Two surf life saving clubs on the Central Coast have received significant funding from the Federal Government as they head into the coming Summer beach season.
Umina SLSC has received $12,500 through the Stronger Communities Program and $5,000 through the 2022-23 Volunteer Grants, while Terrigal SLSC has received $19,300 and $4,900 through the respective programs.
Each club will use the money to buy a rescue boat trailer and invest in first aid training for volunteers.
Umina SLSC Director of Education & Training, Damon Somerfield, said the funding would benefit 200 volunteer life savers.
“Umina SLSC is undertaking Surf Life Saving Australia’s requirement to have all patrolling members complete a full upgraded first aid course,” he said.
“(The club), with the financial assistance from the Federal Government, will cover the costs involved with the first aid training at a cost of $70 per person.
“This is to be phased in and completed by 2024.”
Somerfield said part of the grant money would also be put towards fuel card assistance for volunteers who travel to a number of nipper carnivals to provide voluntary assistance in water safety, officiating and coaching.
“This funding will enable Umina SLSC to recognise our members who volunteer their time willingly, which they give for the common good,” he said.
Director of Lifesaving at Terrigal SLSC, Tim Pittolo, said the funding would allow the club to continue to support the community through the provision of first aid training and a new trailer.
“Last summer, volunteer lifesavers at Terrigal performed over 330 first aid treatments and this new grant will support another 70 volunteers to be trained, meaning we will have more qualified first aiders on the beach,” he said.
Pittolo said a trailer upgrade would allow volunteers to transport rescue equipment more safely and efficiently when deployed away from Terrigal.
“For example, when involved in flood work, other emergency call outs, nipper competitions and IRB racing at state and national level,” he said.
Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the funding would help ensure volunteers have the most up-to-date training in first aid, ahead of the busy Summer patrol season.
“It is crucial that volunteer surf life savers have the skills to respond in emergency situations before first responders arrive,” he said.
“Ultimately, this will ensure greater safety on our beaches and safer patrol seasons in the years ahead.”
The Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants provide not-for-profit organisations with funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to support the work of volunteers.
The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants are now open, and organisations are encouraged to contact Reid’s office for an expressions of interest form.
Source:
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid