Local surf clubs share in $5 million

Surf clubs in Wyong, The Entrance and Gosford electorates have shared in more than $5 million in funding under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.

15 May 2024

 

SOLDIERS BEACH, North Entrance, Terrigal, Wamberal and Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Clubs was among 32 clubs to be awarded grants for the upgrade, restoration, and construction of facilities under the Program.

 

Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club was awarded $92,400 for the construction of an all-weather awning on the first floor and Ocean Beach Life Saving Club was awarded $398,663 for the creation of an enclosed education and training space for volunteers.

 

Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club was awarded $33,000 for the installation of a battery storage unit.

 

North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club received $32,727 for the installation of a new solar PV system and an upgrade to its changing facilities.

 

Member for Wyong, David Harris and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said, “Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community, protecting locals and visitors in the water.

 

“This grant will contribute towards the development of a modern, fit for purpose facility that enables surf life savers to better protect the community and continue to deliver a world-class service.”

 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach.

 

“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and likewise, the NSW Government will not waver in its support of these incredible volunteers.

 

“That’s why we are providing $21 million over four years to ensure our surf life saving clubs have modern, inclusive and accessible facilities.”

 

The Surf Club Facility Program helps surf life saving clubs develop facilities that encourage increased participation and facility usage as well as improve community safety.

 

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said “The volunteers at North Entrance Surf Life Saving are dedicated to keeping both locals and visitors safe in the water.”

 

“The funding received will improve the Club’s facilities and boost its financial and environmental sustainability.”

 

The NSW Government has allocated $16 million to the Program over four years. This was boosted an additional $5 million in the 2023/24 NSW State Budget as part of a $23 million funding increase to Surf Life Saving NSW to better protect beachgoers and reduce drownings.

 

Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew said, “The volunteer patrol season has only just finished, with our more than 20,000 active surf lifesavers performing over 4,600 rescues, 1 million preventative actions and almost 20,000 first aid treatments. It has been one of our busiest patrol seasons in years.

 

“The Surf Club Facility Program has always contributed greatly to the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver, through enhanced facilities to ensure our lifesavers are rescue ready, trained, and equipped appropriately, and it’s excellent to see 32 clubs benefitting from the latest round of funding.

 

“Our surf clubs also act as key community hubs, promoting inclusivity and social cohesion, so this investment benefits all the community.

 

“We have 129 clubs across the state, with 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”

 

For further information, including the recipients in the 2023/24 Program, visit the Surf Club Facility Program.