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1991 - 1992

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SAILING CENTRE ♦

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12th ANNUAL REPORT ♦ ♦

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OFFICE BEARERS

Mrs G A Woolley State Commissioner Girl Guides Association of Victoria

Miss J D Johnstone State Executive Officer Girl Guides Association of Victoria

Dr W Wells Chief Commissioner Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch

Mr I G Downing

General Secretary Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT

Chairman Mrs N Flegg (G)

Deputy Chairman

Secretary Mrs J Fox (S)

Treasurer Mrs J McGowan (G)

Members Mrs D Davies (G) Mr B Draper (S) Mrs J Handoll (G) Mrs L Jones (G) Mr P Jones (S) Mr T Kilbum (S) Mrs S Moyle (G) Mr P Peeler (S) Mr E A Swinton (S)

Ex Officio Members :

Minute Secretary Mrs J Richardson

Auditor Mr F J Buckley

Coxswains Roster Co-ordinator Mr S Dingwall

Medical Consultant Dr G Miles

Official Photographer Mr R Spratling

Local Council Liaison Mrs G Cox

Warranted Members: Appointed by the Scout Association as Branch Activity Leaders Miss L Beard Mr B Fairchild Mr T Glass Mrs K Johnson

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

When you read through this annual report, I am sure you will feel confident that the Sailing Centre is meeting the demands of our young people whilst still maintaining the excellent standard of care and safety which the scout and guide associations have come to expect from us.

Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of this year came in the first few minutes after the last AGM when Mrs Jean Twist launched the story of our first 10 years, "Messin' About With Boats", written by Doris Spratling. Our congratulations and thanks to Doris for this excellent publication. After many years of devoted service to the Centre, Doris has now resigned as archivist and we are currently seeking a replacement.

The Opening of the Season and Blessing of the Fleet on the first Sunday in October gave approximately 50 young members the opportunity to have an early sail at bargain rates. Our warmest thanks must go to our chaplain, Father Terry Pidoto, who performed the seemingly impossible, by being in Yea and Sandringham at the same time!

The staff family day on the first Saturday in February is proving to be a popular day when staff members and their families are able to enjoy a day of friendship and sailing in a relaxed atmosphere, without the normal responsibilities of our youth members.

Increased usage of the Centre during the past year has meant a greater workload on all staff. As would be expected from such a dedicated group of people, they have readily responded and a record number of young people have therefore been able to enjoy water activities. The Centre is dependent on a superb team of volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year - coxswains, rescue boat operators, OODs, radio/safety officers, first aiders, lifesavers, ships shop staff and maintenance people. My heartfelt thanks to you all.

We were pleased to have Mrs Dale Davies join the Committee of Management this year. We welcome the 'hands on' expertise in sailing and other water activities which Dale brings to our administration. Each member of the Committee of Management is responsible for some facet of the running of the Centre. I thank them most sincerely, not only for the dedication shown to their particular section, but also the encouragement and ready assistance they have given to myself and to each other in the overall administration. I have very much appreciated their friendship and loyalty throughout my term as chairman.

Much time and effort has been given to on water training, which along with introducing children to water activities, must always be our main function. Training, of course, is incorporated in everything we do, whether it be a brownie guide or cub scout learning the correct way to wear a lifejacket or a ranger guide, venturer or leader gaining the expertise to safely sail their own craft.

For the past two years the City of Sandringham and the Department of Conservation and Environment, together with delegates from all groups concerned, have undertaken a study of the Sandringham Harbour. Bob Swinton has been our representative on this working party, which has now formulated a masterplan for the harbour for the coming years. It is exciting to hear what our part of the bay may be like around the year 2020. It is also exciting to conjecture what the VGSSC may be doing at that time. The current administration of course will be long gone, however when I see the calibre of the young people currently at the Centre, I am confident that the Victorian Guide & Scout Sailing Centre will be continuing to offer the boys and girls of that time new and greater opportunities and challenges.

NANCIE FLEGG

TREASURER'S REPORT

Once again I am able to report that our financial position is strong. Our attendances at the Centre over the past twelve months have continued at a high level and the number of training courses has increased. Interest, of course, has decreased slightly due to the drop in interest rates.

We have continued with the replacement program for safety equipment and now have an adequate number of lifejackets for use at the Centre. The condition of these will be reviewed as an ongoing project and replacements acquired as needed. Hopefully by this method we will not have the major replacement cost we incurred in 1990 and 1991.

We have replaced one of the outboard motors for the rescue craft and will upgrade the other one in the coming months.

Repairs on buildings have been upgraded and further expenditure in this area is envisaged in the next twelve months.

The first aid room has been under review and we expect larger expenditure in this area in the coming year.

Maintenance works on the grounds are envisaged for the short term and this will of course require financial outlay which we are in a position to meet.

Our on-water craft are continually being reviewed by Peter Jones and his crew of coxswains and we are in a strong position to upgrade in this area if the need arises.

JAN McGOWAN

1991

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30/6/92

1992

INCOME $ $

846 Course Fees 2253 70 Seasons Subscriptions 50

1532 Casual Use 258 2864 Interest Received 2506 467 Donations 135

16545 Open Days 15252 110 Sundry Receipts

22434 TOTAL INCOME 20454

LESS EXPENDITURE 2437 Repairs - Boats 2149 1733 Repairs - Buildings rurl 1.7,,c14 4,L,ct 9 ) 2156 472 Repairs - Other 638 196 Telephone 205 551 Electricity 595 1268 Printing & Stationery 937 54 First Aid 49 591 Course Costs 163 1871 Insurance 2766 1326 Badges 966 1055 Rates 1126 1515 Sundry Expenses - Open Days 1093 6547 Depreciation 6885 19616 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 19728 2818 SURPLUS FOR PERIOD 726 22434 20454

7

VICTORIAN GUIDE/SCOUT SAILING CENTRE STATEMENT OF INCOME & EXPENDITURE

VICTORIAN GUIDE/SCOUT SAILING CENTRE

FUNDS STATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30/6/92

1991 1992 $

$

4543 Bank at Start 9845

25970 Investment Account at Start 17132 Investment SAA Vic Branch at start 11503

100 Petty Cash Advances at Start 250

846 Course Fees 2253

70 Seasons Subscriptions 50

1532 Casual Use 258

2864 Interest Received 2507

467 Donations 135

16545 Open Days 15252

110 Sundry Receipts

4075 Refund - Lifejackets Sales - Special Publication 705

57122 TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE 59890

UTILIZATION OF FUNDS

2437 Repairs - Boats 2149

1733 Repairs - Buildings 2155

472 Repairs - Other 638

196 Telephone 205

551 Electricity 595

1268 Printing & Stationery 937

54 First Aid 49

591 Course Costs 163

2671 Insurance 2766 1326 Badges 966

1055 Rates 1126

1515 Sundry Expenses 1093

4523 Acquisitions - Lifejackets 1177 - Dinghy 800 - Outboard Motor 1016 - Binoculars 276

Printing - Special Publication 1500 Tax charged on Investment A/C (Refundable) 456

9845 Bank at end 7189

17132 Investment Account at end 15062

11503 Investment SAA Vic Branch at end 19322

250 Petty Cash Advances at End 250

57122 TOTAL FUNDS UTILIZED 59890

VICTORIAN GUIDE/SCOUT SAILING CENTRE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30TH JUNE 1992

1991

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

1992 $

58210 2818

$

61028 726

Accumulated Funds Opening Balance Surplus for Period TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS 61028 61754

THESE ARE REPRESENTED BY - 43630 Fixed Assets - Boats 45446 21955 Fixed Assets - Other 23408 65585 68854 40287 Less Depreciation 47174 25298 NETT FIXED ASSETS 21680

ADD CURRENT ASSETS

9845 Bank 7189 17132 Investment Account 15062 11503 Investment SAA Victorian Branch 19322

250 Petty Cash Advance 250 Stock of Books - Special Publication 795 Sundry Debtors - Tax Charged at Bank 456

64028 64754

3000 CURRENT LIABILITIES 61028

)_____LESS - Insurance 3000

61754

Auditors Report

In my opinion, the foregoing financial statements give a true and correct view of the financial affairs of the Victorian Guide/Scout Sailing Centre as at 30th June, 1992.

F.J. BUCKLEY

BOOKINGS

It is pleasing to note the number of country groups visiting the Centre has almost doubled, including groups from Healesville, Werribee, Mornington, Cobram, Melton, Neerim, Eltham, Launching Place, Moe, Rosebud, Wandana, Lara, Whittlesea, Kinglake, Tallygaroopna, Garfield, Seville, Pearcedale, Morwell, Mt Macedon, Ballan, Devon Meadows, Benalla, Fish Creek, Cockatoo, Sommerville and Mt Beauty.

The system of $1 deposit per person and balance of payment with final numbers at least one month prior to booking date is working well with most leaders being co-operative. This has enabled units on our waiting list to be notified and to fill the vacancies.

Due to our inability to accommodate all requests for bookings between February and May, the charge per person for open days from October to December has been lowered from $5 to $4 on a trial basis, to encourage leaders to book during this period. A complete booking (up to 200) has been reduced from $900 to $750 from October to December.

25 Open Days were held plus 4 Region/District days. The Centre has run one 4 day Sailing Course and two 1 Day Introduction to Sailing Courses. 5 units have been canoeing in the evening. A rowing course was held last October and Ranger groups have practised their rowing on three evenings. Unfortunately the Ranger Regatta had to be cancelled this year, due to lack of interest.

A Staff Family Day was held on 1 February and a Fun Regatta on 23 February. Opening of the Season last October saw 40+ youth members enjoy a great day at the specially reduced fee of $2.

Ten members of "Jenni's Link" (disabled group) were taken on the water last February and 17 extension ranger guides from North Cheltenham last December. The Gilwell Reunion was held at the Centre in July.

Our thanks must go to the girls from the Beaumaris Ranger Guides and Central Venturers Oakleigh who have been most helpful.

Between July 1991 and June this year, David Winwood on behalf of Bayside Area has used the Centre on 33 days for training purposes. Gary Waugh on behalf of Somers ran a 4 day course for sailing. The Centre has provided rescue boats for the Bayside Area Raft Regatta.

LORNA JONES

2000-

1500-

1000-

500—

Oct Nov

Dec

Feb Mar Apr

May

Monthly Attendances

PUBLICITY

Joan Fox and myself have attended all new leaders receptions at Scout HQ during the year. A display board with photos taken at the Centre give the new leaders an insight into our activities and we are able to answer their questions concerning the Centre.

We represented the Centre at the Gilwell Reunion and the Jamboree at Ballarat and promoted the Centre there. A talk was given in Geelong at Bob Homfray's farewell and a talk and display took place at Bacchus Marsh at the Hoadley Area Palava. We also spent an enjoyable week in camp with the Chernobyl children and once again promoted the Centre with the leaders who attended.

KATH JOHNSON

Every opportunity is taken to acquaint the guide leaders with the activities the Centre has to offer to their units. During the year we have attended all gatherings of leaders possible, from district AGMs and new leaders get togethers to outdoor activities conferences. This has enabled us to speak to a wide range of leaders from all areas of Victoria. Our display boards have provided static displays when appropriate.

Articles publicising activities at the Sailing Centre have appeared regularly in both the guide and scout magazines.

JESSIE HANDOLL

Training and Associated Activities - Year Ending 30th June 1992

The presentation of water activities training is acknowledged as a prime part of the Centre's program. The Centre fulfils this training and instruction role by presenting courses and providing facilities to approved groups who wish to conduct their own courses. Regrettably, about four years ago the Centre's training program lapsed. Formal training at the Centre was restarted in January 1991 when, upon invitation from the Centre, the Bayside Area Water Activities Council (BAWAC) - Scout Association presented a number of courses.

It is pleasing to report this year that the Centre recommenced its training program with a Basic Sailing Skills Course which was conducted in collaboration with the BAWAC. A number of other courses were independently presented by the BAWAC as detailed in a later section of this Report. Sailing instruction was also independently undertaken by a Venturer Unit (Somers Area, Scout Association) during two weekends in February. The relationship between the Centre Staff and the members of the BAWAC is an excellent example of collaboration and co-operation which benefits youth members of both Associations.

Basic Sailing Skills Course. During two weekends in April 1992 sixteen candidates attended this course which was presented by the Centre in collaboration with the BAWAC. The course covered the theory and practical requirements for the Guide Association Sailing Certificate and the Scout Association Level 1 Charge (Sail). Seven Center Staff and ten Brighton District Scouters and Rovers assisted as coxswains, power boat operators, base radio operator and first-aid officer.

Six candidates were awarded Level 1 Charges (Sail) and three received Sailing Certificates. Five candidates returned to the Centre in June and qualified after undertaking further training. The two remaining candidates indicated their desire to return to the Centre at a later date.

One Day Introduction To Sailing Program. The object of this program is to provide a low cost experience whereby members of both Associations can undertake instruction and participate in sailing activities at an elementary level. Those who wish are encouraged to continue to more advanced training. The two days conducted during the period were attended by 34 persons.

Paul Peeler, Dale Davies and Peter Jones, Training Officers, VG&SSC.

Bayside Area Water Activities Council. During the period under review the Council Conducted three Training Courses open to members of both Associations, assisted the Centre with the conduct of a Sailing Course, conducted 'in house' training for three Scout Groups and on request conducted examinations for various Charge Certificates.

Training Courses: November 91 - Rowing Course, 10 candidates, 9 Certificates issued. February 92 - Power Boat Handling Course, 14 candidates, 12 Cert. issued. April 92 - Basic Sailing Skills Course, a VG&SSC Course, detailed above. June 92 - Rescue Boat Course, 5 candidates, 3 Certificates issued.

Other Training. The following Groups have received training in Sailing Skills: 1st Victorian Sea Scout Group, 1st Mt Eliza Sea Scout Group and 1st/14th Brighton Sea Scout Group.

Examinations. As a result of Training Courses, 'in house' training and other examinations conducted by the Bayside Team at the VG&SSC, 58 Certificates were issued as follows:

9 Rowing Charge Certificates

3 Sailing Certificates 14 Power Boat Handling Charge Cert. 22 Level One Sailing Charge Cert. 2 Power Boat Permits

5 Level Two Sailing Charge Certificates 3 Rescue Boat Charge Certificates

Service. As expected by both Associations, assistance was provided to the general public when requested. As a result the following disabled craft were assisted: 11 Sailboards, 9 Power Boats, and 8 Sailing Boats. Two victims of assault also received assistance.

The Bayside Area Water Activities Council thanks the Victorian Guide and Scout Sailing Centre and its staff, in particular Peter Jones, for their friendly co-operation, which has helped make the above activities a success.

David L. Winwood, Executive Officer, Bayside Area Water Activities Council, Scout Assoc.

VGSSC COXSWAIN COORDINATOR'S REPORT 1991-2

I am pleased to present the report of the Coxswains' Roster for season 1991-92. Approximately 30 coxswains have given service this year. It was encouraging to welcome six new members, although disappointing to report that ten coxswains from the previous year were unable to continue. In spite of this the total number of hours given by the coxswains reached 1880, an increase of almost 800 hours over last year.

This year has been rewarding in the way the coxswains have supported me, particularly when the Centre was short of staff. The Centre was fully booked from March till the end of the season and the support of the coxswains ensured that all the youth members who visited it were ably catered for. We thank the leaders who bring their Gumnuts, Joeys, Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Rangers and Venturers and trust that they all enjoyed themselves.

I would like to thank the coxswains who assisted throughout the season, and especially those who willingly gave of their time, with little warning when the Centre was busy. Thank you also to the families who supported the coxswains and allowed them to sail. Once again a special thank-you to Peter Jones for his regular and reliable service as senior coxswain.

Sandy Dingwall.

SANDRINGHAM & DISTRICT FORESHORE RECREATIONAL COUNCIL

The major activity of the VGSSC Representative on this council has been as a delegate to the Working Party on the Sandringham Council's study of the Sandringham Harbour. As reported in 1990, the Sandringham Yacht Club applied for permission to rebuild their jetties, their old wooden jetties having been condemned by the Port of Melbourne Authority. The Council decided to employ consultants to prepare a long-term Master Plan for the whole area, jointly funded by both the Yacht Club and the Council. This was to include a study of the effect of a proposed wave screen on the behaviour of the remainder of the harbour. The result of some two year's work was the publication of a Draft in February 1992 for public comment. These comments have been embodied in the final Master Plan, which has been adopted by Council. The matters which directly affect the VGSSC are: The Harbour has been confirmed as "a sheltered water for the storage, maintenance, launching and retrieval of predominantly sailing craft: a safe haven: a safe water for a wide range of passive water-based activities". The area around VGSSC may eventually become a focus for off-the-beach sailing, and the access roads will be maintained at a little above their present condition. Sandringham Yacht Club was granted permission to remove the old wooden piles and install a concrete wave screen to protect floating jetties. The jetties do not extend beyond the Club's lease area, but the wave screen extends somewhat beyond the old breakwaters. Removal of these old piles has commenced. Silting of the harbour is our main concern. It is now impossible to launch boats from the beach except at high tide, whereas in 1980 the water off the beach was deep enough even at low tide. Computer modelling indicates that the wavescreen will have minimal effect on silting. A channel will be maintained by the Club along their own jetties which can be used by us. The Master Plan proposes that eventually a further groyne be constructed north of the Hampton Life Saving Club to anchor a new beach. Overall dredging of the harbour may then be possible. Such action relies on Government funding, so is not likely for some years. In the meantime, we have to plan on operating from a sandbar some 150 m out from the present beach. In the course of a few years this will become a new beach in itself, unless dredging proceeds. Dredging of an access channel out from the existing concrete path may be instituted, but who pays is yet to be decided.

BOB SWINTON

-J

LEGEND

Sealed roads and car parks.

Gravel car parks.

Coastal (shared pedestrian and cycle) paths.

Main pedestrian paths. y Groyne

Pedestrian linkages.

ia ..... Restricted vehicle access.

Indigenous vegetation planting (i.e. restrict access, fence degraded areas, rationalise pathways.)

Roadside planting to be developed with clean trunks to maintain views.

Viewing points.

Toilet facilities.

Picnic area.

Local policy and action area.

Gateway (entrance feature to Sandringham).

Harbour entrance.

Off the beach launching area.

• .

1

Proposed Groyne Devon. sue and location are subject to Investigation.

-cc— WAVE ScREE-el

Layout of this area, subject to approval.

MAINTENANCE

Building

The most important undertaking since my assuming this portfolio last October has been the painting of our main building through the Melbourne School of Decorating. Apart from minimal costing, we were saved many months of possible debate and certain difficulty in ensuring protection of our most valuable asset.

One aspect which warrants recording is the decision to paint the natural woodwork of entrances and windows, so admired in the original concept of the building. Professional advice prevailed in painting the timber whilst its surface retained sufficient oil to bond a coating satisfactorily. Some of the exposed surfaces were already deteriorating under the unique exposure to bombardment by the elements, particularly sand and salt.

Many other items of maintenance and repair await attention but shortage of expert voluntary labour, and funding, preclude immediate attention to all the 'light, locks and linings' type problems listed for action. The contract with "Helpmates" to clean the building during the activity season has, however, helped immeasurably, not only in standard of fulfilment, but relieving a burden which often befell OODs and coxswains after a heavy day.

I conclude with thanks to Jan McGowan and Peter Jones - Jan for her scrub cutting of fire-risk growth and Peter for the many repair tasks which he and his team perform.

TOM KILBURN

Grounds

As with our own gardens, the area around the Sailing Centre, both inside the fence and outside, requires constant attention to ensure our sailing centre home has a cared for appearance. The lawns are regularly cut, edges clipped, trees and bushes pruned and the grass on the rear embankment kept down. The acquisition of a whipper snipper this year has made our task easier. At the request of emergency vehicle drivers, the bushes on the track from the bar gate have also been pruned back when necessary, to enable ready access.

I would like to thank Jan McGowan for her ready assistance with these tasks throughout the year.

To enhance the overall appearance of the Centre, it will be necessary in the near future to complete the landscaping at the rear and sides of the property.

SYBIL MOYLE

MAINTENANCE

Boat

With the increasing use of the craft at the Centre and the increase in their average age, this has been a busy year for maintenance.

There have been no major breakdowns but it has been necessary to work steadily throughout the year to keep the boats seaworthy. The corsairs have been plagued by minor leaks in the hulls, which have had to be located and patched. Rigging and sails also needed to be replaced and repaired. The canoes and rowing boats have had regular patching from bumps and wear from sand and rocks.

It is essential that our rescue boats are reliable, and with this in mind, we have just purchased a new 25hp motor for Rescue 2 and are considering the replacement of the 30hp motor on Rescue 1.

The small fibreglass rowing boats are nearing the end of their useful life. They are heavy and require constant repairs. A 3m alloy dinghy has been purchased as a trial and if successful it is proposed to replace the small fibreglass rowing boats with this type.

Finally my very sincere thanks to the small, but dedicated, band of workers who turn up on the second Wednesday of each month, rain, hail or shine. We can always use more help. Whatever your skills, there is an appropriate job waiting to be done.

PETER JONES

SHIPS SHOP

At the Annual General Meeting the profit from the Ships Shop provided the following items for use by all at the Centre :

Micro Wave Oven Two Easi Boat Rollers Weed Hornet (Grass Snipper)

o) Four Marker Bouys 0) Six Canoe Paddles

One Anemo Wind Speed Indicator One Cordless Phone

$1400

Thank you to Mary Lacey and her band of Trefoil Guild ladies for manning the shop during the Summer season. If we have the stock the funds roll in; without you ladies we could not provide the above extras.

Bravo ! Well done all.

Since the shop started we have progressed with the update of shop fitting and storage containers as well as being able to keep up with stocks and purchases of new lines, such as glasses/tumblers, and during 1991 we have a new long name tape selling at a minimum of 50 cents each.

To the families of these lovely ladies a special thank you for sharing your family member with us.

The problem of silver fish will need to be addressed again as the treatment during the season appears not to have been successful.

We look forward to the coming season and trust our sales will enhance the gifts for the 1992-1993 Annual General Meeting.

LILLIAN BEARD

OBSERVATION F.ADIO COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Safety is the key word on every persons lips these days not least the Guide Scout Sailing Centre. Every time a craft is launched at the centre a watchfull eye looks over them like an eagle from the Observation Radio Communication deck. That eagle eye watch comes from the person on duty each session from the upper observation deck, ready if necessary, from the ORCO to summons a Rescue Craft or the Officer Of Day via our Radio Communication net to their assistance.

Our Portable Marine Radios have seen yet another year of faithfull service from a beach location to the pounding of a Rescue Craft on duty in all sailable weather. Some days the sea water does happen to flow into the Rescue Craft resulting in the Marine Radio taking on board some unwanted salt water. No electronic apparatus can take this type of use without some form of T L C required to have it ready for our next sailing session. This does consume many hours some weeks in between our weekend operations. A majority of this service can be carried out by trained staff, so a lot of expense can be saved during the session.

No activity could survive without dedicated Safety Officers on duty each day, to all people who have worked as ORCO and Rescue Craft staff during the past season , thank you.

You too, could assist as ORCO as we are always on the look out for more staff. Its not hi—tech as I am ready to train or run a radio training session as required.

BERT FAIRCHILD