New base opened at Point Roadknight

TEN years of hard work from members, volunteers, and the community was celebrated with the official opening of Anglesea Motor Yacht Club (AMYC) redeveloped clubhouse.

Outgoing commodore and life member Wes Smith said he was honoured to be invited to host proceedings alongside current commodore Kate Stanley for the club’s momentous.

“I’ve been at the club since day one of this project and it has been a decade in the making,” Mr Smith said.

“From my point of view, I was extremely grateful to be asked back to the club to officially open the building with my fellow life members.

“We had almost 200 people there on the day, on a beautiful day, which really showcased the location we are in at Point Roadknight.”

Mr Smith said the redevelopment had its challenges, but it was a testament to the committee remaining steadfast in getting the project over the line.

The $1.2 million redevelopment began in May last year, with $750,000 being raised by the club alone. Council contributed a further $47,000 and Bendigo Bank loaned the remaining $425,000 to allow the project to take shape.

Designed by Torquay based Section Studio and built by local Surf Coast builder Renfrey Building Group, the end result is a magnificent new facility for the enjoyment of members and community groups.

The previous building was originally constructed in the early 1960s, largely from volunteer labour and working bees.

The new clubhouse features a new kitchen and bar facilities, new toilets, additional storage, expanded deck areas, sound proofing and insulation, heating, a lift, and a cool room.

“The club membership numbers sit around 400, record numbers for the club,” Mr Smith added.

“With these numbers coupled with our new home, facilitating events such as the popular Surf Coast Roo Run, and the annual Rock to Ramp swim conducted by Anglesea SLSC will be considerably easier to manage.

“The club also serves as a base for surf lifesaving patrols during the summer months. It also has an active sailing program and is the base for the Rusty Anglers fishing group. Not to mention it’s home to the famous Rusty Anchor Bar.”

The new Anglesea Motor Yacht Club can be located on Melba Parade at Point Roadknight.