Steve "Bluey" Larnach is the President of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and a dedicated community volunteer. A second-generation local, he has been involved with the club since the 1980s, serving in various roles including Patrol Captain and earning life membership in 2017.

In this episode, Steve talks about life in "The Big Chair" as he calls the Presidents role, lessons for new surf life savers, how to be a real leader in the surf club, and some great tips on fundraising!

The Bondi Patrol Podcast

Liz Webb, President Bondi SBLSC, and Steve Larnach, President North Bondi LSC

HOST: Glen Frost, Nightingale Patrol, Bondi SBLSC

In Australia, support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14.

On 14 December 2025, an Islamic State inspired terrorist attack occurred at Bondi Beach during a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah attended by around 1,000 people. Two gunmen killed 15 people (11 men, 3 women and a 10-year-old girl). Volunteer surf lifesavers from Bondi and North Bondi LSCs and Waverly Council lifeguards rushed to the scene to provide first aid during the active shooting. International media has covered this event in forensic detail. In this episode we tell our story.

If you are upset or feeling sad:

Speak with Lifeline by calling 13 11 14

Text Lifeline by sending a message to 0477 13 11 14

Chat with Lifeline online by visiting www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat

SLSNSW Member Assistance Program (MAP)

Members can access free counselling 24/7 through Converge International 1300 687 327 https://portal.converge-online.com/ Organisation Code: SLSNSW

National Emergency Worker Support Service: Provided by the Black Dog Institute, NEWSS offers online mental health checks, resources for families and friends, and up to 12 free sessions with a clinician for emergency services volunteers and staff. www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/educationservices/national-emergency-worker-supportservice/

Bondi Patrol Podcast

GUEST: Lawrie Williams (Loz); Bondi SBLSC Long Service Member and Bondi Historian

This podcast is supported by Bondi’s most experienced real estate agents; Richardson & Wrench Bondi Beach – we thank the whole team for their ongoing support of our club and the surf life saving community - visit their website at rwbb.com.au

In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome Lawrie Williams to the podcast – Lawrie – or Loz to his friends – is a club veteran and Bondi historian. He is a proud member of Bondi SBLSC and North Bondi LSC. Loz’s proud of our club’s history and believes that sharing stories helps current and future generations to appreciate what previous clubbies went through.

Correction to audio: Lawrie is a Long Service member of Bondi SBLSC and a Life Member of the Australian Pool & Ocean Lifeguards Association

Why is our club called a “surf bathers” club?

Why do we have patrols named after famous members when every other club has “Patrol 1” or “Patrol 2”

Was there a boxing ring in the great hall at the club?

What was the “belt and reel” really like as a life saving tool?

What was it like in the old days? (post war, 60s, 70s, 80s – stories of club members helping others rougher times, no OH&S, no female members)

Impact of new equipment over the years

The history of Bondi since WW2 – and impact on the club

For non-surfers; what are the rules of surfing at Bondi??

Did they really allow raw sewage to flow into the water at Bondi?

The importance of club veterans, older members

Who created the hit TV show Bondi Rescue?