The Story Behind the Photographs
You may have seen this photograph the walls of Cronulla RSL’s sunroom, but behind the image is a story that captures a moment in Cronulla's history.
Photographed by local surf photographer Tim Vanderlaan, the image is part of a remarkable photographic archive documenting Cronulla's beaches, surfers and characters across generations.
Mother Goose – Crowd Shot
Crowd Shot was taken in September 1977 at the Gunnamatta outdoor pavilions during a free Double J Radio concert. The concert featured Mother Goose, who were known for their theatrical performances and costumes. The event attracted a large crowd of young people, creating the scene Tim captured in the photograph.
The photograph is therefore not simply a crowd image. It captures a particular moment in Cronulla's social and youth culture in the late 1970s, when music, surfing and the beach were all closely intertwined.
Midway Cronulla – 1977
The photograph shows Gary Cluse and Stewart Darcy, who were known as the "Milky Bar Kids" from television, sharing a wave at Midway Cronulla in 1977. Tim notes how much more sand there was along Cronulla's beaches at the time. In the background are Joe's Milk Bar and the Workers Club, providing an additional snapshot of what Cronulla looked like in the 1970s.
Southside Malibu – 1997 Surf Safari
The van photograph was taken during a Southside Malibu surf safari in 1997. Tim set up his tripod and used the camera's self-timer to capture the group. When the photograph was later prepared for the wall at Cronulla RSL, Tim himself was cropped out so the image would fit the available wall space
Elouera – Summer 1977
Taken on the steps in front of the Elouera toilets, the photograph shows a group of young surfers who would regularly gather there. The location was a prime spot because it offered shelter from the wind and sun. The group eventually formed the Elouera Boardriders Club, after joining with another group of surfers who gathered on the other side of the beach. Mark Brook is identified in the photograph.