The Northern Beaches community turned out in force to celebrate the start of construction of the $10 million new Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.
To commemorate the occasion, two Club members, one of the oldest and one of its youngest, had their handprints cast together in plaster to be displayed later in the new Clubhouse.
At 77, Christian Boss is one of the Club’s longest-serving member, joining in 1959, while Avigail Kedmi, nine, joined as a six-year-old Nipper in 2018.
It is the second piece of major beachfront community infrastructure to commence in as many months after the construction of the $7.5 million Long Reef Surf Club started in April.
The club began life in 1923 on the dunes near Darley Street and in 1934 a new clubhouse was built 100 metres to the south of the existing club. In 1969 the Club moved to its current site on the aptly named Surfview Road. The Mona Vale SLSC build is scheduled to be finished in time for its centenary year.
Mayor Michael Regan said the 52-year-old Clubhouse had served the community exceptionally well over the years but was in need of a complete overhaul to service the requirements of 1600 Club members, Council Lifeguards and a growing residential community.
“The new Club will facilitate surf club operations, including increased on-site storage capacity for surf lifesaving equipment, better access to the beach, function space, first aid and family change facilities, and a nippers’ room,” Mayor Regan said.
“However, its pièce de résistance, sure to be a local drawcard, will be a 70-seat café and 90-seat restaurant offering magnificent vistas of the stunning Mona Vale Beach and South Pacific Ocean.”
The delivery of this project will see the area transformed into a vibrant, activated precinct with significant public amenities, he said.
“I would like to sincerely thank our partners that worked together with Council to make this clubhouse a reality – local MPs, the NSW Government and the Mona Vale SLSC members who dug deep to fund this project.”
Member for Pittwater, Hon Rob Stokes said the new clubhouse is a vital upgrade to one of our most important community facilities.
“Mona Vale is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches during summer and its lifesavers perform an invaluable service.
“Surf clubs aren’t just places that accommodate surf rescue equipment and training facilities – they’re also key community hubs used by dozens of local groups and organisations.
“This project has been on the to-do list for many years – so it’s great the NSW Government is partnering with Northern Beaches Council and the club to get work underway,” Mr Stokes said.
Locals, lifeguards and club members are thrilled with the long-awaited new facilities that will increase floor space to 1690sqm over two levels.
Mona Vale SLSC President Paula Tocquer said she and many others had been involved in getting the project off the ground for eight years and was overjoyed that it was to finally become a reality today.
“Many members have expressed a little sadness to see the old building go. So many memories were made in the old clubhouse. But we are all very excited to have a new place to call home,” Ms Tocquer said.
“Council has been great to work with. It has been a great partnership that will result in a much-need community building.”
