A CENTURY OF SERVICE ON THE SANDS

Generations of lifesavers, families and supporters converged on the district at the weekend as the iconic Ayr Surf Life Saving Club marked a century of beach safety and mateship with a spectacular three-day centenary celebration. READ ON PAGE 3 CAPTION: A gala dinner at the Home Hill Memorial Hall on Saturday night served as the centrepiece of the centenary celebrations. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and photography Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Marks Historic 100-Year Milestone CONTINUED FROM COVER More than 300 attendees flocked to the region at the weekend to mark one of the most significant milestones in local history as the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club celebrated its 100th anniversary. The milestone was commemorated with a packed three-day program of events running from May 29 to 31, bringing together generations of members, families and supporters to reflect on a century of coastal protection and community spirit. A gala dinner at the Home Hill Memorial Hall on Saturday night served as the centrepiece of the centenary celebrations, complemented by a Friday night meet-and-greet at the Kalamia Hotel and a relaxed recovery gathering at the Alva Beach clubhouse on Sunday. Club President Dr Benjamin Lawry said the anniversary celebrations were a fitting tribute to the volunteers, members and community supporters who have sustained the organisation for a century. "Over the past 100 years, countless individuals have given their time, energy and commitment to ensure the safety of beachgoers and strength of our community," Dr Lawry said. "This weekend was an opportunity not only to celebrate our history, but to thank everyone who has played a role in building the Club into what it is today. "The stories shared throughout the weekend reminded us that while our uniforms, equipment and the beach itself have changed over the years, the spirit of service, friendship and community remains exactly the same." The club’s deep historical roots trace back to late 1925, following the tragic drowning of John Begg Donaldson while swimming at Lynch’s—now known as Alva—Beach. In the wake of the tragedy, Mr Donaldson's workmates at the Kalamia Mill raised funds and sent them to his parents in Scotland, who returned the money with the insistence that the local community use it. A meeting was subsequently convened at the Shire Chambers in October 1926, where the decision was made to form the Donaldson and Lower Burdekin Life Saving Club, which originally affiliated with the Sydney-based Surf Life Saving Association of Australia four years before a Queensland branch even existed. Now known as the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, the institution stands proudly as one of Queensland's oldest surf lifesaving clubs. The club’s storied history was also honoured on the weekend by the official launch of a new retrospective book, 100 Summers: the story of the Ayr SLSC, written by author Martin Grandelis following months of exhaustive research, interviews and writing to document the people who shaped the club. Long-time members used the weekend to reflect on the profound personal impact of the local institution, including Club Patron Hockey Vernon, who joined the club as a cadet in 1959. Addressing the gala dinner, Mr Vernon delivered a heartfelt speech on how the club has shaped generations of local families over the decades. “From joining the Club in 1959 as a cadet, it quickly became much more than just a place to volunteer. It became a second family,” Mr Vernon said. “The mateship and camaraderie found down at Alva have been a constant and particularly meaningful part of my life. Seeing my children become part of the Club has been especially rewarding, and a testament to the lasting impact this community has on generations. “Sharing in the celebration of 100 years of the Club has been incredibly special. It has been wonderful to see so many familiar faces, past and present, come together to honour the history, achievements and spirit of this Club I call family.” CAPTION: Generations of lifesavers, families and supporters converged on the district at the weekend as the iconic Ayr Surf Life Saving Club marked a century of beach safety and mateship with a spectacular three-day centenary celebration. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and photography