A club on one of the Sunshine Coast’s busiest beach strips has received multiple awards for its offerings.
The Surf Club Mooloolaba snared four gongs at the Keno and Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence.
The venue claimed trophies for Club of the Year: Small; Best Surf Life Saving Supporters Club; Best Dining, Boutique; and Health and Wellbeing.
Its Riding Waves of Change program impacted the lives of more than 2500 students, with presentations and workshops covering topics from cyber safety and substance abuse to navigating interpersonal dynamics and footy mentoring.
Maroochy RSL collected two awards: for Best Licensed RSL and/or Services Club and for the Support of All Abilities Sport for its Falcon Footy Kidz program promoting rugby league for children of different abilities.
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Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said the two clubs were recognised for demonstrating a commitment to supporting and promoting the wellbeing of the children and youth in their communities.
“In the case of The Surf Club Mooloolaba, they recognised the pressing need for guidance among local youth and established a series of presentations, workshops and initiatives which they delivered to more than 2500 kids,” he said.
“In response to the efforts of their Riding Waves of Change program, organisations have reported outcomes including improved school attendance, improved classroom engagement, improvement of life skills and fostering empowerment for personal growth.
“Maroochy RSL was considered most deserving of their category win for their unwavering support of Falcon Footy Kidz Rugby League for Children of Different Abilities.
“The club has provided unwavering support to the program with funding for customised training equipment, as well as a sponsoring a bus trip for participants and their parents to attend a Broncos match at Suncorp Stadium.”
Coolum Surf Club was recognised as the Best Gaming Venue for small clubs in Queensland.
Mr Egan said the awards event was a great opportunity to showcase how clubs go well beyond their remit to give back to their members and the broader community in which they operate.
“We are grateful to our clubs who see beyond their venue offering and club-related activities, to step up and really make a difference in their community,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club – which is a volunteer organisation that manages patrols and is aided by the licensed supporters venue The Surf Club Mooloolaba – is celebrating the transformation of the club gym.
It was made possible through funds raised at the 2024 Campbell Construction Co Sports Lunch, which raised more than $36,000 for the surf lifesaving club and the Brisbane Broncos Game Development Program. It was attended by more than 160 guests and featured talent including Sam Thaiday, Kurt Fearnley and Joel Parkinson.
Campbell Construction Co oversaw the refurbishment of the gym, which included new flooring, lighting and fresh paint.
Sunshine Coast Keno and Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence recipients
- Best Surf Life Saving Supporters Club – The Surf Club Mooloolaba
- Best Dining, Boutique – The Surf Club Mooloolaba
- Health and Wellbeing – The Surf Club Mooloolaba
- Club of the Year: Small – The Surf Club Mooloolaba
- Best Licensed RSL and/or Services Club – Maroochy RSL
- Support of All Abilities Sport – Falcons Footy Kidz: Rugby League for Children of Different Abilities, Maroochy RSL
- Best Gaming Venue: Small – Coolum Surf Club
