Bondi Patrol Podcast

GUEST: Lawrie Williams (Loz); Bondi SBLSC Long Service Member and Bondi Historian

This podcast is supported by Bondi’s most experienced real estate agents; Richardson & Wrench Bondi Beach – we thank the whole team for their ongoing support of our club and the surf life saving community - visit their website at rwbb.com.au

In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome Lawrie Williams to the podcast – Lawrie – or Loz to his friends – is a club veteran and Bondi historian. He is a proud member of Bondi SBLSC and North Bondi LSC. Loz’s proud of our club’s history and believes that sharing stories helps current and future generations to appreciate what previous clubbies went through.

Correction to audio: Lawrie is a Long Service member of Bondi SBLSC and a Life Member of the Australian Pool & Ocean Lifeguards Association

Why is our club called a “surf bathers” club?

Why do we have patrols named after famous members when every other club has “Patrol 1” or “Patrol 2”

Was there a boxing ring in the great hall at the club?

What was the “belt and reel” really like as a life saving tool?

What was it like in the old days? (post war, 60s, 70s, 80s – stories of club members helping others rougher times, no OH&S, no female members)

Impact of new equipment over the years

The history of Bondi since WW2 – and impact on the club

For non-surfers; what are the rules of surfing at Bondi??

Did they really allow raw sewage to flow into the water at Bondi?

The importance of club veterans, older members

Who created the hit TV show Bondi Rescue?

Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 27: Gareth Robinson: Purpose led habits: Hear about Bondi’s Wellbeing Team who are building mental health for Clubbies

Gareth Robinson is the Founder of Your Happiness Flywheel, a mental health and wellbeing consultancy. Gareth is known at the Bondi SBLSC as “Chop” and is Vice Captain on the famous Baldock Patrol, and a Leader on the Club’s Wellbeing Team.

Chop discusses Four initiatives for mental health and wellbeing:

Each patrol has a Wellbeing Team member and remind volunteers on Patrol

Wellbeing Team Patrol & Breathwork Class

Channel your inner Goldfish, setting your intent

Purpose led habits: Start small: Aim low to reach high. Give back to feel great.

Gareth discusses finding what works for you and remember to keep exploring exercise, and music.

Gareth discusses what is ‘happiness’ and how to achieve your goals.

In this episode we cover a number of great topics for everyone’s mental health and awareness; Chop mentions and references some websites/books etc – these are listed below:

Bondi SBLSC Wellbeing:

• chaplain@bondisurfclub.com (the awesome Blake Hatton)
• wellbeingpatrol@bondisurfclub.com (mostly active Oct/Nov)
• Mental Health Advocates (each patrol has a MHA that is the patrol 'point person', aiding mental health awareness, preparedness, and connection in their patrol.

Bondi SBLSC Cadets:

• bondicadets@bondisurfclub.com (14 - under 18's)
• Bondi Cadets Insta page
• nippers@bondisurfclub.com (under 14's)

More About Gareth, and his 4 week challenge:

• happinessflywheel.com.au
• Article with 50+ book recommendations from Gareth
• Sign up for Your Happiness Flywheel e-Newsletter

Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 26: Sandra Fox, President, Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club.

Tamarama: small club, big heart, taking the lead on many issues

Sandra is currently President of Tamarama SLSC, the first woman to be in this role. She has been at Tamarama SLSC just over 20 years and has served in many roles in the surf club and seen many changes over that time both at a Club level and within surf life saving. Sandra works for CSIRO in business development in the environment and climate area.

Tamarama is a small and often challenging beach in between Bondi and Bronte. Much of the work the surf life savers do is preventative and involves speaking to people before they go into the surf.

In this podcast we discuss Sandra’s entry into the club, various roles she has held for over 20 years, and now her role as President.

Sandra talks through the redevelopment of the Tama club house – how it took longer than expected.

Sandra takes the time to share how clubs have the power to champion certain causes and issues, and how although Tama is a small club, they have a big heart, and choose to lead the way on a number of issues.

What do members really value? Social activities, competitions, and the many volunteer roles available at any club.

https://www.tamaramaslsc.org/