Max Gamlin, at least as much as anyone, turned an idea into a Surf Lifesaving Club.

These are his memories of those early times.

In 1955 the Mayor of the Henley and Grange Council, Don Newlands, who was at that time a member and patron of the Henley SLSC, addressed the assembled Henley club members about his concerns that the West Beach Caravan Park was crowded over the Christmas and New Year holiday period with many of the tenants from Broken Hill as well as other areas, mainly unknown. Don's remarks concentrated on his concerns that the attractive beach, sand hills and ocean resulted in many adults and children congregating on an un-patrolled beach for a period of 6 to 8 weeks.

As a result it was agreed that the Henley and Glenelg clubs would jointly patrol the beach on alternate weekends. This meant forming patrols who would go to West Beach with flags, shelters, reels and other equipment plus food and water. The West Beach area was without shops but was becoming an attractive housing residential district.

At a later meeting between the Mayor and executives of Henley and Glenelg it was decided to form a club at West Beach and a site for a club house was agreed with the local Council.

The Mayor nominated  local identities Jim Fischer and Max Gamlin (both with Life Saving experience) to set up loaned equipment while later a motor garage (the tin shed) housed the gear and provided lockers and a changing area for future members, but running water, electricity, a telephone and toilets would have to wait. The first of many needs was to attract young male recruits to train in future Bronze Medallion teams instructed by qualified members of Henley and Glenelg.

Jim Fischer became the first President and Max the first Chief Instructor and temporary Club Captain. Ian Tothill was also an Instructor from the Glenelg SLSC and Bob Warhurst was the Assistant Instructor. Their skills were rewarded when all of the candidates in the clubs first Bronze team successfully graduated and West Beach had its first but only 'home' Beach Patrol. These graduates were immediately urged to qualify as Instructors to handle the large numbers of new recruits coming to the club as a result of the advertising on radio station 5DN by Mel Cameron, another local identity who later became the club President.

As the West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club became a known and visible organisation more mature men became interested and joined, bringing with them their invaluable skills as welders, painters, electricians and mechanics who could get jobs done as they were needed. The club's supporters and volunteers included residents and members' parents and friends bringing additional skills as doctors, accountants, businessmen, swimming and physical coaches other Instructors and support and supporters from Surf Life Saving Australia and other clubs from along the coast. Mayor Don maintained an active interest and encouraged members of his Council and an active group of local women in their support of the flourishing club.

Soon a new priority arose and the first extension was made to the Tin Shed to accommodate the growing range and quantity of equipment as well as to accommodate the increasing membership. Very soon afterwards a further extension on the side was required to house a brand new surf boat.

Although the Tin Shed was highly regarded by the members it was obvious that a more substantial and permanent home would be needed and this eventuated when a two level brick and concrete building was constructed on a new site a little further along the beach, closer to the new caravan park. This provided storage areas below and members areas above, with changing and toilet facilities for both sexes, a kitchen, bar and meeting space with a solid tower above. The club now had the membership and a large and driving committee to mount regular patrols across a wider beach area and more successfully compete in surf carnivals, winning many awards and developing even more pride in the achievements. Current news is that this building in its turn is soon to be upgraded to better serve the more and varied needs of a modern Surf  Lifesaving Club.

Looking at the current provision of services provided for and by the club the 1955 Tin Shed mob have every reason to be proud of and satisfied with their beginnings.

Well done everyone.

Max Gamlin

4th May 2005.

There is no doubt that every Tin Shedder will remember Max Gamlin and the effect that he had on their youth as well as on the rest of their lives.

Max was larger than life in everything that he did; there were no half measures with Max and he wanted no half measures from you.

This remarkable man was recognised with the award of the Order of Australia and when Barry Malone and Dean Bradshaw visited Max and Phillipa on the 12th of October 2006, their memories of that day were brought out with justifiable pride.

The following are some photos of that morning.

Phillipa, Dean, Max (of course) and Barry.

The citation to Max's Order of Australia.

The official photograph of the investiture.

Max and Phillipa dancing in the throng.

The medal.

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