Northern Beaches Advocate: The Northern Beaches has snared a significant share of NSW Government funding for surf clubs.
Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSCs) on the Northern Beaches have snared over $1.3m of a $5.4m total funding pool available in the NSW Government 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program. The Program provides funding to SLSCs for the upgrade, restoration or construction of Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) facilities to keep them modern and accessible for the community, and so that surf lifesavers can better protect beachgoers...
Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby (image above) said that over $663k in funding for four surf clubs in her electorate — Bilgola, Warriewood, South Narrabeen and Narrabeen Beach — would support not just the clubs but the people who rely on them.
“Surf clubs are the heart of our beaches community. We love our beach lifestyle and getting out in the ocean in Pittwater, but we rely on our surf clubs to keep us safe, train and accommodate our volunteers and educate our kids.
“This NSW funding is to improve facilities to help surf clubs support our community. I’m particularly pleased to see it being used to install solar and batteries that will reduce energy costs for the clubs and reduce emissions. These are smart investments.
“I congratulate these clubs on receiving these grants and for their contribution to our community. Pittwater Surf Life Saving [SLS] volunteers proved once again this summer that they are the heroes of our beaches, protecting locals and visitors in the water.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are powered by volunteers and every effort needs to be made to get people engaged early in their clubs. Good facilities are crucial to engage members, from as young as nippers to more senior volunteers — these upgrades will provide crucial services.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs also give back to those who volunteer for them, giving them a sense of community and belonging. Members who have hardship or accidents often tell me of the vital role their SLS colleagues have played in supporting them through their recovery or hard times,” said Ms Scruby.