PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2026

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Metrics: 2026 has been a challenging yet successful year. Challenging from the viewpoint that we have needed to cancel 11 operating days, 6 due to weather and 5 due to QCYC renovations. Irrespective of these setbacks we have provided an on water experience for 710 disabled clients @ an average of 45/day, while an average of 43 volunteers have assisted SS over 16 days.

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Activities: 

• Our committee made visits to our Bayside and Graceville operations and picked up a couple of ideas that have been integrated into our operations.

• 30 of our volunteers viewed the start of the B2G yacht race from a large motor cruiser organized by Jonathan and Kev Hall.

• John Horan and I attended a grants information night at the Sands Bowlo hosted by local MP Bisma Asif.

• I was invited to talk on all things SS in the BCC council chambers by Cr Sandy Landers, during National volunteers’ week. The Lord Mayor and all 26 Councilors’ were in the chamber.

• Sue Wimsett and Peter Tyrrell worked on our stand at the Brain Injury Expo, which was the first time we have exhibited.

• We were donated an additional dinghy by our Gold Coast club in March, bringing our dinghy fleet to 9.

• We instigated a quarterly newsletter to keep all of our supporters informed of our progress and activities.

• During the recent renovations at the QCYC when we were unable to sail, we held 2 barbeques for our carers clients and volunteers on Sandgate’s foreshore. About 45 to 50 in attendance.

• We have established 3 sub committees -

              1    to develop a mission and values statement, Completed
              2    one to organize our 20 year Birthday celebrations

             3    one established for fundraising, ongoing

Fundraising: 3 raffles held around, start of Term 2, the Einbunpin Festival and the Bracken Ridge Lions Backyard Bonanza. All very successful. 2 fundraising Barbeques, one for Sands Social on NYE, the other for the Bracken Ridge Lions Train Day
The Containers for Change program raises around $1000 per annum. This program is now shared equally with the QCYC.

Volunteers/Training: 

• An online NDIS training program has now been completed by most volunteers.

• 16 new volunteers have joined us since January 2026 and contributing exceptionally well.

• SS were awarded a volunteers group award by Anika Wells MP. This was part of the Lilley Volunteers Award ceremony at the Geebung Bowls Club. Peter Tyrrell and I accepted the award on behalf of our passionate volunteers.

• All 10 and 15 year service certificates were presented at a general meeting in January 2026.

• We are partnering with St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe, where they will provide 38, year 7 and 8 children, over a 5 week period to come and volunteer/ assist our operations. This provides them with the opportunity at a young age to give back to the community. The program begins on the 7th September 2026.

Supporters/Grants: We are so fortunate to receive so much support from the local and broader community. BA&A, The Ubuntu Foundation, Energex and Lions Brisbane Inner North have all made significant donations this calendar year. The funds received go towards ongoing maintenance/operational costs and volunteers welfare. The Sands Social community tip jar has provided significant funds to SS. Grants have been provided this year from The Lilley Volunteers Grants for 4 new radios, whilst KW have granted 5k for 5 sets of sails. We purchased a new Mercury motor for the pontoon boat from funds donated by Ubuntu and Energex in January. One new supporter this year, “One Earth” donated a spill kit for our shed which made us compliant in this respect.

Social Media: We now have 570 followers on Facebook,  and we are active on Instagram and LinkedIn as well.
Our Pull up displays and flags have been updated to reflect our current team and operations.

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Peter Kearney, President Sailability Shorncliffe 2025-current

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