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<\/p>\nFEDERAL, state and local politicians were all present on a blustery December day at the official unveiling of the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club.<\/p>\n
They gathered alongside club members, community members and life savers in training to commemorate the end of a 14-year journey from conception to completion.<\/p>\n
Club President Aaron Green expressed his pride and relief at the completion of the project, but was quick to remind those present that there was a clear primary purpose.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got bronzies present \u2013 this is an operating surf life saving club, it\u2019s not here for show, it serves a really important purpose in the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Due to COVID disruption, Mr Green said there was still some work to be done and a financial shortfall to make up.<\/p>\n
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\u201cOur redevelopment journey is not finished. The structure and building is operational but due to the pandemic we have been forced to cancel all of our annual fundraising events this year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBare with us, this club will keep on improving and we will be out there rattling the tin.\u201d<\/p>\n
In her speech, Senator Sarah Henderson said many clubs in the area required intervention as they were all reaching their end of life.<\/p>\n
She also acknowledged how important quality facilities were for surf life saving clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand the job you do and how important it is but you can\u2019t do it unless you have the proper facilities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen first-hand what a difference it makes to every single coastal community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senator Henderson did not miss an opportunity to remind Mayor Rose Hodge and MP Darren Cheeseman the federal government had \u201c$20 million in the can\u201d for a swimming pool and that she is \u201ckeen to see that project move very quickly forward\u201d.<\/p>\n
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\u201cYou can\u2019t teach kids to swim in the ocean. Aquatic facilities and surf life saving go hand-in-hand,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Each dignitary acknowledged the impressive fundraising display from the club to secure the funds needed. A casually dressed Mr Cheeseman encouraged other clubs to follow the same approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project really highlights the importance of partnerships. We have had a strong club that has been able to secure commitments from the federal government, the state government, the shire \u2013 but has also been able to raise their own dollars,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Libby Stapleton, attending her first official opening as mayor, said the club holds a special significance for her.<\/p>\n
She told those present she \u201cwould traipse across the cliffs from Torquay to Jan Juc to enjoy some of the social benefits the club offered\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt holds a strong place in my heart,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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FEDERAL, state and local politicians were all present on a blustery December day at the official unveiling of the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club. They gathered alongside club members, community members and life savers in training to commemorate the end of a 14-year journey from conception to completion. Club President Aaron Green expressed his […]<\/p>\n