Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW to receive $4 million in development grant funding

The NSW Government recently announced that $4 million in grant funding had been awarded to 26 Surf Life Saving Clubs across the State for upgrading of their facilities to keep them modern and versatile so they continue to play their important role for future generations

The funding of grants between $30,000 and $350,000 has been made as part of the Surf Club Facility Program, which provides grants for the upgrade, restoration or construction of Surf Life Saving facilities. This year, clubs in bushfire and drought affected areas were prioritised for assistance.

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive, Steven Pearce welcomed the announcement and said that the grants reflected the growing importance of Surf Life Saving clubs in the community and that they would ensure rescue facilities at the 26 clubs receiving grants remained rescue ready, safe, accessible and secure.

Pearce notes “the role of Surf Life Saving Clubs in the community is evolving quickly. Our reach now extends well beyond the water. During the recent bushfires that devastated much of NSW, thousands of people sought shelter in our clubs and in many areas our clubs became important recovery centres in the weeks following the fires.

“Many clubs are the hub of their communities and our volunteer lifesavers should have access to fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives and supporting their communities in emergencies and times of crisis.”

Three clubs receiving grant funding are Bermagui SLSC (above), Batemans Bay SLSC and Tathra SLSC on the NSW Far South Coast. Bermagui SLSC was pivotal during the recent NSW bushfires, sheltering over 5,000 people at the height of the crisis. They will receive grant funding for the enhancement of their communication and evacuation facilities.

Batemans Bay SLSC and Tathra SLSC, which also sheltered thousands of people during the bushfires, will receive funding to upgrade their patrol rooms and clubhouses and to improve their call-out capability.

Far South Coast Branch Director of Lifesaving, Cheryl McCarthy advised that the branch was grateful for the support of the NSW Government and that their clubs and members had endured a challenging season in terms of their bushfire response.

McCarthy adds “the new funding will put us in a strong position to build resilience and future capability. We learned a lot during the summer bushfires and the funding will go a long way to strengthening our support of the Far South Coast community in the future.”

Surf Life Saving NSW President, George Shales thanked the NSW Government for their ongoing support and said that the grants would allow significant upgrades to the 26 surf club facilities to improve amenities for members who protect lives on the NSW coastline.

“The Surf Club Facility Program facilitates the construction and upgrade of Surf Life Saving clubs and facilities which will make a significant difference to improving club participation, usage and importantly will also improve the safety of swimmers at NSW beaches.

“As a gazetted emergency service organisation, it’s vital that SLSNSW emergency call-out teams can respond quickly to Triple-zero emergency calls along the NSW coastline. Fit-for-purpose facilities are an important part of ensuring emergency equipment is readily accessible so we can continue to be responsive.”

NSW acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee added “Surf lifesavers and Surf Life Saving clubs, while never admitting it, are true unsung heroes.

“They provide a vital service, protecting people in the water and helping the community in times of crisis.

“Their efforts providing refuge to thousands of people who were evacuated during the bushfires was the epitome of the Australian spirit.

“These grants will ensure we protect and upgrade their facilities to keep them modern and versatile so they continue to play their important role for future generations.”

Click here to learn more about the Surf Club Facility Program.

NSW Government Surf Club Facility Program Grant Funding Recipients

• Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club
• Yamba Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Era Surf Life Saving Club
• Long Reef SLSC inc
• Macksville/Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club
• North cronulla Surf Life Saving Club incorporated
• Whale Beach slsc inc
• Taree Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club
• Bulli Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Black Head Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Pacific Palms SLSC inc
• Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club limited
• Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club
• Garie Surf Life Saving Club
• Evans Head-Casino slsc
• The Entrance Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Tathra Surf Life Saving Club
• Sawtell SLSC
• Coogee Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club inc
• Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club inc
• North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club inc

Image top courtesy of Surf Life Saving NSW and image above courtesy of Bermagui SLSC