It had been a long wait for Mentone Life Saving Club (MLSC), but the next chapter in the club’s history has finally begun, with the opening of its brand-new clubhouse.
After two years in a temporary home, MLSC has now moved into its new fully operational clubhouse.
The club began in 1920, with two ‘bathing boxes’. It had its first clubhouse erected in 1928, which was rebuilt in 1962.
Now after this current reinvention, including state-of-the-art equipment, along with the realisation of a variety of community projects, the club’s goal of having a ‘club for everyone’ has been reached.
Not only has the MLSC achieved several club goals, but it was also recognised as the Beaurepaire Shield Life Saving Victorian Club of the Year last month at the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence.
The club focused on maximising the use of its clubhouse by building its relationships with community and council to offer a diverse range of programs, which include disability initiatives such as its accessible beach program, and its work with Active Kingston.
The club has restarted its Nippers program and established a Junior Committee to ensure the younger members have their voices heard.
Other works include marine education for children, work with the Port Phillip Eco Centre, and Multicultural and Different Journeys Beach programs.
Its schools and sports initiatives have both seen increased participation thanks to relationships built with local community and education groups.
Of course, MLSC hasn’t forgotten its life saving and patrolling duties, having had members complete nearly 4,000 hours of work over the last patrol season.
The provision of social connections along with training and increased safety measures ensures the club, its members, and the local community are well equipped for whatever the future will bring.
