The Program provides grant for projects that involve the upgrade, restoration or construction of new surf life saving facilities.

This year’s Program also included grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

Port Kembla Surf Club’s funding will go towards a project that will ultimately lead to the construction of a new, purpose-built facility that consolidates two existing, outdated structures into a single, modern surf rescue and club storage hub.

For further information and the list of recipients visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“Surf Clubs and their volunteers play a vital role in the Illawarra making sure that local and visitors are safe at our beaches.

“Port Kembla Surf Club have been working towards a modern surf rescue and club facility for some time and this grant will really help with push the project along.

“Port Kembla Surf Club has been undertaking a number of projects to improve their facilities and help to not only provide a better service on the sand but also help to attract and retain members.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf life saving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The awarding of $5.48 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.

“Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.”

Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:

“Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.

"The NSW Government’s support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.

“Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect."