Allan Edward Fitzgerald MBE – North Steyne SLSC
First President of the originally formed Manly-Warringah Branch in 1959 when official approval was given for the Northern Beaches Clubs in the Metropolitan area to form their own Branch breaking away from the Sydney Branch which they had been part of. During the first full season 1960/1961 the new Manly-Warringah Branch consolidated their resources very quickly to demonstrate that the correct move had been made.
Allan was instrumental in the pursuing and convincing the powers that this great arm of Surf Life Saving in the Northern Beaches was needed.
Allan was President of the Branch from its inception for a period of 8 years, then after a three year break stayed as President for another five years until 1975.
Allan was one of the most outstanding men in our association as a lifesaver and administrator. He obtained his Bronze Medallion in 1930 and was a champion belt-man of the Illawarra Branch, State and Australia. Legend has it that Little Pattie’s classic rendition of “He’s My Blonde Headed Stompy Wompy Real Gone Surfer Boy”, was inspired by and written about Allan Fitzgerald when doing his “Belt Swims” down at North Steyne.
He was a member of the Australian team to Honolulu in 1939 and holder of the Royal Humane Society Medal. Allan was Captain and President of North Steyne, a member of the Board of Examiners of Head Centre SLSA. He is well remembered in relation to his connection with the tour by the South African Lifesaving team, as he was Convenor of activities for the tour.
Allan was awarded SNB Life Membership in 1968.
Allan passed away on December 14, 1981. He was aged 67.
