Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club
Collaroy Surf and Life Saving Club Founded: On 11 August 1911 a meeting of the “Wombats” and community leaders was held to form the Club.
Affiliated: On 19 October 1914, Collaroy Surf and Life Saving Club affiliated with the Surf Bathers
Association.
First Clubhouse Built: Christmas 1911. Destroyed in 1913/14 Season.
How started: c. 1906 a group of young men from the Eastern Suburbs called the “Wombats established a camp in FieldingStreet. They were possibly members of Eastern Suburbs clubs such as Tamarama. On 11/8/ 1911 they met with Communityleaders and local residents to discuss the formation of a surf club and the first committee was filled. First AGM held in 1912.In 1912/13, they were joined by another group from North Sydney known as the “Crows” who were camped near MactierStreet.
First Bronze Squad: 6.12.1914
Questionnaire
How was the Club Formed: On August 11th, 1911, a group of concerned residents met at the local “Twight Tea Rooms” to discuss the formation of a Life Saving Club on Collaroy Beach, following several drownings. Their decision to proceed was unanimous and that night a committee was formed.
Formation Date: August 11th, 1911.
Affiliation Date: With the Surf Bathers Association of NSW on October 19th, 1914.
Council Approval Date: August 25th, 1914.
Patrols Commenced: Late 1911.
First Bronze Medallion – Squad – Date: December 6th, 1914
First Clubhouse Built: In 1911/1912, a basic timber structure was built on the sand and flattened during 1913/14 by the large surf and strong easterly wind.
Subsequent Clubhouses:
2nd Clubhouse: 1914 – a timber structure built on the beach by Warringah Council and sold in 1926 to a local resident, it wasthen removed from the beach to his property.
3rd Clubhouse: 1926/27 – a substantial brick building with a tiled roof opened on November 27th, 1927.
4th Clubhouse: 1945 – planning for the current club building commenced during that year. This
building encompasses the previous Club House (building 3). Preliminary work commenced during the 1952/53 season. Major work commenced during 1953. Completed and opened during the 1956 season. Junior Activities/Nippers Formation Date:
1st attempt: they were called Juveniles and formed on March 18th, 1928. Folded in the early 1930s. 2nd attempt: was during the 1965/66 season again called Juveniles, however they folded in the late 1960s due to being seen as a baby-sitting organisation.
3rd attempt: during the 1985/86 season still going strong today.
Club Historians: Geoff Small and Janine Fahey
Has a History Book been written: Yes, “Vigilant and Victorious” published in 1995.
