Friends By The Beach

Cronulla RSL

For over 70 years, our members have been participating in sport, activities, projects and programs in Cronulla & the Sutherland Shire. There are many stories to tell, memories to share and dreams to achieve in the future! Take a journey with our members, as they share their stories and experiences.

Episodes

  1. 07/21/2025

    Dan Michel

    In this inspiring episode of Friends By The Beach, we sit down with Paralympian Dan Michel, a Cronulla local whose journey from a sport-loving kid with Spinal Muscular Atrophy to international Boccia champion is nothing short of remarkable. Dan opens up about growing up in Cronulla, the challenges he faced in childhood, and how discovering the sport of Boccia at age 15 changed his life. Now a two-time Paralympic medallist, Dan shares what drives him, what inclusion means to him, and why sport is more than just competition—it’s purpose. We’re also joined by Adam Palmer, President of the Cronulla–Sutherland Boccia Club, who raised over $50,000 to help Dan reach the Games and speaks to the powerful role of parasport in building inclusive communities.

    15 min

  2. 11/25/2024

    Steve & Leon Sidd

    In this special episode of the Cronulla RSL podcast, we sit down with Steve Sidd, Group Managing Director of Catering HQ, and his father, Leon Sidd, to explore the extraordinary journey that shaped their passion for food and hospitality. Leon takes us back to his beginnings at just 15 years old, working in a café on Avoca Street in Randwick, where he fell in love with the energy of the kitchen. His career blossomed through venues like Matraville RSL, Coogee Sports Club, and Hornsby RSL, where he spent 13 memorable years. A natural mentor, Leon inspired his son Steve to follow in his footsteps, passing on invaluable lessons about quality, dedication, and the art of cooking. Steve shares how he grew up immersed in the bustling kitchens his father ran, catching the hospitality bug early on. From opening his first restaurant, Snipes, at just 18, to pioneering cafes in nurseries with Green Shades in Galston, and later managing iconic venues like Newport Arms and Sharks Club, Steve has carried forward his father’s legacy with innovation and heart. Now, as Catering HQ marks 12 months as the official caterer at Cronulla RSL, this episode celebrates their full-circle moment—returning to the venue Leon first worked at nearly 50 years ago. Join us as we delve into their story, their love for food, and the lessons they've learned along the way.

    31 min
  3. Blake Johnston – Part 2

    09/11/2024

    Blake Johnston – Part 2

    Blake Johnston shares the story behind his historic 40-hour World Record Surf and provides insight into the inspiration, preparation, and experience of this incredible physical feat, during which he rode 707 waves over 40 hours and 7 minutes. If you or someone you know needs crisis support, please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14

    15 min
  4. Blake Johnston – Part 1

    09/09/2024

    Blake Johnston – Part 1

    Blake opens up about overcoming personal mental health challenges and the unique philosophy that led him to achieve greatness both in and out of the water. If you or someone you know needs crisis support, please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14

    24 min

  5. 07/23/2024

    Beryl Bonfield - Part 2

    In Part 2 of the 2 part episode of the Cronulla RSL Podcast Series ‘Friends By the Beach’, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch Life Member, the late Beryl Bonfield.

  6. 07/23/2024

    Beryl Bonfield - Part 1

    In this Part 1 of this 2 part episode of Cronulla RSL Podcast Series ‘Friends By the Beach’, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch Life Member, the late Beryl Bonfield.

  7. 07/23/2024

    Paul Zaat

    Like many returned servicemen, Paul Zaat suffers from PTSD, as a result of various incidents he was involved in during his deployment in Vietnam. But he found comfort in writing poetry, and documents the experiences of the brave men he fought with in the 8th infantry battalion, of the The Royal Australian Regiment. This is his story…

  8. 07/23/2024

    Erich Zimmerman

    As a young child Erich Zimmerman, with his mother survived the war in Hamburg. As a teenager, he settled at the hostel at Hungry Point Cronulla. This episode talks about how the Cronulla Community helped him establish a wonderful life in the area.

  9. 07/23/2024

    Kerry Cattel

    In honour of Vietnam Veterans Day, we have released our second community podcast. We are proud to share the story of Kerry Cattell. This podcast features stories of how working as counterintelligence during the Vietnam War shaped his life.

  10. 07/23/2024

    Cory Rinaldi

    Cory shares his amazing story, which spans his years in the Military, his achievements and his challenges.

  • 10 Episodes

About

For over 70 years, our members have been participating in sport, activities, projects and programs in Cronulla & the Sutherland Shire. There are many stories to tell, memories to share and dreams to achieve in the future! Take a journey with our members, as they share their stories and experiences.

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