Bungan Beach SLSC Inc

Club History

Bungan Beach, situated between Mona Vale and Newport, was one of the most isolated in the Sydney area, accessible only on foot, and unknown to most of  the population, although the castle on the northern headland had been a landmark since the 1920’s. Those who swam there regarded the surf as dangerous, and although there were a number of attempts to start a surf life saving club, it was not until 1953 that the foundation of the club became a reality.

 

Two of the original members, Max McCredie, and Bill Anschutz OAM, were later awarded life membership of the club, in recognition of their significant contribution over many years.

 

To be a member, particularly in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, demanded an unusual degree of dedication and capacity for hard work, which was offset by the consistency of the surf and the indefinable attraction of the beach and its surrounds. Everything had to be carried down, or worse still, up the steep hill, and this tended to keep membership limited to the very keen. Despite the small membership, the club held restricted carnivals during the ‘50’s which were well attended, and held very successful presentation functions with 400 people attending the 1958 event.

 

The first two “club houses” were a tin shed, and then a packing case in the centre of the beach, followed in 1956 by a Nissan hut, which was carried in pieces down the hill and assembled at the northern end of the beach. A boatshed and canteen were added, but all these structures deteriorated rapidly. Warringah Council approved a new building in 1970, which was completed in 1972, but the landmark storm of May 1974 washed away the southern side of the building. Despite the club’s best efforts it was not until 1999 that approval was given for a new building, as a result of the work of Ken Trembath and Tony Hyde, among others. With funds raised from residents and supporters, and a major contribution by Mrs Isabel Millner, the new clubhouse is virtually completed, and would be a  revelation to the founding members.

 

Bungan Beach has had a bias towards surfboats in inter-club competition, starting with entries in two marathon boat races along Manly Warringah beaches in 1967 and 1968. Gordon Harmon joined the club in 1969, and swept a “home grown” crew, putting the club on the map over the next three years with silver medals in State and National Open Boat titles. The club’s outstanding individual competitor, Ed Ifould, won Branch ski titles in the ‘70’s and recorded wins and placings at carnivals in both ski and board races. Ross Jorgensen swept the club’s Open boat crew from 1985, achieving two firsts, a second and a third in consecutive years at the Australian titles. Since 2000, the club has won a silver medal at the Nationals, and won or placed at the State titles in both Open and Womens divisions under Matt Collins.

 

Club members have mainly come from Sydney’s North Shore and nearby suburbs. In 1988-89 a very successful association began with Barker College, thanks to Bob Richardson, which has been a valuable source of patrolling members, a number of whom later took up administrative positions in the club.

 

The club has the attraction of being on a beach which is still “Sydney’s best kept secret”. New members are always welcome, particularly if they are able assist on the administrative side, while the club would be more than happy to talk to potential sponsors.