Sunshine Coast sports clubs have been recognised as being among the state’s best.
Coolum Surf Club, The Waves Club in Caloundra and The Surf Club in Mooloolaba claimed significant gongs at the Keno and Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence in Brisbane on Tuesday night.
Coolum Surf Club accounted for two of the four trophies, winning the Best Surf Life Saving Supporters Club and the Special Achievement Award for Responsible Service of Alcohol.
The Waves Club in Caloundra ensured the southern end of the coast was well represented, taking home the prestigious trophy for Club of the Year – Small.
Meanwhile, The Surf Club in Mooloolaba received the nod for its exceptional hospitality, with the Bayview Bar and Bites edging out the competition to win Best Dining – Small.
Other Sunshine Coast clubs were named as finalists.
Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said the awards were testimony to the clubs’ sense of community.
“The awards night recognises outstanding achievements in civic contributions, sporting camaraderie, exceptional hospitality, community mindedness and individual professionalism,” he said.
“The role of these clubs goes well beyond serving meals or fielding a sporting team.
“In almost every case they become the lifeblood of their community, a family away from family or even just place of support when a little friendly respite is required.
“The Excellence Awards put the spotlight on all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making these clubs a vital part of their community, including at clubs like Coolum Surf Club, Surf Club Mooloolaba and The Waves Club Caloundra, among many others.”
The three clubs were part of a major recent fundraising drive on the Sunshine Coast, for Clubs Queensland’s Operation ClubsCare, which raised more than $250,000 for victims of Queensland’s summer weather disasters.
The clubs contributed in different ways, with Coolum Surf Club donating all funds received from membership renewals in January.
Clubs in Queensland are membership-based, not-for-profit organisations providing services to members and the local community. There are more than 1200 community clubs in Queensland with a combined 4.1 million memberships.
The surplus generated by clubs is used to deliver services in their surrounding communities and for visitors to their region. This support includes cash contributions, non-cash benefits, community assets and the mobilisation of volunteers.
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