Program Function - The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to create new and upgraded inclusive and accessible facilities incorporating best practice design principles that:
- Increase participation in sport and recreation for everyone but particularly for women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people
- Increase the use of Surf Life Saving facilities by other community groups and/or the public
- Improve safety at Surf Life Saving facilities and the beaches they patrol
- Improve the financial and/or environmental sustainability of surf clubs.
The Program took applications across three funding categories.
Program Term - All applications opened on Tuesday, 7 November 2023. Category 1 applications closed on Monday, 11 December 2023 and Category 2 and 3 applications closed on Wednesday, 31 January 2024. Grants were announced in May 2024. Projects are expected to commence by May 2024 and be completed by May 2025 (Category 1), May 2026 (Category 2) and May 2027 (Category 3).
Applicants: A total of 42 applications were submitted for consideration, 32 of which were successful. The total amount awarded through Surf Club Facility Program 2023/24 is $5,097,577.97.
Probity: The Office of Sport engages an independent probity advisor to oversee its grant programs. The role of the probity advisor is to ensure program administration satisfies probity principles of impartiality, fairness, accountability, confidentiality and achieves policy objectives. In doing this the probity advisor:
- Reviews and provides feedback on key program documents.
- Provides clarifications to queries when required.
- Recommends management action for conflicts of interest and any other probity issues that arise.
- Attends assessment meetings to ensure, amongst other things, that assessment criteria are applied diligently, and the assessment is based on information provided by applicants.
With respect to this particular grant program, the probity advisor confirms the process was open and fair and there are no outstanding probity issues.
Source Agency: The NSW Office of Sport administered the Program on behalf of the NSW Government. Final decisions on the award of funding were made by the Minister for Sport.
| Category | Recipient Organisation | Recipient Organisation Address | Project Title | Project Description | Primary Project Location LGA | Funding amount |
| Category 1 | Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 1 Lamont St Bermagui NSW 2546 | Solar PV system upgrade and battery installation | With this funding we are going to install a new 21Kw solar system on the Club house and 22Kw battery storage to reduce ongoing power costs and improve sustainability and safety. | Bega Valley Shire Council | $51,362.00 |
| Category 2 | Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 73 James Paterson St Anna Bay NSW 2316 | Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club Shade Structure | This project involves construction of an all weather, heavy duty, tensile steel shade covering over an existing hardstand area of approximately 165 square metres, adjoining the clubhouse, patrol room and gear storage room, to provide protection from harsh weather conditions for all patrolling members, Nippers and their families. | Port Stephens | $111,790.00 |
| Category 3 | Bondi Surf Bathers' Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Queen Elizabeth Dr Bondi Beach NSW 2026 | Bondi Surf Bathers' Surf Life Saving Club Infrastructure Upgrade Stage 1. | Bondi Surf Bathers' SLSC is enhancing its facilities with a new building, starting with a basement to accommodate watercraft, training, and rescue equipment storage. This project forms Phase 1 of an overall upgrade that will improve safety, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability while fostering community engagement and financial viability. | Waverley Council | $1,000,000.00 |
| Category 3 | Bronte Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Bronte Park Bronte Road Bronte NSW 2024 | Bronte Surf Life Saving Club - Redevelopment of Ground Floor Life Saving Facilities for Bronte Beach | This project forms part of the redevelopment of Bronte SLSC, a new multi-storey community facility that will increase participation, develop vital social and community connections, and improve safety at Bronte Beach and surrounds. The reimagined Bronte Surf Life Saving Club is envisioned to be functional, accessible, flexible, and inclusive facility. | Waverley Council | $1,000,000.00 |
| Category 1 | Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club | Burning Palms Beach Royal National Park Lilyvale NSW 2508 | Install Solar PV batteries and fire ember mesh to subfloor for bushfire resilience | For safety and operational resilience, Burning Palms SLSC seeks to enhance its off grid solar solution with replacement lithium batteries with a 10 year warranty, and fit stainless steel mesh to the clubhouse sub floor area to prevent ember attack in the event of a bush fire. | Wollongong City Council | $88,662.00 |
| Category 1 | Coffs Harbour Surf Life Savng Club Limited | 23 Surf Club Road Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 | Upgrade clubhouse electrical powerboards. Includes the main board on external rear wall, and two subsidiary boards located in the kitchen and bar areas. | Electrical power boards are currently at capacity and include substandard components. The proposed new power boards are safe, compliant, more efficient and will remove health risks associated with the asbestos-backed main board. The initiative will enhance the integrity of the electrical system, improve operational sustainability and allow for future expansion. | Coffs Harbour City Council | $56,575.00 |
| Category 1 | Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Ocean St Merewether NSW 2291 | Balcony Doors and Windows | This project will replace the oceanfront doors and windows on the the upper floor. The existing windows and doors are not fit for purpose, allowing water egress which results in damage and reduced access to the upper floor function space in weather events. | Newcastle City Council | $41,868.37 |
| Category 1 | Elouera Surf Life Saving Club | 80 Mitchell Rd Cronulla NSW 2230 | Installation of 39.6KW solar system and battery at Elouera Surf Life Saving Club | We wish to install a solar system at Elouera SLSC (88 x 450W solar panels, Sungrow Inverters and battery storage). Our clubhouse doesn’t currently have any solar system, and this project will allow us to significantly reduce annual electricity expenses, diverting essential funding to vital lifesaving and youth development programs. | Sutherland Shire Council | $30,348.00 |
| Category 1 | Evans Head-Casino SLSC Incorporated | 1 Captain Cook Dr Evans Head NSW 2473 | Solar system and key fob access control system installation at Evans Head-Casino SLSC | To reduce energy consumption and electricity expenses, Evans Head-Casino SLSC intends to install a solar system. This project also involves a clubhouse security upgrade via the installation of a door access control/FOB system, improving member safety. The solar system will benefit the club financially, while reducing our environmental footprint. | Richmond Valley Council | $84,077.00 |
| Category 1 | Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club Inc | 1 Beach Rd Stanwell Park NSW 2508 | Critical security upgrade of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC premises located in an isolated area with potential for break-ins and vandalism. | An operational security and access control system with integrated CCTV and external alarm will deter break-ins with potential theft or damage to lifesaving equipment essential to provide surf patrols for the community. The project also improves safety for members, community groups and others using the building. | Wollongong City Council | $30,237.00 |
| Category 2 | Kiama Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 74 Manning St Kiama NSW 2533 | Roof replacement and new disabled toilet facilities. | The existing roof, cladding and guttering will be removed and replaced to prevent further water ingress into the Club. A new disabled toilet facility will be installed on the first floor of the club to bring us inline with DDA requirements. Works will benefit the Kiama community and 120,000 visitors. | The Council Of The Municipality Of Kiama | $147,766.00 |
| Category 1 | MacMasters Beach SLSC Inc | 100 Marine Pde Macmasters Beach NSW 2251 | Solar System Upgrade | Solar system upgrade to allow for environmentally sustainable power supply and battery storage. It will be of benefit to our whole community as we can provide power during outages and allow cost savings to be used in surf life saving activities. | Central Coast Council | $30,583.64 |
| Category 2 | Merewether Surf Life Saving Club Inc | 1 John Pde Merewether NSW 2291 | Critical electrical and roof upgrades at Merewether Surf Life Saving Club | This project addresses electrical issues and roof damage at our clubhouse. Ongoing electrical issues have escalated into safety hazards, and roof repairs are vital for safeguarding any new electrical installations. In collaboration with Council, this project ensures a safe, sustainable facility for members and the wider community. | Newcastle City Council | $357,426.51 |
| Category 1 | Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 83 Ocean St Mollymook NSW 2539 | Upgrade CCTV at Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club | This project forms part of an overall clubhouse security upgrade. Funding from the Surf Club Facility Program in 2022-23 included the installation of additional electronic key FOB units on clubhouse entrances. The second stage of this project will see the upgrade to the club's current outdated CCTV security system. | Shoalhaven City Council | $38,781.00 |
| Category 1 | Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Surfview Rd Mona Vale NSW 2103 | Solar PV, battery and waste water system for financial/environmental sustainability | Mona Vale SLSC is embarking on a transformative project to enhance sustainability and embrace environmentally friendly practices. Focussing on energy and water efficiency, the project aims to make significant strides towards becoming more sustainable. We do this through installation of PV solar, battery storage and waste water management system. | Northern Beaches Council | $68,480.00 |
| Category 2 | Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 7 Ballingalla St Narooma NSW 2546 | Roof Replacement at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club | Narooma SLSC aims to enhance its 1980s-built Clubhouse by addressing roofing issues. The project involves removing the outdated tile roof, installing new roof sheets with insulation, and upgrading fascia and gutters. This initiative benefits club members and the wider community, by improving noise control, insulation, and overall facility safety. | Eurobodalla Shire Council | $151,600.00 |
| Category 1 | North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club | 77 Hutton Rd The Entrance North NSW 2261 | Solar power to maximise energy use. | Install a new solar PV system. | Central Coast Council | $32,727.00 |
| Category 3 | North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Inc. | 2 Malcolm St Narrabeen NSW 2101 | Stage 1 Works - Buidling Extensions & Upgrades | The North Narrabeen surf club was constructed in the late 1970's and the project to upgrade the facilities include and extension to the north to provide additional internal floor space, enclosure of part of the existing balcony, rainwater harvesting and stormwater drainage works to reduce the impacts to the dunes. | Northern Beaches Council | $632,343.00 |
| Category 1 | Nowra-Culburra Surf Life Saving Club | 4 Farrant Ave Culburra Beach NSW 2540 | Installation of solar panels, battery electricity supply and air conditioners to Nowra-Culburra SLSC | This project will install rooftop solar panels and storage batteries making the Nowra-Culburra SLSC more energy efficient and reduce annual electricity expenses. The project also includes the installation of air conditioning which will make the Club more appealing for Community use, particularly during the cooler winter months. | Shoalhaven City Council | $73,332.00 |
| Category 2 | Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club | 176 The Esplanade Umina Beach NSW 2257 | Enclosed Education and Training Space for Ocean Beach SLSC: Enhancing Safety and Inclusivity | The Club will enclose its balcony creating an adaptable space. This initiative aims to provide a safe, functional area for education, training, and community engagement during inclement weather. The project will provide greater education and training of our 500 members, with a particular focus on youth growth and retention. | Central Coast Council | $398,663.00 |
| Category 1 | Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Lakeside Cres Elizabeth Beach NSW 2428 | Sealing of driveways and carpark and concreting pathways at Pacific Palms SLSC to improve safety and accessibility | The two gravel driveways and carpark at our club continually wash out during rain, blocking the fire hydrant and making access by members, the public and emergency services vehicles difficult and unsafe. Sealing these areas and concreting existing connecting pathways will enable easier and safer access to our clubhouse. | Mid-coast Council | $49,000.00 |
| Category 1 | Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 1 Pambula Beach Rd Pambula Beach NSW 2549 | Roof access safety points, roof repairs, replacement roller doors, and AV upgrade in the Education and Training room. | The Club will replace shed roller doors and install roof fall arrestor anchor points, roof access ladders, and allow roof repairs. The club will upgrade the AV System in the Education and Training Room. The majority of the project will improve safety for our volunteers when working within the Clubhouse and ensure compliance with legislative requirements. | Bega Valley Shire Council | $71,990.00 |
| Category 1 | Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Soldiers Point Dr Norah Head NSW 2263 | Solar battery storage unit at Soldiers Beach SLSC | Our club's 36.26kW solar system was installed last year with the next stage now being the installation of a battery storage unit to further reduce our outgoing costs. This will move us toward self-sufficiency and financial freedom, and directly benefits our club, the community we protect, and also the environment. | Central Coast Council | $33,000.00 |
| Category 1 | South Curl Curl SLSC | Carrington Pde Curl Curl NSW 2096 | Equipment & furniture storeroom | Construction of a storeroom adjacent to the Club hall. The hall is used year round for Club training/meetings/social, community events and hire for income. Currently these is no storage within the hall. This means that training equipment and furniture must be kept downstairs, in a bathroom or even left outside. | Northern Beaches Council | $70,145.45 |
| Category 1 | Swansea Belmont SLSC | 118 Ungala Rd Blacksmiths NSW 2281 | Security SBSLC | Security with CCTV and key-less entry helps streamlines our operations but also enhances security by allowing us to track access at various points, contributing to a safer environment. The recent removal of our live-in caretaker, as required by the Council, has left the club vulnerable to security threats. | Lake Macquarie City Council | $38,462.00 |
| Category 1 | The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club Limited | Lot 525 Budgewoi Rd Budgewoi NSW 2262 | Solar system installation, lighting upgrade and replacement garage door at The Lakes SLSC | This project at The Lakes SLSC involves crucial upgrades for energy efficiency and safety, benefiting the entire club community. With a solar upgrade, lighting enhancements, and a new garage door, the initiative aims to reduce energy costs, promote environmental responsibility, and create a modern and secure clubhouse. | Central Coast Council | $31,511.00 |
| Category 1 | Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club Inc | The Esplanade Thirroul NSW 2515 | Solar system installation at Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club | This project involves installation of solar and security systems. These upgrades will enhance environmental and financial sustainability. | Wollongong City Council | $31,552.00 |
| Category 2 | Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club | 1 Dover Rd Wamberal NSW 2260 | Wamberal SLSC- All weather awning | The construction of an all weather awning on the first floor of the Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club. | Central Coast Council | $92,400.00 |
| Category 1 | Wanda Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 2 Marine Espl Cronulla NSW 2230 | Kitchen upgrade at Wanda SLSC for safety, energy efficiency and community needs | This project involves an industrial style upgrade to Wanda SLSC's kitchen, fostering safety, attracting events and sponsors, promoting healthy lifestyles, ensuring sustainability, and preserving tradition. This project benefits club members, event attendees, community groups, and fosters a vibrant, functional hub for diverse activities and services. | Sutherland Shire Council | $47,313.00 |
| Category 1 | Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club Inc. | 7 Osborne Pde Warilla NSW 2528 | Install water tanks and replace roller doors at Warilla Barrack Point SLSC, to comply with DA requirements and improve safety and access. | Funding will allow us to install 4 x 5,000 litre rainwater tanks to comply with an outstanding condition of our DA from our previous facility upgrade. We also wish to replace three roller doors which are the main access points for our equipment shed, which are all faulty and unreliable. | Shellharbour City Council | $46,985.00 |
| Category 1 | Windang Surf Life Saving Club Inc | 2 Fern St Windang NSW 2528 | Installation of shade sails at Windang Surf Life Saving Club | Installation of 2 heavy duty UV protective shade sails over the beach facing concreted area at the Clubhouse. This much needed sun safety measure will provide protection from the hot sun for all Nippers and youth members and their families, patrolling members, and the general public visiting our Clubhouse. | Wollongong City Council | $33,990.00 |
| Category 2 | Yamba Surf Life Saving Club | 1 Marine Pde Yamba NSW 2464 | Outdoor repair and upgrade Yamba SLSC | The existing deck and and verandah floors must be replaced to ensure the function and safety of these areas, as there is evidence of wood rot. The deck is a favoured area for viewing competitions, social functions for club members and the wider community, and for wedding receptions. | Clarence Valley Council | $124,608.00 |