August 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 645

 

Bilgola SLSC's 2025 Annual General Meeting

Bilgola SLSC held its Annual General Meeting at the Clubhouse on Sunday, 10 August 2025, our 76th AGM.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee Members who have stepped down after an incredible 6–7 years of dedicated service: Peter Fenley (President), Adrian Wegrzyn (Director of Life Saving), Ian MacDonald (Administration Officer), and Mark Parsons (Operations). Their commitment, time, and energy have kept the lights on and the club thriving behind the scenes. It’s hard to overstate the importance of their tireless efforts, without volunteers like them, our club simply wouldn’t function.

A special mention goes to Tracey Rock, who continues her invaluable service as our Finance Officer. We are eternally grateful for her ongoing support.

L-R: Peter Fenley, Ian MacDonald, Tracey Rock, Adrian Wegrzyn & Mark Parsons. Photo: Romilly Madew AO

We warmly welcome our new Executive Committee Members: Greg Woods (President), David Burton (Director of Life Saving), Bridie O’Sullivan (Deputy Director of Surf Lifesaving), David Madew (Operations), and Mignon Butler (Administration Officer).

We look forward to hearing more from them as they settle into their roles over the coming months.

David Burton, Tracey Rock, Mignon Butler, David Madew & Greg Woods (absent - Bridie O’Sullivan). Photo: Romilly Madew AO

Outgoing Bilgola SLSC President Peter Fenley said in his annual report

''Our core mission—providing the public with a safe swimming environment— was once again fulfilled this season, with 6,580 volunteer patrol hours recorded and, most importantly, no lives lost during patrol hours. Our patrol teams responded to 27 rescues, administered 49 first aid treatments, and performed 320 preventative actions to ensure beachgoer safety.

A special thank you to Adrian Wegrzyn, who has served with unwavering dedication as Director of Lifesaving. Adrian steps down this year after many years in the role, during which he ensured patrols were well-organised and our emergency call-out team always ready. On behalf of the club, thank you, Adrian, for your tireless service and leadership.

Our annual Billy Swim, expertly coordinated by Nikki Curtin, was the biggest in several years. Great weather and excellent beach conditions helped make the event a major success—both as a race and as a key fundraiser for the club. A huge thank you to Nikki and her team of dedicated volunteers, as well as to Avalon, Whale Beach, and Newport SLSCs for providing water safety.

We are also grateful for the generous and ongoing support of our sponsors, particularly the Caroline & Marcus Blackmore Foundation. These contributions are crucial in keeping Bilgola financially sustainable and capable of meeting its patrolling obligations.

Our Boaties had a standout season, with both U19 and U23 crews progressing to the finals at Aussies in their first year back under our re-invigorated boat program. Congratulations to the rowers and to Neil Jones and Mark Parsons, who continue to build this dynamic section of the club. If plans unfold as hoped, we may see eight Bilgola crews competing in the 2025 season.

A special mention to Romily Madew, whose infectious enthusiasm has driven the growth of our informal weekend swimming group. The "Billy Rays" continue to thrive, encouraging more members to enjoy both beach and pool swims in a fun, inclusive environment.

Our training team deserves enormous praise. Thanks to their dedication, we have successfully delivered courses in IRB, Surf Rescue Certificate, Bronze Medallion, Advanced Resuscitation, and First Aid. Without their hard work, patrol capabilities would decline. Special thanks to Kirsty Allen for stepping into the Chief Training Officer role mid-season and managing the substantial administration load that comes with it.

Bilgola members have also contributed to emergency service operations, particularly during recent flood events. Surf lifesavers possess a unique and vital skill set in times of crisis, and we thank those who volunteered. In addition, many of our members have donated time to the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, supporting in roles such as Duty Officers, Assessors, and Facilitators—ensuring strong support across the wider lifesaving community.

After six incredible seasons, I have decided to step down as President to focus more fully on my Branch commitments. It has been a great honour to serve Bilgola SLSC in this role, and I am deeply grateful to all who have supported me—especially the Executive Committee. I look forward to continuing my active involvement with Patrols 8 and 12, as well as contributing to training and assessment in the seasons ahead.''

New Life Member

Huge congratulations to Romilly Madew AO, who was awarded Life Membership of Bilgola Surf Lifesaving Club at the 2025 AGM last Sunday.

Romilly’s surf lifesaving journey began in 1990, and she’s made an extraordinary impact ever since—serving as Patrol Captain, President, committee member, mentor, competitor and championing diversity for over three decades.

From leading our Rainbow Beaches and Pink Zinc patrols, supporting emergency operations, to nurturing Nippers and organizing swim groups, Romilly’s dedication shines through in every role. Whether it’s responding to flood emergencies, building inclusive teams, or simply encouraging others to have a go, she brings energy and heart to all she does.

Her remarkable record includes receiving the National Medal (2025), Outstanding Contribution and Distinguished Service awards, multiple ‘Top Ten Patroller’ honours, and much more.

Thank you, Romilly, for your outstanding commitment, positive leadership, and for inspiring everyone at Bilgola to strive for excellence and embrace community spirit.

Please join Bilgola SLSC in celebrating Romilly— their newest Life Member, mentor, and community inspiration.

Photo: Romilly Madew AAO and Bilgola SLSC past President Peter Fenley.

Congratulations David Madew – Distinguished Service Award

At our AGM we proudly recognised David Madews' incredible contribution to Bilgola SLSC with the Distinguished Service Award.

Since joining in 2008, David has been a force of energy, skill, and community spirit — from the early days as one of the Nippers’ “BBQ Kings” to becoming IRB Captain (2017–2023), Head IRB Trainer, Swim Director, and long-time patroller.

  • Bronze Medallion in 2014, followed by IRB Crew, Silver Medallion IRB Driver, and IRB Trainer.
  • Led IRB training for most of our current Crews & Drivers — with a passionate focus on bringing more women into IRB roles.
  • Upgraded and maintained our IRB fleet for safety and reliability.
  • Revitalised the Bilgola Swim & helped grow the Pittwater Swim Series.
  • Introduced great social events as Club Licensee.
  • Over 160 patrol hours last season, on top of running IRB courses.

David has also been recognised with multiple Top Ten Patroller awards, Club Captain Award, IRB Person of the Year, President’s Award, and more.

From rescues to training, from patrols to community building — David has given so much to our club, and this honour is so deserved.

David Madew and Peter Fenley last Sunday. Photo: Romilly Madew AO

Our 2024-2025 Annual Report also recognises LONG SERVICE AWARDS of Bilgola SLSC members for their sustained contribution to Surf Lifesaving Australia.

50 YEARS RECIPIENTS: Robert Hawkins and Steve Broughton-Rouse

40 YEARS RECIPIENTS: Brian Law, Kirk Jansson, Mark Parsons

30 YEARS RECIPIENTS: Geoff Hannigan, John Walcott, Aaron Broughton-Rouse, Craig Poppleton, David Livingston, Geoff Raper, Graham Foran, James Chant, Murray McGain, Levi Broughton-Rouse, Neil Jones, Nigel Dawson, Robert Machar, Scott Machar and Carol Forlonge

25 YEARS RECIPIENTS: Andrew Crook, Ben Drew, Jon Marks, Andrea Whittet, Alan Green, David Edgley, John Brogden, John Lawson, Nigel Penn, Peter Fenley, Bruce Scheffers, Stephen Hill, Luke Hogan and Lucinda Brogden.

PERPETUAL TROPHY AWARDS 

Congratulations to the 2024/25 season recipients

PRESIDENT'S AWARD: Scott Machar, Kirsty Allen & Nikki Curtin

CLUB CAPTAIN'S AWARD: Andrew Radford, Peter Dahdah & Emanuel Freer

LIFE SAVING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AWARD: David Madew, Rowan Jacob & Michael O'Sullivan

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SURF LIFE SAVING Greg Woods

MOST VALUED PERSON OF THE YEAR Neil Jones

TOP BRONZE CANDIDATE Geoff Aitken 

LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR Greg Franks 

IRB PERSON OF THE YEAR Nadine Cran 

PATROL CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR Romilly Madew 

YOUTH PERSON OF THE YEAR Brianna Dahdah 

CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR Matt Harris

RICHARD CRAYFOURD AWARD Garth Campbell

SURF BOAT CREW OF THE YEAR U19 Male Chicken Legs - Dane Burns, Ryan Fronzek, Liam Kilpatrick, Myles Nicholas & Neil Jones

LIFE MEMBER AWARD 

Neil Jones was awarded Life Membership at the 2024 AGM. Life Membership is awarded to members who have displayed distinguished voluntary service to the organisation sustained over a period of at least twenty years. Neil joined Bilgola SLSC in 1992. Since joining he has volunteered his time as Nippers Age Manager, Gear Steward, IRB Racing, Surfboat Sweep and helping with Club Restorations. Neil has over 30 Accreditations with Surf Life Saving Australia. 

Neil was awarded Top 10 Patroller for 4 years, Rower of the Year 3 times and Most Valued Person of the Year (Ross Henessey Award) in 2024/25 season. He has also been a club sponsor for Bilgola SLSC and contributed to the club's fundraising efforts. 

Committee positions include: Club Vice Captain (1999, 2000), IRB Vice Captain, Boat Captain (2004, 2005, 2006), House Captain 2008.

ABOUT BILGOLA SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB

Our Volunteer Surf Lifesavers patrol Bilgola Beach from September to April each year, ensuring that beach goers have a safe and enjoyable time at our beach.

At Bilgola SLSC our Club’s purpose is to help cultivate and develop an active and healthy community. We have plenty to offer across many areas, from becoming a Surf Lifesaver or a Nipper, to Sport, Education and Functions.

Registration for Nippers for the coming 2025/2026 season will be online and on a nominated day at the clubhouse. The Bilgola website provides Nipper parents with all the necessary information required to register their child/children and be prepared for the season. It is Club policy that all Nipper members have at least one parent or guardian who is a Senior member of Bilgola Surf Lifesaving Club Inc. Applicable Senior membership categories include Active Senior, Active Reserve, Long Service, Social Member, Nipper Parent (General), Associate Member and Life Member. Bronze Medallion Fees The training fee for the Bronze Medallion course is $240. This covers membership, training materials, patrol uniform and cap. The fee is paid prior to training commencing.

Find out more at: bilgolaslsc.org.au

Here’s to a wonderful season ahead, see you on the beach soon.