Dear Members and Supporters,
As 2020 draws to a close, we look back, roll our eyes, and are grateful for the opportunities we were afforded when many paddlers interstate and overseas were hindered to a far greater extent. The year started with devastating bushfires, then floods, then an unprecedented and unfinished global pandemic – and now more floods. Our heartfelt compassion is extended to family and friends who have suffered loss of property, down-turn in employment and general hardship in a year we would prefer to forget.
In the past few days we’ve needed to postpone a State Sprint Grand Prix at SIRC and now our many friends living in Sydney Northern Beaches are further inconvenienced by a local outbreak. Stay safe and stay connected.
Rather than dwell on the doom and gloom, I’d like to pay tribute to all the event volunteers, all the committee members and especially all the club executive members who have rallied this year, kept being proactive and enthusiastic, and most importantly displayed strong leadership in providing timely, sensible and compliant advice to our members and ensuring not only our paddlers but also the general community is kept safe whilst we enjoy our favourite and chosen recreation. As I wrote in my Annual Report, I’m proud of all your contributions at grass roots level.
Those of us with children at school know how resilient they were when forced into remote learning. The frustrations and challenges of 2020 will sadly become the new norm, however I’m confident we will all meet those challenges head-on and continue to embrace our opportunities when they present themselves. The 2021 PNSW Event Calendar may change as NSW Health guidelines dictate, and I thank in advance our hosting clubs and our members for your understanding and flexibility if and when that occurs.
On behalf of Chair Bob Turner and the PNSW Board of Directors, I extend warm wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe and enjoyable festive period. Remain positive and we’ll see you back on the water in 2021.
Cheers, Peter Tate
