More than $80,000 in funding rolls in for surf club

THE Barwon Heads 13th Beach Surf Lifesaving Club will soon have upgraded storage facilities and a new beach vehicle to help protect the community.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville visited the club at the weekend to congratulate lifesaving volunteers on their successful grants application, with the club set to receive a total of $80,013 in funding from the Emergency Services Sustainability and Equipment Program.

The club was successful in two grants and of this funding will receive $30,536 as a part for a new side-by-side Polaris Ranger to aid in beach rescues and help keep local beaches safe.

The club will also receive a further $49,477 for the construction of new storage facilities.

Ms Neville congratulated the club who have contributed $39,296 to the costs of the building works to expand storage capacity at the club, as part of the $88,774 project.

“Barwon Heads 13th Beach lifesavers do an incredible job and this funding will ensure they have access to the first-rate facilities and equipment they need to keep everyone safe on the water,” Ms Neville said.

“This club has a fantastic group of volunteers and we want to support them so they can continue to deliver their crucial work, in protecting and saving lives.

“We commend the club, led by President Andrew McKinnon, on their contribution to this project and work to secure these grants.”

Last month, Ms Neville announced that a reelected Andrews Labor Government will deliver
$200,000 towards extended facilities and a new training room at the club.

Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants were also awarded to Vic SES Bellarine for a truck and training and assessment ($5,000) and storage box and kitchen essentials ($1,384).

Emergency Services Equipment Program recipients included Barwon Heads SLSC for a side-by-side Polaris Ranger ($30,536), Mannerim CFA for an appliance ($650), Portarlington CFA for a generator ($16,868), Ocean Grove SLSC for furniture/operational equipment ($18,935) and Barwon Heads SLSC for building works to expand storage ($49,477).

A list of successful grant recipients can be found at emv.vic.gov.au/esvsgrants.