The Club

We’re more than red and yellow flags. We’re a home for locals, a launchpad for champions, a classroom by the sea, and a venue where memories are made.

Club History

1909–1919:
Surf Bathing Emerges

Surf bathing gained popularity in Coffs Harbour by 1909, leading to the formation of the Jetty Surf Club. However, World War I halted its activities as many members enlisted.

1920–1929:
Establishing the Club

In 1923, the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club was officially formed at Park Beach. The first Bronze Medallion squad trained in 1924, and by 1926, a brick clubhouse was constructed to replace the original wooden structure damaged by termites.

1930–1939:
Infrastructure and Challenges

Architect Lindsay Gordon Scott designed a new clubhouse in 1935. However, by 1937, the club faced challenges due to the enclosure of Jetty Beach, leading to its temporary decline.

1940–1949:
Post-War Revival

After World War II, the club experienced a resurgence as returning servicemen revitalized its activities, emphasizing community service and beach safety.

1950–1959:
Hosting State Championships

In 1957, Park Beach hosted the NSW State Surf Championships, a significant event organized by club members including Reg Shanahan and Noel Condon.

1960–1969:
Honoring Legacy

The club mourned the loss of founding member Reg Shanahan in 1960, a dedicated advocate for surf lifesaving whose contributions were commemorated by naming a surf boat “Shan” in his honor.

1970–1979:
Royal Recognition

In 1970, the club hosted a Royal Surf Carnival during Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s visit, showcasing its prominence in the surf lifesaving community.

1980–1989:
New Clubhouse and History Publication

The new clubhouse was officially opened in 1980, marking a significant upgrade in facilities. In 1983, the club published “Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club: 1923–1983 – The First 60 Years,” documenting its rich history.

1990–1999:
Embracing Modernization

The club continued to modernize its equipment and training programs, adapting to new technologies and methodologies in surf lifesaving.

2000–2009:
Expanding Community Engagement

This decade saw increased community involvement, with the club expanding its Nippers program and hosting various community events to promote beach safety.

2010–2019:
Celebrating Achievements

The club celebrated numerous milestones, including competitive successes and community service awards, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the Coffs Harbour community.

2020–2023:
Centennial Celebrations

In 2023, the club celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of dedicated service, community involvement, and commitment to beach safety.

Board & Committee

President

Ryan Bear

Director

Leticia Gunther

Director

Daniel Backhouse

Director

Anthony Jephcott

Director

Harry Barry

Director

Duane Mengel

Director

Tony Chambers

Secretary Manager

Grant Lawler

Surf Sports Manager

Joanne O'Leary

Boat Captain

Tommy Adams

JAC / Branch Delegate

Louise Mengel

Complaints + Grievances

Melina Lawler

Chief Training Officer / Branch Delegate

Richard Gunther

MPIO

David Crossingham

Club Captain

Tony Chambers

Youth Development Officer / Administration Officer

Payton Lawler

Bar Manager

Peter Staples

Administration Assistant

Isobel Staples

Life Members

Reg Shanahan (1925)
Horrie Riding (Life Member 1925)
Clarrie (Sec) Williams (1930s)
Dick Gailer (1930s)
John Pollock (1940s)
Frank Bastian (1945)
Clarrie Braithwaite (1945)
John Lawler (1946)
Bill Walker (1947)
Brian Malouf (1948)
Ted Healy
Bernard (Minty) Smith (1948)
Gerhard (Garry) Voigt (1954)
Trevor (Trevitt) Slack (1982)
Allan Dawson (1982–83)
Jim Petersen (1975)
John Cowling (1981–82)
Dick Pickering (1982)
Bill Palmer (1984)
Mark Gawne (1984)
Graham Thorn (1993)
Ceslaw Filipek (1993–94)
Frank Hulbert (1994)
Geoff O’Brien (1994)
Terry Lockart (1993–94)
John Mills (1993 - 94)
Terry McLean (1999–2000)
Peter Wallace (2005–06)
David Day (2005–06)
Bruce Lawler (2005–06)
Cec Tempone (2009)
John Wake (2009)
Jamie Marschke (2010)
Tony Mutkins (2010)
Mark Beavis (2013)
Terry Maher (2013)
Peter Kitching (2020)
Rachael Smyth (2023)
Charlie Helembright (2025)

View our Past Club Champions

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