Community Engagement
SSCBC’s Community Engagement Program continues to be an important part of our longstanding relationship with our local community. We engage with local schools as well as other community organisations to provide on-water and off-water programs throughout the year, as well as allowing other local groups to utilise our Clubhouse facilities, as detailed below.
Schools Program (Balcombe Grammar, Baxter Primary School, Keilor Park Catholic Regional College, Sorrento Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School).
Each year, primary and secondary school children from around Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, conduct their beach programs at SSCBC. Some attend the Portsea Camp; a local facility for disadvantaged, special needs and rurally isolated children. On their final day the students join us at SSCBC for an experience to visit the seals and dolphins. The Club also provide the students, teachers and volunteer members with a BBQ lunch on the lawn when they return from the water. Through the Club’s strong affiliation with the Friends of Collins Settlement, Club volunteers guide the students through the settlement, providing them with an understanding of the local history.
SSCBC also supports St Joseph’s Primary School by hosting their annual Oaks Day fundraiser. This sold out event generates significant funds for the local school.
Class Associations
SSCBC regularly provides usage of the Club training facilities and resources to accommodate class associations to run workshops, training and high performance sessions.
Club tower usage for on water safety and observation
SSCBC Members volunteer their time to oversee the safety and on management of our class fleet, Dinghy Sailing, Junior Sailing and Specialised training sessions.
Community Meetings
SSCBC hosts a number of community meetings at the Club, such as the Fire Services Commission and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Conference Facility
Some of our sponsors have enjoyed the bonus of conducting a staff meeting or conference at SSCBC. During our quieter months, groups have set up a conference environment in the Dining room, with tv screen, white board, buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea. It’s certainly a beautiful location for a staff conference!
Ladies Long Lunch
On a summer’s day in early January, during the peak season at SSCBC, our Members organise the annual Ladies Long Lunch, held in the SSCBC Dining Room. This is a sold-out event which raises funds for a women’s charity every year through silent and live auctions, donations and raffles. Attendees are treated to a three course lunch, a glass of Pommery on arrival, live entertainment and guest speakers.
Charities supported in the past include:
2024 – Mornington Peninsula Foundation
2023 – Mornington Peninsula Foundation
2022 – Mornington Peninsula Foundation
2021 – No event due to COVID
2020 – Mums Supporting Families In Need
2019 – Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation
2018 – Maddie Riewoldt Foundation
2017 – Ovarian Cancer Australia
2016 – Rosebud Women’s Refuge
2015 – Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club Patrol section
2014 – Rosebud Hospital
2013 – Sorrento Wig Library
2012 – Maddie Todd
Powerboat Handling Courses for Secondary Students
Each year, groups of students from Padua College and Rosebud Secondary College both spend 10 days at SSCBC undertaking a powerboat handling and marine safety program. The students are instructed in both theory and on-water rules, regulations and boat handling. The culmination of this course is the passing of their licensing requirements to obtain a recreational boat license. A Committee Member from SSCBC attends the Annual Excellence Awards night for Rosebud Secondary College to present a scholarship to those who have achieved notable results during the Outdoor Education Program. SSCBC also hosts the end of year Christmas celebrations for the staff of Padua College.
Close Working Relationships With Other Local Organisations
SSCBC is proud of its close relationships with other local sailing clubs, including Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron and Rye Yacht Club. We share best practices and collaborate to conduct on-water activities that meet the needs of each of our Clubs. This spirit of goodwill enables us to work together to benefit the sport of sailing and bring together our community.
SSCBC is privileged to assist the children who attend The Portsea Camp. SSCBC Members volunteer their boats and time to provide the children of the camp with boat rides, some of whom have never been on the water before. They thoroughly enjoy their time on Port Phillip Bay, in particular their visit to the seals (and often dolphins) on Port Phillip Bay.
SSCBC supports the Portsea Foreshore Advisory Group and the Sorrento Foreshore Advisory Group, by welcoming them to conduct meetings at the Club. SSCBC also attends the annual ANZAC Day commemoration dawn service and supports the Portsea Sorrento RSL. SSCBC supports the Southern Peninsula Probus group, who provide activities for our semi and fully retired locals to assist them in maintaining an active mind and healthy lifestyle. The Probus annual Christmas celebrations are held at the Club, along with frequent meetings throughout the year.
SSCBC hosts the Annual General Meeting of the Sorrento Red Cross and provides morning tea to those in attendance who work tirelessly for the needs of others in our community.
SSCBC hosts its annual golf day at Sorrento Golf Club before returning to SSCBC for lunch and prize giving, supporting local organisations where possible.
