NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs receive funding boost to support facility upgrades

The NSW Government has announced $16 million in funding, over four years, for the Surf Club Facility Program as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget to support the upgrade, restoration, or construction of surf life saving facilities.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Surf Club Facility Program played a vital role in ensuring  surf life saving volunteers had access to the facilities they needed to keep communities active and safe.

Minister Perrottet noted “the NSW Government recognises the critical role Surf Life Saving Clubs play in communities up and down the coast in allowing people to enjoy our world-class beaches.

“Whether you hit the surf every day or build sandcastles on the sand with your kids this funding will mean our life saving facilities are fit-for-purpose and our volunteers can continue to keep people safe on our beaches.”

The additional funding in this year’s Budget comes off the back of $3.5 million being awarded to 29 clubs through the 2020-21 Program. Grants are valued between $30,000 and $350,000 per project.

Highlights of the 2020/21 program include:

• $300,689 to Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club resurfacing works and redirection of public walkway and beach access.

• $302,406 to Redhead Surf Life Saving Club for upgrades to the club’s observation area, radio room and first aid room.

• $223,687 to Cabarita Surf Life Saving Club for upgrades to the club, including a new training room.

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club is part of the fabric of the Northern Beaches community adding “Warriewood surf life saving volunteers are on the beaches every weekend – rain, hail or shine – protecting our community.

“The grant of $300,689 will really help improve facilities so that our volunteers can keep beach goers safe here on the Northern Beaches.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW, George Shales said safe, accessible and secure rescue facilities across the State remain a top priority.

“Surf Life Saving Clubs are often the hub of communities and our volunteer lifesavers require access to fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives. The funding will allow significant upgrades to surf club facilities to improve access for our 75,000 members.

“We have 129 clubs across the State, volunteer surf lifesavers who performed over 2,500 rescues, 141,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year.”

Image: Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club patrol courtesy warriewoodslsc.com.au/