Southport Surf Life Savers pay their respects to the Godfather and Commemorate Queenslands 150th Anniversary |
![]() |
| Posted by editor (editor) on Sep 15 2009 |
| 2009 >> |
A flotilla of surf rescue boats will head out to sea from Main Beach with the ashes of Southport surf life saving legend Garth Andrews OAM this morning, just after a Q150 history DVD by Southport Surf Life Saving Club is released, featuring among others, one of his best mates surf life saver John Ogilvie.
The late Mr Andrews passed away in June.
Peter Lawlor, local member and Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading will be there to launch the 15-minute Q150 history DVD which also features gold medallist Mark Bennetts and patrol captain Kizie-Kate Stumer, and to pay his respects.
The Queensland Government granted Southport Surf Life Saving Club $10,000 towards a DVD on the living history of the people and places that shaped one of the largest community organisation in Queensland.
“It’s sad to say the least when a legend like Garth Andrews passes away,” Ms Mr Lawlor said.
“It does us good to remember his achievements while alive.
“Larger than life, Garth was instrumental in getting the search and rescue helicopter, jet boats and inflatable rescue boats off the ground.
“It’s fitting that he’s remembered today and that we share his memory as we commemorate Queensland’s 150th anniversary which is all about our people, our places and our stories.
“I congratulate the Southport Surf Life Saving Club for bringing these two commemorations together and for creating a day to remember for everyone from little nippers to elite gold medallists.
“I would think that’s just how Garth would have wanted it.”
The Southport Surf Life Saving Club’s Q150 Celebration and inaugural Open Day today, officially begins at Main Beach in front of the Southport Surf Life Saving Club at 9am and ends at 1pm. The Q150 history DVD will be launched by Minister Lawlor at 10am at the club’s museum. A flotilla of surf rescue craft will head out to sea from Main Beach at 11.20am.
A group of 40 nippers will form a guard of honour with Q150 balloons. The traditional annual dedication of the Southport Surf Life Saving Club, initiated by the late Mr Andrews a decade ago, takes place at 11.30am followed by a memorial service and scattering of his ashes 200m out to sea. A barbecue and sausage sizzle will be held on the foreshore at 12 noon. Activities showcasing surf life saving skills will be occurring throughout the morning.
Suzette Sutton, Life Saving Manager at the Southport Surf Life Saving Club, said Garth was known as the Godfather by club members.
“He was much loved and will be sorely missed,” she said.
“It was his wish for his ashes to be scattered in this way so we are taking heart that we are fulfilling his wishes.
“In a way this is a celebratory wake for Garth as well as a celebration of life and celebration of Queensland’s 150th birthday.
“We are grateful for the Q150 Community Funding grant and for the assistance of the Liveworm Film Production Unit at Griffith University to produce the DVD.
“The Q150 history DVD is stage one of the project.
“By the end of the year will have also archived, recorded and preserved our historic photographs which we’ve rescued from cobwebs and off walls in another DVD.
“Many of our members have been members of the club for generations.
“These DVDs including the preservation of historic photographs honours them for their contribution to surf life saving in Queensland and society in general.
“Both DVDS will be available to the public through the Gold Coast City Council Library and most importantly stored for posterity by our museum.”
The Queensland Government’s $4 million Q150 Community Funding program offered grants between $2000 and $10,000 to communities to help them mark Queensland’s anniversary in ways that were meaningful to them.
There are more than 500 Q150 Community Funding activities and events around the State for Queenslanders to enjoy in 2009.
Find out what’s on in Queensland at www.q150.qld.gov.au.
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 12:47 PM
Back
|
