Joining Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club as an Associate Member in September 1977, Harley Dreghorn rapidly became the administrative cornerstone and guiding light of the club for more than two decades.
Over a monumental 16 years as Club Secretary and 7 years as Club Treasurer, Harley provided unmatched organizational leadership and financial stewardship. He managed every facet of executive governance during crucial periods of operational expansion, constitutional reform, and modern infrastructure development.
Harley’s vision and tenacity were central to securing the club’s modern facilities. Serving eight years on the Building Committee, he led critical deputations to Wollongong City Council and the NSW State Government, drove brick-sponsorship fundraising campaigns, and ultimately project-managed the construction of the new clubhouse through to its official opening in 1987.
Beyond executive governance, Harley was a master fundraiser and community builder. From coordinating 15 years of ANZAC Day Two-Up events at the Helensburgh Workers Club to fostering the integration of the Seagulls junior movement into the senior body, securing the club’s liquor license, publishing the first community annual report, and serving as Illawarra Branch Treasurer, Harley’s selfless service left an indelible mark on the club and surf life saving movement.
Awards & Recognition Received
- Club Member of the Year: Awarded for the 1980/81 season.
- Illawarra Branch Executive Service: Served as Illawarra Branch Treasurer (1985/86–1986/87) and Finance Committee Member.
- Whingers Award: Recognized by club peers for the 1992/93 season.
- Appointed Caretaker: Honored with caretaker duties for club properties (1995/96–1997/98).
- Life Membership Nomination – Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC: Formally nominated on March 25, 1998, following 21 years of distinguished continuous service.
Service Record Breakdown
| Area of Service | Role & Contribution | Duration / Period |
|---|---|---|
| Executive & Administrative Leadership | ||
| Club Administration | Club Secretary | 1979/80 – 1992/93, 1996/97 – 1997/98 (16 yrs total) |
| Club Administration | Club Treasurer | 1983/84, 1986/87 – 1990/91, 1993/94 – 1994/95 (7 yrs total) |
| Club Administration | Assistant Secretary & Assistant Treasurer | 1977/78 – 1978/79 (Asst Sec), 1995/96 (Asst Treas) |
| Publicity & Media | Publicity Officer & Editor of "The Park Bench" Newsletter | 1978/79, 1984/85 |
| Building & Infrastructure Development | ||
| Building Committee | Committee Member & Project Manager for New Clubhouse | 1978/79 – 1986/87 (8 yrs total) |
| Fundraising Drive | Lead organizer for Brick Sales & Special Brick Purchaser Open Days | 1980/81 – 1986/87 |
| Government Deputations | Led funding delegations to Wollongong Council & State Government | 1979/80 |
| Facility Management | Convenor of House Committee & Official Club Caretaker | 1986/87 – 1992/93, 1995/96 – 1997/98 |
| Branch Governance & Junior Integration | ||
| Branch Executive | Treasurer, SLSA Illawarra Branch | 1985/86 – 1986/87 (2 yrs) |
| Branch Governance | Illawarra Branch Delegate & Member Finance Committee | 1981/82 – 1992/93 (10+ yrs) |
| Junior SLSC (Seagulls) | Secretary, Stanwell Park Seagulls & Spearheaded Junior-Senior Integration | 1988/89 – 1990/91 (3 yrs) |
| Fundraising & Community Operations | ||
| Event Coordination | Helensburgh Workers Club ANZAC Day Two-Up Organiser | 1983/84 – 1997/98 (15 yrs continuous) |
| Major Fundraising | Organised "200 Club", Westfield Promotions & Era/SP Bowls Day | 1979/80 – 1986/87 |
| Sponsorship & Licensing | Secured Club Liquor License, Patrol Sponsorships & St George Masonic Club support | 1986/87 – 1992/93 |
"Harley has been a tireless worker for our club and a guiding light for many years (1977–1998). In our opinion, this honor has been a long time coming for him."
