Nev McLachlan - Board Member
CALLER PROFILE – NEV MCLACHLAN
Started square dancing in the early 60’s after tagging along with older brothers and parents to local square dances at Scouts and Lodges.
Entered Amateur Callers contest in 1967 and won first place. Part of the prize was to be programmed to call at the 8th National Convention in Brisbane that year.
Formed a junior club in Wynnum in 1969 called “Circle W”. This club branched out into a full family club in 1972 at Norman Park.
Formed “Suncoasters” in Nambour in 1970, initially dancing monthly courtesy of parents transport. Moved several times to Woombye, Bli Bli, Maroochydore and Caloundra changing to fortnightly and then weekly dances until building our own dance complex at Buderim in 1985.
“Circle W” merged with Bar K Ramblers in 1974 to form “Bar K/Circle W”
Mavericks Plus Club formed in 1982. Both clubs are now closed.
Other highlights:
1970 called on top of Ayers Rock
1970 designed the Square Dance Syllabus for Queensland's Education Department while a student teacher at University
1977 – 1982 resident caller for "Reg Lindsay's Country Homestead" live TV show
1982 – Tour of USA and Canada and joined Callerlab and called at 31st US National Convention
1985 Moved to Sunshine Coast Square Dance Centre at Buderim
1990 with Bev Convened 31st Australian National Square Dance Convention
1991 Presented with the Silver Spur Award from the Square Dancing Society of Qld Inc.
1999 with Bev convened the 40th Australian National Square Dance Convention
1999 stood down as Secretary of the Square Dancing Society of Queensland Inc after 20 years in this office
2000 Honored with Life Membership of the Australian Callers Federation
2004 Honored with Life Patron of Australian National Square Dance Conventions
2006 - 2008 Liaison Officer for the 49th Australian National Square Dance Convention held in 2008
2012 Liaison Officer for the 53rd Australian National Square Dance Convention in Darwin
2013 – 2016 with Bev convened the 57th Australian National Square Dance Convention at Buderim
Called at all Australian National Square Dance Conventions since 1979
Secretary of the Australian Callers Federation from 1991 - 2015
Featured caller for 5 week-end festivals in New Zealand
Member of Callerlab and on several committees of this International Association.
CURRENT CALLING COMMITMENTS
Monday: Currently running a Plus Dance from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.
Tuesday: Learning Basics & Mainstream Class 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm and Mainstream W'shop 7.00 – 9.00 p.m.
Saturday: 1st, 3rd and 5th of the month 7.00pm Plus 7.30 – 9.30 pm Mainstream
National Honors: Life Patron ANSDC Board Inc,
My time involves square dance commitments and also the running of the Sunshine Coast Square Dance Centre, a purpose built hall for our wondrous activity of Squares, Rounds and of course Clogging. And a heavy involvement in the Conservation of Marine Turtles. In June 2008 Bev and I were awarded the EPA Excellence Award in recognition of our valuable contribution to the Environmental Protection Agency in the "Volunteering" category. For over 35 years we have spent our Christmas vacation at an area called Wreck Rock (north of Bundaberg) monitoring Marine Turtles. This involves patrolling 22 km of beach, now on 4WD quad bikes, from dusk til dawn. This award recognises volunteers for their dedication, commitment and hard work for the environment and for the people of Queensland. .