Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC) just keeps going from strength to strength, this past week winning a further three major awards to add to a cache of others bestowed in recent times.
Officially opening the doors to their striking new premises in October, officials and members of Victoria's premier club were inordinately proud when their Facilities Manager, Paul Corfield, was one of just 15 who received a prestigious Community Hero Award at the 10th annual Community Hero Awards held at Queens Hall, Parliament House, on November 19.
Award winners were recognised for selfless actions at medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, car accidents and traumatic injuries. The award is given to ordinary members of the public who act in a heroic manner, regardless of whether it was for a friend, family member, or a stranger.
In October 2008, Paul and SYC members witnessed a fellow member collapse in cardiac arrest. Fortunately the Club had purchased an automated external defibrillator and trained staff and members in its use.
With help from other SYC members, Paul performed CPR and twice defibrillated the member prior to the ambulance arriving. His part in the chain of the survival was paramount in the successful resuscitation of the member, who was transported to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, and has since made a full recovery.
Paul was nominated for the award by MICA paramedic Mark Hamer; high praise indeed, from a professional.
Commenting on Paul's award, SYC Commodore, Philip Burn said that all members of the club joined in congratulating Paul on his award. “I was with Paul immediately after the paramedics took over and it was obviously a very harrowing experience for him, but one which he undertook with great calmness and competence.
“What is really pleasing is that the procedures and training which we have put in place kicked in at this crucial time.”
Three nights later, SYC won the Best Club Redevelopment Award at the annual Clubs Victoria Achievements Awards Night.
At the dinner, hosted by the Crown Entertainment Complex on November 22, and in front of 850 of his industry peers, Richard Hewett, the Club's CEO, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Club, for the ‘Best Club Redevelopment without gaming machines'.
SYC was recognised for its outstanding new clubhouse redevelopment. The impressive structure comprises a variety of rooms, including Members Bar & Lounge, the Harbour View Restaurant, numerous function and meeting rooms such as the Port Phillip room, which incorporates a dance floor, stage and bar, not to mention the huge wrap around deck overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
The interior of the Club is beautifully decorated and features the latest in technology while staying in keeping with the ‘Green' policy the Club has adopted
The new Club also boasts a training auditorium with meeting rooms, which will establish SYC as a leader in providing accredited courses in sail training, boat handling, marina operations and resort management water-related activities.
And thousands of students across Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs will benefit from the new land based facilities supporting the Academy's on water operations. This year an anticipated 2,700 adults and school children from 25 local schools are expected to participate in recreational, vocational and “Community Go Sailing” experiences.
SYC provides skills and training and is recognised as one of very few sporting clubs in the country with Registered Training Organisation (RTO) status.
Capping off an already successful couple of days, SYC also won the ‘Best Community Facility Design' at the Victorian Government 2009 Sport and Recreation Awards, an annual event that was this year held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday 23rd November.
A prestigious award, it recognises new or refurbished sport and recreation facilities, with the focus on excellence in planning and design and a demonstrated impact on participation.
SYC received the award because the design of their new clubhouse provides a variety of uses, inclusive of meeting facilities provided for community, industry and government user groups; meeting rooms, food and beverage, function and training facilities of the highest standard.
Richard Hewett received the award on behalf of SYC and was congratulated by James Merlino, the Victorian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs.
Users of the SYC's new facilities already include Bayside City Council, Bayside Business Group, Probus, multiple primary and secondary schools, charitable and not for profit organisations, including registered and local charities, a vast array of local businesses, disadvantaged groups and governing boating bodies such as Yachting Victoria and Yachting Australia.
In other words, the redeveloped Sandringham Yacht Club is providing a place for public groups to meet and interact.
“To be recognised by our peers in the Club industry, then to be recognised by the State Government for embracing the Community are accolades, SYC will value highly moving forward,” commented Richard Hewett.
“The Club aspires to provide outstanding value to its Members and to the Community and should be justifiably proud of this latest recognition as our new Clubhouse is world class,” he said.
A snapshot of other awards won by the Club in recent years, include the 2007 and 2009 Environmental Awards at the Victorian Marine Industry Awards and the 2007 Victorian Yacht Club of the Year. SYC was also a top three finalist in the Marina of the Year awards in 2007.
The SYC is now looking forward to hosting the ISAF Sailing World Cup, to be sailed on Port Phillip Bay in December. Among other things, It will provide competitors' families and friends and other spectators with breathtaking views of the participating fleets from the new northern podium, situated right on the water's edge, and giving 360 degree views of the Bay .
