LITTLE SHIP CLUB (Qld) 2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT

Commodore’s report continued

Whilst ashore, our grounds and gardens, although lessened in foliage cover following the storms’ cleanup, continue to attract enquiries from families, the corporate sector, prospective brides and grooms, and other community and boating organisations about hosting functions and events – and the ever-popular putt-putt golf, quoits and ‘beach cricket’ remain stalwart favourites. Moreover, the Club’s successful grant application for additional furniture for the premises will see the installation of more formal seating in the southwest corner of the main Flags lounge, three more sunlounges for the lawns, outdoor lounges and individual chairs for the bistro area. We also have in train a grant application for a ‘Combi oven’ to further improve the catering capability of our kitchen. Afloat, I am buoyed by the number of Members who have applied through the Club to the Royal Navy for a Warrant and permission to fly the Blue Ensign (Defaced). These applications take considerable time to process and when issued to vessels are something to be proud of and in keeping with the traditions of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol and the Little Ship Club. There are specific criteria for permission to be granted to be awarded the Warrant and applications may be lodged with the Hon. Secretary for processing. Our own burgee continues to appear on more vessels around the Bay and I encourage members to ‘fly the flag’ whenever cruising in our waters. On which, I remind Members that it is a requirement, when on the Club pontoon or our swing moorings, your vessel is wearing our Club burgee. We also have a request lodged with Marine Safety Queensland for an allocation of another three 15m swing moorings in the One Mile basin. Recent correspondence from MSQ indicates that we are on the short list but none in that size is currently available.

Discussions with MSQ continue for a full and accurate audit of moorings, including confirmation of correct location and occupation by the registered mooring owners, in accord with relevant legislation. In conclusion, and although I have already referred to many of my Board colleagues in this report, it would be remiss of me here to not formally acknowledge the sheer damn hard work and passionate commitment demonstrated by what – to coin a Nelsonian phrase – could only be described as this ‘happy band of brothers’ … those very few people who have consistently shouldered loads left by others who have not stepped forward in our shared interest. Gaye, Chris, Matt, Bill, Greg and Col: for your many hundreds of hours given freely and willingly to the service of our Club over the years, on behalf of all LSC Members, I thank you for all you have done, for what we have built together on the foundations left by those who have gone before, and for what will yet be possible with those still to come. Such dedication cannot be expected to continue, nor can the membership expect so few individuals to carry such a workload – in some cases impacting on their own family, recreational and business time. Traditionally, there once were committees carrying out many of these tasks. It would not be unreasonable for me to indicate that Members can expect a tap on the shoulder and be ‘pressed ganged’ onto a committee by future administrations. Our demographic continues to age and it is time for the next generation to stand up and protect the heritage of the Little Ship Club as did our forefathers. Thank you, Gaye, and thank-you all, for your support and friendship. Roger McDowall Commodore

Eye-catching, colourful posters, flyers and Facebook posts kept visitors informed of social events and temporary service interruptions – such as the bistro’s closure for the kitchen reflooring, which was also communicated to the staff and vessels of Stradbroke Holidays/Ferries and the Gold Flyer.

AR.6 Annual Report 2016–2017

Little Ship Club (Queensland Squadron)