The club is among 32 across NSW to share in more than $5 million towards the upgrade, restoration or construction of facilities under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
The $3.39 million ground floor redevelopment will form part of a new multi-storey community facility that will increase participation, improve social and community connection, and make Bronte Beach safer.
Other funding awarded under the Program includes $632,000 for upgrades to North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, $398,000 for an education and training room at Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club and $151,000 to replace the roof at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club.
The Surf Club Facility Program helps surf life saving clubs develop facilities that encourage increased participation and facility usage as well as improve community safety. For further information on the Surf Club Facility Program, including the recipients in the 2023/24 Program, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach.
“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and likewise, the NSW Government will not waver in its support of these incredible volunteers.
“That’s why we are providing $21 million over four years to ensure our surf life saving clubs have modern, inclusive and accessible facilities.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Our Surf Life Saving volunteers might have hung up their hats for this patrol season, but they were critical over the warmer months in keeping the beach-loving communities of NSW safe.”
“It is important that surf clubs are kept in good condition so that our dedicated volunteers have a safe and modern base to operate from, and I’m proud to be part of the government that invested a record amount in Surf Life Saving NSW in the budget announced last year.”
“The NSW Government has also invested in new and replacement jet skis, as well as Emergency Response Beacons up and down the coastline to help SLSNSW volunteers reach more areas to conduct life saving rescues.”
Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:
“Bronte Surf Life Saving Club volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community, protecting locals and visitors in the water.
“This grant will contribute towards the development of a modern, fit for purpose facility that enables surf life savers to better protect the community.
“Both this grant and other funding awarded to surf life saving clubs in the Eastern Suburbs will ensure they can continue to deliver a world-class service.
Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew said:
“The volunteer patrol season has only just finished, with our more than 20,000 active surf lifesavers performing over 4,600 rescues, 1 million preventative actions and almost 20,000 first aid treatments. It has been one of our busiest patrol seasons in years.
“The Surf Club Facility Program has always contributed greatly to the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver, through enhanced facilities to ensure our lifesavers are rescue ready, trained and equipped appropriately, and it’s excellent to see 32 clubs benefitting from the latest round of funding.
“Our surf clubs also act as key community hubs, promoting inclusivity and social cohesion, so this investment benefits all the community.
“We have 129 clubs across the state, with 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”