“I’m so proud to have lobbied for and secured the funding through the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, and really pleased to see the doors open on this wonderful facility,” she said.
“It is a magnificent, purpose-built club house that not only looks great, it is super functional.
“The new home of Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club will help secure the future of patrolling on Werri Beach and support the community, especially our young nippers.
“It is a community sanctuary the club can be extremely proud of.”
Mrs Phillips congratulated SLSC President Gary George and the executive team, builder Bluestone “who have worked tirelessly on this major project”.
“It was great to walk through with the surf club members and to see the joy on people’s faces from all across the community, including club members, surfers and bowlers, when they soaked in that picture-postcard view from the top deck – it really is something special.,” she said.
“The new surf club gives young members a chance to learn valuable skills, get involved in healthy activities, and interact face-to-face with their peers, the public, and others in the community.
“Surf clubs are so important not only for communities, but for the increasing number of visitors to our area.
“I thank all the volunteers, including our up-and-coming surf life savers for the amazing work they do to keep our beaches safe, and I'm so pleased to learn that there has been a recent spike in membership across all ages, which is fantastic."
Mr George said on Saturday that the opening was a "great day for Gerringong Surf Club".
"We've put so much hard work and dedication in to be able to deliver this for our members," he said.
"The new club underpins the future of our surf club operations and members are so happy to have these new facilities.
"We thank our federal member Fiona Phillips and the federal government for the funds. Without that support we would never have been able to deliver this.
"This magnificent surf club, one of the biggest and best anywhere on the coast, will also serve as a hub for activities across the community."
One of many special guests, life member Ken Hodges OAM was impressed with the new club.
"I opened the original club house 40 years ago, but it was nothing like this. It's spectacular," he added.
"I'm immensely happy with what we've achieve here."
The club house includes a first aid room, emergency equipment storage, public toilets and showers, a gymnasium, bar area, multipurpose rooms, and a large beach observation deck, as well as an upgraded parking area, outdoor showers, and bike racks.
The project was completed thanks to $5.5 million federal funding from the Albanese Labor Government, together with $490,00 state funding and $370,000 from Kiama Municipal Council.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips joined with club members to officially open the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday March 1.
Media contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
