Life Member - John White

Published: April 18, 2024

John is such a familiar face around the Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club he almost fades into the furniture ;)But he is among one of the many dedicated members over the years who have played a significant role in setting the club to stand on its feet financially.

• Joined SLSA in May 1993
• Bronze Medallion gained 13/10/1990
• 29 years of service
• 623.5 patrol hours
• Committee positions
• Treasurer (7 years

John helped transform the Coolum club from an operation living off grants, sponsorships, annual collections, and raffles, to an economic powerhouse of the rapidly developing coastal township.
John's first encounter with the surf club was during his family holidays at Coolum from the country.
And the handy surf swimmer can lay claim to being one of the early nipper prototypes, joining in the summer junior lifesaving training squads run by Bill McNamara at Coolum Beach.
John went on to do his bronze at Coolum, eventually gaining his IRB driver's qualification, and becoming a regular patrol member making the trip from his home base in Toowoomba.
He remains an active member to this day and good naturedly puts up with friendly digs about his IRB driving.
In the 1990s John, a QUT accountancy graduate with a strong career base in stockbroking and financial advice, formed part of a leadership team that would help transform the club's operations.
John was the club's honorary treasurer for seven consecutive years - in 1992-93, 93-94, 94-95, 95-96, 96-97, 97-98, and with Margaret Gunn in 1998-99.

This was the crucial phase in the club's history that would see the Coolum Beach firmly establish itself as a vital commercial and social hub while still providing high quality beach safety.
In the early 1990s the club was getting by operating a modest downstairs bar area while the upstairs section housed the increasingly less-used bunk rooms and active club operations.
The club management team, of which John was a member, turned the club's fortunes around by flipping the running of the club upside down.
With the backing of its membership, the supporters club moved upstairs with improved bar and a dedicated bistro and betting and gaming facilities.
During his volunteer service overseeing the club coffers, John sought to reduce costs and overhaul the club operations with a review on expenditure and introducing a modern computer system for the active and supporter's club.
John is a person who has always acted in the best interest of the surf club.
When it comes to helping keep the beach safe, he carries out his active duties in his own positive, affable style.