The Minns Labor Government is backing Swansea Surf Clubs with over $200,000 in funding for new and upgraded facilities.
Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club received $176,622 to replace the existing shade cover which is over 20 years old and no longer safe.
The new structure will provide a safe, all-weather space for members, Nippers, surf sports events and community functions all year round.
The grant will also fund a full upgrade to the male amenities, providing safe, modern and accessible facilities for members, guests and the wider community.
The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club received $41,200 to replace 15 deteriorated windows with modern, coastal-grade windows. The new glazing will improve safety, security ventilation and weatherproofing.
The new windows will also protect lifesaving assets, helping the club continue to deliver lifesaving activities, training youth development and community programs.
The Surf Club Facility Program provides grants of up to $1 million for projects that involve upgrading, resorting or building new surf life saving club facilities.
This year’s Program also included grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.
Projects that encourage the participation of women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.
Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:
This funding is a big win for our local clubs.
Surf life savers give so much to our community from keeping beachgoers safe, to training the next generation of champions and this investment will help them continue this vital work.
These grants will support the development of modern, fit for purpose facilities that ensure our surf life savers can continue to deliver a world-class service.
Swansea-Belmont SLSC recently hosted the NSW State Championships with the event set to return in 2027. This funding will help ensure the club’s facilities reflect the strength of our community and showcase it to the rest of the state.
I look forward to the benefits these projects will bring to the Swansea community.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.
The awarding of $5.48 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.
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.”
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.”