NEWS DESK
Surfers, volunteers smiling at Pt Leo THE Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula’s first beach day of the year saw 156 surfers and more than 300 volunteers at Pt Leo on 20 January. Since 2012, DSAMP has been fulfilling its mission to put “smiles on dials” by offering safe, accessible and fun surfing experiences to surfers of all disabilities. Established by Gary Blaschke in 1986, the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia now has more than 19 chapters in Australia and one in New Zealand. “In the 12 years since we started, we have watched our events continue to grow,” DSAMP president Pea Saunders said. “There’s a fantastic vibe for the surfers, carers and volunteers, combined with a high degree of professionalism and commitment from all involved, that make our events something that we all look forward to.” Volunteers and surfers often attend both events held by the DSAMP each year. “This was our second year, and I can see it being a regular event for our family,” said Rebecca Eakins who attended the January event with her sons, Jaxson and Jayden. “It’s such a heartwarming day, and I often wonder if the surfers or volunteers are having more fun. We try to give our boys every opportunity, and they love being on the water, but surfing is not one we could have given them without the support of DSAMP.” Leanne Vogt came for the first time with her son Michael who “went from being super anxious and not sure if he wanted to participate” to wanting to know when he could do it again. “He wants his own board and to learn,” she said. DSAMP is run by volunteers and supported by community groups, including Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, the Point Leo foreshore management committee and Tyabb Somerville Rotary Club. Volunteers do not require any experience or to be surfers. The next event will be on 16 March. Follow DSAMP on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date.
Picture: Elise Saunders
Picture: Brian Crimp
Picture: Tricia Kennedy
Picture: Janis House
Church fete that tempted tastes
Skilling up for emergencies THE latest training exercise for firefighters at Dromana Fire Brigade included breathing apparatus skills maintenance and hose drills. The training was designed to give members an opportunity to keep up to date and deal with any challenges and situations they might encounter. Anyone interested in joining the CFA should contact cfa.vic.gov.au/ volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/ apply-to-volunteer
Ready for call: Firefighters at Dromana are making sure they are ready for challenges this summer. Pictures: Supplied
Fete helpers: Clockwise from top left, Jill Williams and Joy Jarman; Grace Mary Huntly; Rae Connell and Rhonda Whitehead; . Pictures: Supplied A WHITE elephant stall, scones with jams, more than 600 pots of jams and marmalades, a pet show, pony rides, vintage cars and a spinning wheel with prizes made up the ingredients for a successful St John’s Fete at Flinders on Saturday 27 January. The more than 100 volunteers behind the fete for months baked, jammed, pickled, sorted and cleaned, sewed and knitted to continue the tradition of the fete which has been held to support St John’s Church and other charities since 1939. “The St John’s Fete only comes together with the support of so many locals who not only
volunteer for months prior, but who all turn up at 7am to put up marquees and bunting and ensure everything is displayed beautifully,” fete convener Barbara Richards said. “We had plants, cakes and cookies, fresh produce, hand knitted toys and handicrafts and one of the biggest arrays of jams and jellies ever seen.” The fete raised more than $30,000 for the church and for local charities. This year’s fete was sponsored by Community Bank Balnarring and District, Kay & Burton and the Flinders Community Association. Western Port News
7 February 2024
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