the country, felt the effects of these changing times, By the mid to late 1980s, an increasing number of young Sunshine Coast lads were joining the Club, whereas in 1960 Brisbane boys dominated membership. The days of trucking from Brisbane were long gone. Even in the ‘sixties car ownership had risen to the point that members mostly found their own way north, or came with friends. The number of VWs and Kombi vans was a feature of Club life by 1967; the 1970s saw a return to motorbikes, with a good few members doing their ‘Easy Rider’ bit up the Bruce Highway each weekend. An increasing number found their own accommodation. Whereas the need for more bunk accommodation was a major concern in the late ‘sixties, this would be decreasingly the case over the next fifteen years. The days of the ‘cookhouse’ also changed with the years. Not only were cooks increasingly difficult to employ, but tastes changed. There was especially the lure of an increasing number of local ‘take-aways’. Most importantly for the life saving movement, the ‘surfie’ cult which emerged after 1962 laid emphasis on the loner, the ‘blonde haired blue eyed real gone surfer boy’, with Kombi, board rack, and girl, doing their own thing. It became increasingly difficult lo attract young men to the comparative discipline and

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Times have certainly changed since this photograph was taken along Mooloolaba Esplanade in the early 1960s.

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Above: An aerial view over growing Mooloolaba, photographed in June 1962 Below: The ultimate in flat accommodation; Sea Crest Flats, Mooloolaba, April 1962

In Search of Glory : 1960 - 1980

Above: Mooloolaba Club House, as it appeared in October 1963.

Below: Mooloolaba was first showing signs of growth in April 1962 when this photograph was taken of St. Leonard’s Flats.

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Christmas Dinner at Mooloolaba Clubhouse 1971. Photo includes Mark Hunt, Sonny Day, Jack O'Keefe. Brian Collins, Charlie Raines and Graham Kingston.

regimentation of Club life, when such became out of fashion. By 1970, rosters were openly ignored, with the Secretary (J. Watts), going so far as to suggest that 'the club was looked upon as a holiday home by a large proportion of its members'. Competition, for many years a major attraction to the movement, also appears to have lost much of its interest, especially at Mooloolaba. The Club won no State Title contests between 1962 and 1970, eight bleak years, with the 1966/7 report stating that 'laxity of discipline, and a lamentable absence of Club spirit made a mockery of any competitive hopes which we may have held'. The story of the Club's revival as a competitive force on the National level within a few short years is one of the more remarkable stories in the history of the Queensland surf life saving movement. COMPETITION

The Club's achievement as Champion Boat Crew at the 1960 State Titles at Bargara was almost matched at the next year's Titles at Maroochydore when Mooloolaba's Senior R & R team took out second place. The team comprised Dan Petersen, Doug Jewry, Terry Lang, John Sullivan, Charlie Raines and Brian Hunter and they were only beaten by 0.3 margin. ln 1962 the Club took out first in the State Titles at Surfers Paradise with the Senior Team comprising Noel Muller, Doug Jewry, Terry Lang and Charlie Raines, whilst Mooloolaba's Junior Boat Team of Harry Hughes, B. Cox, P. Lowe, D. Houston and J. Western also took out a first. Both teams subsequently competed, without success, at the National Titles held in Tasmania. The Junior Boat Team also took out first place in the Surfers Paradise Caltex Carnival, held on 19 February 1962.The destruction of both of the Club's surfboats in cyclonic weather in January 1963 coincided with an obvious decline in the Club's competitive performance. Even at the level of North Coast Branch Championships, Mooloolaba could only achieve one first in January 1963 (Dan Petersen in the Long Board); two firsts in January 1954 (Junior Boat and Junior R & R); and one first in January 1965 (G. Fitzgerald in the Beach Sprint). 1966 and 1967 saw no first placings

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at all in Branch Championships. However I. Houston took first in the Musical Flags at the Caltex Carnival at Coolum in January 1966 and the Mooloolaba Junior R & R came first in the Bank of New South Wales Carnival at Palm Beach in February 1967. The 1967/8 season saw the first indication of a revival in the Club's fortunes, with the Juniors performing admirably at Branch level and at invitation carnivals (e.g. at Tugun in December 1967, at Tallebudgera in January 1968, and at Coolum that February). The Branch Championships, held at Mooloolaba on 24-25 February 1968 saw Mooloolaba take highest aggregate points, with its Junior R & R, and Junior Team taking firsts. Much praise was accorded the Club's new Chief Instructor, B. Modini for this change in fortunes, and the Annual Report for that year proudly photographed him with the Junior R & R squad; S. Canham, GJ. Schmidt, T. Berigan, J. Hoban, D.J. Reardon, L.C. Dittmar, P. Parsons and J.P. O'Keefe. Ray Dawson assumed the mantle of Chief Instructor in 1968/9, and again the Juniors put up a fine performance, taking firsts at the Branch Championships held at Noosa on 5 January 1959. Charlie Raines also did his Club proud by taking out first in the Senior Belt Race. Twelve months later Mooloolaba's Junior R & R, (Doug Boyle, Wayne Edwards, John Blyton, Wayne Vierow, Ossie McCoy, Jim Hoban and Mick Phillips, with Charlie Raines as Instructor), took the 1970 State Title at Maroochydore, consequently being the first

Above: Peter Cunningham on patrol duty.

The Junior R & R Team which brought Mooloolaba back into competitive headlines in 1970: (left to right) Doug Boyle, Wayne Edwards, John Blyton, Wayne Vierow, Charlie Raines (Instructor), Ossie McCoy, Jim Hoban, Mick Phillips.

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Mooloolaba team to compete at the National Titles for some seven years (at Clifton Beach, near Hobart). The 1970/1 season, however, proved something of a disappointment in competition results, with one major exception, the performance of the Club's Mooloolaba Midgets Nippers (formed in 1968). Arthur Parkyn had been elected club President in 1970 , and took up the issue of training as a particular concern, especially as mid-week training of seniors had effectively ceased. A professional educator, Arthur astutely recognized that the club's competitive potential lay with enthusiastic youngsters, especially amongst the Nippers, organizing weekly Thursday night training at the Stafford State School pool. Regular, disciplined pool training became essential to the Club's success, At the 1971 Nippers' State Championships, Mooloolaba did especially well; and three competitors, Mark Tonelli, Chris Prickett and Stephen Smith went on to compete in the National Titles at Perth. Arthur Parkyn accompanied them, returning with a coveted second place for Stephen Smith in the National Surf Swim.

Below; Champion Junior R & R ream. (left to right) Len Dittmar, Gary Schmidt, Terry Berigan (patient), Danny Reardon (beltman), Stuart Canham (obscured).

Mooloolaba could soon claim the cream of young competitors in the State, and an obvious revival in Club spirit. In the State Championships held in March 1972, Mooloolaba took out first with Paul Dixon, second with Mark Tonelli and third with Steve Allanson in the Cadet Surf Race, with Mark Tonelli - soon to carve a name for himself in international swimming - taking third in the same event at the National Titles held at Blacksmiths in April, and being awarded the Club's President's Trophy for the 1971/2 season, Stephen Smith also made other clubs take notice when he took out first in the State Titles in 1972 in the Junior Surf Race, and gained a place in the Queensland Representative Team. This 'awesome foursome', of Tonelli (16), Dixon (15), Allanson (16), and Smith (16) went on to even greater glories in the 1972/3 season, achieving a place in the history books as the only squad to take out both the Senior and Junior Teams at the National Titles, held at Burleigh Heads in April 1973. As Barry Galton records in his book 'Gladiators of the Surf, 'The strength of their win is reflected in the Lorne team they beat, including multi-champions Graham White, Peter Lacey, Paul Lacey and Rob Elmore'. It would be Graham White, moving from Lorne to Mooloolaba in the following season, who would join the Club's young forces and be a member of the Mooloolaba Senior Team (with Tonelli, Smith, and Gerry Comadira) which again took first place in the National Titles, held at Glenelg Beach, Adelaide in April 1974, Gerry Comadira also returned from Glenelg with a first in the Open Race. Mooloolaba remained in the headlines as Queensland's premier club in the 1974/5 season, when first in the Senior Surf Teams at the National Titles at Dee Why went to Mooloolaba's team of Tonelli, White, Dixon and Stephen Fry. Tonelli was now ahousehold name throughout the country, having been a headline-catching swimmer at the 1974 Christ

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Church Commonwealth Games, taking a Gold in the 100 metre backstroke. He would subsequently take up studies at the University of Alabama in the United States. That same 1974/5 season had seen Mooloolaba figure prominently at the State Titles held at Mackay, with Graham White taking first in the Senior Belt Race, as did Paul Dixon a first in the Surf Race (with Mark Tonelli second). Stephen Harris came first in the Cadet Surf Race, and Peter Graham took out the Flags. Club teams took out the Surf Teams Race, the Junior Surf Teams Race, and the Cadet Surf Teams. The Club's amazing revival as a formidable competition force was bolstered by the active financial support of property developer Neil Miller, who financed Mooloolaba teams to fly to Sydney for competition carnivals with North Cronulla, in December 1975 and again in December 1977. In 1975, Mooloolaba was placed in five events, running third to Wanda and North Cronulla in the Taplin Relay. Australian Junior Beach Flags champion, Peter Graham, 17, took the Junior Beach Flags and was placed third in the senior event, and Gordon Winch, the National double ski champion, won the single ski race by more than 50 metres from Doug Andrew of Dee Why. Stephen Fry was only defeated by five metres by Wanda's Graham Dyson, and Steve Miller finished second in the junior belt race. Twelve months later the Queenslanders again did Mooloolaba proud, with the Club being runner-up to North Cronulla. Mark Tonelli had briefly returned from the United States, and joined the team, which provided a place-getter for every final. Tonelli entered the surf for the first time in two years and won the open surf race from Australian champion Paul Gately. Steven Miller took out the junior belt, and Mooloolaba's junior team came home victorious. Mooloolaba cadets dominated their section with both ski and malibu going to Michael Elmer, the surf race to Ricky Vanderzant and the surf teams to Elmer, Vanderzant, Brad Nicholls and Barry Woodger. The Club had also shown a new initiative by attending the Coffs Harbour Crafts Carnival in 1974. Two years later, in November 1976, they returned, with the Brisbane Telegraph reporting: 'It was the first time that Queensland had had a strong representation in the annual carnival and Mooloolaba in particular proved a stumbling block for most teams. Mooloolaba had several top competitors in Gordon Winch who won the senior singles ski and Jeff Bird who won the junior division of that event. They also won the ski team event and craft taplin and finished third in the junior boat race..,.Mooloolaba finished the day with the highest overall points total and won a trophy worth about $200.'

In early 1978 there were fewer triumphs, with no first placings in the State Championships at Kurrawa in February. However the Club's Boat Captain and Treasurer, Joe Western scored a first for Mooloolaba by representing Queensland in the Australian Titles as boat sweep, and Michael Elmer brought home a first in the Cadet Single Ski from the Australian Titles held at Kingscliff in March. By November however the Club was proving its strength, finishing third in the Carlton Cup Carnival at Palm Beach Cove, Cairns. Mark Tonelli again returned to represent his old Club, dominating the surf and belt events both at Cairns, and at the Kirra Invitation Carnival a week later when the Club's Michael Turner also impressed by winning the junior surf and belt races. The Queensland State Titles, held at Mooloolaba from 17 to 18 March 1979, saw Ricky Vanderzant take firsts both in the Junior and Senior Surf Races. The Junior Surf Team also took top honours with 24 points. Michael Turner and Ricky Vanderuant were subsequently chosen for the Queensland State Team for the Australian Titles at Trigg Island (Perth) in April.

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In the beginning : 1922 - 1925

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