The Minns Labor Government has awarded $5.45 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.
Grants up to $1 million were available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf life saving facilities to ensure they stay modern, inclusive and accessible.
This year's program included grants for design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.
Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined surf life savers at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club to announce the club was among 61 projects to receive funding through the Program.
The club received $782,588 towards its $1.18 million redevelopment project which includes upgrades to amenities, gym, kitchen and multipurpose areas.
Other clubs to receive funding include North Narrabeen which received $600,000 for upgrades to the club hall, café, storage and training areas, and Salt Surf Life Saving Club which received $345,345 for upgrades to the club's kitchen, deck and bar.
For further information and the list if recipients visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf life saving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.
"The awarding of $5.45 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.
"Wanda Surf Life Saving Club's redevelopment project will support lifesaving, unite members and strengthen community connections.
"Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"Surf Life Saving volunteers play a vital role in keeping people safe right along the NSW coastline, and the NSW Government is backing them with record investment.
"This $5.4 million in upgrades will ensure surf life savers have the resources they need to protect beachgoers when the next patrol season begins.
"Combined with new and upgraded equipment, including Emergency Response Beacons, this investment means our volunteers are better equipped than ever with modern, reliable and safe gear to continue their incredible work."
Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:
"Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.
"The NSW Government's support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.
"Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect."
