History

Message from the Retiring Inaugural Commodore

Extract from the NCYC February 2009 newsletter

RETIRING COMMODORES MESSAGE

“I have always said that I would retire when we opened our clubhouse. ‘When elected as Commodore by the Foundation Members at our inaugural meeting on the 8th of February, 1994, I never dreamed that it was going to take so long to realize that objective.

The Board members elected that evening, in addition to myself, were Tom Michilis, Vice Commodore; Bruce Hansen, Rear Commodore; John Fisher, Club Captain; Bill Rock, Treasurer; and Directors Jim Holley and Joe Abraham. Paul Anicich was appointed Honorary Solicitor.

Other Directors who made important contributions over the early years included Ian Pedersen, Russell Cummings and of course George Keegan and Rob Chenery, who both played key roles in obtaining Government funding for the marina infrastructure.

A number of companies also helped the club enormously through work undertaken at no charge. Peter Johnson of EJE acted as the club’s Honorary Architect for many years. Peach Advertising designed the club’s logo and put together a number of submissions to Government departments and tenders to Honeysuckle Development Corporation. Michilis Pty Ltd, as well as undertaking numerous jobs around the site, provided the shed that served as Tommy and George’s office while constructing the marina, shipyard and commercial building.

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Since then of course we have had many members who have contributed to the success of the club through their selfless contributions both in time and donations, and in ways many and varied. People like Mike Eggleston, whose artworks grace the club and who, along with Maree lent his boat to lay marks; Ross Knights, who worked hard in his time as Treasurer; Gloria Thirkell, Honorary Sailing Secretary ‘par excellence’ and ex-farmer Ted De-La-Garde, whose

first experience of boating was with NCYC, come to mind.

I am not going to attempt to name all those who have worked for the club and who continue to do so, as we all know who they are and applaud their efforts. I thought it was important though, that now we are a club with some 900 members, that we say thank you to some of those whose contribution we may not be aware of or have forgotten (as I’m sure I have forgotten some and if so, I ask your forgiveness).

The current Board is one of the most effective that I have worked with, consisting as it does of a mix of people who all bring skills needed by the Club at this important time in its history. I wish them well in their future deliberations on our behalf. Staff members, led by Vice Commodore Tom Michilis and CEO Roy Baker, also deserve both our thanks and our respect for the way in which they serve the club and its members.

In closing, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your loyalty, encouragement and advice over the past 15 years. Carole and I now intend to spend the next 15 years or so enjoying this wonderful club with you. My biggest regret will always be that George Keegan, after everything he did for the club, will not be there too.

Paul Hannan

Commodore 1994-2009.”