The Minns Labor Government has committed a further $5.4 million in funding to Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSC) across New South Wales this year in continuation of the Surf Club Facility Program.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, and Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, announced that applications were open on 15 September.
The Surf Club Facility Program is designed to help SLSCS across NSW improve safety and increase participation and usage by developing, upgrading or restoring their facilities.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the program will provide critical funding to better protect beachgoers.
“This Program is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.”
The program will provide grants of up to $1 million across three categories.
Category one is for ‘off the shelf’ projects – fully inclusive single priced quotes for works that can be completed prior to March 2027, not exceeding $100,000.
Category two expands on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to build better communities with facility design and planning projects, supporting club projects from concept to completion. These projects must be completed prior to February 2027 and not exceed $100,000.
Category three allows for grant applications up to $1 million for projects that can be finished by February 2029. These projects will need to commence within six months of notification, having correct approvals in place prior and require a minimum of thirty per cent of the total project cost as a co-contribution.
Priority will be given to projects that encourage participation from culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+, First Nations and disability communities, and women and girls.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the funding will protect visitors all along the NSW coastline.
“Coupled with the new and upgraded equipment, additional jet skis, and Emergency Response Beacons funded by the NSW Government, our volunteers are being equipped with the latest modern and safe equipment to continue their incredible work.”
Last year, $5 million was approved in grants to redevelop, enhance, repair or restore facilities.
Bronte SLSC received $1 million towards its $3.39 million ground floor redevelopment, forming part of its new community facility.
Other funding included a further $1 million to Bondi SBLSC, with thirty-two clubs receiving grants overall.
Peter Agnew, President of Surf Life Saving NSW said providing facilities that were safe, secure and accessible was more important than ever.
“The funding provided by the NSW Government is vital to ensuring our surf clubs are safe and fit for purpose in what are sometimes extreme weather conditions which take an enormous toll on our clubs’ facilities,” Agnew stated.
Category one will close on 20 October this year, while categories two and three close on 10 November 2025.
More information, including how to apply, can be found here.
