Newsletters...

FREEBEACHER No 57
June 2005

First of all please accept my apologies for your receiving this newsletter a little late. In this day and age computers have become part of our lives. You can’t believe the havoc caused when mine decided it had a mind of its own and committed suicide! However, all is now more or less back to normal. If you haven’t received replies to email please let me know.

The new organisation has now been in operation for five months and I am certain we now have everything in place to secure our future as Australia’s leading nudist club. Our role as a lobby group and supporter of nudists throughout Australia has not changed and over the new few months we will be making every effort to expand this role.

The coming summer seems a long way off after the last few weeks of cold winds and heavy rain, but in Australia we can be sure of one thing, the long hot days of summer will soon be upon us. This is also the time of year that we tend to forget about our lifestyle, but the planning must continue. This is what we are continuing to do over the months ahead.

A special welcome to our new members. This has been another tremendous period with new membership applications, once again exceeding expectations. Thankyou everyone for your support. It is so important that we have a strong vibrant membership if we are to successfully lobby for nudists’ rights.

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Situations Vacant
The FBA is somewhat at a crossroads with the first phase of the merger nearing completion. Now we are calling for help from members all around Australia to help co-ordinate activities and set up branches at every clothes optional beach, and any area that needs a clothes optional beach. It is vital that we know what is happening so that we can help alleviate any problems quickly with representatives on the ground. It is also very important to keep using our beaches, and by organising regular events, help to create a safe atmosphere for our members.

Co-ordinating social events and outings with other clubs and resorts in your area will also help to build much needed camaraderie between clubs. Whether we like it or not we are a minority, and our reliance on each other is vital for us to continue. Social acceptance is the goal of most nudists and when we go to the beach as a group we are accepted.

From our experience when visiting Belongil Beach (near Byron Bay) and Alexandria Bay (near Noosa Heads) we attract attention by flying our flags, letting everyone know who we are, and by being there as a group we attract other beachgoers, textile included, who join in. For some this is their first nude experience and for others their first experience of real social nudism. This is where we get many of our new members and this is what ultimately will ensure the success of our wonderful lifestyle. This is why we need volunteers to manage our favourite beach, distribute brochures, application forms etc. For FBA to be the political force we our main objective is increasing member numbers. I remember the first question we were asked when we met Premier Beattie was, “How many members does the FBA have?”

The FBA is not a social group or club, we are a political lobby group. But we can be a very large and successful social group with your help. We are not competing for members with other clubs in Australia, we are working side by side with them, although I sometimes doubt they realise that. Our agenda by our Constitution is to promote the gaining of more Clothes Optional Beaches. This is our main objective and further growth of our support is what will ultimately bring this about.

After we attract area representatives we will require someone to co-ordinate this group for the whole of Australia. The main requirements will be to have some skills in this area, be on the Internet and able to control the flow of information between the various groups.

Another vacancy that needs to be filled is Social Convenor in the South East Qld area. Mark has done a wonderful job and he now wishes to give an opportunity to one of our members to make a great career move.  Success here can lead to greater opportunities in the future. Realistically, success here can also lead to a lifelong position.

Not to be outdone on career moves the vacancy will come up at the next AGM for the role of Secretary/Treasurer. This may be split if required. Because of the changes over the last few months the workload has increased considerably and this seems the right time to form the new position of Membership Secretary. The Membership Secretary would look after the membership files, issuing of ANF/INF Passports etc, and I am quite happy to carry on doing this if the committee thinks fit. The position of Secretary/Treasurer would be made considerably easier by this move and of course all assistance would be given for an easy transition. Please contact me at freebeaches@hotmail.com if you can help to fill these vacancies. Don’t worry about salary negotiations, there is none! We need your help!

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Australian Nudist Federation
The ANF is making plans for the publication (yet to be named) of a guide to Naturist Clubs, Resorts, B&B’s and of course beaches in Australia and possibly New Zealand. I need precise maps, relevant information (this may be such things as car  parks, toilets, bus stops, bus timetables, is there emergency  phones, good for swimming, surfing, dangerous for swimming, shark feeding area, good fishing etc, etc). A good photo would also be helpful as this will be a colour publication with good opportunities to have your local beach to be highlighted. This information may also be used on our web site - www.freebeach.com.au

Another important point at this time of year is upgrading your INF/ANF Passport. Our renewal time is 30th September so if you cannot wait until then to update let me know and we can fix it all up earlier. I have the new stamps and there is no problem renewing your membership a little early.

Nude Holidays and Recreation
www.aus-nude.org.au
Australian Nudist Federation

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For Sale
When going to your favourite nudist beach let your friends and club members know who you are. Flags to fly in the breeze are still available. When at the supermarket wear your FBAQ fashion accessories with pride and passion. Beautiful designed polo shirts  in club colours and logo, two varieties of sunhats now available  and stubbie coolers all for sale. Contact me at the above address or  phone or email.

Polo Shirts - Gold              $20.00
Flags - Gold                      $20.00
Beach Hats - Blue             $15.00
Bucket Hats - Blue            $12.00
Stubbie Coolers                $6.00

 All items add $5.00 postage and handling if applicable.

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Southern United Naturists (Adelaide) hold swim socials every 1st and 3rd Saturday and if there is a 5th Saturday of the month that as well between 3.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. at The Barton Aquatic Centre, 1 Meyer Street, Torrensville, Adelaide.

For more information contact Jim at jimhowden@ozemail.com.au Or mail to PO Box 31, Oaklands Park SA 5046

Keep an eye on their web site for more events if travelling to South Australia: www.southernunitednaturists.org.au

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Armonds Beach - Clothes Optional
(Extract from Armonds Beach Leisure Group brochure)
As a visitor to the beautiful Sapphire Coast we welcome you and trust  that you will enjoy your visit to this region. The Sapphire Coast is truly a sun lover’s paradise. Some who live and travel here prefer to bathe and sun themselves nude. If that is your preference, then you will be please to know that the Bega Valley Shire Council has declared that nude bathing is legally permitted at Armonds Beach near Bermagui. Renowned for its crystal clear waters and golden sands, Armonds Beach is a sheltered and safe venue where everyone can enjoy a relaxing day outdoors. This is not a patrolled beach but is family orientated.

How to get there: Travelling south from Bermagui, follow the coast road to Tathra/Bega for 10km until you come to Kullaroo Road on the left. Turn left into Kullaroo Road and proceed until you come to the Armonds Beach sign. Follow the walking track to the beach, or take the drive track to the left of the sign which leads to a parking area above the beach. Travelling north from Tathra, follow the coast road, 38km to the Kullaroo Road turn off on the right.
 www.freewebs.com/armonds/location.html
Remember. In NSW it is illegal to leave your car unlocked if unattended. No insurance and big fine!

Another Great Holiday Destination
Where is SHELLY BEACH?
Try the Great Lakes area about 200 km north of Sydney. About 3 km north of Bulahdelah take the Lakes Way turn off, follow this to Pacific Palms and turn of to Elizabeth Beach. If you continue this scenic drive it will take you to Forster then on to Taree.

The attractions in this area is outstanding with everything anyone needs to escape the ho hum of the city. Beautiful Myall, Smith and Wallis Lakes, fantastic beaches, rocky headlands, rainforests and dolphin spotting are just some of the options.

The best option of course is Shelly Beach. Although not a legal Clothes Optional Beach, it is an accepted part of life in the Lakes District. The local council accepts Shelly as Clothes Optional and has it listed in the local Tourist Guide.

For more information contact Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centre on 02 4997 4981

Australian Sun & Health
I am still answering many enquiries regarding this wonderful naturist publication that has been part of our lives for many years. It now seems certain that Australian Sun & Health is now no longer available. The editor has encountered many personal difficulties over recent times and is a tremendous loss to our lives. Thankyou for the support AS&H has given to the Free Beach movement over the many years. AS&H is and will be surely missed.