| International Day of Surfing - 21st June 2008 |
At the beach with the best spirit in NSW, and Catherine Hill Bay certainly did ‘light up' for us all! Celebrating International Surfing Day, Catherine Hill Bay Boardriders ran a coaching clinic with all levels of ability, and ages, represented in the rising swell and sunshine. Renowned Surf Coaches Garry Hughes, Sandra English, Mark Radford and Scott Myers were on hand conducting the clinic, sharing their wealth of surfing knowledge and passion to the next generation. A huge thanks to Catherine Hill Bay Board Riders President Mick McCall and “Save Catho” advocate Sue Whyte and crew for making this happen and hosting this event at this magic location (and lets not forget the sausage sizzle bbq – just in time for the end of the last session!) and especially to all the coaches. The true spirit of surfing was on show for all, with a smiles grinning from ear to ear from one and all after each session. The future of Surfing in safe hands. |
| Catherine Hill Bay Progress Association received the Australia Day Award for the Best Community Event - 16th January 2008 |
Today the Catherine Hill Bay Progress Association received the Australia Day Award for the Best Community Event from the Lake Macquarie City Council. The Community Event was the “Back To The Bay” Catherine Hill Bay Heritage Festival.
Back to the Bay is a community festival to inspire residents and visitors to learn more about the Bay's unique natural environment and built heritage. It is a celebration of the Lake 's oldest continuing settlement. The festival includes movies, entertainment, marching bands, Coal-Mining Old Timer's Reunion , Film Screenings, Art Show, Heritage Walks and an Eco-Tour. In 2007 around 3,500 people attended the event.
Thanks to everyone who contributed their skills and talents. You have all helped to raise our profile at a time when we are under great challenge. Thank you. |
| Catho Wins State Award |
It's official -- Catherine Hill Bay beach has the best "Beach Spirit" in NSW!
That's no surprise to the swimmers, surfers, fishermen, walkers and families who use the Beach.
But now the community has official confirmation to prove it - from Keep Australia Beautiful's Clean Beach Challenge.
In November last year the Challenge selected Catherine Hill Bay as the Hunter region winner of its 2007 challenge.
MatthewTaylor, Chief Executive of Keep Australia Beautiful, said the Bay "combines a friendly, typical, well-used Australian beach, with an historical setting as well --- loved by its community.
"A proactive community ensures that the unique character of this beach and the heritage value of its surrounds is maintained while the area's natural heritage is managed by a small but effective army of Dune Care volunteers."
The State Awards were announced at the Bathers Pavilion, Balmoral Beach on 30 November with the Bay being selected from a large field as the NSW winner for "Beach Spirit."
Picture: Progress Association President Sue Whyte (right) and Middle Camp beach user Rebecca Leahy (centre) accept the NSW "Beach Spirit" award from Mathew Taylor.
The Progress Association will present its winner's plaques and outdoor signage to the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club on 4 March, when the club celebrates its contribution to the 100th anniversary of surf life saving in NSW.
|
War Memorial Dedicated
Click here for more photos |
Catherine Hill Bay War Memorial was dedicated on Saturday 25 February 2006 in the park adjacent to the Bowling Club in Flowers Drive
The black granite memorial lists the names of more than 130 residents, men and women, who enlisted for WWI, WWII, Korea , Malaysia and Vietnam and signifies those who lost their lives to war.
Importantly, the memorial features four scenes, one of each face, of mining activities in the Bay's past.
The memorial is a distinctive and dignified reminder that generations of Bay coal miners and their families "answered the call" in war time.
The memorial also summarizes a life's activity for Roy McDougall, of Clarke St , who is President of the Bay RSL sub-branch, has long standing relationships with both the Bowling Club and Surf Club, and has made an outstanding contribution to the Bay community for many decades.
The memorial was made possible by community donations and fund raising by Roy and others. The idea was initiated and brought to fruition by Roy and David Armstrong, now of Swansea , who as Environmental Scientist for Coal and Allied, suggested the idea.
In recognition of their efforts Mrs Jill Hall, Federal MP for Shortland, called on Roy and David to assist her to unveiled the memorial before a crowd of about 200 residents and visitors, including armed forces personnel. |
