More than $1.3 million allocated to upgrade surf club facilities in NSW Illawarra region

More than $1.3 million is being allocated from the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Fund to upgrade, restore and improve surf club facilities in the NSW Illawarra region.

NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said six surf clubs in the Illawarra region will receive funding through the program to create more modern, accessible facilities and ensure lifesavers have what they need to keep the community safe on our beaches.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the program provides grants ranging between $50,000 and $650,000.

“More than 20,000 Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers patrol 129 coastal locations every weekend and public holiday between the peak October to April period, so it’s vital they have modern and fit-for-purpose facilities,” Minister Cooke said.

Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales said ensuring surf clubs across NSW are maintained and upgraded is vitally important and added “our volunteers deserve safe, accessible and secure facilities in order to train new lifesavers and support the community. Many Surf Life Saving Clubs have been on the frontline in the last year, responding to incidents and emergencies including the recent flood disaster, and they need to be able to safely store and access vital rescue equipment at short notice.”

Local State Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said the busy summer period highlights why local surf clubs need fit-for-purpose facilities.

“We have some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in our region and it is crucial our Illawarra surf clubs have the facilities they need to protect both visitors and locals on our beaches,” Evans said.

More information about the Surf Club Facility Program. 

Image top: Credit: Port Kembla SLSC Facebook