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.

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.

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

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 

In this part 2 of the two 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.

Part 2

Her dedication to nursing and commitment to her patients, left a lasting impression on all who came across her. We speak to some of the nurses who worked with Matron Bonfield, as they recall her straight-shooting, no-nonsense nature and passion for healthcare.

Available to listen via our website, apple podcast, spotify & google podcasts.

FROM HER TIME IN SERVICE WITH THE AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE DURING WW2, TO HER DEDICATION AS SUTHERLAND HOSPITALS FOUNDING MATRON, BERYL'S STORY IS ONE THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND UPLIFT THOSE WHO COME ACROSS IT.

JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE THE LIFE OF BERYL BONFIELD, A WOMAN WHOSE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND UNWAVERING DEDICATION HAVE LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON OUR SUTHERLAND SHIRE COMMUNITY.

In this part 1 of the two 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.

Part 1

Stan Grimshaw (Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch, Memorabilia Officer) gives us insight into Beryl’s service record. Beryl saw more overseas service during WWII, than many of the soldiers.

We also recall her incredible journey from England to Australia in 1948, as a passenger of a single engine Proctor III airplane. We read extracts from Beryl’s experience, written by Julie Norman for an issue of ‘The Woman Magazine’ (1949).

FROM HER TIME IN SERVICE WITH THE AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE DURING WW2, TO HER DEDICATION AS SUTHERLAND HOSPITALS FOUNDING MATRON, BERYL'S STORY IS ONE THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND UPLIFT THOSE WHO COME ACROSS IT.

JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE THE LIFE OF BERYL BONFIELD, A WOMAN WHOSE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND UNWAVERING DEDICATION HAVE LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON OUR SUTHERLAND SHIRE COMMUNITY.

To commemorate ANZAC Day, we have released the fourth episode of our community podcast series, 'Friends by The Beach'. Paul Zaat is a past President of the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch, and is currently on the General Committee and a delegate of the Southern Metropolitan District Council. He is also a Vietnam War Veteran.

Like many returned servicemen, Paul suffers from PTSD, as a result of various incidents he was involved in during his deployment in Vietnam. He found comfort in writing poetry. Paul shares with us the experiences of the brave men he fought with in the 8th infantry battalion, of The Royal Australian Regiment.

He also gives a touching reading of his poem 'A Soldiers Brush with War & Peace', a poem which was inspired by Cory Rinaldi's artwork 'Sacrifice'.

Take a moment to enjoy ‘The Tour’, a touching poem that gives voice to the experiences in the infantry, specifically his time in Vietnam.

In celebration of Australia Day, we share the story of Erich Zimmerman. As a young child Erich Zimmerman and his mother survived the war in Hamburg. At the age of 16, unable to speak a word of English, Erich migrated to Australia. Settling at the hostel at Hungry Point Cronulla, Erich went on to establish a wonderful life in the area.

In this episode, Erich recounts his childhood in war-torn Germany, how he fell in love with Cronulla the moment he arrived and explains how the Zimmerman fashion brand began in his garage.

Kerry is a Cronulla RSL Life Member and was on our Board of Directors for 11 years, where he served with distinction, particularly in the avenues of Finance and Development Control.

This podcast features stories of how working as counterintelligence during the Vietnam War shaped his life.

Cory shares his amazing story, which spans his years in the Military, his achievements and his challenges.
Cory is the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch president and was the Anzac Memorial’s debut Veteran Artist in Residence. Our first Podcast is being released in conjunction with Cory’s Artist in Residence at the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney.