The Bondi Patrol Podcast

Liz Webb, President Bondi SBLSC, and Steve Larnach, President North Bondi LSC

HOST: Glen Frost, Nightingale Patrol, Bondi SBLSC

In Australia, support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14.

On 14 December 2025, an Islamic State inspired terrorist attack occurred at Bondi Beach during a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah attended by around 1,000 people. Two gunmen killed 15 people (11 men, 3 women and a 10-year-old girl). Volunteer surf lifesavers from Bondi and North Bondi LSCs and Waverly Council lifeguards rushed to the scene to provide first aid during the active shooting. International media has covered this event in forensic detail. In this episode we tell our story.

If you are upset or feeling sad:

Speak with Lifeline by calling 13 11 14

Text Lifeline by sending a message to 0477 13 11 14

Chat with Lifeline online by visiting www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat

SLSNSW Member Assistance Program (MAP)

Members can access free counselling 24/7 through Converge International 1300 687 327 https://portal.converge-online.com/ Organisation Code: SLSNSW

National Emergency Worker Support Service: Provided by the Black Dog Institute, NEWSS offers online mental health checks, resources for families and friends, and up to 12 free sessions with a clinician for emergency services volunteers and staff. www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/educationservices/national-emergency-worker-supportservice/

Bondi Patrol Podcast

GUEST: Lawrie Williams (Loz); Bondi SBLSC Long Service Member and Bondi Historian

This podcast is supported by Bondi’s most experienced real estate agents; Richardson & Wrench Bondi Beach – we thank the whole team for their ongoing support of our club and the surf life saving community - visit their website at rwbb.com.au

In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome Lawrie Williams to the podcast – Lawrie – or Loz to his friends – is a club veteran and Bondi historian. He is a proud member of Bondi SBLSC and North Bondi LSC. Loz’s proud of our club’s history and believes that sharing stories helps current and future generations to appreciate what previous clubbies went through.

Correction to audio: Lawrie is a Long Service member of Bondi SBLSC and a Life Member of the Australian Pool & Ocean Lifeguards Association

Why is our club called a “surf bathers” club?

Why do we have patrols named after famous members when every other club has “Patrol 1” or “Patrol 2”

Was there a boxing ring in the great hall at the club?

What was the “belt and reel” really like as a life saving tool?

What was it like in the old days? (post war, 60s, 70s, 80s – stories of club members helping others rougher times, no OH&S, no female members)

Impact of new equipment over the years

The history of Bondi since WW2 – and impact on the club

For non-surfers; what are the rules of surfing at Bondi??

Did they really allow raw sewage to flow into the water at Bondi?

The importance of club veterans, older members

Who created the hit TV show Bondi Rescue?

Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 27: Gareth Robinson: Purpose led habits: Hear about Bondi’s Wellbeing Team who are building mental health for Clubbies

Gareth Robinson is the Founder of Your Happiness Flywheel, a mental health and wellbeing consultancy. Gareth is known at the Bondi SBLSC as “Chop” and is Vice Captain on the famous Baldock Patrol, and a Leader on the Club’s Wellbeing Team.

Chop discusses Four initiatives for mental health and wellbeing:

Each patrol has a Wellbeing Team member and remind volunteers on Patrol

Wellbeing Team Patrol & Breathwork Class

Channel your inner Goldfish, setting your intent

Purpose led habits: Start small: Aim low to reach high. Give back to feel great.

Gareth discusses finding what works for you and remember to keep exploring exercise, and music.

Gareth discusses what is ‘happiness’ and how to achieve your goals.

In this episode we cover a number of great topics for everyone’s mental health and awareness; Chop mentions and references some websites/books etc – these are listed below:

Bondi SBLSC Wellbeing:

• chaplain@bondisurfclub.com (the awesome Blake Hatton)
• wellbeingpatrol@bondisurfclub.com (mostly active Oct/Nov)
• Mental Health Advocates (each patrol has a MHA that is the patrol 'point person', aiding mental health awareness, preparedness, and connection in their patrol.

Bondi SBLSC Cadets:

• bondicadets@bondisurfclub.com (14 - under 18's)
• Bondi Cadets Insta page
• nippers@bondisurfclub.com (under 14's)

More About Gareth, and his 4 week challenge:

• happinessflywheel.com.au
• Article with 50+ book recommendations from Gareth
• Sign up for Your Happiness Flywheel e-Newsletter