SURF life savers welcomed visits last week from representatives at all three levels of government, including State MP Kate Washington and Federal MP Alison Penfold, to celebrate the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club’s success in multiple government grant outcomes.
Friday 19 September saw Alison Penfold MP visit to see the outcome of funds provided by the Federal Stronger Communities (Round 9) grant and the Volunteers Grant 2024-25.
“The Stronger Communities Grant has been put towards upgrading our current first aid training equipment, including four ‘Little Annie’ manikins and training accessories, while the Volunteers Grant 2024-25 has allowed us to acquire a Nippers and training laptop and Nippers/youth equipment, as well as a ‘Square’ electronic payment device to accept portable payments,” SLSC Vice President and Grants Co-Ordinator Jackie Bower told NOTA.
“These grants provide vital support to enhance our club’s training capabilities, empower our Nippers program, and youth equipment, and ensure our volunteers, emergency call out team and younger members are better equipped to serve and grow within our community.”
TGHNSLSC President Rebecca Curtis said the funding marks a significant step forward in the club’s commitment to safety, education, and youth development.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all who supported our applications,” added Ms Curtis.
Ms Penfold commented that the Stronger Communities Round 9 grant success was handled by her predecessor, Dr David Gillespie, before the 2025 Federal Election in May.
“It is fascinating to see the new first aid equipment, like the new CPR dummies can be connected to a mobile phone to get a high level of accuracy in training,” Ms Penfold told NOTA.
“TGHN SLSC is a remote club with a large catchment, and gets very busy in the holidays, so the skills of the volunteers and club can be the difference between life and death, such as the major rescue in December 2024.”
Saturday 20 September saw a visit by State MP Kate Washington, who visited the brand new first aid and operations room, a portion of which had been funded by the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership 2025.
“Since last season, this awesome crew has fitted out a first aid room,” Ms Washington said.
“I’m pleased to have secured $20,000 to help them complete it.
“Next weekend, beach patrol season starts, the flags will go up and our dedicated volunteers will be back on deck, so if you want your kids to learn skills to be safe in the surf, or you’re keen to volunteer, there’s a role for everyone!”
As in previous seasons, local volunteer lifeguards will be patrolling Bennetts Beach on weekends and public holidays, while professional lifeguards will patrol weekdays 9am-5pm during school holidays.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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