Surf's up as facility funding program opens

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) clubs are set to benefit from more than $5 million to help the upgrade, restoration and construction of surf life saving facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said rain, hail or shine, our volunteer surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and ensuring safety at our beaches.
 
“Whether you’re going to the beach to have a swim, surf or participate in nippers, our surf clubs are often the hub of their communities and our lifesavers are the unsung heroes, protecting swimmers in and out of the water,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This funding will ensure that from Tathra to Tweed Heads, surf clubs along the NSW coast are the best they can be while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for their communities.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said SLSNSW clubs can each apply for up to $650,000 through the NSW Government program.
 
“This funding will make sure our wonderful volunteers have the facilities they need to continue the critical work they do in protecting beachgoers,” Ms Cooke said.
 
SLSNSW President George Shales said ensuring volunteers have safe, accessible and secure facilities is a priority.
 
“We have 129 clubs across the State, with volunteer surf lifesavers performing more than 3,000 rescues, 114,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year, and this funding will allow surf club facilities to be upgraded for our 76,000 members,” Mr Shales said.
 
Applications are open until 1 November, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP.