History

The History of Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club was originally formed in 1962 with the help of a few enthusiastic life-savers and T.M. Burke, who paid for the construction of the original clubhouse. This clubhouse was a small rectangular 'shed' perched on the dunes at Peregian Beach.

During these early years, the Yandina Hotel was a popular watering-hole and the overnight stop for the members of the club. The lifesavers used to hitch their way to Peregian each weekend during the season to patrol the beach. Keith and Poss Gorrie had the only store in Peregian in those days and supplied meals etc. to the lifesavers.

Fundraising in the early days was creative and spontaneous. Records show that one of the most successful fundraising activities was the charging of an entry fee to see a large shark which had been caught off Peregian and placed in the township's swimming pool, which is now the site of the shopping centre.

Unfortunately, for a host of reasons (one of which was a cyclone which destroyed the clubhouse), the club was disbanded in 1974.

Ten years later in October 1984, the groundswell was sufficient to reform. Patrols recommenced on the 1st of January 1985. Patrol equipment was in short supply but help was quickly forth-coming with a donation of a reel and ski from the Southport Club and a surf-boat from the Sunshine Beach Club. Two other reels from the Broadbeach Club and further equipment donated by Glen Eden Resort at Peregian ensured Peregian lifesavers could patrol effectively. This equipment was housed in a tin shed until the completion of stage 1 of our current clubhouse in September 1988.

The enthusiasm of many local community members and shop-keepers was evident by the amount of money raised towards this clubhouse. The donation of equipment by the Trust Company of Australia, was invaluable. It is due to all these people that the club had and still has the ability to provide an outstanding service to the community. 

Peregian is one of the youngest Surf Life Saving Clubs in Queensland and we are very proud of our achievements. Some highlights are listed below.

1. The introduction of Junior Activities (Nippers) in the 1991/92 season to cater for our 7 to 14 year olds. Peregian Nippers now attracts over 160 members.

2. A full liquor licence was granted in 1994 and subsequently the Supporter's Club sprang to life to manage bar and dining facilities. Eight Gaming Machines were installed in 1998 to assist with income generation.

3. A Sponsorship Committee was formed in 1995 to enhance our profile within the community and to attract new members with a more professional approach. This committee was successful in receiving financial support towards our extension from the Trust Company of Australia, the Department of Sport as well as much appreciated support from many local and other business people. Our need to continually raise money to keep our rescue and educational equipment up to date and in good condition is still of paramount importance.

4. The completion of the building extensions in 1995 saw the culmination of many committees' and fundraisers' efforts over many years. The Club is now double the size of the stage one development completed in 1988.

5. One of our most important achievements so far has been to be ranked, continuously since 1992, within the top five Sunshine Coast Clubs , in the "Buhk-Wilkes" Trophy. This trophy is awarded for the best patrolling club and therefore symbolises our first priority - to keep our beach a friendly and safe environment for tourists and locals alike.

6. Each year our Club runs the highly successful Christmas Carols held on Christmas Eve for the Peregian Community. These carols are the longest running on the Sunshine Coast and demonstrate the Clubs' commitment to providing a complete community service to the people of Peregian Beach and Marcus Beach. Last Christmas some 3000 visitors attended what was easily our "Best Carols Ever".

7.The Club was the first in Queensland to elect a female President. Gill Woolcock stayed in this role for 4 years and was instrumental in motivating more women and girls to be actively involved in Surf Lifesaving. Gill is now a life member of our club.