VMR Brisbane Inc

We are urgently seeking a Volunteer Treasurer.

Sandgate Water Activities Club has reached a critical point and urgently needs a Treasurer to help ensure the continued operation of this community organisation - proudly serving the area since 1987.

The Treasurer role – what’s actually involved.

The Treasurer role has been simplified to ensure it can be easily managed by a volunteer.

Time commitment:
• Approximately 2–4 hours per week
• End of month: an additional couple of hours for bank reconciliations
• End of financial year: 4–8 hours working with the auditor on annual financial reports

Support provided:
• A professional bookkeeper handles most transactions and quarterly BAS
• An Assistant Treasurer manages on-site cash reconciliation and banking
• A full handover and support from the outgoing Treasurer until August
• Ongoing advice and guidance available from former Treasurers
Typical responsibilities include:
• Approving and paying invoices that cannot be paid by card or fall outside delegation limits
• Fortnightly payroll processing
• Monthly bank account reconciliations
• Submission of annual reports to the ACNC and other required bodies

A finance background is helpful, but there is no requirement to be an accountant. What matters most is reliability, willingness to engage, and the ability to attend meetings.
Important dates
• Nominations close: 20 February 2026
• Commencement in role: No later than 1 March 2026

If you are willing to step into this role, or would like to discuss what support and transition would look like, please contact the [email protected]
or the Committee as soon as possible.

If we are unable to appoint a Treasurer, the Management Committee will have no option but to initiate the wind-up of the Club.

This would result in:
• The Club ceasing operations after 30 June 2026
• Termination of all hardstand usage agreements
• Affiliated groups losing access to the site and facilities
• The sub-lease being returned to Marine Rescue Queensland
• Remaining funds likely being donated to Marine Rescue Queensland’s DGR fund

The reality
If no Treasurer volunteers by 20 February 2026, the Committee will proceed with steps to wind up the Club. This will result in members, affiliated groups, and hardstand users losing access to the site from 1 July 2026.

This is not a hypothetical situation. This is the final opportunity to secure the Club’s future.

Please direct your interest to: [email protected]

Thank you for your help to ensure the continued operation of this community organisation, proudly serving the area since 1987.

If each of us gives a little, together we can do a lot.

Happy Australia Day from Sandgate Water Activities Club (SWAC)!

As we celebrate this beautiful land we call home, we reflect on the diverse cultures and rich history that make Australia truly unique. We acknowledge and respect the Traditional Owners of this land, the First Nations people, and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.

At SWAC, we’re proud to serve our community, bringing people and groups together. We believe in fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone who joins us.

Wishing all our members and supporters a safe, joyful, and respectful Australia Day, as we continue to celebrate and build a strong, united community.

Let’s make this day one of connection, kindness, and shared positive experiences.

Opting in to be an organ donar is a personal choice.

But did you know that up to 7 lives can be saved by a single organ donar!

It's the ultimate legacy we can leave behind.

If you decide it's right for you, it takes one minute to register to be an organ donar, and remember to tell the family your wishes 🙏

Like if you're an organ donar 🥰

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/

We're offering some free entertainment at The Deck Bar, Friday 9 January.

We're welcoming back special guests DJ Drago & DJ Flowers.

From 5:00 to 8:00 PM

Location: 95 Allpass Parade, Shorncliffe

The Deck Bar is open from 4:00 to 8:00 PM

Come on down for a fun night with our local and awesome DJs 🕺

Boating at night = extra safety precautions!

Focus on proper navigation lights, going slowly, maintaining a sharp lookout, and having the right safety gear, including PFDs with strobes.

Key safety measures involve using red-filtered lights to preserve night vision, minimising bright cabin lights, assigning a lookout, listening for other vessels, especially in low visibility or near hazards like busy anchorages - and tell your local MRQ your travel plans.

Ensure all navigation lights (red, green, white) are working correctly and are appropriate for your vessel type - even tinnies need lights ON!

Have a grand new year and safe boating. With plenty of water and a new years cheese platter.

Our marine community is strong so let's look after each other and make sure to give our water Police and MRQ vessels a big thumbs up 👍💛🙏💙

🎄Tis the season to get serious about safety on the water.

🦺Wear your life jacket.
📡Have your EPIRB ready.
📅Check the use-by dates on all your boating safety items.
🚰 Have plenty of fresh water & food.
🔋Charge your phones & have battery pack.
⛽️ Have enough fuel for the whole trip.
📻Radio check in with Marine Rescue Queensland - Sandgate before you head off (tell them your plans) and give them a radio call when you get back - use VHF16.

MRQ and SWAC want to make sure everyone stays safe on the water over this holiday period 🎄🌴

Have fun and take care ⛵️🛥🚣‍♀️🛶

Don't forget, tonight is Friday foodtruck night and chill by the bay with some live music. See you soon.

Foodtrucks 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

****DID YOU GET A GREAT STORM PHOTO? We'd love for you to post it in comments****

We hope you've been weathering these storms without suffering any damage. But when a safe distance away, we've seen some amazing photos. Daniel McBride, a Marine Rescue Queensland - Sandgate volunteer managed this cracker of a shot while on shift waiting to help anyone in distress on the water.

MRQ - Sandgate provide free first response emergency water assistance. The radio room operates a dedicated listening watch of VHF emergency channel 16, as well as 63, 67, 73, 81 and 21. They also monitor 27 Mhs radio channels 91 and 88.

Click on this link for more information about MRQ Sandgate.
https://www.mrq.qld.gov.au/rescue-units/mrq-sandgate

Did you know...

Sandgate Paddling Club runs adult Basic Skills Kayaking courses once a month.

If you would like to know more or register for the next courses, dates are:

- Sunday 23 November at 7:00 AM
- Saturday 20 December at 7:00 AM

Launching from Shorncliffe.

Please email: [email protected]

All over Australia on this day we Remember to Remember.

In true community spirit Marine Rescue Queensland - Sandgate (Zulu crew) respectfully acknowledged Rememberance Day with Brownseas Scouts.

Lest we Forget 🙏