Bronte SLSC is a big winner out of the latest round of funding through the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facilities Grant, one of 32 clubs to benefit from a pool of $5 million this year.
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper and Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib confirmed the successful applications on 13 May, the latter doing so in person at the soon-to-be-redeveloped Bronte surf club.
Clubs were able to apply for up to $1,000,000 through the program this year, with three categories – Facility Improvement Projects, Small-Medium Construction Projects and Large Construction Projects – offering tiered funding support.
As part of its $3.39 million ground floor redevelopment, forming part of a new multi-storey community facility, Bronte SLSC will receive $1,000,000 towards the cost of the build.
Other funding awarded under the program includes $632,000 for upgrades to North Narrabeen SLSC, $398,000 for an education and training room at Ocean Beach SLSC, and $151,000 to replace the roof at Narooma SLSC.
Bondi SBLSC also received the highest available amount, being $1,000,000, to go towards the construction of a basement for rescue equipment storage – Phase 1 of a project that will eventually result in a new building.
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.
“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,” SLSNSW President, Peter Agnew ESM said.
“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 allows our 78,000 members to focus on saving lives.”
Minister Dib said that it was imperative to ensure lifesavers are well equipped to meet the challenges of patrolling our coastline.
“Our Surf Life Saving volunteers might have hung up their hats for this patrol season, but they were critical over the warmer months in keeping the beach-loving communities of NSW safe,” he said.
“It is important that surf clubs are kept in good condition so that our dedicated volunteers have a safe and modern base to operate from, and I’m proud to be part of the government that invested a record amount in Surf Life Saving NSW in the budget announced last year.”
Minister Kamper also noted the desire to marry world class facilities with world class volunteers.
“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach,” he said.
“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.”
2024 SURF CLUB FACILITIES GRANT RECIPIENTS
Bermagui SLSC – $51,362.00
Birubi Point SLSC – $111,790.00
Bondi SBLSC – $1,000,000.00
Bronte SLSC – $1,000,000.00
Burning Palms SLSC – $88,662.00
Coffs Harbour SLSC – $56,575.00
Dixon Park SLSC – $41,868.37
Elouera SLSC – $30,348.00
Evans Head-Casino SLSC – $84,077.00
Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC – $30,237.00
Kiama SLSC – $147,766.00
MacMasters Beach SLSC – $30,583.64
Merewether SLSC – $357,426.51
Mollymook SLSC – $38,781.00
Mona Vale SLSC – $68,480.00
Narooma SLSC – $151,600.00
North Entrance SLSC – $32,727.00
North Narrabeen SLSC – $632,343.00
Nowra-Culburra SLSC – $73,332.00
Ocean Beach SLSC – $398,663.00
Pacific Palms SLSC – $49,000.00
Pambula SLSC – $71,990.00
Soldiers Beach SLSC – $33,000.00
South Curl Curl SLSC – $70,145.45
Swansea Belmont SLSC – $38,462.00
The Lakes SLSC – $31,511.00
Thirroul SLSC – $31,552.00
Wamberal SLSC – $92,400.00
Wanda SLSC – $47,313.00
Warilla Barrack Point SLSC – $46,985.00
Windang SLSC – $33,990.00
Yamba SLSC – $124,608.00
Tuesday 14 May 2024