NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs have received a $5.4 million funding boost after the Minns Labor Government announced recipients in the 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program.
The Program provides funding to Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf lifesaving facilities to keep them modern and accessible for the community, and so that surf life savers can better protect beachgoers.
Thirty-eight clubs shared in grants up to $1 million with projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ a priority.
Coogee Surf Life Saving Club was $900,000 for refurbishment of the ground floor of the clubhouse which will include upgrades to amenities, changerooms and the training room.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib joined Surf Life Saving NSW and volunteers at Coogee Surf Life Saving Club to announce funding recipients.
Other major projects to receive funding include:
- Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club: $940,000 for the redevelopment of the surf club which will include a new lift, upgraded changerooms, enhanced storage and fire safety upgrades.
- Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club: $312,370 for upgrades to the club's bathrooms and outdoor pergola
- Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club: $282,900 for upgrades to the club's bathrooms and showers
For the full list of recipients and further information on the Program visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"This summer has again illustrated the vital job our surf life savers do protecting swimmers and keeping people safe at beaches along the NSW coast.
"The $5.4 million funding awarded by the NSW Government today will ensure our surf life saving clubs across NSW remain modern and accessible so that surf life savers can continue their invaluable work.
"This funding is part of a four-year $16 million commitment from the NSW Government to support NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs to continue to deliver a world-class service."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"The red and yellow flags on our beaches are a welcome sight and our surf life savers helped perform more than 2,400 rescues this summer.
"We know communities are drawn to our beautiful coastline and by investing in our surf life saving clubs and providing modern facilities we support our volunteers who make our beaches safer.
"Our surf life savers represent the communities they serve and by improving access to these clubs we ensure more people can enjoy them when they visit our beaches."
Member for Coogee Marjorie O'Neil said:
"The Coogee Surf Life Saving Club does crucial work to save lives on our iconic Coogee Beach every summer.
"It is vital that the club has good amenities to support our Surf Life Savers that do so much for us, which is why we are delighted to see a $900,000 upgrade to Coogee SLSC's facilities to ensure better accessibility.
"This funding will ensure they are ready to continue protecting our community in the water during the 25-26 swimming season."
President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:
"We are pleased to see the NSW Government directly support the vital contribution made by our volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs in NSW.
"Our growing membership of over 80,000 lifesavers and Nippers deserve safe, secure, and accessible facilities. This program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives."
