Surf life saving clubs across the NSW North Coast and Mid North Coast will share in a multimillion-dollar funding boost, with the region securing a range of upgrades focused on safety, accessibility and long-term sustainability.
The State Government has allocated $5.45 million statewide under the Surf Club Facility Program, supporting 61 projects. A significant portion has been directed to regional clubs, reflecting the scale of coastline covered by volunteers and the pressures of seasonal tourism.
The largest local allocation went to Salt Surf Life Saving Club on the Tweed Coast, which received $345,345 to complete its kitchen, deck and bar facilities. The project is aimed at improving the club’s financial sustainability and reducing reliance on grants by enabling stronger revenue generation to support lifesaving operations.
Sport Minister Steve Kamper said the funding would help ensure clubs remain equipped to meet growing demand.
“The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf life saving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers,” he said.
“The awarding of $5.45 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.”
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the investment would strengthen volunteer capability along the coast.
“Surf Life Saving volunteers play a vital role in keeping people safe right along the NSW coastline, and the NSW Government is backing them with record investment,” he said.
“This $5.4 million in upgrades will ensure surf life savers have the resources they need to protect beachgoers when the next patrol season begins.”
Surf Life Saving NSW chief operating officer Phil Ayres said the program would benefit a large portion of the state’s clubs, many in regional communities.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Other funded North Coast and Mid North Coast projects include:
- Byron Bay SLSC — $15,714 for security upgrades and $51,450 for a storage and facilities review aligned with foreshore plans
- Cabarita Beach SLSC — $25,877 for installation of solar batteries to reduce energy costs and improve resilience
- Crowdy Head SLSC — $136,650 to upgrade male and accessible amenities and improve storage
- Cudgen Headland SLSC — $100,000 to replace an internal lift, improving access across clubhouse levels
- Minnie Water Wooli SLSC — $54,530 for clubhouse upgrades including doors, electrical systems and solar hot water
- Sawtell SLSC — $35,066 to upgrade the club’s hot water system to a more efficient heat pump
- South West Rocks SLSC — $65,942 for installation of a large rooftop solar system
- Taree Old Bar SLSC — $40,319 to replace disability access railings
- Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC — $42,000 to upgrade solar battery storage
- Yamba SLSC — $24,000 to install a grease arrestor to meet council requirements
Further details, including the full list of recipients, are available on the NSW Government website.
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