The NSW Government has opened applications to Surf Life Saving Clubs across the state for grants to "build, upgrade and restore" their facilities.
The Surf Club Facility Program is set to be worth $16 million over four years with grants of between $30,000 and $500,000 available. According to the NSW Government, the program is designed to "enable increased participation in Surf Life Saving for all people" with grants for projects including first aid rooms, education rooms and gyms.
"We have nearly 130 Surf Life Saving Clubs here in NSW which are the hub of our coastal communities," Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said.
"This support will allow significant upgrades, so the 75,000 club members across the state who do such important work volunteering at our beaches can focus on saving lives."
Redhead Surf Life Saving Club at Lake Macquarie was one of the twenty-nine Surf Life Saving Clubs who shared in $3.5 million in the previous round of funding. The club received $302,400 for upgrades to its observation area, radio room and first aid room.
Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales OAM said safe, accessible and secure rescue facilities across NSW remain a top priority.
"Last year our volunteer surf lifesavers performed over 3,000 rescues, 143,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments. The Surf Club Facility Program will improve the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver," Mr Shales said.
Applications for this round of grants close on January 21 2022. If successful, projects must begin construction by September 2022 and be completed by March 2024.
The grants are also open to Surf Life Saving NSW Branches for surf club related works but will only be considered if all eligible applications from Surf Life Saving Clubs in the round receive funding.
