City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club

📣 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫
Planning for the coming season? Our 2026/27 Youth Pathways Calendar is now available to view and download!

If you're U14-U17, check out the courses available to you over the coming year, and get your season off to a flying start!

Download now 👉 https://ow.ly/Chaz50ZkvXB

Dear Members,

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club (Inc) will be held as follows:

📅 DATE: Friday, 24th July 2026
🕕 TIME: 6.00pm
📍 VENUE: City of Bunbury SLSC Club, Ocean Drive, Bunbury, WA, 6230

All members are encouraged to view the AGM Agenda and the below-mentioned documents prior to the AGM. These are available at the following link:

https://www.bunburyslsc.com.au/documents

Documents:
• AGM 2026 Agenda - Nominations Received for Directorships
• AGM 2025 Minutes - Proxy Voting Forms (see Proxy Voting Policy)
• 2025/2026 Annual Report - Available for viewing on website

Our Club’s Constitution states that the Club requires a minimum quorum of 20% of the financial members from the membership categories listed below to be present personally or by their proxies at the AGM.

• Life Members
• Active Reserve Members
• Long Service Members
• Active Members
• Directors

Full voting rights are afforded to all the above financial Members who have met the requirements of their membership.

The AGM will be conducted according to the 2022 City of Bunbury SLSC Constitution.

If you are unable to access the above documents, have any queries concerning your voting rights or the conduct of the AGM, please don’t hesitate to contact Club Member Services via email to [email protected] during club office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am – 2pm.

We look forward to your attendance.

So proud of you Mitchell 👏

VALE TED JOHNSTON - Passed away June 2026

Prior to leaving Bunbury to establish new farming interests in the emerging frontier of Esperance, Ted Johnston was not only a Life Member of our club but also one of the most recognisable and respected figures in its history.

While he never held the office of President, Ted was unquestionably a leader whose influence, commitment and example inspired generations of members. His service to the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club included roles as Club Captain from 1953 to 1957, Chief Instructor from 1957 to 1958, and Treasurer from 1960 to 1961.

In an era before boat trailers became commonplace, Ted regularly brought the family's five-ton Austin farm truck to the clubrooms for State Carnivals. Club members would manually load the club's clinker-built surf boat onto the truck before Ted and a small crew transported it to competitions across the state. These boats were immensely heavy, but thanks to Ted's dedication and determination, they always arrived safely and often returned home with successful results.

Ted's standing within the club was further reflected by his regular selection to lead the State March Past Team, proudly carrying the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club banner. He was also a leading competitor in both belt races and surf races, representing the club with distinction.

Beyond his surf lifesaving commitments, Ted volunteered his time to support one of the largest and most prestigious dances in Western Australia during that era. Jointly organised by the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club and the Bunbury Rowing Club, the event generated significant income for both organisations. In keeping with his trusted reputation, Ted willingly accepted responsibility for managing the finances as Treasurer.

Ted's athletic achievements extended well beyond the beach. In 1952, the highly regarded Swim Through Perth was recognised as the premier open water swimming event in Western Australia. On the day of the race, newspapers carried the headline, "Ted Johnston's Chance in Today's Big Swim." Despite having spent several exhausting days battling a bushfire on the family farm at Leschenault, commentators remained confident in the abilities of the outstanding young Bunbury lifesaver.

Their confidence was well placed. Ted went on to win the event convincingly, defeating some of the finest open-water and lifesaving swimmers in the country.

Our late Life Member should be remembered and honoured as one of the outstanding volunteers in the history of our club. Through his leadership, service, sportsmanship and unwavering commitment, Ted Johnston helped shape the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club and left a legacy that continues today!

From Life Member Ross Ranson and Club President Denise Duncan

⭐️💫Congratulations to Jasmine White, finalist for Official of the Year!! 💫⭐️

The SLSWA Awards of Excellence recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the best-of-the-best WA members throughout the season, across a wide range of categories.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Awards Ceremony, Saturday, 20 June 2026.

A full list of finalists can be found here:
https://www.mybeach.com.au/news-events/2026-aoe-finalists-announced/

Wishing Mila and Michellie the best of luck as they represent COBSLSC at the 2026 Nipper and Youth Awards in Perth on Saturday!
Good luck to you both 🎉

Weekly news from the City of Bunbury Surf Club - 7 May 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/c124f6965ade/26th2024-102417september873-10344860

✨ What a special night at our 2026 Annual Awards ✨

Last Saturday at the Old Lyric, we celebrated the achievements, dedication, and spirit that make our club so special—an evening full of pride, laughter, and well-deserved recognition.

We were honoured to be joined by Jack Dowie (SLSWA), Nola Marino, and Mayor Jaysen De San Miguel, who assisted Kristian in presenting Denise with a special award celebrating 10 years as President.

Recognised for her incredible contribution as Director of Surf Sports and Youth, coach, and active patrol member, Denise’s impact was described as part of a “deeply woven family legacy.”
“While words will never capture the depth of our gratitude, the heart, soul and future of this club are better for your decade at the helm.”

👏 Congratulations Denise, and to all our award winners—especially Olivia Barr, winner of the $500 Member Draw!

We're thrilled to announce our 2025/26 Season Award Winners:
🏆 Age Group Manager of the Year – Nic Andrew
🏆 Rod Killerby Most Enthusiastic Cadet – India Murphy
🏆 Most Outstanding Junior Member – Elise Fry
🏆 Doug McGhie Best Patrol Member – Benn Prowse
🏆 Youth Best Patrol Member – Michellie Neaves
🏆 Tony & Julie Snelling Education Award – Jim Smith
🏆 Glen Morton Club Person of the Year – Amanda Collins
🏆 President's Trophy – Kristian Collins

We also proudly presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following members for their valuable contributions throughout the season:
🎖️ Gary Carthew
🎖️ Jasmine White
🎖️ Sue Neaves
🎖️ Benn Prowse
🎖️ Kristy Prowse
🎖️ Stephen Fry
🎖️ Luke Walker
🎖️Terry Freeman
🎖️ Julie Snelling
🎖️ Darren Hope
🎖️ Elise Fry

Thank you to The Old Lyric and everyone who made the night so special.
More in this week’s Beach Banter newsletter.

If you enjoyed the night, let us know in the comments—we’d love your feedback for planning next year! 🌊💙