Stockton surf lifesavers are celebrating the completion of more than $200,000 in upgrades to Stockton Surf Life Saving Club.
Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin will today join Club Patron, Don 'Doc' Bland to officially open the upgrades which include kitchen, flooring, toilet and change facility upgrades as well as the installation stacker doors and a CCTV security system.
"Stockton Surf Life Saving Club provides a vital service, protecting people in the water and supporting a healthy lifestyle for members," Mr Martin said.
"The upgrades deliver a fit-for-purpose surf club with modern facilities and technology that will strengthen engagement between the club and local community."
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the project was delivered as part of the NSW Government's 2019/20 Surf Club Facility Program which provided almost $4 million in grants to Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW.
"The 2019/20 Surf Club Facility Program provided grants of $30,000 - $350,000 for the upgrade, restoration or construction of Surf Life Saving facilities with a focus on clubs in drought and bushfire affected areas," Mr Lee said.
"The upgrades at Stockton Surf Life Saving Club are one of several projects in the Hunter, Central Coast and mid-North Coast regions, including Pacific Palms, Black Head and The Entrance Surf Life Saving Clubs."
President of Surf Life Saving NSW, George Shales, said that Surf Life Saving Clubs are often the hub of their communities and that volunteer lifesavers should have access to fit-for-purpose facilities, so they can focus on saving lives.
"Surf Life Saving Clubs are a home base for our volunteers and ensuring rescue facilities like Stockton Surf Life Saving Club remain safe, accessible and secure is a top priority," George Shales said.
"Thanks to the NSW Government's Surf Club Facility Program, the Stockton Surf Club facility upgrade will enhance training capabilities and help establish pathways for Nippers and young lifesavers into the Surf Life Saving movement.
"With 129 clubs across the State, volunteer surf lifesavers performed 2,526 rescues, 194,000 preventative actions and 6,000 first aid treatments last year," he said.
The 2020/21 Surf Club Facility Program is currently open with up to $4 million available to Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade or construction of facilities.
"I encourage all NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs to apply," Mr Lee said.
