Mayoress to the rescue

Beth Edmunds from Byrne Surf and Ski, Jane Tarasenko from Kookla Boutique in Fairy Meadow, Amanda Scott from Surf Life Saving Illawarra, and the Lady Mayoress, Michelle Darling.

THE Lady Mayoress, Michelle Darling, said last week she hopes the region's Surf Life Savers will 'get a kick' out of being recognised for their important work through this year's Fashions in the Spring Lady Mayoress Luncheon.

Each year the responsibility of deciding which charity will benefit from the Lady Mayoress Luncheon falls to the Mayoress herself, and with this year the centenary of Surf Life Saving in Australia Ms Darling said she thought it apt to make the organisation her 2007 beneficiaries.

Ms Darling said she hopes being recognised in this way will boost the morale of local Surf Life Savers, and said the event will help the community recognise the work they do.

“I'm hoping they get a kick out of being recognised,” she said.

MS Darling said the Luncheon and Parade are massively popular, and a high point on the city's social calendar.

“It's one of the highlights of the Wollongong ladies' calendar and is very popular,” she said.

The fashion parade will feature new fashions from Alexander Michaels and Sposabella Bridal along with two local couturiers new to the parade, Kookla Boutique and Byrne Surf 'n' Ski.

Guests attending the function enjoy champagne upon arrival, a two-course lunch, wine, and ofcourse the fashion parade.

The Lady Mayoress said the proceeds would be used by Surf Life Saving Illawarra to buy much needed equipment for local volunteer clubs.

At the luncheon launch last week Surf Life Saving Illawarra's Amanda Scott said there was a lot of behind-the-scenes work put in by a lot of people in the area.

Ms Scott said the contribution of these volunteers allowed Surf Life Savers to get on the beach throughout summer and added that local Surf Life Saving volunteers would enjoy being recognised through the luncheon and parade.