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:
• Remove barriers to 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 Thursday 12 September 2024. Category 1 applications closed on 21 October 2024 and Category 2 and 3 applications closed on 11 November 2024. Grants were announced in March 2025. Projects are expected to be completed by March 2026 (Category 1), March 2027 (Category 2) and March 2028 (Category 3).
Applicants: A total of 47 applications were submitted for consideration, 38 of which were successful. The total amount awarded through Surf Club Facility Program 2024/25 is $5,419,530.17.
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 | Organisation | Organisation Address | Project Title | Brief Project Description | Primary Project Location LGA | Electorate | Amount Awarded |
| Category 2 | Austinmer Surf Lifesaving Club Incorporated | Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Austinmer NSW 2515 | Essential Bathroom and Shower Facilities Upgrade for Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club | This project will refurbish and modify the bathroom and shower facilities at Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club, benefiting members and visitors by improving hygiene and accessibility. Activities include demolition, waterproofing, carpentry, painting, tiling, and glazing. Expected outcomes include modern, functional facilities, enhancing user experience and extending the life of the clubhouse. | Wollongong City Council | Heathcote | $282,900 |
| Category 2 | Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club Inc | The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach NSW 2107 | Critical Facility Upgrade for Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club - Bathrooms and Pergola | This project will provide a critical upgrade to Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club’s bathrooms and outdoor pergola, enhancing member use and improving the club’s suitability for community events and venue hire. These updates will ensure a safer, more functional facility for both lifesaving & club operations and the broader community. | Northern Beaches Council | Pittwater | $312,370 |
| Category 1 | Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club | 7 Pandanus Pde, Cabarita Beach NSW 2488 | Fit out of Lifesaving Emergency Response Control Operations Room and Stairwell | The project involves fitting out the Lifesaving Emergency Response Control Operations Room at Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club, including electrical works, plastering, flooring, and door installations, along with fitting out the stairwell that accesses the Room with flooring & fire doors, enhancing safety and functionality for lifesaving activities. | Tweed Shire Council | Tweed | $99,733 |
| Category 2 | Cape Hawke Surf Lifesaving Club Incorporated | Palmgrove Pl, Forster NSW 2428 | Storage Room Expansion and New Gymnasium | Expansion of the Lifesaving Gear and Equipment Storage Room and New Gymnasium will benefit patrolling members, youth, and the local community. Current cramped conditions lead to unsafe access and equipment damage. This initiative will enhance safety, enable more efficient patrols, and support fitness and wellbeing for all members. | Mid-coast Council | Myall Lakes | $92,849 |
| Category 1 | Catherine Hill Bay Surf Lifesaving Club Inc | 93 Flowers Dr, Catherine Hill Bay NSW 2281 | Facility Safety in Storage Means | Install flooring within internal ground floor area. Upgrade & create safer storage systems to surf lifesaving equipment for surf lifesaving patrol and emergency service response. Replace existing corroded and install new storage systems to allow a safer means of handling, remove obstacles while improving response times and reduced manhandling requirements. | Lake Macquarie City Council | Swansea | $54,376 |
| Category 1 | Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc. | 131 Caves Beach Rd, Caves Beach NSW 2281 | Sustainability Project - Solar | This project will install the surf club’s first solar system (21.56kW), aimed at reducing the club’s carbon footprint, lowering energy costs, and promoting sustainable energy use, marking a significant step towards environmental responsibility and financial sustainability. | Lake Macquarie City Council | Swansea | $32,663 |
| Category 2 | Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club | Surf Club Rd, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 | Structural repair to concrete columns and retaining wall upgrade at Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club | Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club requires urgent structural repairs to concrete columns in addition to a retaining wall upgrade to meet Crown Land compliance requirements. The initiative will ensure safe, sustainable operations, and enable future improvement projects benefiting lifesaving personnel and community members. Improved infrastructure will enhance facility longevity and community engagement. | Coffs Harbour City Council | Coffs Harbour | $160,511 |
| Category 1 | Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club | 1054 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097 | Training Education & Development Space (TEDS) | The TEDS extension will benefit club members and the broader community by expanding the current facility, providing improved equipment and space for lifesaving education and development. This will create an adaptable space, fit for purpose, yet adaptable, functional in all weather and expansion for underrepresented groups. | Northern Beaches Council | Wakehurst | $44,000 |
| Category 3 | Coogee Surf Life Saving Club Inc. | 135-143R Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034 | Coogee Surf Life Saving Club: Downstairs access and refurbishment of amenities | Refurbishment of downstairs (Ground Level) area of Clubhouse to improve accessibility, use, relevance and inclusivity. Update amenities and changerooms for greater inclusivity and compliance across the community and reduce barriers to participation. We also plan to upgrade training room to upskill existing members and attract new member groups. | Randwick City Council | Coogee | $900,000 |
| Category 2 | Dee Why Surf Lifesaving Club Incorporated | The Strand, Dee Why NSW 2099 | Urgent Upgrade to Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club Bathroom and Changing Areas | This vital project will upgrade Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club’s bathroom and changing facilities through demolition, plumbing, tiling, electrical, and carpentry work. Expected outcomes include modernised, durable, and functional spaces that enhance user comfort and safety, supporting increased use by club members and the community. | Northern Beaches Council | Manly | $215,425 |
| Category 2 | Elouera Surf Life Saving Club | 80 Mitchell Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230 | Equipment Storage Upgrade for Enhanced Safety and Accessibility | This initiative will improve the storage of lifesaving and competition equipment for all Elouera Surf Life Saving Club members and community participants. By increasing safety, accessibility, and storage capacity, we aim to foster a more inclusive and functional environment. | Sutherland Shire Council | Cronulla | $156,950 |
| Category 1 | Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club Inc | 2 Elliotts Rd, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519 | Solar system installation at Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club | We aim to install a 13.2kW solar system with battery storage at Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club (30 solar panels, inverter and 19.2kWh battery). Currently, the clubhouse has no solar infrastructure. This project will significantly reduce electricity costs, allowing more funds to support essential lifesaving services and youth development programs. | Wollongong City Council | Wollongong | $30,030 |
| Category 1 | Forster Surf Lifesaving Club | North St, Forster NSW 2428 | Forster Surf Life Saving Club Training and First Aid room | Fit out the Training Room and First Aid rooms in the new Clubhouse to enable these rooms to be utilised. | Mid-coast Council | Myall Lakes | $74,597 |
| Category 1 | Gerringong Surf And Life Saving Club Inc. | Pacific Ave, Gerringong NSW 2534 | Gerringong Surf Lifesaving Club - Power Upgrade - Solar and Battery Storage | Installation of Photovoltaic Solar Panels and Battery Storage Solution, including all ancillary equipment and connections. | The Council Of The Municipality Of Kiama | Kiama | $98,000 |
| Category 1 | Hat Head Surf Life Saving Club | 7 Myrtle St, Hat Head NSW 2440 | Clubhouse Kitchen Upgrade at Hat Head Surf Life Saving Club | A kitchen upgrade will provide a functional space for food preparation, benefiting club members and the community. Works include demolition of the existing kitchen and installation of new cabinetry, stainless steel benchtops and flooring. The initiative will increase the club's ability to host functions and support its ongoing financial sustainability. | Kempsey Shire Council | Oxley | $55,980 |
| Category 1 | Kiama Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | 74 Manning St, Kiama NSW 2533 | Renovation of Male and Female Amenities | This project upgrades Kiama Surf Life Saving Club’s male and female amenities to enhance accessibility, inclusion and child safety. The upgrades will benefit all club members, including women, girls, and people with disabilities, providing modern, private facilities. The outcome is a more inclusive environment that supports increased community participation and safety. | The Council Of The Municipality Of Kiama | Kiama | $84,100 |
| Category 1 | Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097 | Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club Sustainable Energy Project | Upgrade of existing solar system and installation of batteries to enable Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club to generate >100% of its electrical energy needs | Northern Beaches Council | Wakehurst | $71,409 |
| Category 3 | Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club | 5R Marine Pde, Maroubra NSW 2035 | Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club | The redevelopment of Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club includes a new lift, upgraded changerooms, enhanced storage, and fire safety upgrades. These facilities will improve lifesaving training, support surf patrols, and create accessible, inclusive spaces, benefiting club members, community groups, and the broader public at Maroubra Beach. | Randwick City Council | Maroubra | $940,000 |
| Category 2 | Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Headland Dr, Nambucca Heads NSW 2448 | Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club clubhouse multipurpose area upgrade, including ceiling restoration | With funding, Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club will upgrade the clubhouse, including the removal and replacement of ceilings and cornice in key areas, enhancing fire safety with upgraded internal staircase walls and installation of fire doors. These improvements will ensure compliance standards, benefiting club members and the local community. | Nambucca Valley Council | Oxley | $129,500 |
| Category 1 | Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc | 2 Malcolm St, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | Solar Panels & Battery System | Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club plans to install a 26.4 kW solar energy system with 2 Tesla Powerwall 3 batteries and Backup Gateway. This project will enhance energy efficiency and resilience, reducing reliance on grid power and ensuring continuous operation during outages. The installation supports long-term sustainability and cost savings. | Northern Beaches Council | Pittwater | $47,294 |
| Category 1 | Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club Inc | 40 Shortland Espl, Newcastle NSW 2300 | Gear Shed Transformation: Optimised Equipment Storage and Flooring Repairs | Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club will modernise its gear storage with a rescue board, nipper board and IRB racking system, patrol cabinet, and new epoxy floor. This will improve safety, equipment longevity, and operational efficiency. The initiative benefits club members, volunteers, and the public by ensuring faster emergency responses and better lifesaving services. | Newcastle City Council | Newcastle | $85,734 |
| Category 2 | North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club | Huston Pde North Curl Curl NSW 2099 | Enhancing Community Engagement and Financial Resilience for North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club | This project will transform North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club’s facilities, relocating and expanding the wet area/bar to support community gatherings and social events. The improvements will foster stronger community ties, support member retention, and encourage new lifesaving memberships by creating a vibrant, family-friendly, and welcoming social space. | Northern Beaches Council | Manly | $98,738 |
| Category 1 | North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club | 77 Hutton Rd, The Entrance North NSW 2261 | Replace multipurpose community room windows and doors plus kitchen upgrade | North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club clubhouse, built in 1986, will upgrade its multipurpose community room and kitchen. The project will replace the hall's windows and doors and upgrade the kitchen with LED lighting, benches, cupboards, painting, and non-slip flooring. Improvements will enhance safety, structural integrity, hygiene, and operational sustainability for members/community users. | Central Coast Council | The Entrance | $90,908 |
| Category 2 | North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club | 95A North Steyne, Manly NSW 2095 | North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club Building Upgrade | North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1907. The building opened in 1934 and is in a state of disrepair. The proposed works provides building upgrades which are urgently required. The project is being run in conjunction with Northern Beaches Council and comprises exterior upgrades, new guttering/fascia, and upgrading internal walls. | Northern Beaches Council | Manly | $181,583 |
| Category 1 | Nowra-Culburra Surf Life Saving Club | 4 Farrant Ave, Culburra Beach NSW 2540 | Installation of solar batteries and conversion to electric hot water at Nowra-Culburra Surf Life Saving Club | This project will involve installation of two additional solar batteries and an invertor, improving Nowra-Culburra Surf Life Saving Club’s energy efficiency and resilience during natural disasters. Additionally, converting the hot water system from gas to electric will lower annual gas costs and enhance the club’s appeal for community use, supporting long-term operational sustainability. | Shoalhaven City Council | South Coast | $78,162 |
| Category 1 | Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club | 176 The Esplanade, Umina Beach NSW 2257 | Building upgrade for safety and accessibility | Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club seeks to install a modern fire and smoke detection system and widen doorways to comply with accessibility standards. These upgrades will improve safety for all users and ensure easier access for people with disabilities, mobility aids, and prams, making the club a more inclusive space. | Central Coast Council | Gosford | $94,045 |
| Category 2 | Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club | Lakeside Cres, Elizabeth Beach NSW 2428 | Clubhouse roof repairs, deck works to enclose and improve accessibility, rectify water damage in gym area, and fix plumbing issues in male amenities. | Replace parts of the roof and remove rust, enclose the southern deck and raise the floor to enable disabled access, plus repair water damage to the gym and a leak in the male showers. The project will improve clubhouse safety, accessibility and usablity, benefiting both members and local community groups. | Mid-Coast Council | Myall Lakes | $114,542 |
| Category 1 | Scarborough Wombarra Surf Life Saving Club | Monash St, Wombarra NSW 2515 | Scarborough Wombarra Surf Life Saving Club Upgrade Storage Racks and Equipment Room | The project will upgrade Scarborough Wombarra Surf Lifesaving Club’s storage facilities to enhance safety and efficiency. This initiative will benefit patrolling members, surf sport participants, and the local community by providing secure storage for rescue and sports equipment, supporting faster emergency response and increased participation in surf activities. | Wollongong City Council | Heathcote | $30,000 |
| Category 2 | Shelly Beach Surf Life Saving Club | Shelly Beach Rd, Shelly Beach NSW 2261 | Replace balustrade and enclose balcony, plus built in storage cabinetry at Shelly Beach Surf Life Saving Club | The project will upgrade Shelly Beach Surf Life Saving Club's clubhouse balcony with a new balustrade, and retractable glass enclosure, as well as provide built-in cabinetry for equipment storage and member lockers, enhancing safety, usability, and functionality. Overall the project will improve operational efficiency and support community activities. | Central Coast Council | The Entrance | $122,455 |
| Category 1 | Soldiers Beach Surf Club | 101 Soldiers Point Dr, Norah Head NSW 2263 | Surf Club Floor Resurfacing | This moisture, chemical, and traffic-resistant coating is ideal for surf clubs. It improves slip resistance, reducing fall risks in wet areas. The smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean, durable, and minimises wear, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing long-term safety. | Central Coast Council | Wyong | $30,600 |
| Category 1 | South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club | Carrington Pde, Curl Curl NSW 2096 | Hall Accoustic Improvement Project | Minor works to add accoustic tiles, door seals and other improvements to hard surfaces in the community hall at South Curl Curl to reduce accoustic scatter for public speaking . The club is a 1930's building and is used for training events, community functions, demographics who have difficulty hearing speech. | Northern Beaches Council | Warringah | $34,337 |
| Category 2 | South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club | 1200 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen NSW 2101 | South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Another 100 Years | South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club is in its 101st year. This initiative will benefit the community by investing in upgrades like solar power, air conditioning, and modern facilities. These improvements will attract more events, increase revenue, and ensure financial independence, allowing the club to provide top-quality community services for another 100 years. | Northern Beaches Council | Pittwater | $216,954 |
| Category 1 | Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club | 118 Ungala Rd, Blacksmiths NSW 2281 | Solar system and flooring upgrade at Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club | This project involves installation of a solar power system, along with improvements to the function area at Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club, which will benefit club members, visitors, and the community. These upgrades enhance environmental and financial sustainability, safety, and accessibility, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all. | Lake Macquarie City Council | Swansea | $81,294 |
| Category 1 | Taree Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club | Old Bar Road & Ungala Road, Old Bar NSW 2430 | Club Sustainability and Safety Upgrade | This project will enhance sustainability, safety, and accessibility of the club by installing LED lights, connecting hot water to solar, safety railings, water tank, and an upgraded PA system. Improvements will benefit club members and visitors by ensuring compliance with safety standards, enhancing environmental sustainability, and supporting community engagement. | Mid-Coast Council | Myall Lakes | $48,267 |
| Category 1 | Urunga Surf Life Saving Club | Hungry Head Rd, Urunga NSW 2455 | Urunga Surf Life Saving Club Security Upgrade | This project will enhance the security and safety of Urunga Surf Life Saving Club by installing new motors on existing roller door, CCTV cameras, and an integrated alarm and sensor system. These improvements will safeguard lifesaving equipment, provide better surveillance, and ensure the protection of members and visitors. | Bellingen Shire Council | Oxley | $31,562 |
| Category 1 | Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club Inc | 7 Osborne Pde, Warilla NSW 2528 | Air Conditioning and Solar Upgrade for Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club | This project will supply and install air conditioning and expand the existing solar panel setup at Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs. These upgrades will benefit club members and the community by creating a more comfortable environment for activities, particularly during the hot summer months. | Shellharbour City Council | Shellharbour | $53,899 |
| Category 1 | Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Narrabeen Park Pde, Warriewood NSW 2102 | Solar system for Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club | Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club will install a 40.94 kW solar system with battery storage, reducing energy costs and supporting sustainability. This initiative benefits club members and the community by ensuring more funds are available for lifesaving activities and facility upgrades, ultimately enhancing service reliability and reducing the club's environmental footprint. | Northern Beaches Council | Pittwater | $86,940 |
| Category 1 | Wollongong City Surf Life Saving Club | 1 Marine Dr, Wollongong NSW 2500 | Sustainability Upgrades | This project will upgrade Wollongong City Surf Life Saving Club with LED lighting, expanded WiFi coverage, and improved board storage facilities. These upgrades will enhance sustainability, safety, and inclusivity, benefiting the club’s 400 members, and the wider community groups using the club facilities. | Wollongong City Council | Wollongong | $56,824 |