MESSAGE FROM THE COMMODORE MARTIN TUDDENHAM

The Club has enjoyed a wonderful resurgence in both members and events, after a long period of inaction due to the drought, and low (if any) water levels in our Lake. After being dry for the summer of 2009/10, and extremely low levels making the lake unskiable for the previous 13 years, torrential rainfall last September, filled the lake almost overnight. This made many local water skiers very excited and shortly after we saw boats being brought out of garages, and once again being towed out to our local lakes.

A small but dedicated Committee had continued to meet throughout the drought, and despite vandalism and thefts from the Clubhouse, we remained hopeful that the lake would return to its former glory of sparkling waters, green banks and shady trees. Fortunately our faith was rewarded.

The Club celebrated its 40 th birthday in March 2010, with many past members sharing stories and photos, reminiscing, lamenting the drought, and generally catching up. Prior to the drought, members and their friends spent Saturdays, Sundays and summer evenings on the foreshore of the lake skiing, swimming and enjoying each other’s company. During the drought our membership dwindled, with many travelling to other locations for their skiing, or taking up other pursuits. The rains of September, 2010, brought floods for some, but brought us back to Burrumbeet.

Our Christmas Family Day was a wonderful occasion, held on Sunday, 12 th December, with many families enjoying a Club orientation session, a barbecue lunch, Santa’s visit, and some water skiing. In February, we held some slalom skiing, and barefooting coaching clinics, which many members took advantage of, to improve their skiing.

Early this year, the Committee was approached by Ski Racing Victoria, to host the Trans Tasman Challenge. After a lot of work between ourselves, the City Council, and Marine Safety Victoria, the event was held on the week end of 28 th. and 29 th. of May. The week end brought cool and calm conditions, with keen racing between the teams from New Zealand and Victoria. Twenty Under / 19 year old skier racers from each team competed for the Trans Tasman Trophy, with Victoria winning by just 80 points after 180 minutes of racing. Not only was the week end a success for Victoria, but a great opportunity for our Club members to work together manning crash boats, catering for the welcoming dinner, and cooking breakfast and lunches for the competitors to raise some good funds for our club.

In years prior to the drought, the Club held its own events such as Club Championships, fun days, car trials and social functions such as Dinner Dances, and with our current membership being so strong, we hope to hold some of these again in the very near future. The Calendar for the 2011/12 season will be available soon. Please check it for any upcoming events.

The return of water to our lake has brought a lot of old and new members out to the Club, and our membership to date stands at approximately 95. Thanks to everyone who has helped out during the year, and good luck to the newly elected Committee for the next 12 months.