Million dollar surf club grants open

NORTHERN New South Wales surf lifesaving clubs can now apply for a share of $5.4 million in state government funding through the Surf Club Facility Program.

Grants of up to $1 million are available across three categories to upgrade, restore, or construct surf lifesaving facilities, and to keep clubs modern, inclusive, and accessible.

President of Surf Life Saving NSW, Peter Agnew, said the funding was vital to ensuring surf clubs are safe and fit for purpose.

“Sometimes extreme weather conditions take an enormous toll on our clubs’ facilities,’ Agnew said.

“Our membership continues to grow, with more than 83,000 lifesavers and Nippers.

“Providing safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities they protect is more important than ever.”

The program includes funding for project design and planning to ensure surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the program was part of a four-year $21.6 million commitment.

“The inclusion of grants for design and planning means clubs are supported from concept to completion and better equipped to apply for funding at later stages of projects,” Kamper said.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the NSW Government was delivering on its record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

“The $5.4 million in upgrades to be funded through this program will help surf lifesavers to better protect beach lovers along the entire NSW coastline,” Dib said.

“Coupled with the new and upgraded equipment, additional jet skis, and Emergency Response Beacons funded by the NSW Government, our volunteers are being equipped with the latest modern and safe equipment to continue their incredible work.”

Initiatives that encourage women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQIA+ communities to participate are program priorities.

Applications for Category 1 close on October 20, and for Categories 2 and 3 on November 10.

For information and to apply, visit sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program