The history of the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club is tightly interwoven with
the discovery, settlement and life of Catherine Hill Bay itself. The surf club
has provided a service to the local community ensuring they can enjoy the sun
and surf in relative safety; secondly, the club has provided a focal point for
both young and old to engage in healthy and spirited competition.
Wreck of the Catherine Hill
Catherine Hill Bay beach itself was aptly named after a ship 'Catherine Hill'
that was wrecked in the bay in June 1867. The 'Catherine Hill' was travelling
from the Richmond River port to Sydney with a load of timber. As reported in the
Sydney Morning Herald (28/6/1867):
'..it blew a heavy gale from NE to E, with heavy squalls, thunder and
lightening; the ship was hove-to under single-reefed fore trysail, there being a
high confused sea at the time; ship labouring heavily and shipping a great
quantity of water. On Friday morning made the lee bow, close in shore, between
two reefs of rocks; tried to make sail on ship to get her off shore, but the
attempt was unsuccessful. Kept her away from the beach, and while doing so,
shipped a heavy sea, which took overboard the mate [Thomas Raywood] and cook
[John Dooring], who were never seen afterwards. All the other hands reached the
shore in safety; stayed on shore all night and the next day without clothing or
food, when a settler [Mr Taaffe] came and made a fire and provided us with
provisions...'
Surf Bathing in the early 1900's
It's hard to imagine living next to some of the most beautiful beaches in the
world and yet not being able to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. That's exactly
what it was like along our coastlines little more than 100 years ago. Public
bathing restrictions, numerous drownings and frequent shark attacks all conjured
to keep people out of the water and not develop a familiarity and respect of the
surf that we are developing today.
During the early 1900's the laws on prohibition of bathing during daylight
hours were challenged and in the most high profile case the editor of a Manly
newspaper, William Gocher, advertised in his newspaper the date, time and place
he would be going for a swim. Faced with massive public support for Mr Gocher,
the local council were not prepared to see the matter through to
prosecution.
It wasn't long before people started to flock to beaches to enjoy their new
found freedom, but the massive increase in beachgoers led to numerous tragedies
on our beaches. As a result local surf lifesaving clubs were formed.
Developments in the Newcastle Area
The Newcastle Surf Club and Life Saving Society was the district's first
lifesaving club, formed in 1908. This was closely followed by the formation of
clubs at Stockton, Merewether, Newcastle South, Nobby's and Redhead. These newly
formed clubs were also instrumental in 'spreading the word' up and down the
coast by visiting new areas and assisting these communities to establish surf
lifesaving clubs.
Formation of Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club
Catherine Hill Bay didn't need to wait long, with the formation of the
'Wallarah Surf Club' in 1923-24. According to 'The Northern District Surf
Lifesaver' by Chris Conrick our origins were as follows:
'In the 1923-24 season the Wallarah Surf Club was established at Catherine
Hill Bay but was only affiliated for that season and no awards were gained. The
beach was visited by Stockton and Newcastle clubs and an interclub carnival
held. The club was reformed in the 1927-28 season however there are indications
that it was operational during its period of non-affiliation'
Using the earlier date, the club will be celebrating its 83rd year during the
2006/07 season. A remarkable achievement considering the population of 'The
Bay'.
Timeline
Date |
Events |
| Pre-1860 |
No events recorded. |
| 1860's |
Wreck of the schooner 'Catherine Hill' June 1867. Two lives lost, four
survivors assisted by local settler, Mr Taaffe. |
| 1870's |
In 1873 coal mining commenced on cliffs near the beach close to
location of present jetty. The first shipment from a newly constructed
jetty was made on 17/12/1873.
By 1874 there were approximately 70
men working in the area.
In 1875 the 'Village of Cowper' was
declared making Catherine Hill Bay the oldest existing town in Lake
Macquarie.
In March 1877 the mine was closed with many people
leaving the area. The township virtually ceased to exist. |
| 1880's |
In September 1888 the London based Wallarah Coal Company acquired 1200
acres from the original land grants made to Messrs Parbury, Saddington and
Lamb. |
| 1890's |
First coal was shipped to Sydney from the new venture in January
1890. |
| 1900's |
Wreck of steamer 'Shamrock' April 1903. Hit the reef near jetty while
leaving with 2000 tons of coal bound for Sydney. The wreck lies some
100-150 meters off shore in the bay.
Wreck of the collier 'Illaroo'
June 1903 attempting to load coal at the jetty in strong in strong SE
winds. Beached just off location of present lower car-park. Refloated
after two weeks and returned to Sydney for repairs.
First
appearance of surf belt and reel on Sydney beaches. |
| 1910's |
First Surf Bronze medallions awarded to members from Bondi, North Bondi
and Coogee.
World War I - 1914 to 1918.
Wreck of collier
'Wallarah' grounded April 1914 on the rocks south of the jetty. All hands
were saved by virtue of the 'Rocket Brigade' who travelled 26 miles
overland from Newcastle to establish a line to the vessel and evacuate
crew. |
| 1920's |
Original Wallarah Surf Club established in 1923.
System of flags
introduced for safe (Blue and White) and dangerous (Red) surf
zones.
March 1928 fourteen members were awarded Catherine Hill Bay's
first Surf Bronze Medallions:
J. Boyd, J. Peitch, C. Woodbury, H. Price, T. Price, G. Outram,
W. Trowbridge, W. Hooey, R. Wright, N. , rice, T. Crompton, A. Boyd, T.
McDougall, T. Henderson |
| 1930's |
1930/31 saw 122 active Surf Lifesaving Clubs across
Australia.
1935: red and yellow diagonal stripped flags were
introduced for safe areas.
1938: Black Sunday (Bondi
Beach)
1939: Start of World War 2. |
| 1940's |
1940/41: Catherine Hill Bay's R. Sharman Branch Champion – Beach
Sprint.
1942/43: Catherine Hill Bay Branch Champions – March
Past.
1942/43: Catherine Hill Bay Branch Champions – Open Beach
Relay.
1945: end of World War 2. |
| 1950's |
Approximately 164 affiliated and active clubs across
Australia.
1952: Schaeffer method of resuscitation replaced by
Holger-Nielson method. |
| 1960's |
1960: Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR) or ‘Mouth to Mouth' adopted as
preferred method of resuscitation.
Approximately 226 affiliated and
active clubs across Australia.
Trials of Jet Rescue Boats (JRBs),
Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and helicopter surveillance. |
| 1970's |
Approximately 230 affiliated and active clubs across
Australia.
1973: National Junior Association formed.
1973/74
saw the introduction of the helicopter rescue service on Sydney
beaches.
1977: Newcastle Branch Tour to new Zealand -R.Sinclair. |
| 1980's |
1980: Females became eligible to become active patrolling
members.
Approximately 236 clubs with 13,900 active
members.
Australian Standard developed for Red and Yellow patrol
flags.
1984/85: Catherine Hill Bay 2nd place Branch Patrol
Efficiency point score. |
| 1990's |
Approximately 254 affiliated and active clubs across Australia. |
| 2000's |
Approximately 273 affiliated and active clubs across
Australia.
2007 - designated 'Year of the Surf
Lifesaver' |
On-going Development
Much remains to be recorded on the history of Catherine Hill Bay Surf
Lifesaving Club. Unfortunately, the information to support these records exists
in people's memories, photo albums, news clippings and club records. Much has
been forgotten.
This work is the first step in capturing what still
exists and making it accessible for current and future members. It should
continue to develop as long as the club continues to exist.
Among my next
priorities is to profile each of our life members and record the contributions
that have lead to them being awarded the highest club honour.
Anyone with
information or photos relevant to the history of the club is invited to contact
me and I will endeavour to ensure it recorded into the club history in its
rightful place.
Special thanks to Steve Johnson for compiling the history of Catho... |
