President’s Report, 2017 Central Coast Canoe Club AGM

I was elected to the role of President of the Club in April 2017 and I thank Marni Kay for her efforts and contribution until her resignation for personal reasons earlier this year. As a new kid on the block, having joined the Club in July 2016 after a few years break from paddling, I’m enjoying being part of a friendly group of paddlers, and going forward, I hope I can make a useful contribution to the Club, both on and off the water.

The Club has enjoyed a stable year, maintaining membership numbers and regularly attracting visitors from other clubs to boost the numbers at our race days. The Club is in a sound, financial position as you will see from the Treasurers Report and is well placed to build on its long history in 2017/2018.

The Club is powered by volunteers who give their time to enable us all to enjoy and benefit from the Club’s activities and I would like to thank the volunteers who chip in to help set up and pack up at Club Races and especially thank our timekeepers, Diana and Margaret, who provide this important function.

I would like to thank the outgoing Committee who have given up their free, and sometimes their paddling time during the past year for the contribution and achievements they have made. Those achievements include:

  • In April 2017, the club ran a very successful round of the PNSW Marathon Series with almost 200 paddlers enjoying a great days racing on the Wyong River. It is generally regarded as one of the best events in the calendar due to availability of parking, easy access to the river and of course, the superb paddling conditions on the river that we regularly enjoy.
  • In the past few months, we have commenced discussions with the Central Coast Council regarding creation of better access to the river by means of a floating pontoon, as well as storage facilities for the club on-site at the Lions Park. These improvements will not only benefit the members but also the wider community creating opportunities for paddlers with a disability and younger paddlers to participate in the sport. We are still formulating the requirements and plans, but our primary contact at the Council is very enthusiastic and providing good guidance and support to us.
  • The Committee has recognised that it is important to increase activities to promote the Club and sport to attract new members and as a first initiative, has committed to a stand at SportsFest in September. This event is being organised by Central Coast Council to create an opportunity for Sporting Clubs to promote their Club and Sport to potential new members.
  • During the past year, the Club has improved its “web-presence” with the creation of a web-site with news, results and photos linked to the Clubs Flickr site and Instagram account. The Club’s Facebook page is also regularly updated with Club news and relevant posts.

Nick Naughton has been a contributor to the Club for many years and his efforts have been recognised with Nick being presented with a Distinguished Long Service Award at the 2017 NSW Community Sports Award ceremony on June 29th. It is also worth noting that Margaret has given Nick full support in his participation in Club activities and duties for 37 years and during that time has herself served in various Committee roles including Treasurer.

Congratulations Nick and Margaret and also a thank you to Peter Tate from Paddle NSW for nominating Nick for the award.

On the water, it has also been a good year for the Club.

The regular Club races have been well attended and usually attract paddlers from other clubs including Newy, Hunter Valley, Avoca and Brisbane Water. Congratulations to Cam Tunbridge and Gina Weekes who jointly accumulated the most points through the Summer Series to finish just ahead of Heidi Duncan and Anne Moore.

Paddlers from the Club participated in a number of other races through the year including the 3 Rivers 3 Distances Challenge, Myall Classic and Hawkesbury Canoe Classic events.

The Club has also been well represented at the Paddle NSW Marathon Series with Jenny, Lyn, Anne, Marg, Jack, Cam, Mick, Max, Steve, Ross, Jim, Nick, Owen, Aidan, Rob’s Cook and McPherson and Paul’s Carter and Stone paddling for the Central Coast Canoe Club.

Anne Cowper has also assisted at the events as Timekeeper – thanks Anne.

The Club Committee has discussed a name change for the Club which we feel better represents the members and the diversity of craft that are used in paddle sports today. It is important that we don’t lose the strong history of the club however it is also time to ensure we have a name and are able build a brand that reflects what we do and provides a clear message to potential new members. The name change will be voted on at today’s AGM and I hope you give it due consideration.

There has been good initial progress in a number of areas in the past year and I’m hopeful that the incoming Committee will be able to build on the opportunities to expand the membership and improve the facilities for the members of the Club.

Yours sincerely
Steve Hill
President – Central Coast Canoe Club

2nd July 2017