That the row could be resolved is a victory for common sense and diplomacy, and not a minute too soon.

The clubs spent five days deregistered from the surf lifesaving movement before a resolution was achieved, Wednesday night. 

In that time, there have been no shortage of empassioned members making the case for the clubs’ futures.

On social media and letters to these pages, volunteers have described their deep attachment to the clubs and ties as strong as family. 

The letters show an intense loyalty to the clubs and to the movement itself.

Their passion and camaraderie is something to behold at a time when non-traditional work patterns and the demands of modern life have eaten away at volunteer ranks in a variety of fields.

Dispute aside, the depth of feeling demonstrated over this issue is a rarity that bodes well for the clubs’ next two hundred years. 

There’s no denying the Illawarra has rallied to save our steelworks, but many won’t lie down until the job is done. 

Take Ian Waters for example.

Just weeks after helping present a 15,300-signature petition to the region’s five political representatives on the steps on NSW Parliament House, Mr Waters and his team of community campaigners have taken their fight another step further. 

They’ve now written letters to 98 representatives of councils, which stretch along the coast from the Shoalhaven to Sutherland and inland to Campbelltown and the Wingecarribee.

The letters ask for each organisation’s view on using 100 per cent Australian-made steel on their infrastructure projects.

It’s a question worth asking. Now, the Illawarra awaits the decisions to be made at local, state and federal levels.

The region wants answers, it wants some certainty about keeping its steelmaking alive and it needs that as soon as possible.