Umina Surf Club - a history of almost 50 years

With the opening of its new clubhouse for Umina Surf Life Saving Club, secretary Ms Christine Lavers has provided a brief history of the club.

"The original club was formed in 1959 by Max Tearne, John Breakwell, Les Wynne, Graham Stockley and Tony Collins and its first senior president was Mr Jack Hogan," Ms Lavers said.

"The first club house was an army tent which was badly damaged in a fierce storm.

"Members moved all their rescue equipment to the caravan park, where temporary accommodation was supplied by Mr Jack Hogan.

"The first section of the club house was built by voluntary labour on land leased from Gosford Council.

"This was in 1963 and was the size of a boatshed.

"Concrete was wheeled in by barrows from Ocean Beach Rd.

"The next set of extensions took place in 1971."

Ms Lavers said that former federal Member for Robertson Mr Barry Cohen opened the building in December 1975.

"The club house has stood proudly until 2006 when it was demolished to build this new one," Ms Lavers said.

"In 1967, the Junior Surf Life Saving Club was formed and was known as The Stingrays, named by the 60 junior male members of the club.

"The junior president was Mr Peter Robinson.

"The Umina Club was the first club on the Central Coast to hold the NSW State Titles, firstly in 1971, then in 1980 and recently in 2005.

"No other club on the Central Coast has held this prestigious event and it shows the dedication of its members throughout the years."

Ms Lavers said up to 150 people attended the recent opening ceremony, which took place within the club house due to wet weather.

"The National Anthem was sung by Maddison Roots, a member of the club who also has sung at the NSW Surf Life Saving championships in previous years," Ms Lavers said.

Press release, 4 Dec 2007 Christine Lavers, Umina Surf Life Saving Club