Winners Are Grinners at DYRSL

DYRSL keeps coming up trumps and won a further two awards in the recent Manly Daily 2008 True Local Business Awards.

For the fourth time in a row, DYRSL won the Hotels/Clubs/Entertainment Venue category.    The Club won this category for the first time in 2005 and continues to win by providing extensive entertainment appealing to a wide cross-section of the community via the popular shows on offer in the Auditorium and also the live entertainers appearing in the Flame Lounge seven nights per week.

For the first time, DYRSL also received top honours in recognition for its ongoing support of local charities and community services by taking out the Community Service/Not-for-Profit Award.   The $1.2 million donated to the community supported close to 100 local charities and organisations including the frail, aged and elderly as well as people with special needs right through to children’s and adults social & sporting groups.

DYRSL thanks our members and guests for your support.

DYRSL – Belong to Something Bigger!

 

Pink Ribbon Month
All Tied Up At DYRSL

At the end of October DYRSL could proudly say that they really celebrated Pink Ribbon Month in a big way.  

Having raised approximately $35,000 overall to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation this was the culmination of many avenues of fundraising and special events around the Club during the month of October.  From pink ribbon merchandise sales & specially designed DYRSL Breast Cancer Awareness T Shirts to a percentage of donations made from sales of various food products.  Even raffles held in Bingo and Housie.  Every little bit helped.

The highlight of the month was the “In the Pink” Pink Ribbon Breakfast held on Friday 24 October attended by special guests, corporate sponsors and members of the public with entertainment provided by celebrity performer Deni Hines.     Speakers included a mother and daughter – Julie & Krystal Barter whose family have been affected by Breast Cancer across three generations.   Theirs is a story of courage and determination and it’s all about promoting awareness of the disease and where to find advice & support if and when you need it.

2008 was the first year DYRSL has proactively supported Pink Ribbon Month and the Club intends to continue this tradition each October in years to come in the hope that a cure for Breast Cancer will be found one day in the very near future.

 

 

Inaugural Jobs Fair Gets
The Job Done

The inaugural Northern Beaches Jobs Fair held at Dee Why RSL on Friday 19 September was declared a ‘resounding success’ by local employers and employment seekers alike.

Over 300 local jobs were on offer on the day, giving candidates the opportunity for on the spot ‘mini interviews’ with in depth interviews scheduled as follow up the next week. From assistance with writing resumes, to interview techniques & career advice, job seekers had multiple opportunities for one-on-one discussions with prospective employers to answer any queries.

Local business groups also took advantage of networking opportunities, making new contacts to leverage & cross promote their businesses throughout the peninsula. Approximately 60 local businesses were represented at the Jobs Fair and in excess of 600 job candidates attended on the day. The Dee Why RSL Club’s central location and easy access via public transport certainly contributed to the big turnout. Organisers were so happy with the result they are talking about making this a bi-annual event in 2009.

Organisation of this event was a collaborative effort between the Warringah, Manly and Narrabeen Lakes Chambers of Commerce, as well as “Inspiring Women”, NSW Business Chamber and the ABL Apprenticeship Centre.

 

Inaugural Jobs Fair Gets
The Job Done

The inaugural Northern Beaches Jobs Fair held at Dee Why RSL on Friday 19 September was declared a ‘resounding success’ by local employers and employment seekers alike.

Over 300 local jobs were on offer on the day, giving candidates the opportunity for on the spot ‘mini interviews’ with in depth interviews scheduled as follow up the next week. From assistance with writing resumes, to interview techniques & career advice, job seekers had multiple opportunities for one-on-one discussions with prospective employers to answer any queries.

Local business groups also took advantage of networking opportunities, making new contacts to leverage & cross promote their businesses throughout the peninsula. Approximately 60 local businesses were represented at the Jobs Fair and in excess of 600 job candidates attended on the day. The Dee Why RSL Club’s central location and easy access via public transport certainly contributed to the big turnout. Organisers were so happy with the result they are talking about making this a bi-annual event in 2009.

Organisation of this event was a collaborative effort between the Warringah, Manly and Narrabeen Lakes Chambers of Commerce, as well as “Inspiring Women”, NSW Business Chamber and the ABL Apprenticeship Centre.

 

Dee Why VIEW Club
is 48 Years Young

The Dee Why VI.EW Club celebrated its 48th birthday at a special luncheon held at Dee Why RSL Club on 10 July. We are pleased to say that the Dee Why VIEW Club has been meeting regularly at Dee Why RSL Club for 40 out of their 48 years!

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Clubs of Australia is a nationwide self-governed women’s organization formed in 1960 by The Smith Family as a service to women and the community. Through strong VIEW networks, women are empowered to achieve new skills and confidence and give voice to their issues of national concern. Communities benefit through the commitment of the women of VIEW to providing educational outcomes for Australia’s disadvantaged children and families.

Heather Isemonger – National Councillor for Area NC VIEW Clubs officiated at the proceedings and spoke about the valued long term commitment of so many ladies to each other through friendship and to the VIEW organization. She was pleased to acknowledge one member, Beryl who was proudly wearing her 40 year service pin. The suite of Programs run by The Smith Family, to help Disadvantaged Children and Families, is greatly assisted by this VIEW Club’s continued financial support.

The guest speaker - Mr Rob Bishop, from the Royal Flying Doctor Service, outlined the history and invaluable work carried out by RFDS.

Dee Why VIEW Club supports many charities and fundraising exercises and one of their favourite success stories is the VIEW Club’s sponsorship of an 11 year old boy from South Australia to assist his education through the Learning for Life program.

To find out more about this invaluable self-help initiative, please visit the Smith Family website at www.thesmithfamily.com.au

Dee Why RSL Club proudly supports Dee Why VIEW Club – one of the 100+ local community organizations supported by the Club’s community support programme (CDSE).

If you would like to join Dee Why VIEW Club please contact Pat on Tel: 9971 7263 for further information.

 

Club of the Year Supports Local Business Awards

Dee Why RSL Club, Support Sponsor for the 2008 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards proudly hosted the Awards Ceremony held at the Club on Friday 4 July.

446 people attended the gala event to recognise the best local businesses on the Northern Beaches for 2008. Businesses participating in the program include small businesses, medium enterprises, franchises and chain stores in a variety of categories.

To see a full list of the winners for the Northern Beaches region please visit the Local Business Awards website at: http://www.precedent.net/public/index.htm

Pictured are Dee Why RSL Club President - Chris Olive (front right) and Grant Easterby – CEO, Dee Why RSL Club (4th from left) enjoying the celebrations on the night.

Dee Why RSL Club congratulates all the businesses who were winners and finalists this year - an integral part of our local community.

 

Northern Beaches Eisteddfod

On Friday 13th June Northern Beaches Eisteddfod held their Gala Concert at Pittwater House, showcasing highlighted performances of an exceptional standard from major prize winners across all categories of the Eisteddfod. The 2008 Eisteddfod ran from April through June culminating in the free Gala Concert as the grand finale, sponsored by Warringah Mall Management.

The Northern Beaches EIstedfodd is run solely by volunteers & promotes the continued development of the Performing Arts in the Northern Beaches district. The Northern Beaches Eisteddfod assists our talented youth to perform & continue to study through sponsorship from local companies such as Dee Why RSL Club who sponsor the Dance Scholarship & Encouragement Award; Junior Intermediate & Senior Instrumental Championships; Tap Championship and Song & Dance Championship.

Dee Why RSL Club proudly supports the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod – one of the 100+ local community organisations sponsored by the Club via the Community Support Expenditure Scheme (CDSE).

For more information please visit the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod website at: www.northernbeacheseisteddfod.com.au

 

Dee Why RSL named ClubsNSW
“Club of the Year 2008”

Dee Why RSL has beaten NSW’s largest Clubs for the prestigious title of the 2008 ClubsNSW Club of the Year. For the first time ever, a Club from the Northern Beaches has been crowned the best in all NSW. To win the title of Club of the Year, Dee Why RSL had to beat perennial award winners such as Mounties, Canterbury Leagues, Parramatta Leagues and Revesby Workers.

In addition to the Industry’s biggest award, Dee Why RSL also won five other awards including:

Outstanding Community Service Best Casual Dining Venue Best Club Gaming Venue Best Club Development Outstanding Club Governance

Chairman of ClubsNSW Peter Newell said the Club’s commitment to the local community is nothing short of phenomenal. “Despite the well known financial challenges being experienced by the Club Industry, Dee Why RSL last year managed to donate almost $200,000 more than their budgeted $1.1 million to local community groups”.

Club CEO Grant Easterby said the Club fundamentally exists to assist people. “Dee Why RSL is not about bars or bistros, poker machines or auditoriums. You see a Club is not about bricks and mortar – it’s about people. People are what give a club its life, its sense of community, its soul, its spirit, and its entire reasons for being”.

Dee Why RSL thanks its staff, Club members and the local community for their support. Dee Why RSL – Belong to Something Bigger!

ClubsNSW Media Releases page link:
http://www.clubsnsw.com.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Media/MediaReleases2008/default.htm

Clubland moves to North Shore Press Release link:
http://www.clubsnsw.com.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Media_Releases_2008&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=12344

Dee Why RSL Australia’s Top Club Press Release link:
http://www.clubsnsw.com.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Media_Releases_2008&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=12339

 

Dee Why RSL Interclub Expo – The First, But Not The Last!

The inaugural Dee Why RSL Interclub Expo was held on Level 2 of Dee Why RSL Club on Wednesday 9 April from 5.00 – 8.00 pm. The event was designed to showcase the variety of sporting and social clubs available to members of Dee Why RSL. The event was such a success we are investigating the possibility of making this a bi-annual event.
Members & guests visiting Dee Why RSL on the night were invited to take a seat for an informal chat with the Interclub Representatives at their respective tables. Questions were encouraged, and membership forms and info packs were distributed giving prospective members the opportunity to sign up on the spot or take the information home to read and then join at a later date.
As you can see from the photos, everyone had a good time! So if you would like to find out more about the various Interclubs Dee Why RSL has to offer members, please visit our Interclubs page on the new Dee Why RSL website at: http://www.dyrsl.com.au/html/interclubs.cfm and call your Interclub Representative today.
Some of the comments received :
“Thank you Dee Why RSL for your support and I believe these Expos are worthwhile for all concerned…..”
“We made some valuable contacts within the sporting community of Dee Why RSL which can only help. Some really good ideas came out of it.”
“It was a great opportunity for interaction with not only other Dee Why RSL members but to network with the various Interclub contacts as well and find out how they run things……”
“We had no idea our Dee Why RSL membership gave us access to so many different Clubs - from sports to Toastmasters to hobbies such as your Camera Club. A great event!”

Photos provided with compliments of Dennis Jones (Wild World Photography),
President of Dee Why RSL Camera Club

 

 

 

 

THE EAGLES SOAR AGAIN

Dee Why RSL Club congratulates The Manly-Warringah Eagles Baseball squad on their recent Grand Final 2-1 win over Baulkham Hills. The last time the peninsula club won the premiership was 1977! Not one of the current baseball squad was even born the last time the club won the first grade premiership! With six of the team aged under 21 their future looks bright for an even bigger & better year ahead.

Celebrations at Dee Why RSL Club on Thursday 20 March made up for the 31 year drought as players and supporters alike, including newly appointed Dee Why RSL Club Director Graeme Liddell, toasted the NSW 2008 Major League title win.

Dee Why RSL Club is proud to sponsor The Manly Warringah District Baseball Club. One of the 100+ organisations currently sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club under the Community Development Support Expenditure (CDSE) Scheme.

 

 

 

 

A CUBBY HOUSE FULL OF TOYS FOR LOAN

Cubby House is the only toy library for children with special needs on the northern beaches of Sydney. Started in 1980 with a small group of volunteers, the number of volunteers has now grown to over 25, their ages ranging from 18 to 75 years plus.
The toy library offers a service to the Manly Warringah & Pittwater communities and also to families in surrounding areas. The goal is to provide an early intervention programme for children with special needs and at the same time support their families. Each year approximately 100 families use Cubby House and over the past 27 years membership has exceeded 1060.
The operation of the library is the responsibility of the Management Committee who employs 4 part time staff – 2 Occupational Therapists, a Librarian and an Administration Manager.
Cubby House provides a friendly, informal and supportive atmosphere where families with young children with special needs can meet, play, learn, relax and feel accepted. Members borrow toys, play equipment, cassettes, children’s and reference books on a regular weekly basis. These provide part of the day to day needs of many families who have children with special needs. The loan of these high-quality toys and books enables parents to continue therapy and teaching at home with the appropriate equipment.
The library is open for borrowing Wednesday to Saturday. Members are offered regular half-hour appointments with the Occupational Therapists who work in co-operation with any other therapy the child may be receiving. They offer professional guidance to parents on the appropriate toys and activities for their child’s stage of development and on their use for greater fun and enjoyment by their child to give the maximum benefits. This accessibility of toys at low cost means that, as the child develops, frequent changes of toys can be made without stress and financial hardship to the family.

For more information please contact:
Ms Sandra Gillett
Administration Manager
Cubby House Toy Library
32 Howard Avenue
Dee Why NSW 2099
Tel/Fax: 9971 7006
Email: cubbyh@tpg.com.au
Cubby House Toy Library is one of the 100+ community organisations proudly
sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club

 

 

 

The Twists, Tumbles & Turns
of Manly Warringah Gymnastic Club

On Wednesday 5 March,

In December 2007 the Manly Warringah Gymnastic Club (MWGC) took a terrible twist of fate. Their much loved venue in Allambie Heights was lost in a fire. The fire took a large amount of their Olympic standard equipment and threatened to close their doors for good. Since then the club has been valiantly trying to rebuild their facility at a new venue in Frenchs Forest. It took just under two months until the MWGC had their doors open again with young smiling faces eagerly anticipating their first gymnastics session at the club’s new home. The MWGC were up and running again and they are now almost fully restored to their former glory.

The Manly Warringah Gymnastic Club (MWGC) is a community based, non-profit sporting organisation. It is run by a Management Committee of parents and interested parties who offer a broad spectrum of skills and focus for the benefit of the gymnasts. Any surplus funds are re-invested in the Club.
Some of the benefits gymnastics offers include co-ordination, balance, strength, agility & flexibility. Young gymnasts will progress through many structured levels of achievement and will be rewarded through persistence & determination – all the discipline & groundwork they will need to succeed in many areas of life. But most importantly they will have FUN in a friendly, safe environment and learn to strive as an individual but also work together as a team. So give your child a flying start in life through the Sport of Gymnastics!

Many weekly classes are on offer for both boys & girls from Kindergym right through to adult level. MWGC also offer School Holiday Recreational Programmes. For further information please visit MWGCs website at: www.mwgymclub.com OR contact: Manly Warringah Gymnastic Club
Unit 1
8 Aquatic Drive
Frenchs Forest, NSW, 2086
Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9453 5481
Email: info@mwgymclub.com

Manly Warringah Gymnastic Club is proudly sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club – one of 100+ local community organisations sponsored by the Club.

 

 

FURLOUGH HOUSE UNFURLED

On Wednesday 5 March, I visited Furlough House and met some of the residents as they hopped on the Furlough House bus to take them to the city for an outing to play Bingo on a boat cruising Sydney Harbour!
Dee Why RSL Club is proud to sponsor the Furlough House Bus which gives the Furlough House residents the freedom and independence to enjoy regular outings including luncheons, visits to Clubs to play Bingo and shopping trips. Furlough House is one of the 100+ local community organizations that Dee Why RSL Club sponsors via the Community Support Development Expenditure (CDSE) Scheme.
Furlough House has 82 self care units with entry via donation from $2500. Weekly fees are also at very reasonable rates. You must be ex-service personnel and/or spouse of ex-service personnel to qualify for entry into this retirement home. Furlough House has a beautiful location at 72-90 Ocean Street, Narrabeen, right opposite Narrabeen beach and is situated on a public transport bus route which is only one block away. Recreation facilities include bowls, bingo and a large print library on site. Happy hour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings is a popular social gathering as are the well attended social dances held in the Furlough House Hall.
For more information please contact Lyn Johnson – Administrator at Furlough House on (02) 9913 7286.

 

 

A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE LANDS ON FRENCHS FOREST

On visiting the Sunshine Flexible Lifestyles & Moving Ahead Programs (MAPs) Centre at Frenchs Forest I was privileged to encounter small miracles in action. The Flexible Lifestyles Centre (an offshoot of the Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home) provides superior day services to all people with disabilities, including those who have specific, complex or exceptionally high support needs. The dedicated team of staff offer a variety of interests to stimulate & engage their clients, such as assisting them to complete beautiful artworks, dance & music therapy or simply being there with them talking and holding their hand and sharing a joke and laughing with them.

The Sensory Stimulation room on site is a favourite with the team, allowing clients to experience a soothing, calming environment in a darkened room filled with colour and music. Dee Why RSL Club recently funded the purchase of several items for this room including a Fibre Optic Sideglow 3M Strand & Shower Frame for the room – a delight of rainbow colours and textures with tactile benefits, as well as four colourful vibrating touch sensitive pillows. These state of the art therapies work magic in changing and improving behaviours and responsiveness in clients.

The Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home is a not-for-profit organisation that is committed to enhancing opportunities and relationships for people with disabilities, their families and the aged within their communities. Sunshine Home was set up in 1924 and is a respected provider of accommodation, employment and community support services for people with a disability. For further information please visit their website at: www.sunshinehome.net.au

DYRSL Club is proud to sponsor The Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home. – one of the 100+ organisations supported by the Club in our local community via the Community Support Expenditure Scheme (CDSE).

 

 

DYRSL SALUTES VOLUNTEERS ON
AUSTRALIA DAY

Wednesday January 30th 2008

Dee Why RSL Club President Chris Olive announced the winner of this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award – Joan Laurich – in front of a massive crowd at the annual Australia Day Breakfast event on Dee Why Beach.

A beaming Joan happily accepted $500 in retail vouchers in recognition of her volunteer efforts and Lifeline Northern Beaches was presented with a cash donation of $2000 to support their invaluable service to the local community.

Joan was recognized for her 12 years of service with the Lifeline team at Dee Why. She was nominated by Shirley Eggleton of Lifeline Northern Beaches who described the varied and valued contributions that Joan has made at the Dee Why site. Known by many nicknames around the office, Joan can be counted on to “drop everything” to come to the aid of her beloved Lifeline.

Ana Robinson, nominated by Autism Spectrum Australia and Kevin Martin, Life Member of North Curl Curl Surf Lifesaving Club were runners up, chosen from a pool of worthy candidates, all deserving of recognition for their untiring efforts as volunteers – the lifeblood of our community organisations.

This year’s breakfast, organised by Warringah Council and major sponsors including Dee Why RSL Club, was enjoyed by hundreds of local families who turned out on a picture perfect day to celebrate together as Australians. Warringah Council’s Australia Day Breakfast also showcases the Annual Dee Why RSL Club Volunteer of the Year Award recognising over 100 community organisations manned by volunteers.

 

CLUB BOARD NAMES
NEW DIRECTORS

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Dee Why RSL Club on 16 January Mr. Graeme Liddell was appointed Director, filling a casual vacancy left by the retirement of board member and former President Stan Jeffery in November 2007.

Mr. Liddell has been a member of Dee Why RSL Club for ten years and is a former director of Narrabeen RSL Club where he served on several key committees and was awarded life membership. Mr Liddell also enjoyed a successful career as a public school teacher for over forty years, retiring as Deputy Principal of Wakehurst Public School in 2007. He is the current Vice President of the DYRSL Men’s Bowling Club and also volunteers with the DYRSL Day Club for Seniors. His appointment to the Board is effective immediately.

At the same meeting Vice President Edward “Ted” Jackson formally advised the Board of his retirement effective 29 February 2008. Mr. Jackson is a Life Member of the Club and Past President of the Board of Directors having served on the board for over 47 years.

Subsequent to Mr. Jackson’s announcement, the Board agreed on the appointment of Mr. Karl Parkes to fill the upcoming casual vacancy. Mr. Parkes is a retired property valuer and real estate agent. He also holds a Diploma of Law issued by the Barristers Admission Board. Mr. Parkes has been a member of DYRSL Club for 14 years. He was a member of the Australian Army Citizens Military Force from 1959 – 1961 and currently serves as Honorary Secretary of the DYRSL sub-Branch. His appointment to the Board takes effect on 1 March 2008.

The Board congratulates Mr. Liddell and Mr. Parkes on their appointment
and looks forward to working with them.

 

DEE WHY SCHOOL FOR SENIORS CELEBRATION DAY
Friday, December 14, 2007

On Thursday 13 December, Dee Why School for Seniors celebrated the end of the school year with a Celebration Day concert held at the Uniting Church Hall, Dee Why.
Members of a variety of classes offered by the School performed on the day including the School Choir, Italian, Spanish & German classes, literature class and the play reading group. This was only a small sample from the School’s curriculum which covers a range of courses - from art to languages to tai chi, mahjong, scrabble and even creative card making amongst many other educational activities.
Local dignitaries – Bronwyn Bishop MP and Brad Hazzard MP were also in attendance to address the audience as were representatives from Warringah Council and Dee Why RSL Club who sponsor the School.
Dee Why RSL sponsors the annual Art Show each year, traditionally held during Seniors Week, with the next Show being held 10-12 April, 2008 in the Lakeview Hall at the Tramshed, Narrabeen. For further information about the Art Show and the many classes that Dee Why School For Seniors have on offer, please contact Rosemary Pearman (Secretary) on Tel: 9984 0947 or Margaret O’Neill (Co-ordinator) on Tel: 9997 5120. Fees for 2008 are $15 per term or $40 if paid annually.
Dee Why School for Seniors is one of more than 100+ local community organizations
sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club.