Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club to trade ageing base for $2.5m modern hub

ARCHITECTS have been appointed to design a new $2.5 million rescue centre at Point Lonsdale as the local surf lifesaving club prepares to replace its ageing back beach base.

Guymer Bailey Architects will lead the design for the fit-for-purpose facility, which will replace the existing building once it is demolished to make way for a modern training and patrol hub.

Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club secretary Andrew Sutherland said the project was a significant step for the volunteer-run organisation.

“The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club welcomes the start of the back beach renewal, made possible by strong support from the Victorian government, Life Saving Victoria and the Community Safety Building Authority to deliver a fit-for-purpose lifesaving base,” he said.

Concept design work is underway on the project, which aims to provide a reliable home for the club. The club has patrolled the local coastline since 1947.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the new base was necessary to match the growing number of visitors to the region’s coast.

“Point Lonsdale’s surf lifesavers are a vital part of our community, and this new facility will help them continue their essential work as more people come to enjoy our beautiful coastline,” she said.

The state government’s $2.5 million investment comes as part of a broader push to modernise volunteer facilities and equipment.

Minister for emergency services Vicki Ward said the upgrade would ensure volunteers could respond to emergencies safely and effectively.

“We’re backing our volunteer lifesavers with the infrastructure they need so they can do their job safely now and into the future,” she said.

Further consultation with the club will take place as the project moves beyond the initial design phase.