Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SFA Newsletter Autumn 2014
SFA Newsletter Autumn 2014
You can view a copy of the Draft Plan on the web-link below (the consultation
period closed 2 May 2014), or ask SFA directly and we will forward you a copy:
http://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/aboutthecouncil/opencoast.htm
SFA's main focus has been protecting and sustaining our local environment; the
cliffs, dunes and beaches, and re-vegetation, to create a natural fauna & flora
habitat – a wildlife corridor for future generations to enjoy.
Fossils: there are many fossils embedded in the rocks along our coastline
from Brighton to Beaumaris that are over 5 and even up to 12 million
years old. The Beaumaris Fossil Heritage site is a precious site that needs
absolute protection. SFA would oppose any proposals to expand the
Beaumaris Yacht squadron.
Cliffs: rock geology and landscape sites unique to the Bayside area from
Brighton to Beaumaris; to minimize erosion of cliffs and beaches by
protecting the base of cliffs from wave action and diverting surface run-
off and drainage, monitoring the entire Bayside coastline to protect
identified erosion when and where needed.
Landscape: conservation and protection of cliff structure and macro-
environment.
Marine life: the protection of our reefs and marine life identified within
the Brighton-Beaumaris area, especially at Rickett’s Point Marine
Sanctuary.
Our Beach Walk and Talk held with Sandringham Lifesaving Club (SLSC), on
March 23rd, went exceptionally well.
I spoke on the history of the Sandringham beaches, how the cliffs & beaches
were formed, rock geology, coastal processes & helped identify the local fossils
found in the rocks. I acknowledged the local Boon wurrung (pr. Bunnerrong)
People of the Kulin nation and my teachers, Dr Eric Bird and Professor John
Buckeridge, for providing me with the knowledge to share with our local
community and our next generation.
Sean Kelly,
Cultural Heritage Officer
Here are some photos of the event held on the day (Vicki leading the group
along the cliffs) and more below, under Margaret Kent's snapshot of the event:
We hope you can join us at Rickett's Point, Beaumaris on Sunday 25th May
2014 at 10am, to plant indigenous vegetation to help stabilize the dunes. This
event is hosted by Bayside City Council and Bayside Environment Friends
Network.
In this issue, SFA are proud to profile Margaret Kent, a long term local resident
and President of the Sandringham Lifesaving club.
Margaret Kent
Biography
Margaret Kent has been a
resident in Sandringham for
14 years and has been
involved in the Sandringham
Life Saving Club (SLSC) most
of that time, holding a position
on the Committee and
President for the last 2 years.
Margaret loves to take the Wave ski or her kayak for a paddle to Black Rock or
Hampton. Water sports provide a great way of getting fit while enjoying the local
scenery. Being so close to the water, the ever changing water conditions and marine
life can be examined at close range.
Sandringham is blessed with a beautiful beach and the Life Saving Club has
panoramic views towards the Yacht Club and City. The beach and Life Saving Club
are great assets for the community, providing a valuable essential service.
SLSC & SFA Walk & Talk 23 March 2014
By Margaret Kent
It was a great event enjoyed by everyone. Our speakers, Life Savers and helpers really
proved how talented and capable they are. Murray Thompson, State Member for
Sandringham, gave us a very informative opening, followed Vicki Karalis, President of SFA
who kept everyone entranced with her knowledge of the Sandringham foreshore, rocks and
fossils.
After Margaret provided some information, facts and figures about life saving operations, our
Life Savers explained and demonstrated the equipment they use. Karl and Fabrice even
demonstrated a mock resuscitation. Well done guys!
The Lifesaving helicopter landing at Trey bit reserve capped off the day. The crew explained
the use and operation of the helicopter and earned the respect of the crowd for their rescue
work. They confirmed that there really are sharks in the bay, so it's good that they keep an
eye out and buzz the sharks away from our beaches when they can!
A huge thank-you goes to Vicki Karalis for instigating the event, then giving us so much of
her valuable time preparing for the event and speaking on the day. Thank you Vicki!
Many thanks also to Murray Thompson who always gives us his whole-hearted support in
making SLSC a viable and worthwhile facility for the community.
We are extremely grateful to Buxton’s who generously sponsored the event, providing
$1,000 to the club. The funds will be put to good use!
Our thanks go to Life Saving Victoria and Bayside Council for their support in facilitating the
helicopter visit. Nicholas Ryan of LSV was a key player, so many thanks Nicholas and to the
helicopter crew. It was excellent! Our club members played a very big part in the day making
it a huge success.
THANK-YOU!
Sandringham Life Savers with the crew from the Lifesaving helicopter crew (patrollers Phil Spacil and
Alexa Ongoco not in photo).
On the beach:
Murray Thompson, Sandringham MP, with Dr Vicki Karalis.
Royal Avenue and Tennyson St beaches in April 2014
It was surprising this year to see that the beach erosion occurred a little later
than usual. We found in the past that the erosion of the southern beaches of
Sandringham peaked March, but this year it occurred late April, through to the
present. This photo of Royal Ave beach was taken on April 24th 2014.
The following photos of Tennyson St beach were taken on the same day – note
very little sand on the beach would not protect our cliffs with storm surges.
Fortunately this year we did not experience any major storm surges from the
south that could have impacted the beach, such as cliff erosion from wave
action such as we have witnessed in previous years. The sand will return to
these beaches with the prevailing northerly winds expected in winter.
Tennyson Street beach facing north