UECWA Newsletter

2nd October 2024

Upcoming Dives

Dhufish Tunnel & Exploration Dive - Sun 06/10

Swirl Reef & Angela's Cave (Rotto Drop Off) - Sat 12/10

Coogee Marina Cleanup - Sun 13/10

Dive Report - Sunday 29th September

Photo credit - Will Glendon

9 divers, Skipper Chris Mc and DO Laura ventured out with the boats new engine and gadgets. It felt like we flew! We had reached Rottnest in an hour, then proceeded North to City of York, only to arrive with conditions looking horrid, swirly and rough. Plan B, Roe reef (the Maze) showed a lot more promise but divers were met with some surgy conditions below. Despite that, reports of beautiful big caves, filled with Southern Blue Devils, good sized dhuies and huge schools of bullseye and pomfrets were reported. Even a green sea turtle was found resting on the reef. Our crayfishermen came back empty handed, possibly due to a sizeable Port Jackson shark guarding a cave entrance filled with crays!

The sun came out and winds dropped a tad, making conditions more pleasant for the second dive at the Macedonia and Denton wrecks. Most divers had a lovely dive, visiting some pretty tunnels and holes with some seeing both wrecks (somewhat degraded) plaques, wobbegong sharks, a cricket bat sized whiting, and plenty of schooling drummers and pomfrets.

A smooth and speedy journey home had us back to Coogee just after 2pm, making the new engine and modifications a worthwhile investment offering more pub time at the end of the day.

Thanks to Jim for helping wash down the boat in the arvo, and Will for getting things set up in the morning! 

Laura Thompson

70th Birthday Party Postponed

It's unfortunate to have to postpone the dive club's 70th birthday party, but prioritising the boat's readiness for the new dive season is important. We're excited to celebrate this milestone in the future and encourage all members to get their tickets as soon as the new date is announced in the new year. Your support will be crucial for making the event a success! Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to diving into the celebrations soon!

Marina Cleanup Event - Register Now

The 13th October is the 20th anniversary of Tangaroa Blue foundation Beach clean ups, so we are celebrating by doing an underwater clean up in Coogee Marina. Site will be chosen dependent on the number of divers volunteering, but we also need land crew to help out too. We also have the support of Sam, the Coogee Marina manager, volunteering on her day off work. We start at 9am, meeting at the usual spot at the Marina.

Please book via the website just like you would for a dive, but also text (0417 972 106), email (environment@uecwa.com.au) or Facebook message Laura to let her know if you are interested in diving or being ground crew.

We hope to finish early enough to catch the end of Bathurst!

Laura Thompson

Important Information for Dive Bookings

All members who have paid their fees for the year 2024/2025 should be able to access the dive calendar on the new website and mobile app. Please Contact Us if you are having any issues.

If you would like notice of dive cancellations during our peak periods, then please contact Donna at divebookings@uecwa.com.au with your name and phone number to be added to a WhatsApp group.

Cancelling a Dive Ahead of Time

Important to note that you cannot cancel dives using the dive calendar. Cancellation needs to be by email directly to Donna at divebookings@uecwa.com.au

Please note our cancellation policy below as per the club bylaws:

Cancellations between 07:45 and 16:00 the day before: 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellations after 16:00 the day before: 100% cancellation fee.

No-shows: Full event fee.

Appeals for waivers due to medical reasons or family emergencies can be submitted in writing to the committee.

If you have any questions please check out our FAQ's, Contact Us or chat to your Committee members when you see us on the boat!

Newsletter Editor

Mel Daws - Public Relations