History of Merewether Surf Life Saving Club.
Swimming at the beach in the late 19th & early 20th Century was mainly segregated, with men bathing in the Gulf approximately 230 metres south of the present day baths. The ladies and children selected a safer spot in front of the present day Surf House. Hence the name "The Ladies" for which it is still known to this day.
In October 1907 following a serious shark attack public meetings were held to petition the Government to provide a safe bathing place, change sheds and lifesaving apparatus at Merewether Beach.
On December 16 1907 the inaugural meeting of Merewether Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club was held and the first officers of the club were elected. Following on January 16 1908 the first Annual General Meeting was held, an executive committee was elected and constitution formed. Mr C.H. Tonkin was elected President,Colonel Ranclaud Vice-President, Mr A.Asher Secretary/Treasurer and Mr J.P. Williams Sports Secretary.
Life Memberships were bestowed on Mr. E.A. Merewether, Colonel Ranclaud and Mr. A. Watt, per annum active memberships were also taken.
Defined by "The State Parliament" in the early 1900's as being the finest beach in the State. It's no wonder that Merewether Beach has always been so popular for recreation and pleasure.
Our first Surf Carnival was held on March 7th 1908 with Newcastle and South Newcastle Surf Clubs and Perseverance Swimming Club competing with Local Members. Voluntary members of the Club have provided patrols of the beach since inception and have been responsible for the rescue of hundreds of people, often under very dangerous circumstances.
Life Members
| E.A. Merewether | 1908 | Colonel Ranclaud | 1908 | ||||
| A. Watt | 1908 | Edgar Hinchcliff | 1923 | Frank Long | 1964 | ||
| Jim McKenzie | 1923 | Albert Peel | 1968 | ||||
| Vic Lovell | 1923 | Jeff Agland | 1970 | ||||
| Albert (Bert) Caldwell | 1923 | Gary Miller | 1974 | ||||
| Jim Wiebe | 1924 | Greg nelmes | 1974 | ||||
| Keith D.McDonald | 1925 | Graham Walton | 1974 | ||||
| E.(Ted) Pritchard | 1927 | Robert J.Balks | 1977 | ||||
| Phil M,Evans | 1928 | * Stewart Hetherington | 1979 | ||||
| * Jack Wiebe | 1933 | Robert Richards | 1979 | ||||
| * Norm Wiebe | 1940 | Evan Walton | 1982 | ||||
| R.(Bob)Morton | 1940 | Cliff Ireland | 1982 | ||||
| R.F.(Frank) Mahony | 1941 | Peter Alcock | 1983 | ||||
| R.(Dick) Tressider | 1942 | Phillip Watt | 19 | ||||
| Harry Norton | 1942 | Laurie Graham | 19 | ||||
| R.(Bob) Hughes | 1944 | Jack Cavanagh | 19 | ||||
| Alf Hiland | 1946 | John Adamson | 19 | ||||
| A.J.(Albert) Edwards | 1947 | Peter Hogg | 19 | ||||
| W.(Bill) Read | 1948 | Sue Paul | 1999 | ||||
| Jack Blackett | 1951 | Iain Kelso | 2003 | ||||
| Sid Bignall | 1952 | Phil Mosgrove | 2003 | ||||
| Jim Hiland | 1956 | Ross Purvis | 2003 | ||||
| Doug Read | 1959 | Michael Rees | 2004 | ||||
| W.(Bill) Morgan | 1960 | Anthony Robinson | 2005 | ||||
| Cliff Brown | 1960 | Grahame Lott | 19 | ||||
| William R. Adamson | 1961 | Max Ebrill | 19 | ||||
| Neville Henshaw | 1961 | Spare | 19 | ||||
| Keith Swan | 1961 | Spare | 20 | ||||
| Laurie March | 1962 | Spare | 20 |
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Merewether S.L.S.C. members were instrumental in setting up the Hunter Rescue Helicopter service in 1975. Click HERE to visit the Angel 2 Rescue Helicopter Homepage |